The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov rifles and Their Variations by Joe Poyer ISBN 1-882391-33-0

The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations - New Expanded 4th Edition

by Joe Poyer

This book contains the most complete and up-to-date examination of the famed Kalashnikov rifle yet that every shooter and collector needs. The book provides a part-by-part examination of the AK-47 and AK-74 rifles and describes in detail all the major variations between the 7.62 x 39 mm AK-47 and ARM. Also the 5.45 x 39 mm AK-74, AK-74M and AKS-74U, and the new Century series AK-101 THRU AK-108 rifles and submachine guns now being produced in the Russian Federation.

Also described in detail are all the national variations of the Kalashnikov rifles, including the Bulgarian, Chinese, Egyptian, East German, Hungarian, Iraqi, North Korean, Polish, Romanian, and Yugoslavian manufactured Kalashnikov rifles in both 7.62 and 5.45 caliber. A separate chapter describes all clones of the Kalashnikov system from the Belgian FNC through the Israeli Galil to the Swiss STg.90 series.

Other chapters include: 1)a complete history of the rifle's development, 2)a short biography of Mikhail Kalashnikov, 3)descriptions and use of purpose-built telescopic sights for the Kalashnikov rifles, 4)accessories and tools issued to the soldier, 5)ammunition carriers from vests to pouches, and 5)various types of Soviet and Russian ammunition. Also described are the Soviet and other 6)national sniper rifles and 7)the new Russian An-94, the replacement for the AK-74.

Appendices contain information on how to identify models and national origins of entire rifles, as well as parts, by markings and finishes, serial numbers, assembly/disassembly, cleaning and maintenance, operation, troubleshooting, accessories, parts suppliers, and the legal considerations of owning or assembling an "assult weapon" under the various federal laws - its easier than you might think.