The AK-47 assault rifle has its origins in the former Soviet Union. The designer, Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, came up with the design after many attempts at producing several infantry weapons. The AK-47 first appeared in Soviet service in 1947. Production would continue in the Soviet Union until 1960. While production ceased in the Soviet Union, it would continue in other former Warsaw Pact arsenals. The only nation still producing AK-47 assault rifles for export sales is Bulgaria.

According to Jane's Infantry Weapons, a rough estimate of how many AK-47 rifles that are in use puts the numbers in excess of 50 million. The Somalis used AK-47s against the Rangers in Mogadishu.

		Cartridge: 7362X39mm Operation: gas, selective fire Locking: rotating bolt Feed: 30-round detachable box magazine Weight: 4.3 kg Length: butt folded, 699mm; butt extended, 869mm Barrel: 414mm Rifling: 4 grooves, rh, 1 turn in 235 mm Sights: fore, post adjustable; rear, U-notch tangent, adjustable to 800 m with battle sight for 200 m Sight radius: 376 mm Muzzle velocity: 710 m/s Rate of fire: cyclic, 600 rds/min

Source: Jane's Infantry Weapons, 24th edition 1998-99.