The AK47 catalog

The AK47 catalog
Volume 1
by Rob Stott
80 pages
full color photographs, most never before published or posted.

The AK47 catalog covers:
Soviet AKM/AKMS 1960-77
Polish AKM/AKMS post 1990
Polish AK47 grenade launcher variants
Romanian/Yugoslavian full power sniper rifles.

Kalashnikov AK47 Series… in Detail; 2013

Kalashnikov AK47 Series:
The 7.62 x 39mm Assault Rifle in Detail
Martin Brayley
[Hardcover, 128 pages]
350 color photographs
The Crowood Press Ltd, June 1, 2013 (22/04/2013)
ISBN-10: 184797483X
ISBN: 9781847974839

Kalashnikov AK47 Series
The 7.62 x 39MM Assault Rifle in Detail 
by Martin Brayley
(ISBN978 1 84797 483 9)

The book measures 12 x 9 inches and is 128 pages.
reference book
Photos are primarily in color, of good quality
reasonably decent coverage on both the weapons and accessories

Kalashnikov AK47 Series covers only the AK47 as produced in 7.62 x 39mm by the former East Bloc, and foreign nations

The 7.62 x 39MM Assault Rifle in Detail ?  possibly other volumes to be released

The AK-47 & Soviet Weapons, 2013

The AK-47 & Soviet Weapons
ASIN: B00B5LD2ZI
Collectors Guide, 2013

FROM THE EDITOR
The AK-47 & Soviet Weapons.

CENTURY’S GP WASR-10 by Michael O. Humphries
A direct descendant of the world’s most prolific military small arm.

GUNSITE FOREIGN WEAPONS COURSE by Doug Larson
Going hands-on with select-fire Soviet weapons from around the world!

ROMANIAN RPK 7.62x39mm by Michael O. Humphries
Semi-auto custom build of a classic Cold War heavy-hitter!

I.O. ARCHER 5.56mm by Michael O. Humphries
First look at a semi-auto variant of the classic Polish Mod. 96 Beryl!

STEEL-CASED CARTRIDGES by David Bahde
Run your Kalashnikov with Hornady’s affordable 7.62mm and 5.45mm loads.

CSS A3 GUNFIGHTER SERIES by Todd Burgreen
Born from real-world lessons—a new breed of AKs.

CHINESE TYPE 56 7.62x39mm by Michael O. Humphries
Rare variant of the classic Soviet SKS available once again on American shores!

RIFLE DYNAMICS M92 SIDE-FOLDER by David Bahde
Custom 7.62x39mm short-barrel rifle build on a Zastava Kalashnikov.

TET OFFENSIVE MEMENTO by Jeff W. Zimba
Viet Cong AK-47 captured at the embattled American Embassy!

BULGARIAN AK-74 5.45x39mm by Michael O. Humphries
Custom build breathes new life into a Cold War–era warrior!

WOLF PERFORMANCE ARMS VEPR 7.62x54R by Jorge Amselle
Historic cartridge and advanced sniper rifle go tactical.

CENTURY ARMS N-PAP M70 by Glenn Gilbert
All-new parts take the classic, rugged 7.62x39mm to the next level!

SPEED LOAD TACTICAL RIFLE by Todd Burgreen
Cutting-edge 5.45x39mm AK-74 designed for lightning fast reloads.

BELT-FED RPD 7.62x39mm by Leroy Thompson
DS Arms’ semi-auto version of this classic Soviet light machine gun.

ARSENAL SLR-101S by Jeff W. Zimba
Forged-steel Bulgarian military Kalashnikovs hit American shores!

KUSHNAPUP 12 GAUGE by David Bahde
Transform your Saiga-12 into a tactical bullpup scattergun.

RED JACKET FIREARMS RS-KP MOR by Todd Burgreen
“Sons of Guns” 5.45x39mm that works dirty and still hits the mark!

7.62mm SAMOPAL VZOR 58 by Paul Scarlata
Cold War-era Czechoslovakia spawned this radical AK sibling!

DRAGUNOV SNIPER RIFLE by Leroy Thompson
From the Cold War to the War on Terror—the elusive fire-breathing 7.62x54R dragon.

CENTURY ARMS M70AB2 by Jorge Amselle
Yugoslav Kalashnikov with a compact folding stock.

MAKAROV PM 9x18mm by Leroy Thompson
Versatile Russian pistol that served Moscow beat cops and the Spetsnaz!

STAMPED OR MILLED by Jeff W. Zimba
Tips for identifying and choosing the right AK receiver for you.

IZHMASH FACTORY by Jorge Amselle
Russia’s stalwart arms-maker, from Napoleon to present day!

BAGNETY DO KARABINKOW: 2012

BAGNETY DO KARABINKOW SYSTEMU KALASZNIKOWA
BAYONETS FOR KALASHNIKOV FAMILY OF WEAPONS
Gwozdz, Leszek
Text in Polish
Hardbound, 178pp.
1st Edition 2012
Richly illustrated.
Massive reference.

PART I:
Russian bayonets:
56-H-212 bayonet,
6H3 bayonet,
6H4 bayonet,
6H5 bayonet,
collector’s bayonets.
PART II:
Bayonets for AK family of weapons:
Bulgarian bayonets,
Chinese bayonet for AK Type 56,
Chinese commercial copy of 56-H-12 bayonet,
Chinese NMD 65 bayonet,
M75 bayonet,
Egyptian bayonets,
Iraqi bayonet,
Yugoslav M-70 bayonet,
Korean bayonet,
Lithuanian bayonets,
German bayonets,
trainer fencing rifle,
KM-87 knife bayonet,
Polish bayonets: 6H3, 6H4,
Wz. 1985 trainer bayonet,
export bayonets,
decorative bayonets,
prototype bayonet,
rubber trainer replicas,
Romanian bayonets,
Hungarian M1963 bayonet,
Vietnamese bayonet.
PART III:
unlicensed variants of bayonets for AK family of weapons:
Chinese M81 bayonet,
Czech bayonet for “LADA” system rifle
Finnish bayonet for Valmet M-62 rifle
Indian bayonet for INSAS 5,56 rifle
Bayonets for Israeli Galil rifle.
PART IV:
derivatives:
KCB universal bayonets,
US M9 bayonet,
L3A1 bayonet for S.A.80 rifle,
combat knifes
bayonets of the 21st century
manufacturer’s marks
bibliography.

Arms Magazine, Nov. 2012

Arms Magazine November 2012
Softcover; 244 pages
Hobby Japan
released September 27, 2012

ARMS Magazine (Nov 2012)

“KALASHNIKOV Maniacs”

Wield public influence in the real gun market in the world now, inscription gun Russia gave birth “Kalashnikov”. Including Japan, toy gun manufacturers in each country is also promoting the model of this gun up. Quickly to introduce toy gun manufacturers in Japan, will be launched from KSC and “AK-74M” and “AKS-74U” this time. Others, real gun overseas reports from overseas writers offshoot of Gun Professionals such as, approach from the front to the charm of Kalashnikov!

Kalashnikov in Combat; 2012

KALASHNIKOV IN COMBAT:
Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)
Anthony Tucker-Jones
[Paperback, 160 pages] October 2012
ISBN-10: 1848845790
ISBN-13: 978-1848845794


The Kalashnikov assault rifle, generically known as the AK-47, is the most famous small arm ever made. This weapon has transcended its Soviet designer and country of origin to become the most prolifically produced and iconic weapon in the world – and it has become a brand that has been used to sell everything from T-shirts to vodka.
Although it first appeared in the late 1940s, it did not make its decisive presence felt on the battlefield until the Vietnam War when China supplied it to the Vietnamese communists. The weapon’s durability became a legend. Since then it has been employed in practically every conflict around the globe, and it is seen as the symbol of the wars of national liberation. Probably its most celebrated moment came in the hands of the mujahideen fighting to oust the Soviets from Afghanistan.
In Kalashnikov in Combat Anthony Tucker-Jones gives the reader a brief history of the weapon and he offers a visual record of the impact of the AK-47 on the battlefield up to the present day. His account is illustrated with a wealth of archive photographs ranging from Vietnam to the American-led invasion of Iraq and beyond.

Everything Necessary Is Not Complex: 2011

Author M.T. Kalashnikov

Everything Necessary Is Not Complex – Moscow, Association

“The Defence Enterprise Assistance League” (DEAL), 2011
342 pages
– with illustrations.

only 1000 pieces of this books


Book in English

Author M.T. Kalashnikov

Everything Necessary Is Not Complex – Moscow, Association

ISBN 978-5-904540-05-0

“Everything Complex Is Not Necessary, Everything Necessary Is Not Complex” this quote became the motto of Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov.

Part I of the book covers the difficulties and ordeals, victories and defeats experienced by him.

Part II is dedicated to the description of the weapons developed by the outstanding armourer.

Part III is focused on the museum collections and shows of the guns developed by M.T. Kalashnikov

The book includes photo documents from the personal archives of M.T. Kalashnikov and photographs of his weapons provided by museum.

Kalashnikov: The Inside Story of the Designer and His Weapons; 2011

Kalashnikov:
The Inside Story of the Designer and His Weapons
Elena Kalashnikova
Hardcover: 328 pages
Publisher: Ironside Intl Pub (October 31, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0935554033
ISBN-13: 978-0935554038

  • biography of Mikhail Kalashnikov as told by his daughter.
  • good photos
  • tedious historic info
  • “whos who” in Russian / Soviet design

The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles; 2011

The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles
Gordon Rottman
Paperback: 80 pages
Osprey Publishing (April 19, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1849084610
ISBN-13: 978-1849084611


alt cover:

Publication 04/04/2011 ?

Collecting the AK47; Books, Magazines, Manuals, etc

“Why would anyone want or need an AK47?”

We hear this question a lot, and this video is an answer..

One reason I like the AK47 is it’s history. Researching the AK47 in books, magazines and other methods is entertaining and educational.

Here is a quick tour of a small collection of AK47 books, magazines, manuals and other research materials and collectibles.

AK47 Buyers Guide
http://ak47buyersguide.com

Another video review by:
http://www.GunWebsites.com

Read our Gun Websites Blog;
http://gunwebsites.blogspot.com

Chat with us at GunChat.net
http://www.gunchat.net/chat

Gun Websites on Facebook;
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gun-Web…

Gun Websites on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/GunWebsites

Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia; 1st Edition

Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia
1st Edition
A set of two books
Cor Roodhorst
Hardbound, 1,521 pages
part 1 (page 1 – page 740) / part 2 (page 741 -1,521)
approximately 3,042 photos
Roodhorst Publications; 2009

THE FIRST EDITION
In June 2011 the first edition of Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia came out. This first edition was sold in limited numbers and introduced as a special interest publication. The first edition comprised two books. A major part of the books was sold to government authorities or representatives. The books were also sold private customers mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium and a few in France. Later on a website was started to get the books under further international attention but the first edition appeared to be sold out earlier than the orignal planning was. 

The author of the Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia Cor Roodhorst was born in the Netherlands. He was already interested in military science at an early age. The end of the Cold War regrettably made that the Dutch conscription was suspended but he kept his interest in the Dutch army. He likes to listen to the men who served for the Netherlands in several conflict regions including the Dutch defense during the Second World War, one theme always comes back in every story namely, training and reliability of the weapon system. During his studies business economics at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam he learned that winning strategies are not only about the quality of the strategy itself but also about the power to operationalize the strategy. During his studies he got college of the Russian economist Stanislav Menshikov with who he liked to discuss international matters. His paper was about a presumable standardization / innovation trade off concerning the small arms industry during the Second World War. During research he learned the suffering of the Russians but also the tremendous performance of Russia to boost the industrial power of the country to turn the course of the war in favor of Russia. This all together made that he became interested in the Russian approach how to translate strategy into operations, at first only during the Cold War period later on also during the current post Cold War period. It appeared that that was the first step in realizing the Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia.

– A set of two books covering: part 1 Albania – The Netherlands
                                                    part 2 North Korea – Vietnam
– Hardbound, 1,521 pages:
part 1 (page 1 – page 740)  /  part 2 (page 741 -1,521)
– Language: English (sometimes local languages short translations of weapon markings)
– Dimensions: 205x145x34mm (standard A5 letter size), set weight 2.3kg 
– Printed on premium quality, bright white paper 
– Number of photos: approximately 3,042 
– 41 countries included namely:
        Albania                                                     
        Armenia                                                   
        Bangladesh
        Belgium
        Bulgaria
        Chile
        China
        Croatia
        Cuba
        Czech Republic
        East-Germany / DDR
        Egypt
        Finland
        France
        Germany (unified)
        Hungary
        India
        Indonesia
        Iraq
        Iran
        Israel
        Italy
        Myanmar
        the Netherlands
        North Korea
        Pakistan
        the Philippine Islands
        Poland
        Romania
        Russia
        Serbia
        Singapore
        South Africa
        South Korea
        Sudan
        Sweden
        Switzerland
        Thailand
        Ukraine
        United States
        Vietnam
– All kinds of derivates included also indirect Kalashnikov variants
– Many cross reference between descriptions to get insight in the Kalashnikov evolution
– Kalashnikov based sportings arms are included
– Kalashnikov based hunting weapons are included
– Practically every weapon description comes with a photo
– Several reference tables
– Four appendices about markings, parts kits, legislations & latest AK producing countries

AK-47 The Grim Reaper; 2009

AK-47 The Grim Reaper
Frank Iannamico
Hardcover: 868 Pages
Chipotle Publishing LLC (2009)
ISBN-10: 0982391803
ISBN-13: 978-0982391808

  • An entire section devoted to rifles you can actually get your hands on instead of the usual “military only” versions
  • Focus on all of the contries that have produced the AK series
  • no photo of a mini beryl
  • no photos of Arsenal AR-m4SF
  • onyks labeled mini beryl

Beyond the Firearm AK 47/74 in CQB

Beyond the Firearm AK 47/74 in CQB
by Saulius “Sonny” Puzikas
Russian AK Combat Training Techniques

Beyond the AK47 in CQB (Close Quarters Battle) is the first of it’s kind instructional DVD on the subject of methods and tactics used by elite Soviet / Russian Spetsnaz professionals, armed with an AK family of weapons. Made by Saullus ‘Sonny’ Puzlkas
This clip shows some of the highlights of this martial art and it’s methods of three dimential movement and rapid deployment for combat

We made this video in June, 2006 when we used to sell this video for ‘Sonny’ Puzlkas
We do NOT have anymore copies for sale

Another cool AK47 video from
http://www.AK47videos.com

Another video review by:
http://GunWebsites.com

Read our Gun Blog at
http://gunwebsites.blogspot.com

Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting; 2007

Kalashnikov Rifle Gunfighting
By Gabriel Suarez
Spiral Bound Paperback: 100 pages
Publisher: Infidel Media Group; 1st edition (December 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0980203600
ISBN-13: 978-0980203608

This book was born of the results of our research and studies in preparing for the class by the same name. It is not a picture book showing photo essays of technique upon technique. Rather it is a book of concepts and simplicity…just like the Kalashnikov rifle.
Many of these concepts have been posted at our forum Warrior Talk, and many others discussed at the various AK-based training courses. If you select the Kalashnikov as your primary “go-to” rifle, this book will give you some serious short cuts in how to make it work.


8-1/2×11, Spiral Bound

  • basically all black and white
  • bunch of photocopies

The Gun that Changed the World; 2006

The Gun that Changed the World
Mikhail Kalashnikov (Author), Andrew Brown (Translator)
Elena Joly (Contributor)
[Paperback, 224 pages]
Polity; 1 edition (October 27, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0745636926
ISBN-13: 978-0745636924
Kalashnikov’s own opinions and history.

AK-47: The Weapon that Changed the Face of War; 2006

AK-47: The Weapon that Changed the Face of War
Larry Kahaner
Hardcover: 272 pages
Wiley, October 20, 2006
Paperback edition: 258 pages
Wiley; 1 (October 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0470168803
ISBN-13: 978-0470168806

Reviews include:

  • “from a historical aspect, the book is great, but the author blames the gun – an inanimate object for all the problems of the world ”
  • “seems a lib/elitist wrote it “
  • ” this book is the overall anti-gun tone, Kahaner is not a friend of the gun owner…the book is basically a “look at how this horrible weapon has killed all these innocent people” rant “
  • ” a few nuggets to be mined in Kahaner’s book, but don’t pay full price “
  • ” Certainly not Technical or informative about the AK47″
  • ” One chapter details the marketing of Kalashnikov vodka “

Kalashnikov Калашников: 2004

Kalashnikov Калашников: 2004
Igor Krasnovski (Mikhail Kalashnikov’s grandson)
Made as gifts for family, friends, vendors, and business associates
Softcover; bound with 3 double-head screws, with an over sleeve
11 1/4″ x 8 1/4 “
65 Pages, All photos
A very personal look at the life of Mikhail Kalashnikov
All pictures of MTK relaxing at his dacha (cabin), fishing, meeting with high military figures, world leaders and the KCA (Kalashnikov Collectors Association), a few pics with him shooting, and more.

The AK-47 and AK74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations; 2004

The AK-47 and AK74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations
Joe Poyer
Paperback: 186 pages
North Cape Publications, 2004
2nd edition (September 15, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1882391411
ISBN-13: 978-1882391417


The AK-47 and AK-74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations provides a detailed, profusely illustrated examination on a part-by-part basis of the famed AK-47/AKM rifles, the AK-74/AK-74M series and the new Century series of rifles, the AK-101 through AK-108.It is another in North Cape Publications, Inc., Shooter’s and Collector’s Guide series.
Every AK/AKM-type rifle manufactured in the Warsaw Pact countries plus the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia are described in detail, with a short history on the reason for, and the process of their development and use.
This new, 4th edition is expanded to include he latest developments in the AK47/AK74 platform including the Century series and the AK12. Also included is new information regarding the scope and use the Kalashnikov series of rifles plus information gleaned from the use of the AK-47 in Iraq and Afghanistan by insurgents.
Mikhail Kalashnikov is one of the foremost small arms designer’s in the world. His Kalashnikov action has been widely imitated. This book also includes detailed descriptions of rifles based on his design such as the Belgian FNC, the Israeli Galil, the Indonesian SS1 series, the Indian INAS, the Swedish Ak-5, the Swiss SG-550 series, Singapore’s SAR series and many others.
The book also includes separate chapters that describe the accessaries issued to each soldier, the entire range of Kalashnikov bayonets, telescopic sights (both military and commercial, the sniper rifle variants and their telescopic sights produced by the old Soviet Union as well as other nations. An exploded view, serial numbers and markings, an assembly/disassembly guide with photos, instructions on cleaning, maintenance and repair, and shooting the Kalashnikov rifles and a guide to legislation affecting these rifles and finally, sources for accessories and parts complete the book.

Kalashnikov Bayonets; 2002

Kalashnikov Bayonets
The Collectors’ Guide to Bayonets for the AK and Its Variations
Martin D. Ivie
Hardcover: 218 pages
Texas Diamond Eye Publications, 2002
ISBN-10: 0972120939
ISBN-13: 978-0972120937


The AK47 and its variants as a group is one of the most prolific combat small arms of the 20th Century. As with most other combat small arms of historical significance, an interest in collecting AK variants and their accessories and accoutrements has developed. One of the main accessories for any combat rifle is the bayonet. This work is intended to aid both the novice and the advanced collector in identifying the various AK bayonet types and their countries of origin…
AK47 Bayonet Book Review
The Collectors’ Guide to Bayonets for the AK and Its Variations
Author: Martin D. Ivie 2002
Kalashnikov Bayonets
An introdution
The AK47 and its variants as a group is one of the most prolific combat small arms of the 20th Century. As with most other combat small arms of historical significance, an interest in collecting AK variants and their accessories and accoutrements has developed. One of the main accessories for any combat rifle is the bayonet. This work is intended to aid both the novice and the advanced collector in identifying the various AK bayonet types and their countries of origin.
The bayonets included in this work range from the variations used for the earliest AK47 type rifles through those used for the latest AK74M and AK100 series rifles and their non-Russian counterparts. They include variations from all of the former Warsaw Pact countries that used the AK as their primary service rifle, as well as those from China, Egypt, Finland, India, Iraq, North Korea and Yugoslavia. Where appropriate, information on bayonets used by client countries is related to the actual country of origin.
Also included are the bayonets for the Czech Vz58 series of rifles. The Vz58 rifles are not truly an AK variant, but many collectors asked that they be included in this work and several provided the source material. The Russian NR-2 and NRS-2 scout knifes have also been included because of their similarities to the later Russian AK bayonets.
Finally, a chapter showing pages of technical drawings from various manuals for
Kalashnikov rifles from a variety of former Warsaw Pact nations has been included. These will aid the collectors with a technical bent in discovering more about the design specifications for the various AK bayonets.
From Page 2 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

Kalashnikov Bayonet Types 
  Chapter One

There are four basic knife types found for AK bayonets plus some variations, which do not fall in these categories. There are also three basic scabbard types. Combinations of these types are what allow for identification of the country of origin for these bayonets and the type of AK they were originally used with.

In this book the bayonets have been classified into four basic knife types as follows:

AK47 Type – characterized by ears on the pommel, which go around the barrel of the rifle to aid in mounting; a handle with a scale on each side; and a long, straight spear point type blade with fullers on each side. (See figure 1 .A.)

AKM Type I – characterized by a large bulbous handle of plastic material, which has a slot for a bayonet lug for attachment to the rifle and a hole for a wrist strap and a Bowie type blade with a clip point and sharpened only on one side and without any fullers. (See figure 1.B.)

AKM Type Il/Early AK74 – bayonet lug and a hole for a wrist strap; a solid plastic handLe; and, again, a Bowie type blade with a clip point and sharpened only on one side and without any fullers. (See figure l.C.)

AK74 Type – characterized by a return to a solid plastic handle without a steel pommel but with ridges which substitute for finger grooves; and a return to a spear point blade with a very unique sharpening pattern and again no fullers. (See figure 1 .D.)

The other knife type variations include the East German KM87 bayonet for their AK74 variant, the MpiKM(S)74, the distinctive knives North Koreans used for their late AK47 and AKM type rifles, the bayonets used by the Finns for the Valmet series of rifles, the bayonet used by India for the INSAS Rifle, the Czech CZ58 bayonets and the Chinese Folding Spike and Type 81 bayonets. These will be shown and discussed in the relevant chapters.

There are four basic knife types found for AK bayonets plus some variations, which do not fall in these categories. There are also three basic scabbard types. Combinations of these types are what allow for identification of the country of origin for these bayonets and the type of AK they were originally used with.

From Page 3 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

Kalashnikov Bayonet Scabbard Variations
  Chapter One, cont.

   The three scabbard variations have been classified as follows:

   AK47 Type – straight steel scabbard with webbing belt loop permanently attached via metal loops welded to the scabbard. (See figure 2.A.)

   AKM/AK74 Steel Type — steel scabbard with a wire-cutter attachment riveted to the
lower end, a rubber insulator installed around it at the throat and a belt loop attached to a welded ring via a snap hook or a frog type belt loop. (See figure 2.B.)

   AKM / AK74 Plastic Type — plastic scabbard usually with wire-cutter attachment molded in to the lower end; and usually, a belt loop attached to a molded in bar via a snap hook. (See figure 2.C.)

   As with the knives, the Valmet, CZ58 and Type 81 types will be discussed in the appropriate chapters.

Another type-classification term used in this book is AKM Type I transitional bayonet.
This is used to refer to the combination of an AKM Type I knife and an AKM/AK74
Plastic Type scabbard.

Kalashnikov Bayonet Scabbard Variations

From Page 4 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

AK47 Milled Receiver Bayonets
  Chapter Two

  This chapter covers the bayonets used on the AK47 type milled receiver rifles. Presented are representative bayonets from Russia, Bulgaria, East Germany, Poland, North Korea and China. Also shown is a bayonet currently marketed in the U.S. as being of Romanian origin.

   It is the author’s opinion that this last bayonet is actually of Bulgarian origin. This is supported by the comparison to a bayonet of known Bulgarian origin. It is also supported by the fact the Romanians did not produce a domestic version of the milled receiver AK but instead imported them from other East Bloc countries. Therefore, it is likely that any bayonets used with these rifles were also imported and not of domestic origin.

   It is also noticeable that there is no Hungarian AK47 bayonet represented. Even though the Hungarians actually made a milled receiver AK47, the author has not been able to find any evidence that they produced an AK47 type bayonet. Here again, it is likely that the Hungarians switched to the stamped receiver AKM production before they began producing bayonets, therefore, any bayonets used by the Hungarians for their AK47s were likely to have been imported.

From Page 5 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

Russian AK47 Bayonets
  Chapter Two, cont.

   it is very difficult to tell the difference between Russian and Bulgarian AK47 bayonets. Basically, the only absolute method is to be sure the knife of the bayonet has a Russian factory mark as illustrated in Figure 3. This particular factory mark is for the Izhevsk Machine Works Factory. The factory mark on all examples observed by the author has been in this same location. This bayonet is illustrated in Figure 4. The Russians designate these bayonets the model “56-X-212”.

Figure 3. lzhevsk Arrow in I riangle Factory Mark on AK47 Bayonet

it is very difficult to tell the difference between Russian and Bulgarian AK47 bayonets. Basically, the only absolute method is to be sure the knife of the bayonet has a Russian factory mark as illustrated in Figure 3. This particular factory mark is for the Izhevsk Machine Works Factory. The factory mark on all examples observed by the author has been in this same location. This bayonet is illustrated in Figure 4. The Russians designate these bayonets the model “56-X-212”.

From Page 5 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

Bulgarian AK47 Bayonets
  Chapter Two, cont.

    The Bulgarians produced an AK47 type bayonet almost identical to the Russian version. Figure 7 shows an original Bulgarian bayonet as issued. The knife is essentially identical to the early Russian version except it does not have a factory code mark and the serial number runs perpendicular to the axis line of the bayonet and is machine engraved approximately centered in the pommel (see Figure 8). The scales also appear to be redder in color than those on the Russian knife and have less of a mottled appearance.

    The scabbard shows more differences from the Russian version than the knife does. It uses the same early pattern wide metal band split in the back to accommodate the hanger and is blued. The scabbard shows a distinct sanding pattern different from the Russian version with approximately the top one-third being sanded in a horizontal pattern and the bottom two-thirds being sanded in a vertical pattern. The drain hole at the tip of the scabbard is also located on the backside whereas the Russian version is on the front side of the scabbard.

Figure 7. Early Bulgarian AK47 Bayonet, Front and Back

The scabbard shows more differences from the Russian version than the knife does. It uses the same early pattern wide metal band split in the back to accommodate the hanger and is blued. The scabbard shows a distinct sanding pattern different from the Russian version with approximately the top one-third being sanded in a horizontal pattern and the bottom two-thirds being sanded in a vertical pattern. The drain hole at the tip of the scabbard is also located on the backside whereas the Russian version is on the front side of the scabbard.

From Page 9 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

East German AK47 Bayonets
  Chapter Two, cont.

    The East German variation of the AK47 type bayonet is unique in that the scales on the handle of the knife are black plastic rather than some variation of red, reddish brown or brown plastic as found on those from other countries. When serial numbers are present they are pen engraved on the left side of the crosspiece. The East Germans designated this bayonet the “Modell 47”.

   The bayonet in Figure 12 is a typical East German AK47 bayonet. The hanger is different than those found on the Russian bayonets in that it is made entirely of web material including the keeper. The hanger color and material vary from white to gray to gray-green to olive green cotton web and has also been observed in light gray nylon web. The belt loop of the hanger is sewn closed rather than riveted. Also, the keeper is sewn to the belt loop and it is closed with a snap rather than a thorn and slot.

   Perhaps the most unique part of the East German AK47 type bayonet is the scabbard. The scabbard comes in three distinct variations. All of the variations are blued steel.

Figure 12. Typical East German AK47 Bayonet, Front and Back

The East German variation of the AK47 type bayonet is unique in that the scales on the handle of the knife are black plastic rather than some variation of red, reddish brown or brown plastic as found on those from other countries. When serial numbers are present they are pen engraved on the left side of the crosspiece. The East Germans designated this bayonet the “Modell 47”.

From Page 13 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

Polish AK47 Bayonets
  Chapter Two, cont.

   The unique scabbard most easily identifies the Polish AK47 bayonet shown in Figure 16. The scabbard has none of the flat stamps and welds near the point like the other AK47 bayonet scabbards shown thus far. There are no hanger attachment bands as seen on the previous scabbards. Instead, there is a small flat piece of metal welded to the back of the scabbard, which holds two very narrow (10 mm wide) thin wire loops in place.

   All pieces of the hanger are leather. The belt loop is folded over and held by four rivets. There are two slots in the portion of the belt loop that lies next to the scabbard which two wire loops attached to the back of the scabbard pass through. A narrow tongue is cut between the rivets on the portion of the leather loop on the outside, and this is passed through the wire loops to hold everything in place. The keeper strap is leather and held in place to the belt loop by two rivets. A brass thorn located on the right tab and a slot in the left tab close the keeper. The scabbard appears to be painted black.

Figure 16. Polish AK47 Bayonet, Front and Back

The unique scabbard most easily identifies the Polish AK47 bayonet shown in Figure 16. The scabbard has none of the flat stamps and welds near the point like the other AK47 bayonet scabbards shown thus far. There are no hanger attachment bands as seen on the previous scabbards. Instead, there is a small flat piece of metal welded to the back of the scabbard, which holds two very narrow (10 mm wide) thin wire loops in place.

From Page 16 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

North Korean AK47 Bayonets
  Chapter Two, cont.

   The North Korean AK47 bayonets (see Figure 18) are the most crudely made of the AK47 bayonets, especially from the swhitedpoint of the scabbard. The knife itself is very typical of the other AK47 bayonets described earlier in this chapter. Like many of them the metal parts that compose the hilt are blued. The scales are bright red plastic material. The knife has a stamped seriaL number on the left side of the pommel, which runs at a 45° similar to that on the Russian bayonets, but does not follow the curve of the pommel like those on the Russian bayonets. There is the remnant of a North Korean star in a circle factory code mark on the lower right hand corner of the left side of the crosspiece (see Figure 19).

Figure 18. North Korean AK47 Bayonet, Front and Back

The North Korean AK47 bayonets (see Figure 18) are the most crudely made of the AK47 bayonets, especially from the swhitedpoint of the scabbard. The knife itself is very typical of the other AK47 bayonets described earlier in this chapter. Like many of them the metal parts that compose the hilt are blued. The scales are bright red plastic material. The knife has a stamped seriaL number on the left side of the pommel, which runs at a 45° similar to that on the Russian bayonets, but does not follow the curve of the pommel like those on the Russian bayonets. There is the remnant of a North Korean star in a circle factory code mark on the lower right hand corner of the left side of the crosspiece (see Figure 19).

From Page 18 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

Chinese AK47 Bayonets
  Chapter Two, cont.

   The examples of Chinese AK47 bayonets shown in Figures 23 and 24 were both made and sold as U.S. import items. Both knives feature blued steel metal for the parts of the hilts. The scales on both are Chinese Chu wood with those on the knife in Figure 23 being stained dark brown to match the furniture on the Polytech Legend AK47 that the bayonet came with and those on the knife in Figure 24 stained orange brown. The bayonet in Figure 24 is a separate import item made for the U.S. collectors market.

   The scabbards on both bayonets are blued metal and are similar to the Early Russian AK47 scabbard. They are slightly narrower than the Russian version (25 mm vs. 26 mm). This is accomplished by eliminating the tensioning spring found in other AK47 bayonet scabbards. Due to this, the rivet for holding the tensioning spring in is noticeably absent. The bands, which attach the hangers, are also made of thinner metal on the Chinese bayonets than on the other AK47 bayonets.

Figure 23. Chinese AK47 Bayonet Sold With Polytech Legend, Front and Back

The examples of Chinese AK47 bayonets shown in Figures 23 and 24 were both made and sold as U.S. import items. Both knives feature blued steel metal for the parts of the hilts. The scales on both are Chinese Chu wood with those on the knife in Figure 23 being stained dark brown to match the furniture on the Polytech Legend AK47 that the bayonet came with and those on the knife in Figure 24 stained orange brown. The bayonet in Figure 24 is a separate import item made for the U.S. collectors market.

From Page 21 Kalashnikov Bayonets
© 2002 by Martin Ivie
Reprinted with permission of the author

The Military Knife & Bayonet; 2001

The Military Knife & Bayonet
Homer M. Brett
Hardcover: 392 pages
Publisher: World PHoto Press; 1st edition (2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 4846523012
ISBN-13: 978-4846523015

Alt cover

Kalashnikov: The Arms and the Man; 2001

Kalashnikov: The Arms and the Man
Hardcover, 284 pages
Collector Grade Publications (December 1, 2001)
Edward Clinton Ezell, R. Blake Stevens
ISBN-10: 0889352674
ISBN-13: 978-0889352674
Revised & Expanded Edition of The AK47 Story
by Edward Clinton Ezell, (1988)

Deluxe First Edition, 2001
312 pages, 356 illustrations

Ezell was the curator of the Smithsonian’s firearms museum

The original edition of The AK47 Story was published in 1986
an introduction by Dr. Kalashnikov himself

Ezell’s section on the South African Galil (R-4/5/6) is far more accurate than Iannamico
Much technical and developmental information

A Revised and Expanded Edition of The AK47 Story by Edward Clinton Ezell
Written after the Soviet collapse and Ezell met Mr. K

Includes: the development of the AK (originally designed in caliber 7.62x41mm) and all the offshoots and clones which make up the Kalashnikov “family” of small arms, including an important new summary of technical information on the numerous loadings of “intermediate” ammunition, right up to the “AK for the 21st Century” – the AK100 series

The AK-47; 2001

The AK-47
Chris McNab
Zenith Press [Hardcover, 96 pages] November 26, 2001
ISBN-10: 0760310254
ISBN-13: 978-0760310250


Originally conceived as a replacement for the Red Army’s submachine guns, the AK-47’s simplicity, reliability and cheapness made it one of the most widely distributed and most-manufactured rifles ever. This illustrated history examines the design and development of the AK-47, its internal mechanisms, its use in combat and all variants produced since its introduction in 1947. An authoritative text is complemented by detailed full-color cutaway drawings and appendices, providing detailed specifications and comparisons to contemporary guns. In addition, both color and black-and-white photographs depict the AK-47 in use on battlefields from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Legends And Reality Of The AK; 2000

Legends And Reality Of The AK:
A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The History, Design, And Impact Of The Kalashnikov Family Of Weapons
By Charlie Cutshaw, Valery Shilin
Paperback: 192 pages
Paladin Press, 03-01-2000
ISBN-10: 1581600690
ISBN-13: 978-1581600698
worthwhile
informative

Legends and Reality of the AK by Val Shilin and Charlie Cutshaw

Has been reviewed as ” informative and worthwhile “

Kalashnikov; 1999

Kalashnikov:
Machine Pistols, Assault Rifles and Machine Guns, 1945 to the Present
John Walter
Hardcover: 144 pages
Greenhill Military Manuals / Greenhill Books, (September 4, 1999)
ISBN-10: 1853673641
ISBN-13: 978-1853673641


Multiple alternative covers

The New World of Russian Small Arms and Ammo; 1998

The New World of Russian Small Arms and Ammo
Charlie Cutshaw
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Paladin Press (September 1998)
ISBN-10: 0873649931
ISBN-13: 978-0873649933


Under Soviet rule, Russian small arms designers developed some of the most innovative small arms and ammo in history: underwater weapons; weapons that used silent ammo; whole families of rifles, pistols, shotguns and grenade launchers of truly advanced design favored by SPETsNAZ and the revolutionary new AN-94 assault rifle that is destined to replace the AK-74. This book contains detailed descriptions, specs and illustrations of the AN-94, PSS silent pistol, Bizon SMG, Saiga-12 tactical shotgun, GP-25 grenade launcher and more.

The Official Soviet AKM Manual; 1998

The Official Soviet AKM Manual
James F. Gebhardt,
Paperback: 106 pages
Paladin Press (January 1, 1998)
ISBN-10: 1581600100
ISBN-13: 978-1581600100


This official military manual, available in English for the first time, was originally published by the Soviet Ministry of Defence. The 7.62mm AKM assault rifle and its folding-stock twin, the AKMS, were based on the popular AK-47 design. This illustrated manual covers the history, function, maintenance, assembly and disassembly, confirmation of zero, penetration characteristics of various cartridges, trajectory and dispersion patterns, accessories and more.


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Mikhail Kalashnikov: From a Strangers Doorstep to the Kremlin Gates, 1997

Mikhail Kalashnikov: From a Strangers Doorstep to the Kremlin Gates
Hardcover
Publisher: Military Parade Publ House (1997)
ISBN-10: 577340009X
ISBN-13: 978-5773400097
456 pages
with 20 pages of photographs

Prices can range from $225 to $289

I bought this one in April 2014
From a guy who purchased this copy in 1999 from a seller in Ukraine

Written By Mikhail Kalashnikov.
Hardcover, 456 pages with 24 photos and illustrations. The original First Edition published in 1997 by Military Parade Publishing House in Moscow.

a story posted online following Kalashnikov ‘s death in December, 2013, where an author who personally knew him commented that:

“Yet Mikhail Kalashnikov had obviously thought much about his role in the world – and about death – and he wanted, I thought, some kind of absolution. “It is not my fault that the Kalashnikov became very well known in the world,” he said, “that it was used in many troubled places. I think the policies of these countries are to blame, not the weapons designers. Man is born to protect his family, his children, his wife. But I want you to know that apart from armaments, I have written three books in which I try to educate our youth to show respect for their families, for old people, for history…”`

The old boy produced an English-language edition of his book – ‘From a Stranger’s Doorstep to the Kremlin Gates’, quite a good read, with plenty of self-deprecating patriotism… “I lived at a time when we all wanted to be of benefit to our (Soviet) state,” he said. “To some extent, the state took care of its heroes and designers….In the village where I was born, according to a special decree, a monument was erected to me, twice my height.. In the city of Izhevsk where I live, there is now a Kalashnikov museum with a section dedicated to my life – and this was erected in my lifetime!

Kalashnikov Arms; 1997

Kalashnikov Arms
Alexei Nedelin
Hardcover: 241 pages
MILITARY PARADE LTD (1997)
ASIN: B002ADEPLA
Hard to find, but they are still available
Filled with great color photographs

pictures are from the Arms Museum in St. Petersburg and the Izhmash Factory Museum, where Mikhail Kalishnikov worked

The 1999 edition is
Half Russian and half English

Soviet Small Arms and Ammunition; 1995

Soviet Small Arms and Ammunition
By David Naumovich Bolotin
Hardcover; 304 pages
First printing in Russian
1995 English translation
Out of print
Publisher: Finish Arms Museum Foundation, Finland
ISBN-10: 9519718419
ISBN-13: 978-9519718415

 
Table of contents translated into English:
Foreword, Author’s Preface, Introduction, I. Fedorov’s Automatic Weaponry and the Unification of Small Arms, II. Bolt-Action Rifles and Carbines. III. Automatic Rifles and Carbines. IV. Automatic Pistols. V. Sub-Machine Guns and Assault Rifles. VI. Light Machine Guns. VII. Medium Machine Guns. VIII. Heavy Machine Guns. IX. Aerial Machine Guns. X. Tank Machine Guns. XI. Anti-Tank Weapons. XII. Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Mounts. Conclusion, Bibliography, Index.

AK-47 Kalashnikov Variation; 1991

AK-47 & Kalashnikov Variation
Masami Tokoi,
Dai-Nippon Co, 1991
ISBN: 4-499-20582-4

168 pages
Japanese

Packed full of great color photographs.
Most (but not all) variants .. this is where you can really see the differences in the AK variants
Written in Japanese, so you’ll also want a copy of the english translation
Been out of print for a long time, but there are still copies available from time to time.
A must have for the true AK collector

AK-47 and Kalashnikov Variation
by Masami Tokoi, 1993
ISBN 4-499-20582-4
Softcover
$54.50
Published by:
Dai-Nippon Kaiga Co., Ltd., 
Tokyo, Japan

Japan is the source of some of the most remarkable AK47 books published. These books, rarely seen outside of Japan, are virtual firearms museums, lavishly illustrated with full color photos taken with a level of care usually reserved for antiques and artworks.

Avtomat Kalashnikov

AK47 and Kalashnikov Variation. This book is a photo encyclopedia of the world’s Kalashnikov models, listed alphabetically by nation of origin. Each Kalashnikov model is shown in large full color photos with close ups

Many unique model features and markings. Being built by more nations and in greater numbers than any other military rifle in history, AK-47 and Kalashnikov Variation truly exposes us to this fascinating subject in greater detail than any previous work.

section of book is devoted to accessories, bayonets, grenade launchers, night vision sights, and silencers.

A Soviet AK-47 manual is reprinted in its entirety,still in Russian.

Text and photo captions are in Japanese,

All model names and nations of origin are listed in English, which will sufficiently guide one through the pictures.

An English language translation supplement published by an importer can be occasionally found

AK47: The Complete Kalashnikov Family Of Assault Rifles; 1988

AK47: The Complete Kalashnikov Family Of Assault Rifles
Duncan Long
Paperback: 192 pages
Paladin Press, (September 1, 1988)
ISBN-10: 0873644778
ISBN-13: 978-0873644778
A medium quality book for it’s time
Some drawings and photographs (all black & white)
Covers a lot of topics, but doesn’t offer a lot of information on them
OK to pass on this one unless it’s quite cheap


alt cover art?


Check out the other AK47 Collector Books 

The Ak47 Story; 1988

The Ak47 Story
Edward Clinton Ezel
Paperback: 256 pages
Stackpole Books (January 1, 1988)
ISBN-10: 0811722473
ISBN-13: 978-0811722476
Good for its time
before the Soviet collapse
before Ezell met M. Kalashnikov
Edward Clinton Ezell, was Curator of the Division of Armed Forces History at the National Museum of American History
Heavy on history and information about the evolution and development of the AK series (up through 1985)
Photos and drawings are all black & white and are fairy dark, but still informational
Worth owning

German Language Cover
Automat Kalaschnikow, AK47 Geschichte und Entwicklung
by Edward Clinton Ezell
Published by Verlag-Stocker-Schmid AG, Motorbuch-Verlag, Stuttgart, 1988
Hardcover w/Jacket, 196 pages
Black and white photos, line drawings.


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Soldier of Fortune; April 1987

AKM bayonets are both fascinating and varied. Left to right: Hungarian, Yugoslav, East German, Romanian, Egyptian, Soviet (attached to rifle in the wire-cutting position), PRC black and red) and Polish. In the foreground are Hungarian and Yugoslav fighting knives and another Russian AKM bayonet.

Soldier of Fortune Magazine April 1987 SOF Inspects the Sharp End of the AKM

Color photographs




AKM bayonets are both fascinating and varied. Left to right: Hungarian, Yugoslav, East German, Romanian, Egyptian, Soviet (attached to rifle in the wire-cutting position), PRC black and red) and Polish. In the foreground are Hungarian and Yugoslav fighting knives and another Russian AKM bayonet.

 
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Life Magazine: North Vietnam Soldiers; 1968

Life Magazine: North Vietnam Soldiers
Vol. 64, No. 7
February 16 1968;

A TENSE INTERLUDE IN HUE: A woman photographer falls into North Vietnamese hands in the midst of battle and brings back pictures and a story. By Catherine Leroy.
COVER: Remarkable day in HUE. The Enemy lets me take his picture, by Catherine Leroy. North Vietnamese soldiers with Chinese AK-47 automatic rifles guard captured strongpoint in HUE.

SCIENCE: A sub to rescue submariners.

The Worlds Assault Rifles & Automatic Carbines; 1967

The World’s Assault Rifles & Automatic Carbines
(The World’s Weapons Series, Vol. 2)
Gary Paul Johnston, Thomas B. Nelson
Hardcover; 1228 pages
Publisher: T. B. N. Enterprises 1967
Ironside Intl Pub; Revised Second Edition edition (April 19, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0935554009
ISBN-13: 978-0935554007

Publisher: T. B. N. Enterprises 1967

 
Publisher: Ironside Intl Pub; Revised Second Edition edition (April 19, 2010)