The AK 47 is a pretty infamous firearm – you may even think you know everything about it. Check your knowledge against ours with a little research on this semi-automatic rifle. Here at GunBroker.com we believe firearm owners should know as much as they can about the history and specs of their guns, ammunition and accessories. It can help you out if you’re shopping too – when you look at an AK 47 for sale you’ll be more knowledgeable about its parts, age and background. When you’re done here, check out our AK 47 listings to find the perfect model for your needs.

AK 47 History

The “Avtomat Kalashnikova” is named for its creator, Mikhail Kalashnikov. In the last years of World War II the AK 47 was adopted by the Soviet Army, and not long after by all of the Soviet Armed Forces. The AK 47 was born after a hospital stay (for a gunshot wound, naturally) during which Kalashnikov tinkered with existing assault rifle designs. He later entered a competition to build a rifle chambered for the 7.62×41mm cartridge (once in production the AK 47 was actually chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge). One of the key requirements of the competition was that the rifle had to be able to withstand the damp and muddy conditions of the Russian landscape, as well as the extreme cold.

The AK 47 won out over the competition but due to troubles with early production and manufacturing problems the rifle was not widely distributed to Soviet forces until the mid-1950s. Due to its highly respected durability and rugged reliability, the AK 47 is still in widespread use today, despite having been redesigned and updated numerous times. Its relatively small size and simple design make it easy to carry and to clean and maintain. Although this ruggedness comes at the cost of accuracy, the AK 47 has been in use for decades and has inspired countless other rifle designs since its inception.

Find an AK 47 for Sale

Now that you know a little bit more about the history of the Kalashnikov, maybe you’re ready to head over to our auction pages and find a AK 47 for yourself. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for make sure you check back later – our auctions are constantly updating here at hzgunnstore.com. Or, if you’re interested in selling your AK 47 take a look at the market for your model and prepare to make your own listing. When you do, feel free to borrow some of the information we’ve listed here – it might make the difference between a casual look and a bid!