Historical Figure
Mikhail Kalashnikov
1919–2013
Russian firearms designer (1919–2013)
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Biography
Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov was a Soviet and Russian lieutenant general, inventor, military engineer, writer, and small arms designer. He is most famous for developing the AK-47 assault rifle and its improvements, the AKM and AK-74, as well as the RPK light machine gun and PK machine gun.
In Their Own Words (5)
I'm proud of my invention, but I'm sad that it is used by terrorists. … I would prefer to have invented a machine that people could use and that would help farmers with their work — for example a lawnmower.
As quoted in "Kalashnikov: 'I wish I'd made a lawnmower'" by Kate Connolly, in The Guardian (29 July 2002) , 2002
Whenever I look at TV and I see the weapon I invented to defend my motherland in the hands of these bin Ladens, I ask myself the same question: "How did it get into their hands?" I didn't put it in the hands of bandits and terrorists, and it's not my fault that it has mushroomed uncontrollably across the globe. Can I be blamed that they consider it the most reliable weapon?
"The Man Who Invented The AK-47 Has Died — Here's His Greatest Regret" by Adam Taylor, in Business Insider (23 December 2013) , 2013
Blame the Nazi Germans for making me become a gun designer … I always wanted to construct agriculture machinery.
As quoted in "AK-47 Inventor Says Conscience Is Clear" by Joel Roberts at CBS News (6 July 2007) , 2007
I sleep well. It's the politicians who are to blame for failing to come to an agreement and resorting to violence.
As quoted in "AK-47 Inventor Says Conscience Is Clear" by Joel Roberts at CBS News (6 July 2007) , 2007
You see, maybe all these feelings come about because one side wants to liberate itself with arms. But in my opinion, it is the good that prevails. You may live to see the day when good prevails — it will be after I am dead. But the time will come when my weapons will be no more used or necessary.
2001
Timeline
The story of Mikhail Kalashnikov, told in moments.
Serving as a tank commander when a German shell wounds him at the Battle of Bryansk. In the hospital, he hears soldiers complaining about their unreliable rifles. He starts sketching weapon designs in his hospital bed.
The Soviet military adopts his assault rifle. The Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947. AK-47. It fires 600 rounds per minute, works in sand, mud, and freezing cold, and can be disassembled by a child. He receives a Stalin Prize and no royalties.
The AK-47 becomes standard issue across the Soviet military and is licensed or copied by dozens of countries. An estimated 100 million will be produced. It appears on the flag of Mozambique and the coat of arms of East Timor.
Dies in Izhevsk, Russia, at 94. Shortly before death, he writes a letter to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church asking if he's responsible for the deaths caused by his weapon. 'My spiritual pain is unbearable,' he writes. The Church replies that the designer bears no guilt for those who misuse his creation.
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