The Kalashnikov assault rifle has become one of the symbols of the 20th century. It is in service with dozens of armies and hundreds of armed formations, is produced in more than 20 countries (the total "circulation" amounted to over 70 million copies) and is even depicted on the emblems of 4 states. The name of the designer of this machine has become a household name and has entered many foreign languages ​ ​ - only a few gunsmiths can boast of such fame. And not without reason - after all, it was Mikhail Kalashnikov who managed back in 1947 to create a reliable and effective automatic weapon, the copying of which was fought in the West until the end of the 60s. This book is a richly illustrated reference book on weapon models both developed in the USSR and Russia under the leadership of M.N. Kalashnikov, and created on the basis of AK-47 and his descendants in other countries. It contains information on more than 100 samples of machine guns, machine guns, sniper, sports and hunting rifles, including a detailed description of the tactical and technical characteristics, design features and distinctive external features. 118 original black and white photographs contribute to the best perception of the presented material.