Historical overview of the cheap, mass-produced assault rifle that would permanently change the balance of power in conflicts the world over. By Larry Kahaner, the author of AK-47: The Weapon That Changed the Face of War:

Now 85, tiny, feeble, nearly deaf, his right hand losing control because of tremors, Kalashnikov is often haunted by the killing machine he has bestowed upon the world. "I wish I had invented a lawnmower," he told the Guardian in 2002.

A great look at a not so distant history that continues to unfold even as I am typing this

Excellent clip. I clipped this in response to the mention of flags and currency featuring the AK-47, a fact of which I was previously unaware.

This weapon is and icon for the evil, death, and destruction that humans are capable of, and that weapons are essentially made for.

I actually know someone who uses it for deer-hunting.

An absolutely amazing piece of technological
perfection! Stands tall beside,the invention of the wheel,microscope,TV, x-ray machine,cell phone,pocket knife,and fire as being a incomparable tool .