Interesting Article in Popular Mechanics on Kalashnikovs

[Army Chief]

Had you not called this to my attention, there is no way that I would have naturally been inclined to pick up this book. Now, having read the article and considered much of the background (to include that of the StG, which has always been an object of interest for me), I am very likely to buy a copy.

Like many current and former soldiers, I have long recognized the AK's inherent strengths and capabilities, but have never cared much about it in a larger sense. I've had no desire to own or train with one, and have been generally dismissive of it as a crude Com-Bloc relic carried by ragtag warriors. Given what we've learned -- often the hard way -- and the proliferation of the system, perhaps it is time to re-think my position.

Appreciated this post.

AC

[murphy j]

Very interesting interview. Definately want to pick up the book. Thanks for posting this.

[Moose-Knuckle]

Great thread Templar, as usual.

For those of you who are interested there is a good book on the German assault rifle entitled "The MKb 42, MP43, MP44 and the Sturmgewehr 44" by Guus De Vries. I obtained a copy for my personal reference collection a few years back.

I'm sure we have all seen the interviews by Kalashnikov on Tales of the Gun and the other documentaries. He always get's offended when the interviewer suggest that the Stg 44 was the AK's inspiration. Just looking at the two rifles side by side it is obvious that the Soviets drew upon the German design and cartridge.

I will be adding Mr. Chivers book to the collection in short order.

[JOHNO]

I've been slacking, I still have'nt picked up "The Grim Reaper" but now I plan to pick up both books.

[TOrrock]

Sturmgewehr Discussion Thread

[TOrrock]

I've been slacking, I still have'nt picked up "The Grim Reaper" but now I plan to pick up both books.

Grim Reaper is pretty damn good.

[JOHNO]

Grim Reaper is pretty damn good.

I've read the reviews and thumbed through a copy at Knob Creek last year but I have'nt taken the plunge yet. I may have to order it tonight.....................here you go, making me spend money again.

[LJNoobicon]

they still wouldve lost, the MP44 alone cant turn the ride against what really won the war - the Allies industrial capacity, both US and Soviet manufacturing power. Some of the battles wouldve been a bit tougher tho.

I was not implying that they would have. Would the war in Europe have dragged out longer ? Maybe.

[Iraqgunz]

I got mine on eBay for 44.95.

Grim Reaper is pretty damn good.

[Iraqgunz]

Everytime I see old stuff like I did in Iraq I start to cry. Damn I wish we could have brought some of that stuff back.

I had two MP44 that were found in Iraq at the end of 03' along with 60 rds of East German 7.92 Kurz and one mag. Did track down about another 4-6 found over there at the time.


Notice the selector and safety (two different switchs, push thru selector and on left side safety like on a AR15, like the test AK46)

Someone had to fire that 60 rds of ammo.

I enjoyed the article and look forward to the book and since this is about the AK series, Iraq has them all!


CD