What is an AK-47 in Russia?

The AK-47 is a selective-fire, gas-operated assault rifle. In Russian, it is called the Avtomat Kalashikova, or "kalash." It was the official service rifle of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact, and it still sees service in many nations today.

The AK-47 is chambered for 7.62 x 39 millimeter rounds with a standard magazine capacity of 30 shots. They can be fitted with a 40 millimeter grenade launcher. It is capable of hitting an adult male torso at 300 yards. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the weapon was sold legally and illegally to many non-government organizations, such as drug cartels and Islamic insurgents.