Today would have been eugene stoner s 95th birthday. He expounded on how he felt the soviet switch from the 7. Putin laid flowers before kalashnikovs coffin and offered. Dec 26, 20 kalashnikov died earlier this week in his home izhevsk, the capital of udmurtia, about 800 miles east of moscow. Eugene stoner and mikhail kalashnikov gun and game. Mikhail kalashnikov and eugene stoner, here shown while each one is holding the other ones signature gun so, m. This is an amazing biography of kalashnikov and his rifles, written by his daughter. Eugene stoner was also the chief engineer over the design of the ar line of rifles, with designers mechanics robert fremont and jim sullivan. Later career from 1949, mikhail kalashnikov lived and worked in izhevsk, udmurtia. Kalashnikov was a disabled combat vet, a tanker iirc, who drew up a weapon he knew his country could make and that soldiers could use. He was later drafted into the red army, where he produced a number of innovations for the tank, including a mechanism that would count. The early problems with the m16 were not the fault of mr.
Both stoner and kalashnikov had design parameters that were dictated by military ordnance boards, just as with any other military weapon. Mikhail kalashnikov, inventor of ak47 rifle, buried in. Mikhail timofeyevich kalashnikov soviet military designer. Kalashnikov named alexandr zaitsev and vladimir deikin as his major collaborators during those years. Eugene stoner and mikhail kalashnikov met in washington d.
Major general mikhail kalashnokov is best known for creating the ak47 and the ak74 assault weapons as well as the dragunov sniper rifle series, and the rpd and rpk light machine guns as varriants of the ak series. While stoner might be wealthier, kalashnikov will be remembered in history. Probably less than 5% of gun owners even know who stoner is. He was a sickly child, and circumstances led him to. Blizzards and aks go together like baseball and hotdogs. Since were in the middle of another snow storm and given the recent passing of kalashnikov, i decided to talk about a few of the things. Mikhail kalashnikov biography facts, childhood, family. Eugene morrison stoner november 22, 1922 april 24, 1997 was an american firearms designer who is most associated with the development of the armalite ar15 rifle that was modified by the us military as the m16 rifle.
He held a degree of doctor of technical sciences 197112 and was a member of 16 academies. Ak47 designer kalashnikov wrote penitent letter cbs news. Elena joly went to russia to interview mikhail kalashnikov who invented ak47. Kalashnikov came to the united states by invitation from the smithsonian institution, which was administered by edward ed ezell, author and former curator for the. Mikhail kalashnikov wikipedia, a enciclopedia livre. Not as accurate or as well engineered, but was the equivalent of the crossbow, which was a game changer. The 93 year old kalashnikov is said to be in serious.
Hillary clinton once hit secret service agent in the head with a bible. In plain language, this simple man straightforwardly tells of the adversity he surmounted as a youth to achieve the pinnacle of success as an adult. Mikhail timofeevich kalashnikov meets eugene stoner jeans blog. Tribute to mikhail kalashnikov by gangsterlovin on deviantart. Eugene stoner first met his russian opposite number, the arms designer mikhail kalashnikov, in 1990 at dulles international airport. Does anyone know if eugene stoner became wealthy before he. Sep 19, 2017 some russians fired up over new kalashnikov monument. The kalashnikov group prepared amendments to the law on weapons. Mikhail kalashnikov was a russian general, small arms designer and a writer. Over the following years, ezell mailed kalashnikov several books he had authored, including the ak47 story, which he wrote by piecing together snippets of information about the history of soviet firearms back to the 1800s, the ak47, and kalashnikov. Jan 18, 2009 eugene stoner and mikhail kalashnikov discussion in the.
Top 29 quotes of mikhail kalashnikov famous quotes and. Jan, 2014 moscowin a regretful letter penned a few months before his death, mikhail kalashnikov, the designer of the ak47 assault rifle, asked the head of the russian orthodox church if he was to blame. The other guy in the pictures is his interrupter, valerie shilling. From start to finish, the life of mikhail kalashnikov is the stuff of soviet peasantbringsgloryto. Dec 23, 20 all that being said, i much prefer stoners design. Putin laid flowers before kalashnikov s coffin and offered. He passed away at the age of 94 over a week ago, and as a gun and rifle enthusiast, i felt obligated to pay my respects in any way i could. For reference, heres the house stoner had in palm city when he died. It seems like i saw a picture of mikhail kalashnikov, eugene stoner, and uzi gal together before. Dec 23, 20 someplace i have, unnaccessable to me at this time, a photograph of mikhail kalashnikov and eugene stoner standing, shaking hands. Mikhail kalashnikov was a renowned russian weapons designer, most famous for designing the ak47 rifle. I much prefer the exquisite engineering and tight tolerances of the ar design to the clunkiness and rattling of the ak. Read about their stories, how they met, and their legacies.
Today, kalashnikov designs have become the most widely manufactured and best known military small arms in history. The twoway the inventor of the ak47 was memorialized with a 30foottall bronze statue in moscow, but not everyone in russias capital city. Kalashnikov is failing discussion in the powder keg started by kansascoyote, jun 24, 20. I wish i could access it so i could scan it and post it here. General mikhail kalashnikov especially written for the new edition in 20. Produced in 1919, mikhail kalashnikov grew up in a big peasant family. Eugene stoner first met his russian opposite number, the arms designer mikhail kalashnikov, in 1990 at dulles international airport, washington dc. Mikhail timofeyevich kalashnikov, russian weapons designer born nov. This page uses creative commons licensed content from wikipedia view authors. Dec 23, 20 mikhail kalashnikov, who designed the assault rifle that has killed more people than any other firearm in the world, died monday at the age of 94 kalashnikov, who was in his 20s when he created the ak47 just after world war ii, died in his home city of izhevsk, near the ural mountains, where his gun is still made, a spokesman for the provinces president said.
This assault rifle is light, tough, easytouse, maintenancefriendly and functional in muddy, wet, sandy or other bad conditions. Mikhail kalashnikov is the author of the gun that changed the world 3. Kalashnikov won a weapon layout competition, which resulted in the creation of his ak47 rifle. Kalashnikov had a government provided apartment in moscow. On a visit to rugers home mikhail presented these pieces of art to mr. Hearing about his work, army experts sought out mr. Dec 23, 20 mikhail kalashnikov, inventor of the ak47, died at age 94 monday after a decorated career in the russian military. Kalashnikov, designer of the ak47, the soviet rifle that has become the worlds most widespread assault weapon, was unveiled on tuesday in.
Mikhail kalashnikov inventor of the and eugene stoner. Sep 21, 2017 mikhail kalashnikov, the inventor of one of the worlds deadliest guns, is honoured with a statue in moscow. Mikhail kalashnikov inventor of the and eugene stoner inventor of the and. For that purpose, the ak47 was and is a superb weapon. Some russians fired up over new kalashnikov monument. Picture of two of the most famous rifles in the world, with the designers. Kalashnikov, a tiny whitehaired man who lived on a state pension in a small apartment east of moscow. God the almighty said, all that is too complex is unnecessary, and it is simple that is needed. The rifles were created by archenemies the ak47 by the soviets and the m16 by the americans. Stoner but the fault of the military that used the wrong powder to load the ammo.
Moscow mikhail kalashnikov, the designer of the ak47 assault rifle, reportedly wrote a regretful letter several months before his death. According to russian president vladimir putin, the kalashnikov rifle is a symbol. He is known for his invention of the ak47 assault rifle. He married the second time to ekaterina viktorovna moiseyeva 19211977. Jan 14, 2014 ak47 designer, mikhail kalashnikov, dead at 94 moscow in a regretful letter penned a few months before his death, mikhail kalashnikov, the designer of the ak47 assault rifle, asked the head of. Mikhail kalashnikov and bill ruger were good friends. During his lifetime, he created over 150 small weapon models. In 1990, under the goodwill of glasnost, mikhail kalashnikov, aging and. Mikhail kalashnikov biography famous people biographies. I sleep soundly by nick paton walsh, october 9, 2003.
Eugene stoner and mikhail kalashnikov discussion in the powder keg started by brandhard, jan 18, 2009. Oct 09, 2003 shamed by his parents exile, he was determined to do his bit for the soviet cause. Mikhail kalashnikov biography, inventions and facts. Kalashnikov was a genius in rough construction of a working firearm. Mikhail kalashnikov, designer of the ak47, and eugene stoner, designer of the ar15, first met at washington dulles airport on may 15, 1990.
The man behind the gun, the eugene stoner stories presented by. Ak47 creator mikhail kalashnikov wrote of regrets over. Mikhail kalashnikov, inventor of the ak47, dead at 94. Kalashnikov is not be be out done, with ak74s and rpk based on his platform. The gun that changed the world by mikhail kalashnikov. Also in the collection were tapes of eugene stoner, inventor of the m16, the aks rival. Mikhail kalashnikov was born on november 10, 1919, in the village of kurya, altai territory, in a large peasant family. As we sat discussing firearms and sharing stories, i became impressed by how downtoearth mr.
I invented this assault rifle to defend my country. Mikhail kalashnikov meets eugene stoner the inventor of the ak47, mikhail kalashnikov right, meets the inventor of the m16, eugene stoner left may 16, 1990. He was an employee of armalitefairchild and was paid a salary. Kalashnikov and stoner mikhail kalashnikov, designer of the ak47, and eugene stoner, designer of the ar15, first met at washington dulles airport on may 15, 1990. Reprinted with permission of the national post and fr. Dec 23, 20 moscow mikhail kalashnikov, whose work as a weapons designer for the soviet union is immortalized in the name of the worlds most popular firearm, died monday at the age of 94. Mikhail kalashnikov married twice, the first time to ekaterina danilovna astakhova of altai krai. Gary byrne was a uniformed agent stationed right outside the. Kalashnikov was born into a peasant family, and after being inducted into the. They were the standard issue rifles for the armed forces of the usa and ussr. He served in the soviet armed forces during world war ii as a tank commander. The ak47 assault rifle is perhaps the most famous weapon in the world. Eugene stoner and mikhail kalashnikov gun and game the. Tribute to mikhail kalashnikov and the ak47 youtube.
They would spend the next few days talking, sharing stories, shopping, going out to dinner and touring washington d. Mikhail kalashnikov s autobiography is an intriguing look into the life and mind of a selftaught weapons designer who believed in what he did and for whom he did it. Stoner created a firearm that has spurred a wide variance on his platform. The name of mikhail timofeyevich kalashnikov has become well known the world over because of the avtomat kalashnikova, the eponymous assault rifle which he designed and perfected. In addition to covering the various springfield armory pistols we also have large sections dedicated to other various firearms such as the. Mikhail kalashnikov, inventor of ak47 assault rifle, dead at. Mikhail kalashnikov inventor of the ak47 and eugene stoner. Eugene stoner designer of the m16 rifle and mikhail kalashnikov designer of the ak47 rifle hang around and check out each others creations 450x319 xpost from rguns close 476. As his surname would imply, his invention was the kalashnikov assault rifle, the ak47. Ak47 creator mikhail kalashnikov wrote of regrets over guns. Jan 28, 2011 sergeant mikhail timofeyevich kalashnikov is widely credited with having invented the rifle that bears his name.
The book is organized chronologically and includes notes about kalashnikov s military service, combat injury, and subsequent involvement in the design and production of the ak47 and other weapons. It would only be in 1990, the year before the collapse of the soviet union and the end of the cold war, that their respective creators would meet. The family moved to a village where kalashnikovs father would often hunt. Inventors thoughts although by some estimates there are 100 million ak47style assault rifles in circulation around the world, the guns inventor, mikhail kalashnikov, did not become rich unlike eugene stoner, the inventor of the american m16 assault rifle, who died a wealthy man. Eugene stoner, 74, designer of m16 rifle and other arms the.
The ak 47 automatic kalashnikov model 47 was designed by mikhail kalashnikov. From his hospital bed, he began work on an automatic rifle layout. Kalashnikov of the former soviet union are responsible for the m16 and ak47 automatic rifles, two of the most popular firearms in the world since 1945. Stoner is holding an ak47 while shaking each others hand. His parents were peasants and were deported under the regime of stalin in 1930, due to which they lost all their property. Jan, 2014 moscow mikhail kalashnikov, the designer of the ak47 assault rifle, reportedly wrote a regretful letter several months before his death asking the head of the russian orthodox church if he. Mikhail kalashnikov meets eugene stoner on this day. The guys that armed the worlds two greatest super powers are hanging out. Kalashnikov designed a weapon for an illtrained conscripted army. If memory serves, kalashnikov also designed the pk family of lmgs, one of the best ever fielded. It is a fascinating story, and chivers tells it well. Giant monument to kalashnikov, creator of ak47, is unveiled.
Eugene m stoner, who developed m16 assault rifle and other weapons. And he reminisced about time spent with eugene stoner, who became a dear friend before he passed away. Kalashnikov several books he had authored, including the ak47 story. He started his engineering career working at a train depot, where he was able to learn much about mechanics. Stoner in the mid1950s to help develop automatic rifles using smaller, faster bullets. Mikhail kalashnikov author of the gun that changed the world. The ak47 was the creation of mikhail kalashnikov 191920, while the ar15 was the brainchild of eugene morrison stoner 19221997. Stoner designed airplane components for fairchild, prior to devoting himself to arms design. Kalashnikov s simple, durable and easily maintained gun became the worlds most popular rifle, with more than 100.
Mikhail was the 17th child of 19 to peasant farmer timofey aleksandrovich kalashnikov, and his wife aleksandra frolovna kaverina only eight lived to adult age, and even mikhael experienced various health problems in his early years, and was close to death when he was six years old. What you need to know about the new kalashnikov encyclopaedia. Its mostly stoner we remember, just like its mostly kalashnikov we remember. Kalashnikov was a tank mechanic, while stoner served in the united states marines corps. Kalashnikov hold the rifles they designed, taken may 1990. Eugene stoner designer of the m16 rifle and mikhail. It was about fifteen years ago before i was really into guns so i might be mistaken. Jul 31, 2015 russian president vladimir putin attended the funeral of the inventor of the ak47 rifle, mikhail kalashnikov, outside moscow on friday. Manufactured by the millions since its creation by mikhail kalashnikov in 1949, it.
Mikhail kalashnikov and eugene stoner by scarlighter on. And so mikhail kalashnikov invented what was to become the worlds most prolific killing machine. Someplace i have, unnaccessable to me at this time, a photograph of mikhail kalashnikov and eugene stoner standing, shaking hands. It contains significant autobiographical writing as well. Mikhail kalashnikov, one of the most prolific gun designers of the modern era, has been airlifted to a hospital in moscow due to heart issues. Ak47 designer mikhail kalashnikov wrote repentant letter. Lethal kalashnikov designer is now russias hero reuters.
Ive seen that picture before but havent been able to find it. From start to finish, the life of mikhail kalashnikov is the stuff of soviet peasantbringsglorytomotherrussia legend. Acceptable price for the entire set of three books as the books are published on the basis of the results of. Dec 23, 20 the inventor of the iconic ak47 automatic rifle, mikhail kalashnikov, has died.
When stoner responded nothing like that, they paid me and i get royalties, it apparently legitimately confused kalashnikov. Rip comrade kalashnikov, by timothy spangler creators syndicate. Russian president vladimir putin attended the funeral of the inventor of the ak47 rifle, mikhail kalashnikov, outside moscow on friday. Tribute to mikhail kalashnikov and the ak47 duration. Nov 10, 2009 mikhail kalashnikov, the inventor of the ak47 assault rifle, attends festivities to celebrate his 90th birthday at the kremlin, november 10, 2009. Today, i am proud that it has become for many synonymous with liberty. Father timofei alexandrovich kalashnikov 18831930 mother alexandra frolovna kalashnikova 18841957. Mikhail kalashnikov was the soviet designer of the infamous ak47 assault rifle used by over 50 countries and produced by the millions since its initial production in 1949. Eugene stoner and mikhail kalashnikov holding each others respective inventions. Shamed by his parents exile, he was determined to do his bit for the soviet cause.
Vladimir dmitriev was elected temporary head of the kalashnikov group. It is true that kalashnikov the inventor, not the weapon was an able weapon designer, but he was not superior to eugene stoner the father of the m16m4. An historical picture, which represents the meltdown between the two super powers. In 1930 his family was dispossessed and deported to nizhnaja mokhovaya village, tomsk region. His signature invention has been reproduced more than 100 million times since. Mikhail kalashnikov, the russian designer of the ak47 assault rifle which has killed more people than any other firearm in the world, died on monday aged 94, officials said. Each man had a reputation for tinkering and each began designing firearms.
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