AK-47 turns 60!

One of Russia’s most popular exports has been the Kalashnikov rifle invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov 60 years back and popularly known as AK-47.The weapon invented to defend the then Soviet Union has become a symbol of Third World revolutionary struggle and Islamic jihad.Ironically,it is at the top of the list of Top 10 combat rifles of the US Military.
The original Kalashnikov underwent some changes and a lot of knockoffs appeared in the market.This has enraged the Kremlin.With over 75 million built worldwide, it is a firearms legend that has probably inflicted more lethal results than any other single weapon system ever produced. It is popular because its cheap to produce,easy to maintain and immune to extremities of climate unlike other guns.
Three years ago, in celebration of Mikhail Kalashnikov's 85th birthday, a museum was opened in the Russian city of Izhevsk to honor his most enduring gift to the world.Plans are afoot to build a hotel in an artificial island in the Izhevsk city which will be designed in the shape of a Kalashnikov!