'This weapon was the prototype of all successful automatic rifles. The Sturmgewehr 44 features an inexpensive, easy-to-make, stamped steel design and a 30-round detachable box magazine. A smaller lighter cartridge also allowed soldiers to carry more ammunition 'to support the higher consumption rate of automatic fire.' This new cartridge was developed by shortening the standard 7.92Г—57mm Mauser round and giving it a lighter 125-grain bullet, that limited range but allowed for more controllable automatic fire. It fired a new and revolutionary intermediate powered cartridge, the 7.92Г—33mm Kurz. The result was the Sturmgewehr 44, which the Germans produced in large numbers approximately half a million were made. They would soon develop a select-fire intermediate powered rifle combining the firepower of a submachine gun with the range and accuracy of a rifle. The Germans were the first to pioneer the assault rifle concept, during World War II, based upon research that showed that most firefights happen within 400 meters and that contemporary rifles were over-powered for most small arms combat. military has largely replaced the M16 in combat units with a shorter and lighter version called the M4 carbine. Despite its early failures, the M16 proved to be a revolutionary design and stands as the longest continuously serving rifle in American military history. In 1974, the Soviets began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the AK-74, which uses 5.45Г—39mm ammunition. More AK-type weapons have been produced than all other rifles combined. Its firepower, ease of use, low production costs, and reliability were perfectly suited for the Soviet Army's new mobile warfare doctrines.

The AK-47 was finalized, adopted and entered widespread service in the Soviet Army in the early 1950s.

As a result, they have been the subject of countless comparisons and endless debate.

They are used by military, police, security forces, revolutionaries, terrorists, criminals and civilians alike and will most likely continue to be used for decades to come. These Cold War-era rifles have been used in conflicts both large and small since the 1960s. The two most common rifles in the world are the Soviet AK-47 and the American M16. Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash), Tula Arms Plant, TsNIITochMash, Zastava, Norinco, Arsenal ArmsДЄrmaLite, Bushmaster, Colt, GM, H&R, FN, Remington, ДЄK-47, AKS-47, RPK, AKM, AKMS, AK-74, RPK-74,ДЄR-15, M16, XM16E1, M16A1, M16A2, M16A3, M16A4, M4, M4A1, M27, Colt 9mm SMG

Ak 47 bayonet barrel attachment