Mikhil Timofeyevich Kalashnikov, T-34 tank commander, NRA Life member and firearm designer, recently turned 90, and in commemoration of his birthday and the 35th anniversary of the introduction of his AK-74 rifle, NRA and Arsenal, Inc., announced the launch of a new commemorative Jubilee Series AK-74 developed by Arsenal, Inc. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the rifles will be donated to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and the Kalashnikov Foundation. One of the AKs will be featured at the NRA Annual Meetings at booth 2237.

Additionally, Arsenal, Inc., donated a Gold Edition Jubilee Series AK-74 Kalashnikov rifle to the National Firearms Museum at the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va. The new rifles were made to help quell the negative stigma many hold toward AK-style rifles, as well as help bring the West and East together to honor a great design and a great designer.

The limited production run, totaling 500 units, includes 100 Gold Edition rifles and 400 Silver Edition rifles. All parts are hand-selected and -inspected, and all metal surfaces are coated with a glossy black finish developed specifically for the rifles. Each rifle features engravings in dedication of Dr. Kalashnikov's 90th birthday, 35 years of AK-74 production, the Izhmash factory logo and Kalashnikov's signature. The engravings are filled with either gold or silver color depending on the edition of the rifle. Select components are finely polished and coated with titanium nitride for a gold color or hard chromium for a silver color.

All Jubilee Series commemorative AK-74s come with a certificate of authenticity issued and endorsed by Dr. Kalashnikov. The first 100 certificates accompanying the Gold Edition are signed by Kalashnikov himself. Gold Editions are packaged in a premium grade, custom-fitted leather case specifically designed for the project.

The certificates accompanying the Silver Edition rifles bear a facsimile of his signature and come packaged in a high-quality, black synthetic leather custom case and carry the Arsenal, Inc., logo.

For more information on the rifles, visit www.arsenalinc.com.