Book Preview: The Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia 2nd Edition

by
posted on January 16, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
kal.jpg

It is fitting that one of the largest reference books ever published covering firearms is about the most produced firearm in the history of the world. Dr. Cor Roodhorst’s The Kalashnikov Encyclopaedia (sic) is now in its second edition, and its three stunning, full-color volumes weigh in at a combined 19 lbs., encompassing 3,860 pages.

Written by a native of the Netherlands, Dr. Roodhorst had the help and assistance of the inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, as he prepared this second edition. The three volumes go into exhaustive detail of the manufacturing and production differences of each model AK as used/manufactured by various countries.

Exploded-view diagrams, parts lists and abbreviation charts add to the reference value of this book that also has just under 6,000 full-color illustrations. The photos are uncommonly clear and crisp, adding a great deal to their suitability for use in a fine reference work as this. Each variant of AK listed within is accompanied by 25 categorized specifications, such as country of origin, barrel length, caliber, stocks, sights, etc.

This is a must-have for any serious collector, as well as any library or forensic lab that hopes to be able to identify and sort the AKs in their collections. The $200 price tag includes shipping within the United States. For an additional $25 you can receive an autographed set from the author. Contact: Cool F/X; (703) 408-0261; coolfx.us.

Latest

Daniel Defense H9
Daniel Defense H9

Review: Daniel Defense H9

Is the third time the charm? Daniel Defense has introduced a third version of the Hudson H9 pistol. Smaller, lighter and less radical, it could be “the one.”

Supreme Plus: Ranger Point Precision & Line49 Rifle Henry LASR Conversions

A new collaboration between modern lever-action specialists Ranger Point Precision and Line49 Rifle transforms Henry’s groundbreaking Lever Action Supreme Rifle.

The Armed Citizen® June 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge

The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics

Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.

Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels

One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.