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

Army 250Th Part 4 6
Army 250Th Part 4 6

250 Years of the U.S. Army: From Vietnam to Today

For more than half a century, the U.S. Army's standard infantry rifle has undergone a remarkable transformation, from the battle rifles of World War II to the compact, modular carbines carried by soldiers today.

The Alpha Foxtrot Attila: Not Just Another 2011

In a marketplace filled with 2011-style pistols, Alpha Foxtrot decided to go a different direction with its Attila handgun design, which is built to use Shield Arms S15 magazines.

JP Morgan Rescinds Discriminatory Policy Against Gunmakers

In January, JPMorgan Chase joined Citigroup and Bank of America in rescinding policies discriminating against lawful businesses in the firearm industry—in this case, reversing their policy against lending to rifle manufacturers.

Remembering Past NRA President David A. Keene

David A. Keene, a prominent conservative leader and NRA President from 2011 to 2013, died on March 8, 2026, at 80 years old, from pancreatic cancer.

Semi-Automatic Bans Are Unconstitutional

If the logical application of the rule of law means anything in this constitutional republic, bans on massively popular semi-automatic firearms will be found unconstitutional.

New Handloading Helpers: The Latest Reloading Gear From RCBS

When Hodgdon Powder Company took over RCBS in 2024, company leaders said positive change was coming. By looking at the new products RCBS introduced in 2026, it’s clear they were right.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.