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

Woman covering rifle target
Woman covering rifle target

Why This DOJ Opinion on Handgun Ownership Matters

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Rimfire M1 Refined: The Chiappa Bushranger

Italian manufacturer Chiappa is not afraid to take an original design and give it a modern twist. New for 2026, the company is taking its rimfire M1 carbine design one step further with the Bushranger.

TriStar Arms Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Established in 1996 by the father-and-son team of Gus and Ryan Bader, TriStar Arms has grown into one of the firearm industry’s most respected names in value-driven products.

Optic on an Optic: Why You Should Add a Red-Dot to Your LPVO

Why is it that, suddenly, it seems like everyone is running around with little red-dot sights mounted on top of low-power, variable optics? Well, it turns out there are reasons for that.

How Accurate are Today’s Rifles?

In just the last few decades, rifle accuracy has improved an astonishing amount, and our expectations have risen accordingly.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.