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

NRA Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs
NRA Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs

NRA Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs

In 2025, Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States will have extra support from the National Rifle Association, thanks to NRA Foundation donors.

Preview: Hornady Security RAPiD Safe Night Guard

The latest security product to leverage the company’s RAPiD Safe touch-free radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, Hornady Security’s Night Guard is a ruggedly built handgun safe sized perfectly...

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.