| − | '''The AK-47''' is the designation of an [[assault rifle]] designed by [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]]. It stands for ''Avtomat Kalashnikov model 1947'' in [[Russia]]n. He copied the design of the [[Nazi]] [[Sturmgewehr44]]. His main competitor was [[Eugene Stoner]] who designed the [[M-16]] rifle. The AK-47 is often used by [[terrorists]], while the M-16 is used widely by the forces of the free world. Unlike Kalashnikov, Stoner did not copy an earlier design when he invented the M-16, but instead used many novel techniques and materials. For example he used the newly-developed high impact plastics and [[aluminum]] to make the weapon lightweight. He also adjusted the layout of the barrel so that it would not climb when firing on full auto (often called "rock and roll") Early versions of the M-16 were mistakenly issued without a cleaning kit, causing many problems, and rumours that the plastic furniture parts were manufactured by [[Mattel]] undermined the American fighting man's confidence in his new rifle. However, it went on to prove it's value many times over in the [[Vietnam War]]. | + | '''The AK-47''' is the designation of an [[assault rifle]] designed by [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]]. It stands for ''Avtomat Kalashnikov model 1947'' in [[Russia]]n. He copied the design of the [[Nazi]] [[Sturmgewehr44]]. His main competitor was [[Eugene Stoner]] who designed the [[M-16]] rifle. The AK-47 is often used by [[terrorist|terrorists]], while the M-16 is used widely by the forces of the free world.{{fact}} Unlike Kalashnikov, Stoner did not copy an earlier design when he invented the M-16, but instead used many novel techniques and materials. For example, he used the newly-developed high impact plastics and [[aluminum]] to make the weapon lightweight. He also adjusted the layout of the barrel so that it would not climb when firing on full auto (often called "rock and roll"). Early versions of the M-16 were mistakenly issued without a cleaning kit, causing many problems, and rumours that the plastic furniture parts were manufactured by [[Mattel]] undermined the American fighting man's confidence in his new rifle. However, it went on to prove it's value many times over in the [[Vietnam War]]. |