AK-47 stands for "Avtomat Kalashnikova, model of 1947". AK-47 was designed by M.T.Kalashnikov in the 2nd half of the 1940s, and was adopted by Soviet Army in 1947 as AK. The AK-47 is best described as a hybrid of previous rifle technology innovations. The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle are simple design and adaptation to mass production; it is a fusion of the best Browning design, the M1 Garand and the StG44. The AK is simple, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to clean and maintain. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary.

The large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge case design allow the gun to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle. This reliability comes at the cost of accuracy, as the looser tolerances do not allow the precision and consistency that are required of more accurate firearms. Reflecting Soviet infantry doctrine of its time, the rifle is meant to be part of massed infantry fire, not long range engagements. The notched rear tangent iron sight is adjustable, and is calibrated in hundreds of meters. The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field and although sited for 800m its effective range is more like 400m.