History
Following the adoption in 1943 by the 7.62-mm intermediate cartridge design NM Elizarova and B. Syomin turned the establishment of new small weapons under this bullet. To replace the pistols, machine guns developed a new customized automatic weapons - a reliable with the replacement machine shop and the mode switch fire; store carbine - automatic rifle with a permanent shop, a hand machine gun caliber rifle - a lightweight hand-gun from a shop or tape nutrition. Work on the machine was started Sudaevym AI, established in 1944 a series of original designs, then connected to the development of other designers.
Engaged in development of weapons by the interim holder and a senior sergeant Mikhail T. Kalashnikov. In 1946, he submitted to the contest a sample machine, which merged the positive characteristics of many previously developed models of weapons. This machine has successfully passed the test and showed good results. MT Kalashnikov has modified his machine, which is the second part of the contest conducted in 1947, was recommended for the adoption. As a result, the prototype of the samples exceeded Kalashnikov VA Degtyarev, SG Simonov, NV Rukavishnikov, KA Barisheva and other designers. After completion of military testing machine was adopted by the Soviet Army and was designated AK.