It is undeniably one of Earth’s most easily recognizable and widely used weapons. The AK-47 is found in the hands of everyone, from major armies to rebels across the globe. Developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1946 for use by the Soviet Armed Forces, it quickly gained approval and entered production. By 1949, the AK-47 was the official service rifle of the Soviets and was in use by the Soviet Union’s allies in the Warsaw Pact. The designation of AK-47 is derived from the Russian words “Avtomat Kalashnikova” to describe its automatic firing design and its’ designer, Comrade Kalashnikov. By any method you choose to measure, the AK-47 is the most prolific fighting rifle in the history of man. Even in this ocean of guns, exceptional examples of very early models have survived the storm. One of the rarest is the Eastern Bloc Classic Type 1 AK-47.

Eastern Bloc Classic – The Type 1 AK-47

The AK-47 is a gas-operated rifle designed to run in both semi-automatic as well as full auto. It grew from a desire to create a weapon in the line of the German StG44 (Sturmgewehr 44) that the Russians saw so much of in the waning days of World War II. The driving force behind the gun was the desire to field a lightweight weapon capable of full auto operation and chambered in the new 7.62x41mm caliber. Early production AK-47s were broken down into two distinct batch types – the version from 1948 and the version succeeding these from 1952.

The trigger mechanism, safety catch, rotating bolt, and gas-driven action are borrowed heavily from other firearms, yet Kalashnikov brought it all together. The result of this focus and labor resulted in a lightweight rifle with only moderate recoil. It is easy to run and brings serious firepower to the hands of whoever is running it. While not noted for its exceptional accuracy, its durability and reliability became legendary. The gun is designed to function regardless of environment or terrain. The internal tolerances are loose compared to other weapons, yet it runs in areas that easily foul up different guns. There is a reason you find AKs everywhere worldwide, regardless of the environment. Additionally, the guns are simple to break down and clean when necessary.

Up to 75 Million AK’s Have Been Produced

Over time, the original design spawned multiple offshoots and versions. In addition, other entities blatantly hijacked the Kalashnikov design, and the AK world quickly became a spectrum of versions and types. It is estimated that between 50 and 75 million AK-47s have been produced since the weapon’s inception. Add to that another 100 million units that were directly influenced or copied, and you will have the most successful firearms of all time.

As I mentioned earlier, the AK market has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade. An interest in the rifle, both in a historical sense and as an economical shooter, has played a big role. For years, ammo for recreational shooters to run their Eastern Bloc blasters was dirt cheap, and range excursions were very enjoyable. The ranks of the serious collectors have grown over the years, and each has a gun on their “wish list.” These men and women could look at a news photo taken in Sub-Saharan Africa and tell you what model the AK was, where it was from, and generally when it was made. While some would settle for period-correct bakelite furniture or slab-side mags, others seek the most elusive items. One is undoubtedly the holy grail of all AK-47s: the painfully rare Type 1.

Most Influential Combat Rifle

This is an incredibly rare example of an early model of the most influential combat rifle of the mid-20th to early-21st centuries. It is an understanding of the unique nature of this gun that almost caused me to choke when I walked into a friend’s shop to find this very rifle sitting on his desk. The Type 1 is, to many, the crown jewel for any serious collection. It is believed that only four or less exist in the United States. This specific gun is dated 1951 and has two-piece panel bakelite grips. It began its life as one of the rare PLO kits and quickly became the gun we see today. The gun is beautiful and has a patina that only 65+ years old can bring. The stock has its share of history and is a reminder that this was not a gun intended for a safe.

This was a fighting rifle, and I am certain it has been fired to that capacity on more than one occasion.While I was immediately determined to write an article about this unique gun, I was also hopeful that I could get at least some limited-range time with it. A traditional T&E on a rifle would see me put hundreds of rounds through it, but this would not be the case today. The owner was kind enough to entrust me with the rifle, and I wasn’t going to do any more shooting than absolutely necessary. The general diet of the AK consists of steel core ammo seated in steel cases. While easy to find, I wondered how this classic shooter would like advanced modern ammunition. The ammo for today would be Federal 7.62 x 39mm SOVIET 123 grain soft point.

Well Worn Trigger

The trigger resulted from over six decades of self-polishing action. It broke smoother than any stock AK trigger I have ever run. Yes, the iron sights were less than optimal in a dim late afternoon overcast light, but they still worked. The gun is not built around our modern obsession with sub-minute angle performance. These weapons were designed to shoot minutes of man, and they do it well. The rifle fit me well, as it has millions of people over the years, and I could easily understand its appeal.

I have shot my fair share of AKs, ranging from bargain basement models to modern variants built with space-age material. There was something magical, however, in shooting this Type 1. It allowed me to become part of a long and special timeline connected with that gun. Some good and certainly some bad, yet all connected. Spending some range time with the Type 1 was a pleasure and an honor. The owner’s generosity was humbling, and I will never forget it. 

The Type 1 AK-47

It is estimated that over 175 million AKs and variants are floating around the planet. Many of those are average guns with average histories. The guns that reach back in time are rare and getting harder to find. Many of those guns were initially seen as tools and treated as such. Many of the oldest guns are simply gone. Broken and discarded, rusted beyond recognition, or even stripped for parts. Even with overwhelming odds of survival, some of the oldest guns survived. It is this knowledge that fascinates many collectors. Knowing they may be able to someday get their hands on one of the most iconic weapon in human history.

For more information, visit:https://www.britannica.com/technology/AK-47