During World War II, the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle used by German forces made a deep impression on their Soviet counterparts.
3 Concept
Mikhail Kalashnikov began his career as a weapon designer in 1941, while recuperating from a shoulder wound which he received during the Battle of Bryansk.
4 Early Designs
Kalashnikov started work on a submachine gun design in 194224 and with a light machine gun in 1943."Early in 1944, Kalashnikov was given some 7.6239mm M43 cartridges and informed that there were several designers working on weapons for this new Soviet small-arms cartridge.