The rifles designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov are the most widely used military rifles in the world. They are to be found on every continent and, it is safe to say, they will be found in every country in the world that had friendly diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Union, or its successor, the Russian Federation. -- From the introduction.

Introduction -- Kalashnikov's rifle : a world standard -- Part-by-part description -- The AK-47 : a world standard -- Kalashnikov-pattern rifles -- The AK-74 and its variations -- Accessories for the Kalashnikov rifle -- Avtomat Kalashnickova 2012 (AK12) -- Ammunition for the Kalashnikov rifles -- The Soviet SVD and other sniper rifles -- Appendices : Exploded view 7.62 AKM -- Serial numbers and markings -- Assembly/disassembly -- Cleaning and maintaining -- Shooting the Kalashnikov rifle -- Troubleshooting the Kalashnikov rifle -- The Kalashnikov rifle in wars since 1945 -- The Federal government and the assault weapon -- Accessories and parts for the Kalashnikov rifle -- Buying a Kalashnikov rifle -- Bibliography.