KALASHNIKOV HOSPITALIZED

Kalashnikov in 2009.
Copyright: www.kremlin.ru.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Michael_Kalashikov.jpg

Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the AK-47, one of the world's most remarkable firearms, has been hospitalized after complaining of general weakness. The 93 year old Kalashnikov was reportedly having heart problems prior to his hospitalization that took place on December 20th. 

While we have two versions of that rifle in our house and enjoy shooting them immensely, I cannot forget that they were initially manufactured kill enemies of the Soviet Union and thus would have been used against us had war ever broken out between the USSR and the USA. Knockoffs and genuine AK-47s sold to other nations have most definitely been used against out troops. So, while I have mixed feelings about that and thus about him, I still find myself wishing him well since the Cold War died along with the USSR but the AK-47 and Kalashnikov both live on. 

Source: http://www.defensenews.com/article/20121226/DEFREG01/312260004/Russia-8217-s-Kalashnikov-Intensive-Care-Report?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

All the best,
Glenn B