News

AK-47 Manufacturing Plant Opening In Pompano Beach, Florida

Image via Pixabay

The world renown AK-47 assault rifle has been manufactured in Russia since it was first conceived nearly 70 years ago. But now, a company called Kalashnikov USA is planning on opening a manufacturing facility in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Prior to the U.S. government’s decision to impose sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Crimea, Kalashnikov USA was importing Russian-made AK-47s. Following the imposition of sanctions — which prevented the company from working with the original manufacturer, Concern Kalashnikov — the company severed its ties with Concern Kalashnikov and opened an assembly plant in Tullytown, Pennsylvania.

But now, in light of Pompano Beach’s decision to approve the company’s plan for a manufacturing facility in their city, it appears the company is headed to Pompano Beach to begin manufacturing their own own line of Kalashnikov-brand firearms designed to cater specifically to an American audience.

The company indicated in a statement on their website that they began with the “proven AK-47 design” and “added the American Innovation.”

We started with the proven AK-47 design, utilizing the Russian Heritage of the long stroke, gas piston, rotating bolt design. Starting with a firearm that is simple to operate, easy to maintain and built to last for years, this reliable and durable firearm has all the stopping power of a .30 caliber round. To this legendary firearm, we added the American Innovation.

Last week, the company debut its new lines of shotguns and rifles at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Among the company’s recently debut firearms is a new line of “Alpha” rifles that come equipped with high capacity magazines capable of holding up to 30 bullets in a single clip. But while the clips are capable of holding up to 30 rounds, the company is not licensed to manufacture ammunition.

Presently, Kalashnikov USA is licensed by the city and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to manufacture firearms, but its licenses don’t allow it to sell guns within the city limits. Subsequently, the firearms manufactured by the company at its Pompano Beach facility will be sold to retailers elsewhere, CNNMoney reported.

The AK-47 is named after its creator, Russian tank commander Mikhail Kalashnikov, and the first year it was produced. The “AK” stands for “Avtomat Kalashnikov,” which translates to “Kalashnikov’s machine,” and the “47” correlates with 1947 — the first year of the weapon’s production.

In 2007, while noting that he has an “unbearable” pain in his soul from the lives taken by the weapon he invented, Mikhail — who passed away at age 94 in 2013 — placed the blame on “the politicians” as he told The Associated Press they are the ones “who are to blame for failing to come to an agreement and resorting to violence.”

 

Click to comment
To Top

Hi - We Would Love To Keep In Touch

If you liked this article then please consider joing our mailing list to receive the latest news, updates and opportunities from our team.

We don't want an impostor using your email address so please look for an email from us and click the link to confirm your email address.