Russia to defend AK-47 copyright
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV
The Associated Press
KLIMOVSK, Russia | Russia has been a major market for counterfeit music, movies and computer programs from around the world, but at least one Russian product has been pirated worldwide: the Kalashnikov assault rifle.
Russia will step up action to defend the copyright of the Kalashnikov, which is made without license by dozens of manufacturers around the world, said Anatoly Isaikin, the chief of the nation’s state arms-trading monopoly.
The Kalashnikov has become the world’s most widely distributed weapon, with some 100 million made in the 60 years since the AK-47 went into serial production. But only about half of them are the genuine, locally made article.
The counterfeit production of Kalashnikovs outside Russia has incurred financial losses, tarnished the brand because of their poor quality and dented the country’s prestige abroad, Isaikin said last week.
“Their quality bears no comparison to a Kalashnikov produced in Russia,” Isaikin told reporters at a shooting range here.
Isaikin said his company, Rosoboronexport, was working to draft pacts with foreign countries that would protect copyright for Kalashnikovs and other Russian weapons. There are about 30 foreign makers of Kalashnikovs, he said.
Izhmash, which makes the weapon in Russia, has lost an estimated $400 million to $500 million a year to counterfeit Kalashnikov makers, said company director Vladimir Grodetsky.SOURCE: http://www.kansascity.com/news/world/story/1527814.html
Posts Tagged ‘AK’
Russia to defend AK-47 copyright
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Russian Saiga Rifles for less than $550 out the door? Yes, please!
Monday, October 26th, 2009
http://www.k-var.com/shop/home.php?cat=353
Did anyone see K-var’s latest dealio?
Apparently they decided to get with it and make some money selling converted Saiga rifles at an affordable and very competitive price.
Take a look at what they are offering:
$499
SGL21 (Saiga) – Black Stockset Russian made stamped receiver, 7.62×39 caliber, chrome lined hammer forged barrel, front sight block with bayonet lug and 24×1.5 right-hand threads, muzzle brake, standard mil-spec. handguards with stainless steel heat shield and Warsaw length buttstock, 1000 meter rear sight leaf, scope rail, accessory lug. Comes with 5rd. magazine! $499
This next one is my favorite–check out that front handguard/forearm rail!
$569
Description: Saiga rifle, US made black polymer furniture, Warsaw Pact length buttstock, compensator, 5-round magazine, 7.62×39 caliber, chrome lined hammer forged 16″ barrel, front sight block with bayonet lug, accessory lug, 24×1.5mm right-hand threads, durable aluminum upper and lower handguards with Picatinny rails, US made double stage fire control group, 1000m rear sight, cleaning rod, scope rail. $569
SPECIFICATIONS:
• Caliber: 7.62 x 39 mm
• Total Length: 861 mm (33 7/8 in.)
• Barrel Length: 415 mm (16.3 in.)
• Rifling: 4 grooves
• Twist Rate: 1 in 240 mm (9.44 in.)
• Weight without Magazine: 3.24 kg (7.15 lbs.)
• Muzzle Velocity: 710 m/s (2,329 fps)
• Effective Range: 500 m (550 yds)
• Maximum Range: 1,350 m (1,480 yds)
• Rear Sight Range: 1000 m (1,094 yds)
If you get a chance…pick one of these up. The shipping estimate came out as– UPS Ground ($17.96). Tack on your transfer fee at your dealer/FFL (Federal Firearms License) and you could have a genuine Russian AKM in your hands for under $550.