Mikhail Kalashnikov Meets Eugene Stoner

The inventor of the AK-47, Mikhail Kalashnikov (right), meets the inventor of the M-16, Eugene Stoner (left)

Historical Context

The AK-47 assault rifle is perhaps the most famous weapon in the world. Manufactured by the millions since its creation by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1949, it has seen action in almost every conflict since. And it has often come into conflict with armies wielding the M16 assault rifle, also one of the most famous and produced weapons in the world.

The rifles were created by arch-enemies - the AK-47 by the Soviets and the M16 by the Americans. It would only be in 1990, the year before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, that their respective creators would meet.

Eugene Stoner and Mikhail Kalashnikov met in Washington D.C. Perhaps not so surprisingly the two men became friends, a shared bond with their unique stories, touring the city and visiting a hunting lodge.