B-West (also rendered B West or B-WEST) was one of the earlier American importers of Chinese Type 56-pattern semi-automatic Kalashnikov rifles. Following Clayco Sports in 1983 and Golden State Arms Distributors (GSAD) in 1984, B-West entered the market in late 1984 to early 1985, with many of their first complete Chinese-made rifles reaching U.S. dealers in 1985.
Faktory 47 Blog
Chinese Preban AK Imports Part 3 - Rare Importers
Following the pioneering Clayco Sports imports of 1983 and the larger-volume Golden State Arms Distributors (GSAD) shipments that began in 1984, a number of smaller or shorter-lived American companies brought in Chinese Type 56-pattern semi-automatic rifles before the March 1989 import restrictions (and the later 1994 Assault Weapons Ban) cut off the flow of “assault rifles” configured with military features. These lesser-known importers never matched the volume or name recognition of later Norinco and Poly Technologies (Polytech) shipments, but their rifles represent some of the earliest and scarcest examples of Chinese Kalashnikovs to reach U.S. civilian hands.
From War Weapon to Art Form: The Fascinating History of AK-47 Battlefield Trench Art
Trench art is artwork created by soldiers from materials at hand—typically spent bullets, shells, or other battlefield scraps. AK-47 trench art specifically transforms discarded Kalashnikov components (cartridges, magazines, stocks, bayonets, and more) into sculptures, jewelry, bowls, vases, and engraved pieces.
The Road to Kalashnikov: Tracing the History of the Khyber Pass and the AK-47
Journey through the storied history of the Khyber Pass—from ancient trade route to modern AK-47 production center. Discover how this strategic mountain corridor shaped empires, conflicts, and the legendary Kalashnikov rifle.
Chinese Type-56 AK History
The Chinese Type-56 AK pattern of rifles began developing in 1956. The manufacturing of the Type-56 is believed to have started in the State Factory 66, with the very first rifles being produced using soviet tooling and Soviet AK Parts.
Best AK Books for the Kalashnikov Fan!
Looking for some great additional reading and wonderful AK resources? Well, look no further. Not listed in any particular order, but curated all in one place just for you, we have compiled this great list of popular reads!
East German AK History
Germany is a country well known for its pedigree in firearms development, and highly regarded for their engineering ingenuity, and consistently high production quality. From World War I & II, to the present, Germany has made some of the most iconic small arms in the world, including the STG 44 which is thought by many to have influenced the Kalashnikov design.
Fun and Interesting Facts about the AK-47
Interesting Facts and Tidbits about the Kalashnikov AK-47 1. Incorrect Naming The term AK-47 is the incorrect nomenclature. It is actually called the "AK" for Avtomat Kalashnikov (Automatic Kalashnikov) or simply "Kalashnikov" named after its designer Mikhail Kalashnikov. The number "47" refers to the year the original design...
Bulgarian AK History, Arsenal Factory 10
Bulgaria, the once renowned arms supplier of the Soviet Union has gained a lot of notoriety because of its weapon manufacturing capabilities, especially the Kalashnikov variants. From massive world powers like India, to rebels and terrorist organizations all over the world, Bulgarian Kalashnikov variants have made their way into some...
Egyptian AK History, Maadi Factory 54
The Soviet Union trained Egyptians in the proper manufacture of the AKM and imported materials to assist the Egyptian government. Build in Factory 54 in Cairo, the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries used genuine AKM components, paired with laminated wood furniture, to the exact specifications of the stamped AKMs built in the Soviet Union...
Polish AK History, Radom Factory 11
Even though Poland has not been seen as an aggressor or even the defender in modern military conflicts, its geographic location assisted in the political motivation to become a member of the Warsaw pact which almost cemented a future with government contracts to produce Kalashnikov AK pattern rifles.
Chinese Preban AK Imports Part 2 - GSAD
In 1984, approximately one year after the import of the Clayco AKS, the second of the Chinese "pre-ban" AK's began importation to the United States. The rifles were imported by Golden State Arms Distributors Inc. (G.S.A.D.) based out of Manhattan Beach CA. These rifles are commonly referred to as the GSAD.
Chinese Preban AK Imports Part 1 - Clayco Sports
The Clayco Sports AKS, often referred to as the "Clayco", was the first Chinese manufactured AKS to be imported to the United States, and only the second AK to be imported behind only the Egyptian Steyr Maadi imported about a year prior...
The Century Arms Draco
Century Arms has been the largest importer of surplus and new firearms in North American for over half a century. Century Arms was founded in 1961 in Vermont and relocated to Florida in 1995. The company primarily imports guns but also manufacturers branded weapons under the company's name. They have...
Romanian AK History
Romanian AKs are some of the most popular variants available in the US market due to their availability and price. While some elitists may not be impressed by these rifles, it is very common for some of the best US manufactured AKs to be produced using Romanian parts kits. Many...
Yugoslavian/ Serbia AK History
When shopping for your next AK pattern rifle, you will more than likely run into a variety of Yugoslavian variants. The former Yugoslavian AK’s have been around since the early 1970’s and have cemented their place as an excellent example of a quality rifle for both military and sporting purposes....
The Kalashnikov USA Komrad
Kalashnikov is a well-known Russian designed gun brand, delivering high-quality firearms, most notably, the world-famous AK-47, or Avtomat Kalashnikova. Once an import, Kalashnikov USA adds American innovation to Russian engineering, manufacturing firearms that provide reliability, power, and absolute freedom. Kalashnikov guns are known for their superior builds and careful assembly,...
Re-Fang a Mak-90 - Part 1 - Chu Wood
If you have a Chinese Norinco Mak-90, the thought and desire of "un-neutering" it to its intended configuration has most likely crossed your mind! The Chinese Type-56 Kalashnikov variant is highly desirable among AK enthusiasts for its unmatched quality. Thicker metal, high quality blued finishing, modified front trunnion rivet pattern,...
5.45 - Poison Bullet or Dead Cartridge
If you’ve spent any amount of time in the AK world, you have no doubt run into the 5.45 master race. I was drawn in by stories of the Afghan war and the havoc the 5.45x39 would reap on soft targets. The idea of a soft shooting and devastating AK...
Competition, Culture, Kalashnikov
The October sunrise peered down upon the Pro Gun Club Vegas in Boulder City Nevada bringing a welcome bit of warmth to the competitors as they ran through their final gear checks. The 2019 Red Oktober Kalashnikov Championship was about to begin. At any one of the 8 stages could...
Russia Izhmash - Men's T-Shirt
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Bulgaria Arsenal - Hoodie
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Nevermind Kalashnikov - Women's Crop Top Tee
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Come and Take It AK-104 Flag
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Factory Proof Marks Banner
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AK Bolt Face - Trucker Cap
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7.62 - Flexfit Cap
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