AK-47 is a gun.
The AK-47 ( [ Автомат Калашникова , translit = Avtomat Kalashnikova , lit = Kalashnikov 's Automatic Rifle ] ) is a selective-fire ( semi-automatic and automatic ) , gas-operated 7.62 × 39 mm assault rifle , developed in the Soviet Union by Mikhail Kalashnikov . It is the originating firearm of the Kalashnikov rifle ( or `` AK '' ) family . The AK-47 has been manufactured in many countries and has seen service with armed forces as well as irregular forces worldwide , and was the basis for developing many other types of individual and crew-served firearms . A stock , also known as a shoulder stock , a buttstock , or simply a butt is a part of a rifle or other firearm , to which the barrel and firing mechanism are attached , that is held against one 's shoulder when firing the gun .