Yevgeniy Strebkov, a reserve colonel and combat veteran who oversaw the Navy's marine artillery detachment in the North Caucasus in 1999-2000, shares his story in this episode. The future Colonel Strebkov first became familiar with the AK in his early years. He made his first attempts to disassemble and assemble it back as a pre-schooler and was issued a personal one once a military school cadet.
"The rifle was a part of me, as it is for any soldier, sailor, officer, or NCO. Once you're given one, you never want to be without it again. You develop a bond with your gun as you sleep with it, cuddle it like your dear wife, clean it meticulously, and treasure it. Your rifle always stays by your side," the veteran says.
Watch the episode to find out how an AK mag can save a life and to hear a professional's take on the never-ending 5.45 vs. 7.62 debate.
The AK: Nonfiction Stories project was created to honor the 103rd anniversary of the great designer Mikhail Kalashnikov's birthday. In this video series, we've gathered accounts of soldiers who gained not only a reliable weapon but also a trusty friend in an AK.
Follow Kalashnikov Group's latest news on our Telegram channel, watch new videos on Rutube and trade thoughts with like-minded people on our VK page.
