Ian McCollum announces 'Small Arms of WW2: Soviet Union', the second volume from Headstamp Publishing, addressing the scarcity of English-language resources on Soviet WWII firearms. The book, featuring photography by James Rupley, covers a wide range of Soviet small arms, including rare prototypes and detailed historical context. Pre-orders are available for a limited time.
The AVS-36, the Soviet Union's first standard self-loading infantry rifle, is a rare and historically significant firearm. Despite its short service life, its performance, particularly in full-auto, is notable, with a powerful recoil impulse and substantial vibration, even with its effective muzzle brake. The rifle demonstrates a rapid cycling action and ejects brass with considerable force.
The AVS-36, designed by Sergei Simonov, was the Soviet Union's first standard-issue self-loading infantry rifle, predating the M1 Garand. It featured a short-stroke gas piston system that proved influential, a vertical sliding block locking mechanism, and striker-fired operation. Despite its innovative design, it was produced in limited numbers and eventually replaced by the more durable and cost-effective Tokarev SVT-38 and SVT-40.
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