AK-47 The GrimReaper updated 2^nd Edition

1000+ pages

Chipotle Publishing, out of print

Brand New in the publisher’s shrink wrap

One internet book review…

BEST AK REFERENCE BOOK – AK-47: THE GRIM REAPER 2ND EDITION

 By RONINSGRIPS

Folks ask me what is the best reference book to learn moreabout AK rifles and the variations that are made all over the world. The Grim Reaper Second Editionbook by Frank Iannamico is, hands down, my number one recommendationand I say that based on owning somewhere over a dozen books on the AK rifle.

The firstversion of the book was very good and with the second he improved theguidance and increased the number of photos.  In it, he provides:

Development of assault rifles

Production facilities in the USSR/Russia

The Russian AK-47 – Production, Type 1, Type 2, AKM and AKS

The Russian AK-74 – including the base AK-74, AKS-74,AK-74N, AK-74M, AKS-74U

The AK-100 series and AN-4

Related Russian AK designs including the RPK

AKs produced in Warsaw Pact and other countires – thecoverage by country is something I find very valuable

AKs in America

Accessories including magazines, bayonets, optics andmore 

This is a book you will want to add to your library.  Ikeep it on the right side of my desk for quick access when I need to looksomething up. 

The bad news is that the price of these books always go up.The first edition did and the second has as well. As of 2/19/2024, the secondedition is going for around $364 in new condition and the first edition isgoing for around $330. Why? Simple – supply and demand. With both books theyproduced a limited number and then everyone wants a copy because they are thatgood.

There are some good alternatives but they do not have thesheer breadth and depth of coverage that the Iannamico books do: