Russia's Kalashnikov plans to sell 200,000 guns in US annually

Russia’s Kalashnikov gun maker is planning to sell up to 200,000 hunting and sporting rifles and shotguns in the United States every year, RIA Novosti said Monday. The recently established Kalashnikov Concern, which includes Izhmash, Izhmekh and some other small-arms manufacturers under the famed Kalashnikov brand, is expected to sign an exclusive agreement with the Russian Weapon Company at the 2014 SHOT Show in Las Vegas in January. According to estimates, Kalashnikov could sell up to 200,000 units in the US annually through RWC as an exclusive dealer, the company’s spokesperson Yelena Filatova said. Izhmash, one of the world’s largest firearms manufacturers and the maker of Saiga rifles and shotguns, Biathlon target rifles and the legendary AK-47, appointed RWC Group LLC as its exclusive US importer during the 2012 SHOT Show. Saiga rifles and shotguns are based on the classic, rugged and reliable Kalashnikov design. They are used primarily for hunting, target practicing and sporting competitions.