01.08.2020 — 12.08.2020

The stock exhibition «Reflection of Talent» dedicated to the 70th anniversary of birth of famous weapons designer Gennady Nikolayevich Nikonov was opened in the Kalashnikov Museum and Exhibition Complex of Small Arms on August, 1.

A product always reflects character of its creator. The new generation assault rifle, known as the AN-94, places higher demands on skills and gun culture of a shooter. This is a serious weapon for high-class specialists. Designer G.N. Nikonov spent over 15 years on its creation. He joined project Abakan, being a graduate of the evening department of Mechanical Institute, and finished the work, completing his doctoral dissertation.

The fate of the designer reflects the history of the country. In 1991, the Nikonov assault rifle successfully passed operational trials in the Taman Division. But it was adopted only in 1997 due to the difficult economic situation and the political crisis in the country. In 1998-2008, it was being produced at Izhmash. Initially, it was planned to completely re-equip the Russian army with new assault rifles, but this did not happen. Currently, the AN-94 is used in special forces of the Russian army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The anniversary exhibition presents either assault rifles designed by G.N. Nikonov (experimental assault rifle AS and classic AN-94) or personal belongings of the engineer (Industrial College diploma, commemorative medal of detachment Krechet and the Order of Nation’s Hope).

The AN-94 remains an example of bold design solution and an elite weapon of the 21st century. The name of Gennady Nikolayevich Nikonov is forever inscribed in the glorious cohort of famous Izhevsk gunsmiths.