The Vietnam War AK with an Incredible Story, with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson
Royal Armouries
Aug 12, 2026 15:26
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In this episode of What Is This Weapon? Jonathan examines a 1953 Soviet Type 2 Kalashnikov with a remarkable history. We explain what makes it a Type 2 AK and follow its journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the Royal Armouries collection.
The rifle has also recently provided a historical reference for the team behind Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, developed by Expression Games and published by Team17.
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam releases tomorrow! The Royal Armouries are proud to have collaborated and shared our collections and expertise with new audiences. This collaboration offers players vivid in-game detail and fresh ways to engage with the stories and heritage that the Royal Armouries preserves.
Sources:
Object no PR.5428
Col. Dillon’s awards - Gregory Dillon - Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star, U.S. Military Awards
Hal Moore and Joseph L. Galloway. ‘We Were Soldiers Once... And Young—Ia Drang: The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam’. (New York: Harper Perennial, 1992).
"We Were Soldiers" Veteran Is Reunited with his Captured AK from Vietnam by TFB TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElyQU-t8PcQ
#AK47 #VietnamWar #MilitaryHistory #FirearmsHistory #RoyalArmouries #HellLetLooseVietnam
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