Mikhail Kalashnikov is a Russian small arms designer which has an estimated net worth of $20 million.

Mikhail Kalashnikov was known for developing guns such as AK-47 assault rifle, AK-74 and AKM.

In 1944, he designed a gas-operated carbine for the new 7.62x39 mm cartridge. The said weapon was inspired from the StG 44, and became an entry for an assault rifle competition in 1946

His winning entry, the Mikhtim was the prototype for the rifles. In 1947, when he designed the AK-47 which means Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947. In 1949, AK-47 became a standard assault rifle of the Soviet Army.

During his entire career as an inventor of assault rifle, he created AKM, AK-74 and other small weapons under his designs.

Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov was born on November 10, 1919 in Kurya, Altai Krai, Russia. He married Ekaterina Kalashnikova and has 4 children. On December 23, 2013, he died in his residence at Izhevsk, Udmurtia, Russia after a prolonged illness.