I tried a dozen different modifications that were rejected. But they all served as a path to the final design.

The fact that people die because of an AK-47 is not because of the designer, but because of politics.

When a young man, I read somewhere the following: God the Almighty said, 'All that is too complex is unnecessary, and it is simple that is needed.' So this has been my lifetime motto – I have been creating weapons to defend the borders of my fatherland, to be simple and reliable.

I've always wanted to improve and expand on the good name of my weapon by doing good things.

You see, with [designing]weapons, it is like a woman who bears children. For months she carries her baby and thinks about it. A designer does much the same thing with a prototype. I felt like a mother - always proud. It is a special feeling, as if you were awarded with a special award. I shot with it a lot. I still do now. That is why I am hard of hearing.

Then it was like a genie out of the bottle and it began to walk all on its own and in directions I did not want.

I am still ready to shake hands with anyone who designs a better assault rifle than mine.