I sleep well. It's the politicians who are to blame for failing to come to an agreement and resorting to violence.

I would prefer to have invented a machine that people could use and that would help farmers with their work - for example a lawnmower.

It is painful for me to see when criminal elements of all kinds fire from my weapon.

My work is my life, and my life is my work. I invented this assault rifle to defend my country. Today, I am proud that it has become for many synonymous with liberty.

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

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

I had to gain experience as I did not have a technical education.