This dataset chronicles over 75 different conflicts where the Kalashnikov or a variant was the primary weapon of one or more of the combatants.

Data sources included Kalashnikov Culture: Small Arms Proliferation and Irregular Warfare by Christopher Carr, The Gun by C.J. Chivers, The AK-47 and AK74 Kalashnikov Rifles and Their Variations by Joe Poyer, and The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles (Weapon) by Gordon Rottman. Data collected included name of conflict, countr(ies) of usage, combatants, years of conflict, Kalashnikov variants used (if known) and Kalashnikov country of origin/manufacture (if known).

Oftentimes, Kalashnikovs manufactured in one country were bought and traded in key Kalashnikov marketplaces such as Bakaaraha (Somalia), Cox’s Bazaar (Bangladesh), Darra (Pakistan), Souks (Yemen) and the Iguacu Triangle (South America). Via legal and illegal sales and trades, Kalashnikovs migrated from conflict to conflict.