Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov was born in the village of Kurya, Altai Governorate (now Altai Krai, Russia), as the eighth child in a peasant family. His early life was marked by hardship and a close connection to rural life, influencing his later designs which prioritized simplicity and reliability in challenging conditions.

Kalashnikov's family was labeled as 'kulaks' (wealthy peasants) and forcibly deported to Siberia as part of Stalin's collectivization policies. This traumatic experience deeply affected him and instilled a sense of resilience. The hardships faced during this period are said to have fueled his determination to improve the lives of ordinary soldiers through innovative weaponry.