Mass production of the AK-47 commenced at the Izhmash factory in Izhevsk. This marked the beginning of the rifle's widespread distribution throughout the Soviet military and its satellite states.

AK-47s begin to be widely issued to Soviet troops. Soldiers praise the weapon's simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance. It quickly becomes known as a revolutionary weapon.

Kalashnikov was awarded the Stalin Prize for his work on the AK-47, a testament to its perceived importance to the Soviet Union's military strength.

Various modifications and improvements were made to the AK-47 during the 1950s to address manufacturing challenges and enhance its performance in different environments.

The AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovanny – Kalashnikov modernized automatic rifle) was introduced. It featured a stamped receiver, improving production efficiency and reducing weight. This became the most widely produced version of the AK-47.