Kalashnikov sells replica rifles at Moscow airport

The Kalashnikov Concern, the maker of the AK-47 assault rifle, opened a shop at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow this week.

"You can buy company souvenirs, clothing, bags and other useful items," the company said in a statement. "Our sales cases will also feature replicas of firearms which can be bought as a souvenir by anyone of full legal age."

Among the items on sale are pens, umbrellas, bags, hats, camouflage gear and "I love AK" T-shirts, as well as life-size replicas of the rifle used by the Soviet army and guerilla movements around the globe.

"Kalashnikov is one of the most popular brands that come to mind for most people in the world when they hear about Russia," Kalashnikov's head of marketing, Vladimir Dmitriev, said in a press release.

"We are pleased to provide the opportunity for everyone to take away from Russia a souvenir with our company brand."

Anna Zakharova, a spokeswomen at Sheremetyevo, told the AFP news agency the replica rifles may be of concern.

"This issue is seriously important," she said. "The situation is being monitored by our aviation security service."

She said the airport may make recommendations to the store regarding some of its merchandise.

cw/sms (AFP, Reuters)