41 AK 47 Tattoo Designs for Men
To add some bombastic firepower to your ink repertoire, nothing can surpass the deadly sophistication of an AK-47 tattoo. These impactful pieces are incredibly expressive and vitally stirring.
The Russian Kalashnikov is perhaps the most iconic weapon in history, and it adds tremendous sway to any man’s tattoo arsenal.
These semi-automatic guns carry a legendary reputation that transcends art styles, so it will bring a distinct rush of energy within any design scheme. Ultimately, AK-47 ink masterfully enhances the inscrutable regality of a supremely groundbreaking gentleman.
For individuals who ascribe to counter-cultural mentalities, this type of tattoo offers a daring revolt. The authoritative weaponry is a mighty endowment that bestows serious clout, and the fatalistic presentation can be downright intimidating. To instill extra force, you can even implement the presence of a sharply polished bayonet.
Because the AK-47 is an incredibly popular gun, special attention can be paid to all of the intricate modifications. For example, a lot of variation can be explored via changes to the stock, barrel, sights and magazine. It is even possible to capture a fiery discharge in action. Furthermore the ammo can be shown to prove you are heavily armed.
As you are about to behold, AK-47 tattoos should be a part of every guy’s external artillery.
1. Black and Gray AK 47 Tattoos
Of the many black and grey options solid black can make for a compelling piece. Without shading, without shadows, you’re looking at a pure silhouette. From the dark outline alone terror springs. Because everyone knows what that symbol means: business. A man not to be messed with. Simplicity only adds mystery and menace.
But that’s far from your only option with black and grey. A skilled artist can make use of shading to show off every groove and shadow in your piece. If you want a design that makes people’s eyes pop with the detail then black and grey is a great choice. Combining an AK47 tattoo with the original prison ink aesthetic only heightens the appeal.
2. Small AK47 Tattoos
A small AK47 tattoo on your finger is as badass as it gets. A small AK47 tattoo is a great choice to combine the overt symbolism of firepower you get out of the gun with the nonchalance of a man with nothing to prove.
Small tattoos are also the weapon of choice for ink enthusiasts who want more pieces than they have canvas. The AK47 isn’t a complex image requiring tonnes of space to see real detail. It can work just as effectively small as large.
3. American Traditional AK47 Tattoos
AK47 tattoos will forever be associated with bad boys, rebels and counterculture. That’s true of any kind of badass gun ink. That makes them the perfect fit for American Traditional style.
American Traditional was almost ubiquitous as THE tattoo style in America for most of the last century. As such its built some powerful connections in representation with the types of people who got tattoos for most of last century: bikers, rebels, outlaws and sailors. This is old school manliness.
American Traditional is distinguished by the use of thick bold black outlines and a limited but bright colour palette. Recurring themes in American Traditional are roses, skull and crossbones, knives and anchors amongst others. The AK47 is the perfect modern addition and we’re sure Sailor Jerry would approve.
4. AK47 Tattoos with Red or Brown
Black and brown, black and red or black, brown and red are far and away the most popular colour schemes for AK47 tattoos. And with good reason. No matter the style of art AK47s really are just two colours: black and brown. That means they can be well represented in American Traditional, cartoon, realism, minimalism and just about every other style with just two colours.
Throwing red in is a brilliant homage to American Traditional and also allows for the use of the still rather niche Trash Polka style. Red also plays off beautifully with the AK47 symbolism. Red is courage, red is danger, red is action, red is blood. You won’t have any trouble getting across a bad boy message with red, brown and black AK47 ink.
5. AK47 Accompanying Script Tattoos
Script tattoos are ancient and I mean ancient. Like 10000 years before the birth of Christ ancient. That’s how long we’ve been inking script on ourselves. That we know of. But we don’t need to travel that far back in time for ideas. In more modern times script pieces have been an incredibly effective way to honor those who’ve passed.
Over the years the AK47 has also come to serve as a memorial. Combining an AK47 with script of names or dates can be a very powerful commemoration of a lost loved one. This is a particularly masculine way of saying “gone but not forgotten” to a brother in arms.
The AK47 also adds a seriousness to whatever is written so can combine well with any kind of words to add solemnity. For the living it can also be a way of saying I will protect you at any cost.
AK47 Tattoo FAQs
What does an AK47 tattoo symbolize?
From the first rifle you pick up in Goldeneye (off a dead Russian no less) to Stallone in Rambo 3 the AK47 has fired its own entry into the manliness hall of fame. One of the most recognizable objects in the world its meaning will be instantly and easily conveyed by even a quick glance at your piece. Beyond its place in action movies and video games the AK47 is also a symbol of rebellion, revolution and toughness.
While the AK47 itself has its own special representation, having a gun tattoo also brings its own symbolism. Guns are a universal sign of toughness, power, the willingness to do violence, to stand up for yourself and others, and the battle between good and evil.
You could be the ultimate bad boy, an outlaw, a cowboy, a sheriff, or a hero. No matter what form they take these gun tattoos symbolize masculinity and power.
Looking for a different kind of gun tattoo? Click on the links below for more galleries of awesome ink inspiration:
