September 19 is Gunsmith Day in Russia.

Gunsmith Day is a professional holiday celebrating workers in the defense industry, weapons creators, and specialists in Russian arms traditions. It was established in 2010, thanks to Mikhail Kalashnikov (pictured above), the famous designer of the AK-47.

The holiday's origins date back to May 25, 2010, when Vladimir Putin, then Prime Minister, visited the "Izhmash" defense plant in Izhevsk. During this visit, Kalashnikov asked Putin to create a day for Russia’s gunsmiths, where they could gather annually to reflect on their achievements. Putin agreed, and September 19 was chosen to align with the Orthodox feast of Archangel Michael, the patron saint of warriors.

On December 3, 2011, President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree officially establishing the holiday to honor the contributions of Russian gunsmiths to the defense of the country.

Russia’s defense industry, which employs around two million people across 64 regions, produces some of the world’s finest weapons. Gunsmith Day is now celebrated in key cities like Izhevsk, the home of the AK-47, and Tula, known for its long arms-making traditions. These celebrations often include parades, rallies, concerts, fireworks, and award ceremonies for distinguished workers and veterans of the defense industry. In Tula, an Alley of Fame for notable gunsmiths was created in 2012 near the Weapons Museum to commemorate the occasion.

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