I’m pleased to welcome back longtime TFB writer, friend, and, most importantly for today, AK historian Vladimir Onokoy. Vlad has lived a remarkable life and had a front-row seat to some truly unique experiences. Most recently, he has taken on the ambitious challenge of writing a book on a niche and largely unexplored subject: the complex history of Zastava AK rifles. His upcoming book, From Balkans to Babylon: Zastava AKs of Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Iraq, dives deep into that story. While we do touch on what readers can expect from the book, today’s conversation focuses more on Vlad’s personal journey, what inspired him to start, and who motivated him to keep going. It is a story about following that instinct to document and share hard-earned knowledge, with the hope that it inspires others to do the same.More TFB Behind the Gun Podcast Episodes: TFB Behind the Gun #209: Ryan w/ Atrius Development Group TFB Behind the Gun #208: Vortex Edge's Chris Urrutia TFB Behind the Gun #207: Hot or Not w/ TFB's Doug E TFB Behind the Gun #222: From Balkans to Babylon w/ TFB's Vladimir O.Vladimir Onokoy returns to Behind the Gun to discuss his new book, From Balkans to Babylon: Zastava AKs of Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Iraq — and more importantly, the personal story behind writing it. From his extensive field experience to the inspirations that drove him to document this rich Kalashnikov lineage, Vlad encourages others to act on their own instincts to share hard-won knowledge like he intends to do in his new book coming out soon.Vladimir Onokoy on The Firearm Blog: https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/author/vladmir-o/Safar Publishing (pre-order the book): https://www.safar-publishing.com/product-page/from-balkans-to-babylon-zastava-aks-of-yugoslavia-serbia-and-iraqVladimir Onokoy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/machaksilverVladimir Onokoy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladonokoy/Contact Vladimir: vonokoybooks@proton.me Listen right here at TFB: Listen to Behind The Gun on TFB – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/podcast/Listen on Apple Podcasts: Listen to Behind The Gun on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tfb-behind-the-gun-podcast/id1505843385Listen on Spotify: Listen to Behind The Gun on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5riFj2wJFloCtoKzvCc4ml?si=V-JiLBcXQSKw6cdtWzqdTwPlease support our Behind The Gun Podcast sponsors:Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com If you’ve said that buying a silencer is too expensive, too long of a wait, or that the paperwork is too confusing, you’re not alone. Buying a silencer is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly either! But it’s the easiest it’s ever been!Kimber – www.R7Mako.com Kimber’s award-winning R7 Mako: the polymer-frame, striker-fired micro-compact with 14 rounds total capacity, and a trigger you have to experience to believe. Feed your appetite for something different at www.R7Mako.com.VNSH Holsters – www.vnsh.com/behindthegun The VNSH (pronounced Vanish) holster is quickly becoming one of the most popular holsters in America and thousands of customers say it’s the most comfortable holster ever. Because you’re a supporter of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast you can go to www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to get a $50 discount on the vanish holster which normally retails for $130. Visit www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to claim your $50 discount today!