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Kalashnikov AK-103

1994 MODERN

History of the Kalashnikov AK-103

The AK-103 represents a modernized form of the AKM assault rifle written by Mikhail Kalashnikov. Introduced in 1959, the AKM has proven ultimate success in numerous global conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Iran-Iraq War, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, to name a few. Despite its 1960s vintage, AKM in its classic form - remains a staunch accomplice to many high-profile operations around the world. The AK-103 simply brings the good qualities of the AKM system into the modern era, with plastic composites and polymers replacing the old (and heavy) wooden furniture of previous attempts to use Kalashnikov rifles.

The AK-103 also differed from earlier forms by introducing support for accessories, optics and modern grenade launchers. The AK-103 was designed in 1994 and production has been taken over by the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, with about 160,000 prototypes delivered.

AK-103 operators include Ethiopian, Indian, Venezuelan and certain Russian special police forces.

Externally, the AK-103 shares many of the same wiring as the 1950s AK-47. In addition, it includes some features of the export-only AK-101 series. The cylinder is mounted on the barrel in true Kalashnikov style and has a prominent muzzle flash suppressor and front sight. The butt was ergonomically placed behind the receiver. The pistol grip is straight and slopes back behind the curved trigger.

The trigger is protected by an angle ring, located behind the magazine feeder. Basic standard sights are adjustable (rear notch, front hemispherical post) and optics can be mounted on top of the receiver.

Additionally, aiming lasers and flashlights, as well as the GP-30 single-shot grenade launcher, can be mounted on the front end and under the barrel.

The gun weighs 7.5 lbs without a magazine installed. Overall lengths are 37.1" (stock fully extended) and 27.6" (stock folded down to side of receiver). The barrel is 16.3 inches long. Like the AKM, the AK-103 (and AK-104) is armed with standard Soviet-era Russian 7.62x39mm caliber cartridges.

The ignition is driven by a rotating bolt from a curved, detachable 30-round magazine. The rate of fire is approximately 650 rounds per minute and the muzzle velocity is 2,411 feet per second. The range is up to 500 meters.

The AK-103 naturally developed into a more compact carbine form, designated the AK-104, similar to the full-length AK-101 of the shorter AK-102 series.