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AK-103
File:AK-103 Assault Rifle.JPG
The AK-103 assault rifle
Type Assault rifle
Place of origin Russian Federation
Service history
Used by See Users
Wars First Chechen War
Second Chechen War
2008 South Ossetia war
Libyan civil war
Production history
Designer Mikhail Kalashnikov
Designed 1994
Manufacturer Izhmash
No. built 200,000+
Variants AK-104
Specifications
Mass 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) without magazine
Length 943 mm (37.1 in) stock extended / 700 mm (27.6 in) stock folded
Barrel length 415 mm (16.3 in)

Cartridge 7.62×39mm
Action Gas operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire 600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity 715 m/s (2,346 ft/s)
Effective firing range 500 m (550 yd)
Feed system 30-round detachable box magazine
Sights Notch rear on sight scale and half-globe post on front

The AK-103 assault rifle is a derivative of the AK-74M chambered for the 7.62×39mm M43 round, similar to the older AKM. The AK-103 can be fitted with a variety of sights, including laser, night vision, and telescopic sights, plus a suppressor and the GP-25 grenade launcher. It uses plastic components whenever possible instead of wood or metal in order to reduce weight.

Design details[]

A103a1

AK-103 with the stock folded.

Ak103 m

AK-103

Differences from the AKM series include redesigned rear and front trunnions, as well as a 90 degree gas block, AK-74 style front sight block, the use of a black ribbed 30-round magazine constructed of phenolic resin (which is AKM-compatible as well), an AK-74-type muzzle brake, and black synthetic furniture with a heat shield. These improvements allow the AK-103 to have less recoil, lower weight, better accuracy and enhanced durability than the AKM assault rifles that preceded the AK-103.

The AK-104 is a compact version of the AK-103. It combines features from the older AKS-74U carbine with features from the AK-103, giving a more accurate carbine. It is also chambered for 7.62×39mm ammunition.

Users[]

  • Flag of Ethiopia Ethiopia: The Gafat Armament Engineering Complex produces the AK-103 rifle in Ethiopia. Supplements the AKM in the Ethiopian Armed Forces.[1]
  • Flag of India India: The Russian arms company Izhmash has issued a license to an Indian private arms manufacturer to produce the AK-103.[2]
  • Flag of Indonesia Indonesia[citation needed]
  • Flag of Pakistan Pakistan: Used by SSG & Special Service Group Navy.[3]
  • Flag of Iran Iran: Used by the Iranian Army.[citation needed]
  • Flag of Libya (1951) Libya: Seen in the hands of anti-Gaddafi forces & loyalists in numerous photos.[4][5]
  • Flag of Morocco Morocco[citation needed]
  • Flag of Russia Russia: Used by various special police groups and spec ops groups.[6]
  • Flag of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia: Seen in use by Saudi Commandos training in France.[citation needed]
  • Flag of Syria Syria: Used by Syrian commandos.[citation needed]
  • Flag of Venezuela Venezuela: Standard issue weapon of the Venezuelan Army. A manufacturing plant to produce the AK-103 in Maracay is operational, and it produces up to 50,000 units per year.[7][8]

See also[]

References[]

External links[]

All or a portion of this article consists of text from Wikipedia, and is therefore Creative Commons Licensed under GFDL.
The original article can be found at AK-103 and the edit history here.
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