AK-103 | |
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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) |
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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[]
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[]
- Ethiopia: The Gafat Armament Engineering Complex produces the AK-103 rifle in Ethiopia. Supplements the AKM in the Ethiopian Armed Forces.[1]
- India: The Russian arms company Izhmash has issued a license to an Indian private arms manufacturer to produce the AK-103.[2]
- Indonesia[citation needed]
- Pakistan: Used by SSG & Special Service Group Navy.[3]
- Iran: Used by the Iranian Army.[citation needed]
- Libya: Seen in the hands of anti-Gaddafi forces & loyalists in numerous photos.[4][5]
- Morocco[citation needed]
- Russia: Used by various special police groups and spec ops groups.[6]
- Saudi Arabia: Seen in use by Saudi Commandos training in France.[citation needed]
- Syria: Used by Syrian commandos.[citation needed]
- 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[]
- AK-107 (Includes AK-108)
- List of Russian weaponry
References[]
- ↑ "Dejen Aviation Engineering Complex (DAVEC)". http://www.ethiopiabook.com/technology/engineering/dejen-aviation-engineering-complex-davec-16093.html. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ↑ Pradeep Thakur (2008-02-18). "Latest Kalashnikovs to be made in India". The Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/AK-100_to_be_made_in_India_soon/articleshow/2793608.cms. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ↑ "Special Forces (Maritime) (Pakistan), Amphibious and special forces". Jane's Information Group. http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Amphibious-and-Special-Forces/Special-Forces-Maritime-Pakistan.html.[dead link]
- ↑ Bryan Chan; Luis Sinco (2011-03-04). "On the revolutionary road in Libya, Photo #4". Los Angeles Times. http://framework.latimes.com/2011/03/02/kadafi-loyalists-rebels-fight-for-oil-plant-in-libya/#/4. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ↑ http://securityscholar.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/update-ii-ak-103-exports-to-libya/
- ↑ http://world.guns.ru/assault/as05-e.htm
- ↑ "Venezuela tests Russian Sukhoi warplanes". El Universal Daily News. http://english.eluniversal.com/2006/12/07/en_eco_art_07A812807.shtml. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
- ↑ "Russian Arms Merchant raps on Latin America’s Door". Scoop. 2002-03-22. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00423.htm. Retrieved 2010-04-01.
External links[]
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The original article can be found at AK-103 and the edit history here.