AK-103

Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifle (Russia)

 

Caliber: 7.62×39 M43
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs
Length, mm: overall: 943; w/folded butt 700;
Barrel Length, mm: 415
Weigth: 3.4 kg empty
Magazine capacity, 30  rounds
Rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute

 

The Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifle is a modification of the current Russian standard issue AK-74M rifle, for the older 7.62x39mm ammunition. It is primarily intended for export, though quite a lot of these rifles are in use by various Russian special Law Enforcement groups. The Russian services tend to prefer 7.62mm over 5.45mm for its greater stopping power.

So far the biggest buyer for AK-103 assault rifles has been Venezuela, which in 2006 bought 100,000 of the rifles.  Venezuela is intent to purchase the manufacturing license and necessary equipment for domestic production of this weapon.

The AK-103 is technically similar to AK-74M except for the caliber and magazines used. Any 7.62mm AK / AKM type magazine can be used in AK-103, but the rifles are now issued with newly produced 30-round magazines made of black polymer.