AK-103
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1994
Also known as: Kalashnikov AK-103, AK-103M
Overview
The AK-103 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) since 1994.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3880 g (136.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Folded Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 750 m/s (2461 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Muzzle Brake Compensator, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Side Optics Mount, Polymer Furniture, Curved Magazine
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 1994
- Venezuelan Armed Forces · adopted 2006
- Indian Armed Forces (MARCOS / Garud)
- Ethiopian National Defense Force
- Armenian Armed Forces · adopted 2020
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces · adopted 2017
- Iranian Armed Forces
- Uruguayan National Guard
Conflicts
- Yemeni Civil War (2014-present)
- Second Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020-2020)
- Venezuelan Crisis (2017-present)
Production
Production years: 1994-present
Licensed production in Venezuela (CAVIM), Ethiopia, Armenia, and Saudi Arabia. One of the most commercially successful modern AK variants.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
The AK-103 uses the same receiver, trigger group, and furniture as the AK-74M, differing primarily in barrel chambering and magazine well dimensions. The AK-104 is a compact carbine variant with a shorter barrel and muzzle brake. The AK-103M modernization adds Picatinny rail interfaces and updated ergonomics. Weight listed is without magazine; with loaded 30-round magazine approximately 3.88 kg.
Background
The AK-103 became the centerpiece of Russia's arms diplomacy in the 2000s, with licensed production agreements in Venezuela, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia making it one of the most widely manufactured modern Kalashnikov variants outside Russia.