AK-103

Infobox Weapon
name=AK-103


caption=The AK-103
origin=flag|Russia
type=Assault rifle
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=See "Users"
wars=
designer=Mikhail Kalashnikov
design_date=1994
manufacturer=Izhmash
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=AK-104
weight=kg to lb|3.4|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
length=mm to in|943|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes stock extended / mm to in|700|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes stock folded
part_length=mm to in|415|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes
cartridge=7.62x39mm
caliber=
action=Gas operated, rotating bolt
rate=600-650 rounds/min
velocity=convert|750|m/s|0|lk=on|sp=us|abbr=on
range=500 m
max_range=
feed=30-round detachable box magazine
sights=Rear notch on sliding scale and front post

The AK-103 is a modern Russian-built version of the famous AKM assault rifle, chambered for the 7.62x39mm M43 round. It combines the developments made in the AK-74 and AK-74M with a use of plastics to replace metal or wooden components wherever possible to reduce overall weight. The AK-103 can be fitted with a tactical light, laser sight, telescopic sight, night vision sight, suppressor, and the GP-30 grenade launcher.

The AK-103 is most likely in limited service with selected units in the Russian army Spetsnaz, due to the good armor and cover penetration of the 7.62x39mm, and is already being exported to other countries such as Venezuela. During the recent Red Mosque siege in Islamabad, Pakistani special forces used the AK-103.

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 bayonet lug and accessory lug, 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.

The AK-104 is a compact version of the AK-103. It combines features from the older AKS-74U carbine and the newer versions of the AK-74 rifles, giving a more accurate carbine. It is chambered for 7.62x39mm ammunition.

The weapon is essentially a re-calibered AK-74M developed alongside the AK-101 as an updated version of the aging AKM and AKMS assault rifles.

Users

* – The Russian arms company Izhmash will shortly issue a license to an India arms manufacturer with whom negotiations are on at an advanced stage. Company Spokesperson Alexander Xavarzin said “Assembling of the AK-103 will begin in a years time and full scale manufacturing would start once the technology transfer to takes place".
* – The AK-103 assault rifle was adopted for service within the Ministry of Justice of Russian Federation. It is used by personnel who guard the penal colonies.
* – In May 2005 the Department of Defense of Venezuela signed a contract with the Russian company Rosoboronexport to purchase 100,000 AK-103 rifles as well as the purchase of machinery and technology to domestically manufacture the corresponding ammunition. [http://www.comunidadesegura.org/?q=es/node/30805] Venezuela received its first shipment of 30,000 rifles on June 3, 2006. A second shipment of 32,000 AK-103s arrived on August 30th. The third and final shipment was delivered on November 29th, 2006. The rifles are planned to replace approximately 60,000 Belgian FAL rifles bought in 1953, as well as a further number of domestically produced FAL rifles. A manufacturing plant of the Russian rifles in Maracay would be fully operational in mid-2010, with a production capacity of 50,000 units per year. [http://english.eluniversal.com/2006/12/07/en_eco_art_07A812807.shtml] [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00423.htm]

ee also

* AK-107 (Includes AK-108)
* List of Russian Weaponry
* AK100 series

External links

* [http://www.ak-103.com/Gallery_Images/AK-103/index.html Gallery of AK-103's]
* [http://www.ak-103.com/Gallery_Images/AK-104/index.html Gallery of AK-104's]
* [http://world.guns.ru/assault/as05-e.htm Modern Firearms]
* [http://kalashnikov.guns.ru/models/ka126.html Kalashnikov.guns.ru]
* [http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/ak101.shtml IZHMASH website (Contains details on both the AK-101 and the AK-103)]