Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK-47): device, purpose and characteristics

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Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-101

Kalashnikov assault rifles AK-103

Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-102

Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-104

Automatic carbines AK-101 (GRAU Index - 6P43) and AK-103 (GRAU Index - 6P45) - export versions of the AK-74M, characterized by the use of cartridges 5.56x45 mm (NATO standard SS109) and 7.62x39 mm (Soviet cartridge sample 1943) respectively. The AK-103 can use AK/AKM magazines.

AK-102, AK-104, AK-105 are modifications of the AK-101, AK-103 and AK-74M, respectively, with a barrel shortened by 101 mm. The intermediate (between the AK-74M and AKS-74U) barrel length made it possible to reduce the dimensions of the weapon, leaving the gas chamber in the same place relative to the breech end of the barrel as in the AK-74M, and not moving it back (as in the AKS-74U). This increased the unification of the entire “hundredth” family.

AK-101, AK-102, AK-103 and AK-104 are intended for sale for export, and AK-105 - firing 5.45x39 cartridges like the AK-74M - for the armed forces and law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation.

The butt and fore-end are made of impact-resistant glass-filled polyamide in black. The base of the front sight and sight, the front and rear thrust rings of the receiver, the gas chamber, the lower swivel, the butt lock latch and some other parts are made by precision casting. Metal parts are also protected from corrosion by a special coating. Shortened samples are equipped with a modified aiming bar (marking only up to 500 m).

All variants have seats for installing an under-barrel grenade launcher or bayonet. The delivery set includes: an oiler, a belt for carrying weapons and accessories.

In 2009, the development of a new model of the “200 series” was announced, which was then renamed the fifth generation Kalashnikov assault rifle, AK-12.

The history of the creation of the Kalashnikov AK 103 assault rifle

The first version of the Kalashnikov was designed and created by a famous designer. This is the only weapon in the world that is still very popular, despite the fact that more than half a century has passed since the production of the first device. Surprisingly, the first rifle was assembled according to personal drawings without the participation of factory equipment. Now the AK is presented in several modifications, and the most popular is the hundredth version of the gun.

The first Kalashnikov came to life when its creator was an ordinary apprentice mechanic. The great designer did not have any special education, but he had a gift that he used throughout his life. Then Mikhail was only 22 years old, and he only had a high school of mechanics behind him. The AK would never have been created if Kalashnikov had not been wounded during the war. While at home on sick leave, in order to while away the evenings, he was busy constructing his brainchild.

The weapon was put into service as soon as possible. This happened at the end of 1949. A trouble-free rifle designed for 7.62x39 mm ammunition, it works in any conditions. She is not afraid of water, fire, dirt. The first to enter the world market were developments under the names AK (basic configuration) and AKS (special version created for military paratroopers). If the first option differed in that its butt was strongly bent down, then the second was equipped with a metal frame on hinges.

The indestructibility of the weapon surprised everyone, because the butt, handle and fore-end were made of wood. The uniqueness of the rifle lies in many details, including the bend of the magazine. Because of this, at first, ammunition of a special geometric shape was created for this machine gun. Despite the popularity of the weapon, other designers also engaged in personal development, but Kalashnikov won all competitions.

So, in 1858, a tender was held for the creation of new modified rifles, as well as a machine gun. The AKM was taken into development and mass production. Already in 1959, most military departments of the USSR received this machine gun. The uniqueness of the new modification was the bending of the butt to make it more convenient for the soldier to shoot from a prone position. Thanks to the change, it became possible not only to shoot in any position, but also the range increased to 1000 m. During the same period, they began to create AKMS devices with a folding stock, and AKMN with a night sight.

On a note! For a long time, shooters used basic AK cartridges, but switched to 5.45x39 mm ammunition in 1974. this innovation allowed soldiers to pack more rounds into their portable ammunition load.

Export

Venezuela

In 2005, Venezuela entered into a contract for the supply of 100 thousand AK-103 assault rifles, 74 million rounds of 7.62×39 mm caliber, magazines, bayonets, spare parts, technical manuals and 5 simulators with a total value of about $40 million. In 2006, it was achieved an agreement on the construction by 2012 of factories for the licensed production of assault rifles and ammunition for them. In addition, the country's President Hugo Chavez announced his readiness to purchase another 920 thousand machine guns. Construction of the factories was suspended in 2014. Subsequently, the completion of construction of the plant was postponed to the end of 2015 due to a change in contractor. After a two-year pause, the construction of factories in Venezuela for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles and ammunition will resume on April 1, the head of the Rosoboronexport delegation at the FIDAE-2016 arms exhibition, Sergei Ladygin, said in an interview with RIA Novosti. At the moment, the readiness of two enterprises - for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles (AK-103) and ammunition for them - is about 70%. At one time, construction was suspended, including due to financial difficulties, as well as the work of the general contractor. Now the general contractor has changed, and according to the new plans, the plants will be completed in 2016-2017. In 2016, Rogozin said that the plant would begin production in 2022.

Performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK 103

All variants of Kalashnikov rifles are similar to each other. This is due to the fact that these devices had one design, as well as one manufacturing plant. Already after the first mass production, the name of the designer and the name were heard by everyone. Main technical characteristics of the AK 103 rifle from the hundredth series:

Among the machines of the hundredth series there are shortened models that attract with their compactness and light weight.

Structure of AK 103

I liked the 103 version of the 100th version because its dimensions were slightly smaller than the standard Kalashnikov type, but the design did not have a very shortened barrel. A little later, this modification appeared in a fire mode or firing from a burst of three rounds. The structure of this AK is very similar in appearance to the legendary machine gun. Few people know that Kalashnikov has several models of assault rifles that do not fire bursts at all, but the AK 103, on the contrary, has increased performance.

The 103 version is unique in that it can fire in four modes:

• on fuse;
• single shot;
• burst of three shots;
• continuous queue.

Many experts believe that the AK-103 is the only type of rifle that is especially valued on the foreign market. Moreover, American experts are confident that the Soviet cartridge is more powerful than the NATO one. Below are the main features of the rifle's structure and unique nuances:

1. The machine gun can fold, but not in the same way as the AK 74. For this procedure, you need to throw the butt to the left, and not down.
2. Surprisingly, you can shoot from the AK 103: with the butt folded and with the butt folded down.
3. The product has a seat on which you can install an under-barrel grenade launcher or a bayonet.
4. The AK-103 is still the standard weapon of the Russian Special Forces, because its design is suitable for use in any conditions, and the product is characterized by increased endurance.
5. Automation is based on the use of the energy of powder gases, which are discharged from the barrel channel into the gas chamber.
6. The AK103 has reliable gas operation, an ergonomic design and a folding stock.
7. The impact-resistant polymer handguard is equipped with side rails for mounting tactical devices.
8. Metal parts have a protective anti-corrosion coating.
9. AK-103 magazines are universal, they are compatible with previous generations of AK magazines in 7.62 mm caliber.
10. The cartridges are supplied from a box-type magazine.

The AK differs from other models because the design includes a Picatinny mounting rail. It is attached to the receiver and allows you to equip the weapon with additional removable elements. This multifunctional rail allows you to install almost any equipment on your rifle. Like previous modifications, the hundredth version is equipped with a muzzle brake-compensator, although previously the consumer could choose. This decision was made because the presence of this part significantly increased accuracy when firing in bursts.

The presence of a targeted removal of spent powder gases allows minimizing inaccuracy when a person needs to quickly change position during shooting events. In this version, metal frames were replaced with cast ones, because in previous models they quickly failed. This was especially felt when the soldier was in difficult conditions. Dropping the rifle easily bent the frame and the weapon could no longer perform its function.

Cast frames showed impressive results not only on the training ground. Testing has shown that with such a frame, you can disassemble and reassemble the rifle much faster, which is quite important. The gas chambers, barrel lining rings, and front sights were also subject to change. The 100th version no longer has the wooden parts that were installed in other versions. Technological innovation also occurred on the interior. Most of the heavy steel parts were replaced with high-strength glass-filled polyamide. This plastic is much lighter, but not inferior in strength.

There is a cold AK 103 with a folded stock, as well as a device with which you can fire sound and light shots. According to the law, a person can purchase an AK 103 without having licenses or permits if the weapon is decommissioned or empty.

There is an updated version of this weapon, which is equipped with an ergonomically shaped pistol grip with an additional safety button. Such an instance will cost more, but will delight the owner with additional functionality.

Execution options

The hundred and fourth is available in two modifications - AK 104-1 and AK 104-2. AK 104-1 has a trigger device of a simplified design. Firing is only possible with single shots due to the lack of a self-timer with an axis.

The AK 104-2 model has an improved trigger device that allows firing in three modes - “A”, “3” and “1”. Mode “A” corresponds to fully automatic shooting, “3” – mode of fire in bursts of three shots. Mode “1” is needed for firing single shots.

Advantages and disadvantages of the model

It is possible to simulate shooting using 7.62x39 mm light-sound blank cartridges or single shots and automatic fire. You can count on authenticity with a combat example. A cooled weapon is not designed to fire live ammunition and cannot be converted into a live weapon. Some modifications have a 10-round magazine in an elongated body. It is possible to supplement the device with a 40 mm grenade launcher and a bayonet. The table below shows the main pros and cons of this weapon:

Advantages and disadvantages

High accuracy and accuracy. Even from 50 meters you can accurately hit the target

New cartridges weigh less, so you can carry a large amount of ammunition with you

Safe and reliable weapon. The main mechanisms completely replicate the design of the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle. Even externally these two weapons are very similar.

The budget price allows almost anyone to purchase this rifle.

Durability and reliability are guaranteed even after several years of active use

The 103 series rifle has an updated design and is a modern weapon

Inexperienced shooters sometimes find it difficult to fold the device. Also some people have problems during recharging

Experts do not recommend purchasing ammunition in metal casings

If the rifle was used in difficult conditions, then it is very difficult to clean the machine gun. An inexperienced user simply will not be able to disassemble it and then assemble it correctly

Any other cartridge format is not suitable. Accuracy and range indicators when firing are greatly affected

The massive barrel of the carbine is designed to withstand significantly higher pressures than those generated as a result of shooting

Due to its small dimensions, many weapons experts consider this rifle a “toy” that cannot be compared with a real machine gun

Version 103 is very popular due to its safety of use. The only thing that upsets many gun enthusiasts is that it is almost impossible to change the internal mechanism. The rifle is protected from alteration.

Notes

1. ↑
2. ↑
3. ↑
4. ↑
5. ↑
6. ↑
7. ↑ Materials of the meeting with representatives of republican and Russian media (inaccessible link). Retrieved May 28, 2010. (Russian)
8. . Lenta.ru (May 25, 2010). Retrieved December 2, 2011.
9. . Retrieved December 16, 2014.
10. . Retrieved September 1, 2016.
11. . TASS (June 13, 2016).
12. Bilal Khan.
    . Quwa (March 21, 2016).
13. (English). The Firearm Blog (9 December 2016). Retrieved May 17, 2022.
14. ↑
15. . kavkasia.net. Retrieved September 4, 2016.
16. . Infodefensa.com
    (June 3, 2013). Retrieved October 5, 2014.
17. . Retrieved August 29, 2016.
18. . defenseweb.co.za
    . defenseweb. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
19. Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 651 of July 9, 2002
20. Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation No. 611 of August 4, 2006 “On approval of lists of special means, types, types and models of firearms and gas weapons, cartridges and ammunition for them, standards for providing them to employees of paramilitary and guard units of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Okhrana of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia "(Appendix No. 2)
21. Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 776 of October 2, 2009 “On the provision of combat hand-held small arms and other weapons, ammunition for them, special means, equipment and supplies to the Federal Bailiff Service”
22. Binnie, Jeremy
    (English) (unavailable link). IHS Jane's Defense Weekly (21 July 2015). Retrieved October 11, 2015.
23. . Life News. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
24. Liechti, Sylvain
    . MONUSCO Photos (March 1, 2013). Retrieved January 30, 2017.
25. (Polish). altair.pl. Retrieved February 21, 2016.

Ammunition for the Kalashnikov 103 assault rifle

Few people know that the first ammunition used in this rifle was the 5.56x45 mm American version. Due to the slightly smaller size of the cartridges, not everyone accepted this innovation. Most preferred to use the Soviet version of the 7.62x39 mm cartridge. Until now, people prefer to use this type of ammunition because they have been preserved in large quantities from Soviet times.

7.62 mm cartridge of the 1943 model (7.62 × 39 mm) - is considered an intermediate variation of ammunition with a non-protruding rim design. The cartridge gained popularity not only because of the uniqueness of its design, but also because it has a 41 mm long sleeve. The ammunition is very successful on American soil. Despite the fact that it was not used in the AK-103 for some time, they remain one of the most popular and widespread cartridges in the world.

The rifle has retained high commonality with the AKM precisely due to the ammunition.

Disassembling the AK-103 assault rifle

The disassembly process is an integral part of rifle operation. It must be done every time after the rifle has been in use. Disassembly can be complete or incomplete. Regardless of what procedure will be carried out, you need to prepare a place and additional equipment. It is better to disassemble the machine on a table, in good lighting. You should immediately prepare rags and a special cleaning agent. It is better to disassemble the weapon while standing and remove each element confidently, because not all parts give in without pressure.

You should also put on the table the instructions that came with the weapon. The instruction manual explains basic terminology in clear language. It will be useful when disassembling the AK103 rifle. It is intended so that a person who does not have a military education can study this issue and practice. Even if a person has already carried out this process several times, it is better to lay out each removed part according to the instructions. Then it will be easier to reassemble. Step-by-step process algorithm:

1. Separate the store. To do this, you need to grab it with your right hand and press the latch with your thumb. After this, you need to move the magazine forward and it will disconnect.
2. To make sure that the machine gun is not loaded, you need to remove the rifle from the safety catch and release the bolt. After this, you need to release the shutter and pull the trigger.
3. After making sure that the device is discharged, you will need to remove the pencil case with the accessory. To do this, you need to press the socket cover into the butt with your finger.
4. Separate the cleaning rod by pulling it to the side. After this, it is important to remove the ramrod head from the stop and pull it upward.
5. Remove the receiver cover. During this process, it is important to hold the stock neck with one hand and press the protrusion with a finger of the other hand.
6. When a person finds the guide of the return mechanism rod, with his right hand he needs to lift the lid up and quickly separate the box.
7. Then you need to disconnect the return mechanism. To do this, it is important to hold the stock neck. It is necessary to move the guide rod forward so that it comes out of the longitudinal groove of the box.
8. After this, it is necessary to lift the rear end of the guide rod in order to remove the return mechanism, which is located in the bolt frame.
9. Disconnect the bolt carrier with the bolt, lift the part together with the bolt and disconnect it.
10. Pull back the bolt, then rotate it so that the leading lug of the bolt comes out of the groove of the bolt frame. After this, return the bolt to its place and remove the gas tube with the barrel lining from the gas chamber pipe without any obstacles.

After this, you need to clean the weapon from dirt using a cloth and a cleaning agent. Reassembly is carried out according to a similar scheme, but only after all the elements have thoroughly dried.

If a person is not familiar with weapons, then complete disassembly is not worth it. There is no guarantee that he will be able to put the machine back together. Before getting acquainted with this process, you should study the structure of the rifle not only in theory, but also in practice.

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