Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-101 / AK-102 / AK-103 / AK-104 / AK-105

If you ask almost any foreigner what he knows about Russia, he will answer “fodka, palalaika, caviar, Kalashnikoff.” Indeed, an automatic machine designed by M.T. Kalashnikov, created in the distant 1940s, has received well-deserved recognition throughout the world.

More than 50 countries around the world have put this model into service with their troops. Even in backward areas of the world (Africa, South America, Asia), the Kalash enjoys enormous respect and demand. The merit of the designer is also that the AK series has enormous potential for modernization. This was also embodied in the Kalashnikov assault rifles of the hundredth series.

History of modernization, from AK-74 to “weaving”

The question of modernizing the Kalashnikov-designed assault rifle arose almost immediately after the weapon was put into service. Created on the basis of the experience of the Great Patriotic War, the device included all the most remarkable achievements of many designers and engineers of the USSR.

However, the conditions of new wars constantly demanded new qualities from soldiers’ small arms. This led to the creation of the controversial AK-74 chambered for the 5.45 mm cartridge. This machine was produced in four main modifications:

• AK-74, automatic rifle with a permanent wooden or polyamide stock;
• AKS-74, folding frame stock;
• AK/AKS-74N, modifications of serial assault rifles with a dovetail rail installed for installing night sights;
• AKS-74U, a shortened model, for arming BTT and MVD crews.

But later they decided to reduce the assortment and instead of 4 full-size models, release one, but having all the advantages of the earlier samples, while correcting their shortcomings. The AK-74M assault rifle was adopted, which became the founder of the hundredth series.

All modernized machine guns were equipped with a dovetail rail, which made it possible to use them with a night or optical sight.

The latch of the return mechanism was strengthened, which made it possible to use the AK-74M with an under-barrel grenade launcher without fear of tearing off the receiver cover. The buttstock was left folding, with a latch like on the AKS-74, but it was made solid from high-strength black thermoset plastic, as was the forend with a gas tube cover.

At the same time, this machine gun still has some of the shortcomings of the AK-74, and in addition, technologists have added new ones. Inside, the machine remained almost unchanged, so the accuracy remained at the level of the AK-74, at the same time, apparently to improve manufacturability, the sealing grooves were removed from the gas propulsion piston, which subsequently led to fairly rapid contamination of the gas tube and piston with carbon deposits.

In the early 90s of the twentieth century, due to the lack of orders for weapons from the Russian Defense Ministry, design bureaus came to the conclusion that they could only stay afloat by finding new markets. Therefore, new versions of the AK went into development, chambered for NATO cartridges - 5.56x45 mm SS190 and 7.62x39 mm mod. 1943.

Review of the AK 105 airsoft machine

The difference between the AK-105 and conventional Kalashnikov assault rifles is the reduced barrel length and the characteristic funnel-shaped muzzle. The original combat model is intermediate between the standard army AKS-74 and the AKS-74U. Its emergence is due to the search for a more compact weapon that would keep the power and accuracy of the original machine gun virtually unchanged.

Video review of the pneumatic AK-105 for airsoft:

The airsoft version of the AK-105 has a thoughtful design and largely replicates the combat prototype. A particular advantage is the widespread use of metal (mainly steel) components. The strong plastic can withstand the machine being dropped onto a hard surface, but can crack as a result of strong blows from the butt.

Modifications of the “hundredth” series

In addition to full-size versions of the machine gun for various cartridges, shortened versions were also developed, unlike the “shortened” AKSU, these models are more suitable for the army. They are equipped with an under-barrel grenade launcher; in addition, the length of the barrel allows for targeted fire at a range of up to 500-600 meters. An analogue of these assault rifles can be the M4 carbine, which is in service with the US Army.

To date, the following machines of this line are mass-produced:

• AK-101, first version, uses the SS190 cartridge;
• AK-102, assault carbine with a short barrel, chambered for 5.56x45;
• AK-103, an updated version of the AKM, an assault rifle designed for the 7.62x39 mm cartridge;
• AK-104, a shortened assault carbine based on the AK-103;
• AK-105, a shortened assault carbine based on the AK-74M.

Within the series there are variations with different triggers, self-loading assault rifles intended for supply to the civilian market, in this case the weapon is labeled as AK-100-1, with the ability to cut off bursts; version 2 has the ability to fire fixed bursts. In this case, the trigger was changed, the fuse-translator received the 4th position, between AB and OD.

And the assault rifles have undergone a deeper modernization, version 3. In this case, a Picatinny rail is placed on the receiver cover, and the pistol grip is replaced with a new, ergonomic shape. The handguard and pad have been replaced with integrated ones with a keymod interface. This allows you to operate more widely with various add-ons.

Also mass-produced are MMGs (weight-and-dimensional mock-ups) based on the hundredth series, as well as samples of SHP (firing with blank cartridges), for example, the AK-105 SHP is designed for firing noise cartridges, i.e. It is almost completely safe to use, but has the appearance of a real combat model.

Equipment

The advantage of models from this manufacturer lies in the initially complete set of products. This distinguishes the AK-105 from other airsoft versions of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, for the use of which it is necessary to purchase additional accessories (battery, charger, etc.).

The machine kit includes:

1. one store (bunker type). Classic spring magazines can be purchased separately;
2. 1200 A/h battery;
3. user manual including warranty card;
4. battery charger;
5. set of balls for test shooting.

Characteristics of the “hundredth” AK models

It is easier to summarize the tactical and technical characteristics of the samples in question in a small table

Machine guns chambered for cartridges in service with the Russian Armed Forces - 7.62 and 5.45 mm - can use the entire range of magazines suitable for machine guns and light machine guns of the Kalashnikov system.

For the AK-105 these are 30 and 60 round automatic magazines, 45 round magazine from the RPK-74. It is worth noting that the four-row magazine with 60 rounds of ammunition, despite its adoption, is characterized by extremely low reliability. Constant distortions and jamming of cartridges in the neck and in the magazine itself.

AK-103/104 – 30 local automatic magazine from AKM/AKMS, 40 round, sector and 75 round from RPK.

AK-101/102 uses only original magazines.

In addition, a significant number of magazines suitable for Kalashnikov assault rifles of all modifications are currently being produced. Chinese disc cartridges for 100 rounds, American Beta-C of the same capacity.

AK-103

The AK-103 model is structurally completely identical to the basic AK-74M prototype, only the ammunition caliber has been replaced with 7.62x39 caliber, which, as is known, was used in the first Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle.

Compared to the same AKMS, the AK-103 looks much more advantageous due to the reduction in weight by replacing the butt with a plastic one, and when firing in bursts, the accuracy of the battle is an order of magnitude higher, which is facilitated by a different design of the muzzle brake-compensator. In terms of performance characteristics, the AK-103 repeats the AK-101, the only difference is in the caliber and weight of the cartridge. The latter, accordingly, increases the weight of the magazine and reduces the initial velocity of the bullet. As with all assault rifles in the series, the AK-103's recoil is significantly reduced thanks to a powerful muzzle brake. AK-103 is the most popular model from the 100 series on the international market.

The use of weapons on the battlefield

Despite the fact that the “hundredth” series was put into service back in 1995 (in some places the year 1994 is indicated), there were few places where it was possible to test its effectiveness on the battlefield. Only in the 2010s did these weapons find themselves in real combat conditions.

The Libyan civil war can be called a baptism of fire, then weapons appeared during the events in Crimea in 2014, in Syria and in the southeast of Ukraine. Due to the secrecy, as well as numerous speculations, myths and ambiguities of the above events, it is not possible to draw any clear picture of an objective portrait of improvements.

Device, circuit

Disassembled AK-105

The model is externally very similar to the contours of the real prototype and contains a folding stock, a pistol grip, a curved magazine and a gas outlet pipe located above the barrel. The latter performs not only a decorative function - it houses a compact tubular battery.

This design reduces the impact of temperature changes on the battery when going outside for a short time in winter.

The drive contains a gearbox of the third version, which provides additional overclocking capabilities. Its design has earned good reviews due to its compact size, leaving free space inside the box for deep tuning.

The butt of the model is folding (to the left side) and can be solid or made in the form of a frame. The one-piece version is made of plastic, and the folding frame is made of steel. Despite the metal construction, the fuse is switched with a muffled “plastic” sound, which somewhat worsens the ambiance of the weapon.

Prospects for modernization

It so happened that Kalashnikov is one of the most promising weapons in terms of further improvement. This is shown by the developments that led to the creation of the AK-12. The latter is considered one of the best examples of modernized weapons.

It includes both the latest developments in the field of weapons and reliance on the models that brought fame to the Kalashnikov concern throughout the globe.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of the model:

1. widespread use of steel and impact-resistant plastic in construction;
2. adjustable hop-up;
3. high accuracy at distances of 20-30 m (guaranteed hit on the chest silhouette);
4. Possibility of attaching additional body kit.

Disadvantages of the machine:

1. bunker store (although this depends more on personal preference);
2. difficulty in installing a muffler (requires lengthening the barrel);
3. When installing classic mechanical magazines, they may need to be modified.

The machine belongs to the intermediate type of Airsoft pneumatics, equally effective in the open and indoors. Good technical characteristics and an average price for similar drives allow the AK-105 to be used by beginners and experienced players.

Interesting facts about "weaving"

Initially, back in Soviet times, a competition was announced to replace the Kalashnikov assault rifle with a more modern model. For a long time, designer Nikonov with the “Abakan” variant was considered the leader of the design race.

Later, his brainchild was put into service under the marking AN-94 with the GRAU 6P33 index. But this option turned out to be difficult both in production and in use by the troops. For this reason, the machine gun, although it was put into service, only entered a number of high-combat readiness units.

The 100th series began as a variation for arms exports.

At this stage, the line is widely used in many countries of the world, of which the largest are India, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and several others.

A partnership agreement has been concluded with Venezuela to establish the production of Kalashnikovs under a license from the Izhevsk Arms Plant. But due to the difficult economic situation and the change of power in Venezuela after the death of Hugo Chavez, the plant will not start operating.

Possible tuning (upgrade)

Initially, the machine has good characteristics and can be used for teaching the basics of airsoft and participating in team competitions. There is no need to make any fundamental changes to its design, however, you can improve the ergonomics by installing an additional body kit and small design additions. These include:

• replacement of the classic plastic forend with a tactical handle, with the possibility of installing an under-barrel flashlight with a laser sight. The pistol grip system in the fore-end area is more convenient at close ranges, the most common in airsoft;
• moving the machine belt mount from the right side of the butt to the left. This allows the use of single-point or three-point belts, which are more convenient for professional use;
• replacing the barrel with a thinner or longer tube. In the first case, this will reduce the overall weight, and in the second, it will make it possible to install a muffler.