
For example, the AK103’s stock retaining screws both had “buggered” slots where the screwdriver had slipped, flared the edges and removed some of the finish. There were several significant assembly flaws, as well. This can be expected after lengthy use, but not in a new rifle. The finish was apparently not very resistant to abrasion, as there were several scuffs and scratches and the safety selector had already worn a deep scratch entirely through the receiver finish. The powder-coated dust cover and receiver were different texture and shade and the overall finish felt like fine sandpaper to the touch. The original Kalashnikov USA AK-103 rifle that we received for evaluation was disappointing in terms of overall fit and finish, which was rough and uneven. The rifles converted by this original shop did not meet quality standards and Saiga carbines are now being modified by DGS, Inc. The firm that converted our initial AK-103 will remain nameless for reasons that will soon become apparent. We actually were sent evaluation AK-103s from two different Kalashnikov USA contractors. Saiga carbines are imported by Kalashnikov USA and then contracted out to a custom gun shop for conversion to AK-103 configuration. Kalashnikov USA’s AK-103 begins life as a Saiga 7.62x39mm carbine.

The rod rattled and slid freely back and forth on the first rifle. Bottom of the original AK-103 showing cleaning rod that has slid back against the guide under recoil. This operating system essentially eliminates felt recoil, but bears little resemblance to the original AK system. The AK-107 and AK-108, while included in AK-100 series, are quite different rifles than any of the others in that they incorporate a “balanced” operating system derived from the experimental AL-7 rifle of the early 1970s.
#Ak muzzle brake review series
From the information at Table 1, the reader will note that there are a variety of rifles and carbines in the AK-100 series in not only 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm, but also in 5.56x45mm.
#Ak muzzle brake review code
The AK-100 designation, however, is derived from a Soviet-era code for the Izhmash Armory, Production Nr. Most readers are aware that “AK” stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova, while past practice generally has used a number indicating the year of classification for military service, as with the AK-47 and AK-74. Izhmash did not pick the AK-100 designation “out of the blue,” so to speak. While Russian rifles in the AK-100 series are shipped with four 30 round magazines and a bayonet, the American version is provided only with two five round magazines and no bayonet lug, much less the bayonet itself! The American AK-103 that we received for evaluation does, however, accept standard 30 round AK magazines. Barrels are chrome lined with four grooves with right hand twist. manufactured furniture of black polymer and are finished in black powder coat. All Kalashnikov USA rifles in the AK-100 Series have U.S. Otherwise, though, the US versions of the AK-100s are virtually identical to their Russian counterparts and cannot be distinguished from them except under close inspection. The US versions have neither of these features. Also note cleaning rod that remained in place during firing and did not rattle.Īll Russian rifles in the AK-100 Series have folding stocks and are select fire.

Note position of brake relative to front sight. M uzzle area of second (DGS conversion) rifle. Table 1 matches rifles’ designations to their characteristics. The actual designations begin with AK-74M and run from AK-101 through AK-108. All the rest of the “Hundred Series” carry designations that are variations on the number “100.” There is no AK-100, per se. The latest in the AK family is the “Hundred Series” of AKs, which also includes the AK-74M. So when the next modernization of the AK family was undertaken in the 1990s, rifles in 7.62x39mm were included, along with 5.56x45mm rifles for possible export, although so far no foreign military sales have materialized. Although the 5.45x39mm was standardized in the early 1970s, the Soviets never completely abandoned the 7.62x39mm M1943 cartridge.
#Ak muzzle brake review upgrade
Meantime, Izhmash, the “home” of the Kalashnikov Design Bureau and the AK itself has continued to upgrade the venerable weapon. The AN-94, however, is a far more complex weapon than the AK and it will be many years before the AK leaves Russian military service. The ubiquitous AK-47/ AKM and AK-74 have been military small arms mainstays for over 50 years and remain viable, although the Russian military is apparently in the process of replacing the legendary AK with the new-generation AN-94.
