Kalashnikov AK-100
Overview
AK-101
Right side view of AK-101 full size rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
Ethiopa - Gafat
Pakistan - POF
Venezuela - CAVIM
PK 21 (AK-103 produced by POF)
Venezuela
Description
Introduction
The AK-100 series is a modern range of assault rifles of Russian origin. They have been developed for export sales and are based on the proven design of the AK-74M.
Design
The full size rifles of the AK-100 family are fully similar to the AK-74M, but are chambered in other calibers. The carbine versions are a new development and are not as short barreled as the AKS-74U. This gives the carbines a longer effective range while being more compact than full size rifles. All models have a black polymer forearm and side folding shoulder stock.
Firepower
The AK-100 series is available in 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm Soviet and 5.45x45mm Soviet. All versions use 30 round magazines. The full size rifle have an effective range of 300 to 400 meters and the carbines of 200 to 300 meters. All models are select fire with a cyclic rate of fire of about 600 rpm.
Users
The AK-100 was not adopted as the standard issue rifle of the Russian forces, which remains the AK-74M. The AK-105 was adopted in limited numbers to complement the AKS-74U. The AK-100 has been exported to a variety of nations of which Venezuela is the most prominent user.
Full size models
AK-101
Right side view of AK-101 full size rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
The full size rifles of the AK-100 family are rechambered versions of the AK-74M rifle. The AK-101 fires the 5.56x45mm round and the AK-103 the 7.62x39mm round. The AK-103 can be identified by it more curved magazine.
AK-101: Full size rifle in 5.56x45mm NATO.
AK-103: Full size rifle in 7.62x39mm Soviet.
AK-74M: Full size rifle in 5.45x39mm Soviet.
Carbine models
AK-104
Right side view of AK-104 carbine chambered in 7.62x39mm Soviet.
Source: Chinese internet -
© copyright lies with original owner
The carbine versions of the AK-100 family are shorter barreled versions of the full size rifles. This intermediate barrel length makes these carbines more reliable and effective than the AKS-74U.
The AK-102 fires the 5.56x45mm round, the AK-104 the 7.62x39mm Soviet round and the AK-105 the 5.45x39mm round. The AK-104 can be identified by it more curved magazine.
AK-102: Carbine in 5.56x45mm NATO.
AK-104: Carbine in 7.62x39mm Soviet.
AK-105: Carbine in 5.45x39mm Soviet.
Related articles
Kalashnikov AK-74M
The AK-100 series was derived from the AK-74M assault rifle.
Kalashnikov AKS-74U
The AK-105 carbine is nearly as compact as the AKS-74U, but more reliable and effective design.