KALASHNIKOV USA KR-103

Posted May 26, 2023

RIFLE

The Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle is a US-made, stamped-steel, semi-automatic, .223 / 5.56mm rifle designed for the American civilian market. As one of the company’s premier products, the rifle represents a blend of military-inspired innovation and pragmatic product development, as well as being a testament to the lasting legacy of Kalashnikov-style weapons. Much like the original post-WW2 AK-47’s design, the Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle proves that durability, reliability, and efficiency in design still remain at the core of the brand’s offerings.

When it comes to the build of the Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle, it’s immediately clear that this is no mere knock-off of its Soviet lineage. Weighing in at around 7.5 lbs with an unloaded magazine, the rifle features the familiar ‘pistol grip’ AK-47 styling, but with a slightly more modern look. The gun comes with a 16-inch barrel and is outfitted with a gas block and a short-stroke piston operating mechanism.

To demonstrate the gun’s reliability, the KR-103 has been fitted with a robust trigger system. The trigger is longer than what you may on an AK-47, and offers a less than 4-pound trigger pull weight. This alone is an obvious upgrade that makes the KR-103 a more precise shooting weapon than most stock AK variants. The gun’s overall design has also been optimized for more comfortable and easier use with the classic Kalashnikov slanted muzzle brake making it easier to stay on target during long shooting sessions and smooth operation while transitioning between magazines and targets.

The Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle is equipped with several features that make it stand out from the run-of-the-mill AK variants. First and foremost is its barrel length, which measures in at 16 inches, making it significantly longer than its military-grade progenitors. This increases the gun’s accuracy at ranges beyond those achieved by shorter barrel lengths, while still allowing it to remain comfortable to shoot. Additionally, the barrel is outfitted with Kalashnikov USA’s proprietary “X Slant” muzzle brake which successfully reduces felt recoil significantly.

The rifle also comes with an adjustable stock, which makes it more adjustable to the individual shooter. The stock also comes with an exceptionally comfortable rubber buttpad that works to reduce felt recoil when shooting. The stock is also of modular construction, meaning you can remove it easily to shorten or replace it depending on your preference or the situation. Additionally, the gun also features an enlarged trigger guard for gloved shooters and an ambidextrous safety lever.

When it comes to accuracy, the Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle does an exceptional job. A few friends and I had the chance to test-fire the rifle at the local range and all of us were consistently able to hit our targets at 50 yards with minimum fuss. We were using a variety of 5.56mm ammunition including rounds from manufacturers such as Prvi Partizan, silver bear, and federal. Our result was a remarkably tight group, no matter the ammunition we used, which is remarkable for an AK variant, especially considering that this rifle is relatively inexpensive compared to some of its counterparts.

The Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle is available in both a black and OD green finish. While I personally prefer the more traditional black finish, the OD green gives the rifle an air of military mystique that looks great. Additionally, the rifle comes standard with a 30-round magazine along with a sling, cleaning kit, and a manual, which is a nice touch. All in all, from an aesthetic and functional perspective, the KR-103 exudes quality.

Overall, the Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Rifle is an exceptionally well-built rifle that strikes a nice balance between affordability and quality. The gun is reliable and accurate and would make a great addition to any AK fan’s collection. The price of the gun is also very reasonable when taken in comparison to some of the more expensive variants of the AK available. In those regards, the KR-103 is an extraordinary purchase and a great example of why Kalashnikov-style weapons have earned an excellent reputation for reliability over the years.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Highly reliable design

-Affordable

-Lightweight and easy to handle

-Increased manufacturing precision

-Accepts most AK style magazines

Cons:

-No side folding stocks

-No bottom rail

-Relatively short barrel length

-No flash hider or muzzle brake

-Limited aftermarket accessories availability

Who Should Buy

The KALASHNIKOV USA KR-103 should only be purchased by individuals who have the proper training and legal authorization to do so. The KR-103 is a semi-automatic rifle designed for use by law enforcement and military personnel. It is not a suitable weapon for civilian use, due to its power and cost. Individuals who do not have the necessary training and authorization should not buy this rifle.

Comparisons

AK-103	WS-1	Zastava M70
7.62x39mm	7.62x39mm	7.62x39mm	7.62x39mm
Short stroke, gas operated	Long stroke, gas operated	Long stroke, gas operated	Long stroke, gas operated
30 Rounds	30 Rounds	30 Rounds	30 Rounds
16 in.	16.3 in.	16.25 in.	16.3 in.
35.75 in.	37.24 in.	37.40 in.	35.4 in.
7.97 lbs	7.87 lbs	7.87 lbs	7.72 lbs

Features / Specs

-Caliber: 7.62 x 39mm

-Barrel Length: 16.3"

-Overall Length: 34.3"

-Weight: 7.9 lbs

-Magazine Capacity:10 Rounds

-Number of Grooves: 4

-Twist Rate: 1:9.45" RH

-Stock Type: Fixed Wooden

-Sight Radius: 16"

-Rate of Twist: RH

Popular Accessories

Rifle?

The most popular accessories for the KALASHNIKOV USA KR-103 Rifle include extended magazines, rail mounts, mag wells, optics, muzzle brakes, slings, and flash hiders.

Accuracy

The Kalashnikov USA KR-103 is renowned for its accuracy. It is capable of shooting multiple rounds in a tight group at targets within 500 yards of the shooter. The rifling featured in the barrel gives it the ability to take advantage of higher velocity, creating more accuracy and less trajectory drop. The length of the barrel allows the shooter to shoot accurately up to a much further distance if necessary. The rifle is light which allows for it to be handled comfortably throughout the shooting process, ensuring accuracy on the part of the shooter. With high quality ammo, the gun can work to keep 1 MOA accuracy consistently. All together, the KR-103 from Kalashnikov USA is a reliable shooter that provides great accuracy.