Kalashnikov KR-103: All-American AK Game Changer

Florida-based Kalashnikov USA brought its new KR-103 rifle in 7.62x39mm to SHOT Show in Las Vegas this month.

While the company has offered a number of 9mm and 12 gauge platforms in past years, the move to a more classic Kalash caliber is no doubt welcome, judging from the reaction at K-USA’s booth. Teased as far back as 2016, the new KR-103 is 100% U.S.-made down to the muzzle brake, screws and cleaning rod.

“This is not just a copy of the Russian gun,” Jonathan Mossberg, K-USA’s president told Guns.com, explaining that, “from top to bottom” all of the components are made domestically to deliver as close as possible to a legit consumer AK-103 to Americans. “It’s never been done,” he said.

For those who want to know, the new KR-103 will have 5.5mm forged trunnions. Further, it will be compatible with most AKM and AK74 parts and accessories.

The rifle has a 16.25-inch button-broached chrome-lined and threaded (24mm x1.5 RH pitch) barrel along with fixed black synthetic furniture and a smooth top cover. The overall length is 37-inches while weight is 6.24-pounds.

Other variants, including side-folders, wood furniture models, shorties and guns in other calibers– 5.56 NATO and 5.45– will be inbound in the future.

The KR-103 comes complete with a factory side-rail for optics, 1,000m sights, and a single 30-round mag. It will be available within the next 60 to 90 days with an MSRP of $1,050. This should translate to a price at retailers closer to the $950ish neighborhood.