{"id":3734,"date":"2025-09-03T14:38:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T14:38:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/wiki\/ak-104-tactical-version-in-7-62x39-mm\/"},"modified":"2025-09-03T14:39:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T14:39:53","slug":"ak-104-tactical-version-in-7-62x39-mm","status":"publish","type":"wiki","link":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wiki\/ak-104-tactical-version-in-7-62x39-mm\/","title":{"rendered":"AK-104 | Tactical version in 7.62\u00d739 mm"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Introduction<\/h2>

TheAK-104<\/strong> is a compact assault rifle derived from the famous Kalashnikov platform. Chambered in 7.62\u00d739 mm<\/strong>, it is part of the “100” series of modern AKs developed by the Russian company Izhmash<\/strong> (now Kalashnikov Concern). The AK-104 was designed to offer the robustness and power<\/strong> of the classic AKM, in a shorter, more maneuverable format, better suited to contemporary tactical requirements. <\/p>

Appreciated for its extreme reliability<\/strong>, automatic firing capability<\/strong> and versatility<\/strong>, the AK-104 is ideal for both special forces and regular units in need of a compact yet hard-hitting weapon.<\/p>

History and development<\/h2>

The AK-100 series was introduced in the 1990s as a modernized range of the AKM and AK-74, aimed at export markets<\/strong> and modern military units<\/strong>.<\/p>

The AK-104, more precisely, represents an intermediate<\/strong> version between the rifle and the assault rifle, with :<\/p>

  • a shorter barrel<\/strong> than the AK-103 (420 mm instead of 415 mm)<\/p><\/li>

  • AK-74M folding stock<\/strong> <\/p><\/li>

  • a massive muzzle brake<\/strong>, identical to that of the AKS-74U<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    The weapon retains the reliability of Kalashnikov’s mechanics, with some elements modernized for more tactical use.<\/p>

    Technical data<\/h2>
    Element<\/th>Detail<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Caliber<\/td>7.62\u00d739 mm<\/td><\/tr>
    Length<\/td>824 mm (stock extended), 604 mm (folded)<\/td><\/tr>
    Barrel length<\/td>314 mm<\/td><\/tr>
    Weight<\/td>Approx. 3.2 kg (without charger)<\/td><\/tr>
    Firing rate<\/td>~ 600 shots\/min<\/td><\/tr>
    Effective range<\/td>500 m<\/td><\/tr>
    Capacity<\/td>30-shot magazines (AKM compatible)<\/td><\/tr>
    Mechanism<\/td>Gas borrowing, rotary cylinder head<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

    Operation and ergonomics<\/h2>

    The AK-104 operates on the proven principle of gas borrowing<\/strong> with a long-travel piston, renowned for its reliability in extreme conditions (mud, sand, cold).<\/p>

    • Side-folding<\/strong>, reinforced polymer stock<\/strong> for reduced overall dimensions<\/p><\/li>

    • Polymer handguards<\/strong> with accessory slots (depending on version)<\/p><\/li>

    • Side rail<\/strong> for mounting optics or viewfinders (depending on configuration)<\/p><\/li>

    • Effective muzzle brake<\/strong> compensates for the recoil of the 7.62\u00d739 mm calibre on short barrels<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      This configuration makes it well-suited to shooting in confined spaces<\/strong>, while retaining a proven caliber for short- and medium-range penetration<\/strong>.<\/p>

      Comparison with other 100 series AKs<\/h2>
      Model<\/th>Caliber<\/th>Barrel length<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      AK-104<\/td>7.62\u00d739 mm<\/td>314 mm<\/td><\/tr>
      AK-103<\/td>7.62\u00d739 mm<\/td>415 mm<\/td><\/tr>
      AK-105<\/td>5.45\u00d739 mm<\/td>314 mm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

      The AK-104 is the 7.62 mm counterpart to the AK-105 (in 5.45 mm), while the AK-103 is the standard assault rifle version. The 104 is therefore an excellent compromise between compactness<\/strong> and stopping power<\/strong>. <\/p>

      Variants and uses<\/h2>

      The AK-104 is mainly used by :<\/p>

      • Russian special forces<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

      • certain internal security units<\/strong><\/p><\/li>

      • foreign markets<\/strong> (export versions available)<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

        It is sometimes modified with :<\/p>

        • tactical handguards<\/strong> with Picatinny or M-LOK rails<\/p><\/li>

        • modern sights<\/strong> (Red Dot, 1x-4x optics)<\/p><\/li>

        • specific suppressors<\/strong> or compensators<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

          A semi-automatic civilian version, the Saiga MK-104<\/strong>, is also sold in certain strictly regulated markets.<\/p>

          Conclusion<\/h2>

          TheAK-104<\/strong> embodies the pragmatic modernization<\/strong> of Kalashnikov’s heritage. With its compact size<\/strong>, powerful caliber<\/strong> and legendary reliability<\/strong>, it is ideal for operators who need a robust weapon in a small package. <\/p>

          Whether for urban environments, armored vehicles or special operations, the AK-104 offers a formidable compromise between maneuverability and power.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"featured_media":3718,"template":"elementor_theme","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-3734","wiki","type-wiki","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki\/3734","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/wiki"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki\/3734\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3735,"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wiki\/3734\/revisions\/3735"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3734"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}