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Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Review: Best American-Made AK?

We take the Kalashnikov USA KR-103 to the range to see if this American-made AK-47 can live up to its Soviet heritage.
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    I’ve fired quite a few AK-47s over the years, but the KR-103 stood out as a different animal altogether. I hesitate to use the word “refined,” though I believe it’s most appropriate when compared to my previous experiences with this type of rifle.

    KUSA KR-103 glamour

    In the past, I’ve noted burrs, rough edges, unfriendly ergonomics to hands and fingers, and even the occasional splinter, all hallmarks of the original design of the firearm — rapid, mass production.

    In a world of cheaply produced AK-47s where does a consumer turn if they want a better option? I’m happy to report Kalashnikov USA has a top-shelf rifle in the KR-103.

    I learned this the old-fashioned way by taking it out and testing it. So let’s dive into the specs, features, and my experiences at the range with this AK-47.

    Keep reading!

    Table of Contents

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    How We Tested & Rated the KR-103

    I’ve been shooting since childhood but really began to delve into guns more during my law enforcement career of over two decades. I received continued training for my roles in SWAT and as a POST-certified handgun instructor.

    FN 502 Tactical - Sean Sul

    I began writing in 2014 for Police1.com, covering many topics, including firearms reviews. From there, my works spread to Guns.com, American Survival Guide, Gun World Magazine, and the Glock Annual.

    I’ve written freelance reviews for Pew Pew Tactical since 2018, then came on board full-time in 2021, where I soon began focusing on videos.

    For this review, I spent hours at the range and in my garage, evaluating the KUSA KR-103FT model for its operation, handling, ergonomics, and performance.

    Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Pros u0026 Cons

    Pros

    • Awesome trigger
    • Very reliable
    • Excellent fit and finish

    Cons

    • A little pricey

    The Bottom Line

    The KR-103 carries a slightly higher price for admission, but the show is worth it for this American-made, reliable, banger.

    $1,232
    at GrabAGun

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Specs & Features

    Specs

    • Caliber: 7.62x39mm
    • Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated
    • Capacity: 30+1 (standard AK magazine)
    • Overall Length: 37.25″
    • Barrel Length: 16.33″
    • Weight: 8.2 lbs.
    • Sights: Adjustable front and rear iron sights
    • Finish: Nitride-treated for corrosion resistance

    Features

    • Stamped receiver for strength and reliability
    • Cold hammer-forged barrel for accuracy
    • Picatinny rail on the top cover for optics
    • Traditional AK-style safety selector
    • Reinforced polymer furniture
    • Ambidextrous controls for user convenience

    Source: Kalashnikov USA

    Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Background

    There are at least two noteworthy evolutions pertaining to the KR-103.

    Starting with the namesake, Mikhail Kalashnikov invented the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova) in the late 1940s. It’s undergone a lot of changes over the years.

    (Check out our Ultimate Guide to Kalashnikov Rifles for more deets.)

    Kalashnikov Holding a Kalashnikov
    Kalashnikov Holding a Kalashnikov

    Around 1959, Kalashinov refined the AK even further and created the AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova modernizirovanny), a more modernized version. He further refined the AKM in the early 1990s and created the AK-103.

    The American company, Kalashnikov USA, was initially an importer of Russian-made firearms until the US government banned importation.

    KUSA KR-103 muzzle flash

    Using their familiarity and know-how, the importers became manufacturers, creating their own firearms based on Russian specifications.

    The KR-103 is a pretty faithful production honoring the original AK-103 created by Kalashnikov.

    Who Is It For?

    The design and function of the KR-103 are still essentially the same as other AK-47s, though this model has an excellent fit and finish. Its main benefit is long-term reliability.

    KUSA KR-103 cased

    Some shooters may also revel in the idea of a higher quality AK-47 that is wholly American-made. This rifle is a capable addition to the personal armory and will serve well in various roles.

    Fit & Feel

    The KR-103 is black from head to toe and features polymer furniture, so there is no worry over splinters. Finish on the steel receiver is a matte black also

    Everything mates together nicely, and the rifle does not give the appearance that shortcuts were taken. Fitment is well done with no flex between stock, receiver, or fore-end detected.

    KUSA KR-103 fore end

    Another interesting observation lies in the care given to the assembly; the rivets are all even and appear to be placed with care. Shaking the KR-103 only produces rattling in parts you’d expect, such as the dust cover and sling mount on the buttstock.

    Sights on the rifle are standard fare for the AK-47, though they are adjustable. They are functional and work well, allowing me to shoot accurately from distance.

    KUSA KR-103 loading

    The KR-103 comes with one steel, 30-round magazine, and this worked well. We also tested with Magpul PMAGs, and US Palm, the latter being slightly more challenging to insert, though everything locked up and cleared fine.

    The trigger is delightful and not what I’ve come to expect from shooting AKs.

    Spring tension built to a wall, then broke crisply at an average of 4 pounds, once ounce on my Lyman Digital Gauge. Reset was solid, tactile, audible, and occurred at almost the full length of return.

    How Does It Shoot?

    One of my first observations with the KR-103 was running the bolt before I’d even taken it to the range. The operation was smooth, not clunky or catchy.

    Bearing this in mind, I took it shooting without lubrication to test it out. Firing just over 500 rounds through a few different magazines, we had zero stoppages. The rifle runs.

    KUSA KR-103 prone

    Accuracy was about what I would expect, considering the steel-cased TulAmmo we had on hand for testing. I used a Midwest Industries AK Side Mount to attach a Primary Arms GLx 1-6 LPVO.

    Groups were promising at 50 yards, some coming in under an inch. Though at 100 yards, everything was in the 4-5 MOA range.

    KUSA KR-103 accuracy

    Another noteworthy finding was the firing impulse of the KR-103. The cylindrical muzzle device and gas system both do an admirable job of taming recoil.

    Initial shots can be rapidly followed up on because there is next to no muzzle rise. This made rapid-fire pleasant and still accurate (see the video for slow-mo footage).

    KUSA KR-103 gripped

    Additionally, after repeated shooting, the forend started to get very warm. I had to be careful to not reach over with my thumb in C-clamp fashion.

    What Sets the Kalashnikov USA KR-103 Apart?

    The KR-103 is a more refined AK that won’t mangle you when you shoot it. In addition, it provides decent accuracy and outstanding reliability.

    We’re going to continue testing this one, but the initial results are very encouraging. Additionally, it’s in a small group of American-made AK-47s.

    KUSA KR-103 scoped

    Kalashnikov USA KR-103 By the Numbers

    Accuracy

    3.5/5

    Shooting 3-shot groups, prone, from a CTK Precision Ultimate Gun Vise, I was able to achieve 3-5 MOA. This was using steel cased, 122 gr. TulAmmo and an LPVO optic.

    Reliability

    5/5

    The reliability over the course of our testing was perfect. The rifle fed, fired, and ejected without even a hint of any kind of issue. Overall Kalashnikov USA claims they’ve improved the overall practice of manufacturing AK-47s, using proprietary methods, excellent materials, and a good deal of quality control. The results are evident.

    Customization

    4/5

    There is a large aftermarket available for AK-47s and AKMs also. Anything from furniture, to rails, and triggers can be had for the right price.

    Ergonomics

    3/5

    The comb height is a little low for cantilever scope mounts so that should be taken into account. Also, there are no left-side controls, the charging handle and fire selector are on the right side.

    Value

    4/5

    There is a large aftermarket available for AK-47s and AKMs also. Anything from furniture, to rails, and triggers can be had for the right price.

    Overall

    4/5

    $1,232
    at GrabAGun

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Final Verdict

    I’ve often held a perhaps unfair metaphor in my mind when I consider AKs, and it’s that of the tractor. They are strong, effective, designed for a purpose, and often lacking in creature comforts.

    KUSA KR-103 posed

    Kalashnikov USA is changing my mind about the possibilities of this platform. This is a nice rifle and should provide years of service.

    Will you be picking up a sweet KR-103? Let us know in the comments below. For more AKs, head over to our recommendations of the Best AK-47s!

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    10 Leave a Reply

    • Platt

      Never have been a fan of the AK. I do know what they sound like down range. Might be time to take a closer look at this rifle if nothing more than to have bulk ammo options.

      October 21, 2023 11:24 am
    • Bob

      I think an interesting test case, and maybe something to consider for a long term review, is to see if it can get as mucked up and dirty as the less well-put-together original and still be able to fire off round after round.

      October 19, 2023 7:55 pm
      • Sean Curtis

        Hey Bob, that's a great point. After our initial test, I opened up the dust cover and was impressed with the relative cleanliness. I suspect this rifle is capable of running through neglect and even abuse.

        October 20, 2023 10:54 am
    • Dennis Kasimian

      Thanks for the thorough review and great read. Off topic question. Which gun case is the rifle sitting in? Thanks.

      October 19, 2023 7:30 pm
      • Shep

        Appears to be a pelican vault of some sort. The grid squares inside are the Magpul Daka system if that's what you're looking for. Foam grid square inserts so you can customize the fitment of your case.

        October 19, 2023 10:56 pm
        • Dennis Kasimian

          Thanks for the info Shep.

          October 20, 2023 9:56 am
      • Sean Curtis

        Dennis & Shep, this is Magpul's new R44 Hard Case, which includes the DAKA Grid. I'm a big fan of the Pelican Vaults, but this one has features that make more sense. We're testing them out now and will have video content on them soon with readable content to follow!

        October 20, 2023 10:50 am
        • Dennis Kasimian

          Thanks for the info Sean. Definitely looking forward to your impressions of that case.

          October 21, 2023 3:34 pm
    • John T. Maher

      Thanks for all your great reviews. A question: why should someone consider an American AK when more evolved AK inspired carbines have been available for decades from Valmet and IDI?

      October 19, 2023 6:49 pm
      • Sean Curtis

        Thank you and great question John. It's hard to know the mind of all consumers but we're certainly fortunate to have this many options. I can tell you many folks have been commenting on our social channels about buying American lately. That might be at least one justification, even if it is a faithful reproduction of a Russian firearm.

        October 20, 2023 10:59 am
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