AK-47 vs AK-203: Why Is The AK-203 Almost Five Times More Expensive Than The AK-47 Rifle?

The AK 203 is the updated version of the classic Kalashnikov rifle AK 47, as we all know. An AK 47 costs less than $200, however a single Ak 203 is estimated to cost between $900 and $1000 when manufactured in India. So, why is an AK 203 approximately five times the price of a standard AK 47 rifle? We’ll go through all of these distinctions in depth in this essay.

The first generation of Kalashnikov rifles is the AK 47. In 1947, renowned Mikhail Kalashnikov designed it. In Russian, AK stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova, which translates to “Kalashnikov’s automatic rifle.”

The AKM, created by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1959, is the second generation of Kalashnikov rifles.

The AKM has various advantages over the AK 47 that made production easier and less expensive. The machined steel receiver of the AK-47 was replaced with a U-shaped steel stamped receiver, which was easier to manufacture and lighter. Because the Ak 47 lacked a muzzle device, a slant cut compensator was built.

The AK 74 is the third generation of Kalashnikov weapons. Mikhail Kalashnikov created it in 1974. The change in calibre was the most notable difference. Instead of a 7.62 x 39 mm round, it now fires a 5.45 x 39 mm round, which is identical to a 5.56 NATO round. In 1991, the AK 74m, an upgraded variant, was produced.

The AK 100 series of Kalashnikov rifles is the fourth generation, with significant advancements over the prior AK 74. The AK 107, a low-recoil version, was also produced as part of this series. The AK 200 series, which is an enhanced version of the AK 100 series, is the fifth generation of Kalashnikov rifles. The rest of the essay will go into the details of this series, notably the AK 203.

The AK 12 family is the sixth generation of rifles. The AK 12 is Kalashnikov’s most sophisticated rifle to date. These rifles are more expensive than the AK 200 series.

AK-203

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the AK 203 and the AK 47. For this comparison, we shall use the Indian production variation of the AK 203, rather than the original Kalashnikov AK 203.

AK 203 Muzzle Break

The AK 203 has a built-in flash hider and compensator. A compensator is a muzzle device that lowers rifle recoil by dissipating gases in all directions rather than exiting the barrel in the path of the fired bullet. As a result, the recoil decreases due to the conservation of momentum concept. A flash hider serves to disguise the location of the shooter by reducing muzzle flash. The initial generation of AKs didn’t have any kind of muzzle device.

This muzzle modification on the AK 203 decreases the gun’s recoil to that of a typical 5.56 rifle while preserving the 7.62x39power mm’s and penetration.

Ergonomic Pistol Grip, Hand Guard And Stock

The AK 203 pistol grip has been reworked to be more ergonomic than ever. It’s constructed of polymer and is completely hollow on the inside. It can be used to hold spare optic batteries. Glass-filled polymer is now used for the handguard and stock. The polymer handguard and stock, unlike the hardwood handguard and stock of the AK 47 and AKM, do not break. These are not flammable. These are more durable and lightweight.

The handguard additionally has a heatshield to shield the shooter’s hand from the barrel’s heat. Another significant difference is that the AK 203’s barrel is a free-floating kind. Unlike the AK 47, it is not linked to the handguard. As a result, no recoil is transmitted to the handguard. It aids in enhancing the rifle’s accuracy.

Like the AK 12, the original AK 203 has a folding telescopic stock. The Indian model, on the other hand, has a fixed but folding stock, similar to the AK 103. Because Indian Infantry men are more accustomed to fixed stock, this is done to save money.

The barrel of AK-203 rifle. 

The barrel has undergone a significant transformation. The barrel is now forged using the cold hammer forging technique, which is common in modern rifles. The barrel of the AK 47 was created utilising the butt rifling process, which is a primitive method of producing weapon barrels. When compared to butt rifling, cold hammer forging provides better dimensional precision. It also results in a smoother surface finish and improved grain structure. The barrels of all genuine AKs made in Kalashnikov factories are chrome-lined, making them corrosion resistant.

Magazines

Polymer magazines are included with the latest generation of AKs. In comparison to the old metal magazines, these polymer magazines are lighter and more reliable. AK magazines of all sorts are compatible with the AK 203.

Picatinny Rail

Picatinny rail is included with the AK 203. This is, without a doubt, the most beneficial aspect. Any form of optic or accessory can now be attached to the rifle. Previously, the AK-47 and other rifles were limited by the lack of a Picatinny rail. Making improvised arrangements to install lenses was necessary, which often resulted in poor precision due to zero inaccuracies.

So those are the differences between the AK 203 and the standard AK 47. All of these changes have taken place over the course of more than 70 years. The core design, however, is identical to that of the AK 47. The Kalashnikov’s design is genuinely ageless. For centuries to come, Kalashnikovs will continue to service in the armed forces.