The AK-104 is a shortened carbine version of the AK-103 rifle. The AK-102, AK-105, and AK-104 are very similar in design, the only difference being the caliber and corresponding magazine type. The AK-104 is chambered to fire 7.62×39mm ammunition.
Compared to the AK-74M, AK-101, and AK-103, which are full-size rifles of similar design, the AK-102, 104, and 105 feature shortened barrels that make them a middle ground between a full rifle and the more compact AKS-74U. Whereas the AK-10x rifles have longer barrels, full-length gas pistons, and solid, side-folding polymer stocks, the AKS-74U is shorter, and features a skeleton stock.
The hand guards are made out of a lightweight, shock-proof polymer that replaces the wood on older models. The butt stock is also made of polymer, making it lighter and more durable, and it is hollow, allowing a field kit to be stored inside of it. The receiver is a type 4b stamped sheet metal, with a non-ribbed dust cover like other 10x series rifles.
The 100-series AKs are produced by the Izhmash factories in Izhevsk, Russia.