The Saiga rifled carbine is manufactured by the Izhevsk arms factory in several modifications. The model range includes smoothbore models. For the most part, they maximize the design of AKM. Due to the maximum similarity with military weapons, the units in question are in demand not only in the domestic market, but also abroad. Consider the characteristics and features of the rifle, as well as the reviews of the owners about it.
How was the project created?
In the 70s of the last century, an acute problem arose: the destruction of grain crops by saigas. The available smoothbore guns of hunters were not very suitable for fighting them. In this regard, D. A. Kunaev appealed to the Secretary General L. I. Brezhnev with a request to contribute to the creation of a rifle capable of effectively resisting saigas. At the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, the creation of a new hunting carbine began. His trials ended four years later in Kazakhstan. Development and testing were carried out jointly with representatives of Glavokhot.
As a result, the Saiga appeared, aimed at firing calibrated cartridges of 39 millimeters. Prior to the dashing nineties, these weapons were mainly sold abroad. Serial production of a carabiner adapted for the civilian version began in 1993. At the same time, the caliber has become quite rare in our country (cartridge 410 "Magnum"). Among the advantages: low return, reasonable price, low weight. The gun was intended for self-defense, hunting for large and medium-sized animals, and sport shooting. Subsequently, the weapon was fitted to the more popular in Russia caliber 20.
Features
On the eve of 2000, designers of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant created the Saiga rifled carbine as a version for hunting large animals or assault weapons. The hunting versions were distinguished by the simplicity and reliability of the mechanism, produced in several series.
Not only hunters, but also employees of security structures appreciated this weapon, which was the maximum copy of the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle. The release of the updated Saiga-MK rifled carbine began in 2000. The calibers used are from 5.45 to 12 millimeters.
Device
Saiga rifled carbines, created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, received all its pros and cons from its predecessor. In addition, work was done to adapt weapons to civilian and hunting needs. The main differences were manifested in the absence of the possibility of firing bursts and the way the store was fixed. The last question, many users solve by tuning.
Depending on the modification of the gun, the stocks may be similar to AKM, SVD or hunting rifles. The carbine functions due to the energy of the exhaust gases. The bolt is equipped with a pair of combat projections, it is rotated by means of a bevel of the frame part of the assembly. The last element corrects the movement of all moving parts and takes on shock loads.
The weapon is recharged by means of a handle, which is located on the right side. To prevent rupture of the sleeves in a dirty chamber, the shutter part of the frame biases the elements each time the shutter is unlocked. All moving parts are made with gaps, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the weapon, even in the most problematic condition.
Marking
The Saiga range of rifled carbines provides three options for the use of ammunition. Among them:
- 12 gauge (18.5 mm);
- 20th (15.6 mm);
- 410th (10.2 mm).
The weapon in question is available in several versions. The exact model can be identified by alphanumeric marking. First, the name is written in Russian and English, then comes the caliber, then the version of the barrel and butt. The last name differs as follows:
- "C" - shortened butt folding pistol type.
- "M" is an orthopedic model.
- "K" - a short barrel and the possibility of folding the gun only after it is placed on the fuse. Otherwise, transformation manipulations lead to the failure of the weapon.
- "KV" - a service version without the possibility of blocking firing and the formation of specific traces on warheads (forend made of hardened plastic).
If there are no letters in the marking - this is a hunting version with a characteristic butt and a long stem.
Modifications
The Saiga rifled carbine has in its series the EXP-01 model, which is intended for police, security services and export. The barrel length of this modification is 43 centimeters, in Russia as a hunting weapon is not for sale. Another difference from the standard version is the slide delay and the absence of a blockade of firing with a folded butt.
Other popular models:
- "Saiga 410/20/12 without an alphabetic index is a smooth-bore version for hunting. The barrel is 57 or 58 centimeters long. The stock and forend are made of high-quality plastic or wood.
- Model 410/20/12 with the mark "C" is also made in a format with a butt of 68 cm. Moreover, this element can be equipped with a plastic folding hunting forend and a handle identical to the Kalashnikov assault rifle.
- Modification 410/20/12 under the signature stamp “K” has a 33 centimeter barrel, similar Kalashnikov units and a pistol grip, which makes it impossible to fire with the stock folded.
Rifled carbine "Saiga-12k"
Project execution model No. 030 is version 12C Exp-01, which has a firing lock without an unfolded butt. This design is made in accordance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation. This weapon is not focused on hunting, being a compact instance, without the proper indicator of accuracy and accuracy.
The specified minus is leveled due to various tuning, including equipping the instance with various sighting devices. This option is one of the most powerful models for self-defense, which can be purchased on the domestic market under a hunting license. The distance for the standard sample is 40 meters. For large distances, a nozzle with a choke is used, which increases the accuracy by 30-40%.
"Tactics SVD 3-4"
In the Saiga carbine range, this upgraded version from the Legion company is considered the most advanced and popular. Option from Izhevsk gunsmiths outwardly resembles the famous "Tiger". The weapon is equipped with a slit flame extinguisher and a barrel part, the length of which is 58 centimeters. Oblong holes effectively cool the barrel when firing. The clip accommodates five ammunition.
The butt of the orthopedic configuration is identical to the analogue of the SVD rifle. The back of this item is equipped with a rubber shock absorber. In terms of their tactical and technical parameters, the modification is almost analogous to the 12th series, while having a defiant “appearance”, which many hunters and security personnel like.
Rifled hunting carbines "Saiga"
Shotguns of this type are also available in various variations. First comes the name, then the manufacturer’s letter index. The letter "M" indicates a version with a barrel length of 55.5 centimeters and a bolt with three combat stops. The most popular caliber in this case is 7.62 x 39 mm, the butt is made of wood. To lower the shock part requires minimal effort.
Saiga rifled carbines for hunting (33.6 or 41.5 cm) are marked with the letters “MK” and are not removed from the fuse when the butt is folded. If there are no letters in the marking, this model refers to the hunting type with a wooden butt and a trunk, 0.52 meters long. After the letter is a hyphen, then the caliber. At the end of the index, special performance is indicated. For example, EXP. Weapons-upgrading companies do not always follow labeling rules. Let's say the M-3 version is just a marketing ploy and doesn’t make much difference between other modifications from the Legion company.
Incomplete disassembly
This manipulation with the Saiga rifled or smooth-bore rifle is carried out when it is necessary to clean or lubricate the working units and parts. The order of incomplete disassembly is as follows.
- To prevent an involuntary shot, it is necessary to check the presence of ammunition in the chamber. First of all, you should unfasten the store, move the shutter frame and release it before entering the working position, and then perform a control shot.
- Dismantle the optical device, observing the requirements for operation and maintenance.
- Remove the barrel box with the return mechanism. Correctly, this operation is done by immersing the protrusion protruding above the lid while moving it up and back. Also remove the return device.
- Move back to dismantle the shutter frame.
- The shutter itself is removed in a spiral-shaped turn.
- After releasing the lock, dismantle the exhaust pipe.
- If required, remove the forend by unscrewing the bolt fasteners.
Owner reviews
Rifled carbines "Saiga", the entire range without exception, is popular among users in any performance. In terms of benefits, owners highlight the reliability and simplicity of the design. Many buyers like the appearance of the gun, as reminiscent of Kalashnikov. The disadvantages include poor accuracy and aiming over long distances.