Practical shooting is the youngest and most spectacular sport, which is considered "home" for many law enforcement agencies. Its task is to develop the necessary techniques for possession of firearms among police officers and special forces. The rules are established by the International Confederation of Practical Shooting. Especially for this sport, within the framework of the ICPS rules, Russian gunsmiths developed the Saiga-12 carbine isp. 340.
The work took into account the wishes of those involved in practical shooting and has extensive experience in this field. Since 2015, serial production of the sports model "Saiga-12" isp. 340. The description, characteristics of this small arms, as well as user reviews about it are presented in the article.
Start
The basis for the Saiga-12 carbine isp. 340 became a civilian version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which has been used by hunters and law enforcement and security officials since the 90s. In addition, this version of 030 small arms was used by athletes. In 2012, an order was made from the Russian Technologies corporation to the Kalashnikov concern to develop a special sports modification of the carbine, which could later be used as part of the ICPS. Saiga-12 isp. 340.
Work on the shooting model was carried out under the leadership of lead designer Alexei Shumilov. Also, a well-known Russian athlete, the leader of the Rostec team, Vsevolod Ilyin, was involved. The first sample of "Saiga-12" isp. 340 was demonstrated in the city of Nuremberg. After successful testing, the manufacturer released the first test batch, which consisted of fifty units. Since January 2015, this model has been mass-produced.
Tuning
"Saiga-12" isp. 340 contains a telescopic adjustable plastic butt, in which are located a rubber shock-absorbing recoil pad and an elongated fore-end, providing convenient and durable retention of weapons. In addition, the elongated shape of the forend, in the manufacture of which polymer materials are used, allows the athlete to quickly manipulate the carbine. In the future, for these purposes, the developers plan to use ergonomic aluminum.
In addition to the standard handle, on the left side of the model there is still an additional one for recharging. Carbine "Saiga" 12 isp. 340 L 430 is not equipped with open sights. The receiver is equipped with an integrated hinged lid type Picatinny rail, thanks to which the shooters have the opportunity to install various collimator sights.
Automation
For "Saiga-12" isp. 340, like most guns in this series, uses the time-tested design of a Kalashnikov assault rifle. The carbine is equipped with gas exhaust automation. The barrel is locked with a rotary shutter. The chamber length is 76 mm. In this rifle, the automatic equipment is adapted for firing with "sporting" ammunition cartridges containing small charge portions providing low recoil.
Ammunition
For carbines, detachable box magazines have been developed, the receivers of which are equipped with special guide shafts. Thanks to this design decision, the store change is much faster.
The gun "Saiga-12" isp. 340 is made with an automatic shutter lag and a special remote button, with the help of which a magazine is quickly dropped like a pistol. According to athletes, clicking on it is very convenient using the thumb of the right hand. At the same time, the grip of the handle and fire control remain unchanged. The carabiner system has a standard return spring, thanks to which possible inertial discharges of stores, often occurring from recoil, are completely excluded.
Know-how systems
Creating a carbine of execution 340, the developers decided to introduce an original design solution into this model. It consists in the use of muzzle brakes compensators. An aluminum alloy is used to produce these elements mounted on top of the muzzle.
Features of a series of release 340
The rifle model is equipped with:
- a modernized gas engine for firing cartridges with smaller fractions of a shot;
- muzzle brake compensator;
- quick dump system;
- Picatinny rail;
- push-button fuse;
- additional handle.
Specifications
- Shooting from a carbine is carried out by 12/76 mm caliber cartridges.
- The total length of the weapon is 1110 mm.
- Barrel size - 43 cm.
- The weight of the weapon without ammunition does not exceed 3.9 kg.
- The store is designed for 8 rounds.
"Saiga-12" isp. 340: reviews
Users respond mostly positively to this small arms. Those who managed to test this model, appreciated its following strengths:
- Due to two platoon handles located on both sides of the receiver, any athlete, regardless of whether he is left-handed or right-handed, can carry out the quickest ammunition in the chamber and use this carbine efficiently.
- The model has the reliable operation of a short gas piston.
- The carabiner system is characterized by the complete absence of pollution by the powder gases of the receiver.
- Many note a feeling of softness during shooting. Thanks to the new compensator, Russian athletes noted that the recoil when shooting was noticeably reduced. In addition, weapons are not withdrawn from the line of sight.
- Ability to fire at a high pace.
In addition to advantages, this carabiner has one drawback. During the use of weapons, many arrows noticed that the barrel pad is very hot. A surface inspection of the model may give users the impression that it is made of carbon fiber. However, its production uses glued aluminum. This is why such an element quickly becomes hot. Many arrows use gloves when using the Saigi-12.
Conclusion
This model of sporting small arms is provided to participants in the competition in a fully finished form. At will, everyone can already independently equip a carbine with a collimator sight.
In 2015, the gun brought victory to the Russian national practical shooting team. Today, these carbines are made both in small batches, and for individual orders.