When the Izhmash Concern released a new original product intended for the civilian market in 1974, many were skeptical about it. This hunting carbine, the Saiga, was developed on the basis of the then-famous Kalashnikov assault rifle. Initially, it was with a rifled barrel, performed in caliber 5.6x39. This new weapon was called the Saiga-5.6.
Background
But time passed, and with the advent of the infamous nineties, the first batch of carbines chambered for 7.62x39 was launched into the series. From this moment, the ascent to the glory of this weapon began. The cartridge 7.62x39, or rather, its metric counterpart, was already used in the RPK machine gun, in the AK-74 and AKM machine guns, as well as in the SKS combat carbines, etc.
The popularity of “Saigi” began to grow exponentially. And an important role in this was played by the right move of Izhmash marketers, who, having decided to expand the lineup, risked starting production of several modifications at once. In addition, a large role in the acquisition of such popularity was played by the fact that many began to designate this weapon with the wording "as" Kalash "." And since the AKC did not need advertising, this comparison appealed to users.
Reasons for popularity
As a result, modifications of the Saiga carbine began to appear one after another, which differed from each other both in the types of stocks or barrel length, and in the options for execution as a whole and in caliber of cartridges. In addition to rifled, since 1993 in Izhevsk production of smoothbore guns belonging to the Saiga family was established. The first models were caliber 410, or 10.4 millimeters. Then modifications were developed for other, more powerful and popular in our country cartridges for smooth bore twentieth caliber, such as 20/70 or 20/76 "Magnum".
The popularity of the Saiga carbine was growing, and, accordingly, the number of copies produced increased. It is not difficult to understand the reasons for the recognition of this weapon so quickly: after all, Kalashnikov assault rifles were set up for a long time, and most of Saig’s parts and mechanisms in various modifications were borrowed from AK. For “Izhmash” at that time this was the only way out, which allowed the concern not to go bankrupt. But later it was no longer just about the fact that the plant could stay afloat. This carbine brought the company to a whole new level.
Twelfth caliber
Of course, the designers created a model for the most popular cartridge used for smoothbore weapons. It was a Saiga-12K gun. Today, without a doubt, this weapon of the twelfth caliber in its various versions is more in demand than any other semi-automatic shotgun of domestic production.
And one of his most interesting performances was Saiga-12K Tactics, which the Legion concern, one of the arms factory branches, began to produce by order of Izhmash.
The letter “K” denoted a shortened barrel compared to the base models, as well as a folding butt, the same as in the modification “C”. According to Russian law, short versions of firearms should be fired only when their total length is at least eight hundred and ten millimeters. Therefore, the Saiga-12K carbine in all versions is equipped with a blocker that does not allow firing with a folded butt. That is, you need to put the weapon in a fighting position, and then release the cartridge.
The twelfth caliber of this gun is the most suitable option for both self-defense and security. The reason is a short trunk. This is evidenced by his photo. "Saiga-12K" allows the shooter to become more mobile and sharp enough, which is very important for shots in rooms or, for example, in corridors. A short barrel gives maximum dispersion, which positively affects the process of firing at close range.
Modifications
The first saiga-12 rifles appeared in the second half of the nineties of the twentieth century. Basic models were produced both with a wooden butt and forend, and with plastic. The bed was made classic for hunting rifles - with a semi-pistol shape at the neck. The whole fore-end covered the trunk downward, as well as partially the gas outlet pipe.
The Saiga-12K carbine, the price of which, according to experts, is almost symbolic for this type of weapon, is considered the most universal of the entire range of calibers, which is why it has become so popular. The manufacturing quality of this weapon cannot be called jewelry, but given the low cost and wide range, this modification has become the most popular civilian product of Izhmash.
For some time in the first place in sales was the Saiga-12 City in camouflage design with an unregulated whole. This model had an open front sight on a gas outlet pipe.
Another variety - "Saiga-12C", in fact, was no different from the base. The difference was that instead of the original fixed stock, a separate pistol grip was installed on it, which developed on the left side. The barrel length of this model is preserved from the base "Saiga-12". Therefore, many believe that the 12C option is more convenient than its predecessor in terms of transportation. However, for hunting today, an awkward hunting butt is still used.
The most popular version was Saiga-12K Tactics, which differs from the standard 12-gauge version by the neck installed at the store’s receiver. The latter is also absent on the Kalashnikov assault rifle. This innovation is made as a foreign rifle M16. Since the cartridges of the twelfth caliber are larger than the intermediate ones in size and protrude more strongly from the jaws of the magazine, during installation the latter abuts against the bottom of the shutter. Thus, the resistance to snapping.
Design Features
Weapons "Saiga-12K Tactics" with the neckline completely exclude "turning" the store to the side, especially when trying to insert it with effort. The lid on the receiver is non-removable: it can be tilted up along the axis, which is fixed under the block of the vent mechanism. This is done by the type of machine gun AKS-74U. This design solution increases the stiffness of Saiga-12K Tactics weapons, allowing you to install the universal Picatinny rail used to mount the sight on the lid.
Depending on the configuration, the weapon is equipped with both manual and automatic shutter delays. I must say that the latter option is currently being manufactured quite rarely. Stores from this version do not fit other options of the twelfth caliber, except for the Saiga-12K 030 carbine. However, they are interchangeable with the analog of the gun.
Automation
The Saiga-12K Tactics carbine works similarly to AK. Not only its automation, but also its design and layout are similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifle. During the shot, the powder gases that follow the charge through the barrel channel are partially diverted to the gas outlet tube through an opening located in the upper part of the barrel. They act on the piston, which is rigidly connected to the bolt frame and is practically one with it. After the piston moves backward, the latter moves under the pressure of powder gases and moves in the same direction.
At the time of the shot, the bolt is locked, and after the frame is rolled back, forcing it to turn along the groove, along which the corresponding protrusions move, it leaves the clutch with the barrel. This combat component, rotating around its axis, leaves the stops of the receiver directly in front of the chamber. After which there is a complete rollback of the entire group. Then the shutter is used to extract the spent sleeve using the shutter and is thrown through the reflector into the window on the right side of the receiver.
How to shoot
The Saiga-12K Tactics carbine, the price of which depends on the configuration, is not equipped with the ability to conduct another fire. This is the only one in this aspect from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. “Saiga-12K Tactics” shoots as follows: the bolt frame, cocking the trigger, stops, hitting the back of the receiver. After that, the return spring pushes it to its original position. In the direction of the breech in the barrel, a new bullet is removed and sent from the store to the chamber by the bolt frame. At the end point, it turns, and its protrusions at the same time go beyond the combat stops. As a result, the chamber is locked. For the next shot, the arrow will just need to be released, and then press the hook again.
Saiga-12K (040th performance)
This weapon is equipped with a folding buttstock and an adjustable cheek. In addition, it has a ventilated forend. And the store receiver is made in the same way as on the Saiga-12K 030 model. An adjustable sector pillar with an automatic front sight is located near the muzzle, on which there is also a compensator-flame arrester.
"Saiga-12K Tactics" in the execution of 040 is sold with three stores - for two, five or eight rounds. In addition, a kit for cleaning weapons, as well as a pencil case, is included in the kit. On the Saiga-12K 040 Tactics carbine, it is best to install an open co-ordinator of domestic production, Cobra.
Opinions
The layout of this carbine is made by analogy with military weapons. Therefore, as evidenced by numerous reviews, "Saiga-12K" with a stretch fits the definition of "hunting weapons." The reason is the design made on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. Many hunters believe that even in the basic model with a fixed butt that has a classic shape, the Saiga 12K Tactics is still less effective at a field shooting than any good double-barreled shotgun.
That is why it is generally accepted that this firearm was made for completely different purposes, and shooting at game is not included in this list. According to experts, Saiga-12K, the price of which is more than affordable, does not have a very high quality workmanship. At the same time, such a modification as 040 is considered a powerful and reliable weapon that works well with a wide range of inexpensive cartridges.
Tuning
"Saiga 12K", as a rule, is "brought up" by installing a collimator sight on it, as well as bringing ergonomics to the user's individual parameters. The most problematic in aesthetic and technical aspects is considered to be the tuning of Saigi models with awkward hunting stocks.
The tuned Saiga-12K with a folding buttstock is equipped with an original muzzle compensator-brake, as well as a vented fore-end. But the main thing is that a capacious disk store is put on it, which allows firing for quite a long time without reloading. However, the front sight and the rear sight are always constant, and are located at the end of the vent pipe, and therefore the line of sight for this weapon is quite short. "Saiga-12K" is most effective when firing shotgun indoors, and also as a carbine for combat use in the process of cleaning buildings.
In addition, many craftsmen make excellent stock blanks. Walnut quick couplings are made by analogy with the SVD with a thick rubber shock absorber and a comfortable cheek. But the most important thing is a convenient fore-end. The tree is impregnated with linseed oil so that the treatment has a positive effect on the appearance of the weapon and the hygroscopicity of the tuned carbine Saiga-12K Tactics, the price of which, judging by the reviews, corresponds to its quality.
How much can you buy
The cost of this shotgun with one nozzle starts from twenty one thousand rubles. In general, smoothbore weapons (for example, Saiga-12K), the price of which depends on the caliber, can be acquired only with special permission. Model 030 with a store receiver and a hinged lid on the receiver, as well as with a folding stock and a fore-end made of plastic, will cost the buyer thirty-two thousand with a little. On sale, these carbines come complete with two chamber. In addition, they are equipped with a locking trigger mechanism, with which you can fire only in the position of the reclined butt.
"Saiga-12K Tactics" 1-4 caliber 12/76 with a barrel length of ninety-one centimeters and a weight of three and a half kilograms is sold for twenty nine thousand rubles. It features a Picatinny rail and two high-impact plastic stores.
It is possible to buy a Saiga-12K Tactics carbine in execution 040-03 only if the user has a license to own this type of civilian weapon. In addition to the domestic market, this gun is quite popular abroad. There are several modifications carried out by foreign gunsmiths with the twelfth-caliber Saiga. For example, the modified Tactics with an orthopedic butt and an adjustable cheek, with a collimator sight with a laser target designator and a front handle is equipped with a magazine for ten rounds. This model is very popular in the West.
If the user knows how to shoot and eventually gets used to a specific carbine from the Saiga-12 series, then he can show not worse, and sometimes even better results than experienced shooters using classic hunting self-charges of the same twelfth caliber.