According to the official information of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, the Saiga-12 is a smooth-bore self-loading rifle designed for amateur and commercial hunting for small and medium animals, as well as game birds in all corners of our planet, regardless of climatic conditions.
History of occurrence
Work on the project of this smoothbore self-loading rifle began in the USSR, and ended already in Russia. The gunsmiths of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant worked on the design of the carbine. The first thing they pay attention to is the similarity of the systems and external signs of the gun and Kalashnikov assault rifle. And this is so, because the hunting Saiga-12 inherited from the AK a device with a gas vent mechanism and a general layout. The designers of IZHMASH were assigned several tasks at once. Firstly, the automation should be adapted for a 12-gauge hunting cartridge . Secondly, the shutter had to be changed to a stronger and larger one. Thirdly, instead of a rifled barrel made smooth. In addition, it was necessary to modify the system of removal of powder gases, as a result of which a special gas regulator appeared. Along the way, I had to strengthen the trigger and remove the ability to produce automatic firing. And on top of that, Saiga-12 hunting weapons were made self-loading.
The performance characteristics of the carbine
The saiga (12 gauge) allows the use of both bullet and fractional cartridges, including the Magnum type, the length of which is 70 and 76 mm. The force required to pull the trigger is 1.5-3.7 kgf. The barrel length of the Saiga-12 and Saiga-12C models is 580 mm, and that of the Saiga-12K and Saiga-12C EXP-01 models is 430 mm. The accuracy of firing ammunition at a range of 35 m at a target with dimensions of 750 mm using a 1.0 muzzle narrowing will be at least 60% (with a barrel length of 580 mm) and at least 40% with a length of 430 mm. Without a muzzle narrowing, regardless of modifications, the result is one - at least 40%. The dimensions of the carbine are: height - 190 mm, length (depending on the model) - from 910 to 1145 mm, with the stock folded - from 670 to 820 mm. The magazine capacity is two, five or eight rounds.
Carbine capabilities
The carbine allows you to conduct a single fire, while there is an automatic reload of weapons. Automation uses the principle of removal of powder gases through a special hole in the bore. An adjustment is provided in the gas unit of the gun, which takes into account the differences in ballistic characteristics of both conventional cartridges and the Magnum type. In order to expand operational capabilities in the carbine, the use of muzzle attachments, which have a different narrowing, is provided. In addition, the Saiga-12 carbine can be equipped with an aiming bar that allows you to adjust the sight in two planes: vertically and horizontally. The use of such a device improves the convenience of shooting at moving targets and shooting weapons.
Carabiner modifications
For comfortable transportation and storage, as well as to improve maneuvering qualities, this carbine can be produced with quick-detachable butt and handle. "Saiga-12" is available in four versions. Consider the difference between each of them. So, “Saiga -12C” differs from the basic model of the carbine by the presence of a folding butt and a firing handle. In the stowed position, the folded butt increases the convenience of keeping and carrying the gun. The Saiga-12K carbine has a shortened barrel - 430 mm. In addition, this modification is equipped with a trigger lock, which eliminates the possibility of pulling the trigger when the butt is folded. The next model, the Saiga-12S EXP-01, is an export version of the Saiga-12K rifle. The main difference between this modification is the absence of a locking trigger. On the receiver mounted mount for a removable bracket for the optical sight. This model is being finalized in the USA at Tromix. Here, a shortened forend, a butt from the M4A1 carbine, and a very effective flame arrester are installed.
Carabiner equipment
Depending on the modification and configuration, the gun is equipped with adjustable or unregulated sighting devices. On some models, Picattini rails are installed , which allow you to mount additional equipment (lights, optical and collimator sights, etc.). In addition, the carbine is equipped with a set of accessories and tools for the maintenance of this weapon, as well as a cover and belt.
Saiga-12: Owner Reviews
Reviews about this carbine are the most diverse, ranging from negative to the most enthusiastic. Basically, the owners of "Saiga" note the very high reliability of weapons. And this is easily explained, because the Kalashnikov assault rifle served as the basis for the creation of this gun , and to this day it is the standard of automatic weapons and, in its simplicity, reliability and reliability, has no analogues in the world. And all the best qualities AK "Saiga-12" has incorporated. Of the negative comments, it can be noted that many hunters complain about the low accuracy of fire. In principle, this parameter can be explained by the relatively short barrel of the carbine. But as a counterargument, one can cite the high popularity of this weapon not only in the markets of the CIS countries, but also countries of far abroad. For example, in Iraq, the Saiga was adopted by the army, and since 2012, it began to be supplied to the US special forces. And this already says something.
What is the key to success?
This carbine has virtually no analogues and competitors in the world market. Let's look at the reasons for this success. Firstly, it is a rifle with a box magazine, which in terms of rate of fire is very close to an automatic weapon. Eight shots in one and a half seconds - these are the indicators demonstrated by professionals in practical shooting, who take prizes in international competitions. This rate of fire is important for both hunters and law enforcement when detaining criminals. Secondly, “Saiga” was developed on the basis of AK, thanks to which it has the best characteristics of the machine in terms of operational strength, durability and reliability, as well as high power. Thirdly, this weapon can fire both bullet cartridges and non-lethal ammunition: buckshot, shot and traumatic charges.
Western manufacturers do not produce such weapons
As for the US market, Izhevsk carbines are also in demand because they satisfy the demands of hunters, athletes and special services. In addition, this gun has a great potential for tuning, for example, on IZHMASH for the entire production period of “Saigi” more than three hundred modifications of the carbine were created, and in Europe and the United States the number of modifications and refinement tends to infinity. On the rifle, more ergonomic stocks, new fore-end sights, sights and many other additional devices are installed.
In what conditions is it recommended to use the Saiga?
The carbine has a wide range of applications. For example, it can be used by special services, court bailiffs in urban areas. In particular, a shot from a gun (using a special muzzle attachment) can knock out locking devices and even break through walls half a brick thick. Moreover, you can equip the store in such a way that the first cartridge will be designed to open the door, and the subsequent ones will be traumatic, for firing on offenders. In addition, the smooth-bore Saiga eliminates the risk of ricocheting injuries to casual passers-by, unlike conventional service pistols.
If we consider the influence of climatic conditions, then “Saiga” is able to function properly in any environment: in snow, in rain, in conditions of severe dust, at temperatures from -50 to +50 º. Specialists note the special durability of the carbine: professional athletes produce up to 25 thousand shots per year.
What are the prospects for Saiga production?
Despite the abundance of orders, the plant copes with them without any problems, because IZHMASH production capabilities are designed for mass production of weapons, so large orders are a salvation for the team of gunsmiths. IZHMASH timely, high-quality, fully fulfills all the concluded contracts. In addition, the sale of weapons abroad solves the problem of maximum utilization of production facilities of the enterprise. As a result, additional jobs are created and decent wages are provided to employees.
Saiga-12: price
On the shelves of the arms stores of our country, you can purchase any modification of this carbine. Depending on the model and configuration, the cost can range from 20 to 30 thousand rubles. In the USA and Western Europe, Saiga, due to its affordable price, is gaining more and more fans. So, in retail, its cost is 700-1500 dollars, and the price of tuned versions can reach 2500 dollars.
Finally
Self-loading carbines "Saiga-12" have virtually no analogues in the global arms market. They can satisfy the needs of three segments of consumers: hunting enthusiasts, law enforcement and athletes in practical shooting. This gun is very reliable, it can be bathed in mud, and it will still fail and accurately shoot. Recently, the security agencies of Australia and Poland have shown great interest in the Saiga: they ordered a number of different modifications to conduct their own tests. The IZHMASH products are also interested in the security forces of most countries of Europe, South Africa, Malta, Canada and Pakistan. It is possible that in the near future, “Saiga” will become known in every corner of the planet, will be in service with the army and police around the world.