“Saiga-20” is a self-loading shotgun manufactured by the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. This weapon was developed on the basis of a Kalashnikov assault rifle, it is intended for amateur and commercial hunting for small and medium animals, as well as game birds. It can be used in any climatic conditions.
A little bit about terminology
The Saiga-20 carbine is a very unusual weapon. To date, the IZHMASH plant produces more than a dozen different models of Saiga-type assault rifles, which are related to smooth-bore long-barreled hunting semi-automatic weapons. However, the language does not turn to call this rifle a hunting rifle and put it on a par with IZH-43 or TOZ-87. Of course, the used ammunition of 12 and 20 caliber, as well as 410 "Magnum" in combination with a semi-automatic fire mode are the main technical features of a hunting rifle. However, how then can it be explained that Saiga weapons (K and C modifications) are banned for sale in a number of countries, including the USA, as combat? And this despite the liberalism of American arms laws. If we take the Saigu-410K as an example, then from the point of view of the device it can be considered an AKS-74 assault rifle with the restriction of only semi-automatic fire. Following the logic, most hunters call it a machine gun, not a hunting rifle. IZHMASH calls “Saigu” a smooth-bore rifle, although experts argue with this definition, because a rifle implies the presence of a rifled barrel and the use of a rifle cartridge. Nevertheless, in accordance with the wishes of the manufacturing plant, we will call the “Saigu” a carbine.
Device
In the Saiga-20 carbine, cartridges of the twentieth caliber are used, the barrel diameter is 15.7 mm. Its design allows the use of bullet and conventional shotgun ammunition, as well as cartridges of the Magnum type with a 76-mm sleeve. When using bullet cartridges, one should not forget that the standard equipment of this gun, with the aim of increasing accuracy, has a narrowing of the barrel bore of 0.9 mm. Therefore, it is forbidden to use home-made all-lead caliber bullets. Bullet cartridges that are used with this rifle are mandatory certified for firing through a muzzle choke.
The operation of automation is based on the principle of removal of powder gases, with a short stroke of the piston and locking of the barrel due to the rotation of the shutter.
Why Saiga is not AK-100
Most parts of the Saiga-20 carbine are unified with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, however, the scheme contains some changes:
- the gas piston is presented in the form of a cylindrical element (20x15 mm) located in the gas tube in its front part;
- the bolt frame is taken from the machine, however, its front part acts as a transmission mechanism, and not a piston;
- the shutter is divided into two parts, fixed and rotary. This is necessary for working with rifle cartridges, which are three times more powerful than machine guns;
- to exclude the possibility of altering a carbine for automatic fire from the trigger, a sear was extracted for the self-timer.
At the end of the gas chamber, the designers installed a gas regulator. It has two positions: for Magnum cartridges and for conventional ammunition. Also changed the design of some weapons nodes.
Carabiner modification
Today, there are three main modifications of the Saiga carbine of the twentieth series:
- “Saiga-20” - a long-barreled weapon with a classic butt (“gun type”);
- “Saiga-20S” - this modification is equipped with a folding butt made of glass-filled polyamide, the same as in the AK-100 assault rifle;
- “Saiga-20K” - this carbine is also available with a folding butt and has a shortened barrel (430 mm). In this regard, changes have been made to the trigger, namely: a special lock has been added that does not allow the trigger to be pulled when the butt is folded. This is done so that the carbine meets the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation (firing weapons must have a length of at least 800 mm).
Additional equipment
Any of the modifications of the carabiners can be additionally equipped with an adjustable sighting strip, which is installed on the seat of standard sights. Models equipped with such a bar have the corresponding postscript: Saiga-20 RPK, 20K RPK and 20C RPK rifles. Small series produce rifles equipped with a set of removable barrel nozzles (similar to the 410th series). So, in the “20K” model, the barrel length with such an extension is 330mm. The Saiga Tactics-20 and 20C carbines on the left side of the receiver have a standard mount for an optical sight (standard for AK-100). But the “20K” modification does not have such a mount, however, its installation is not a complicated procedure. It can be produced even at home.
Since the second half of 1998, all models began to be equipped with a new, more convenient type of forend. It has several large overall dimensions, small notches and a more rounded shape. Also, in new models, a curtain appeared on the hole through which the sleeve is ejected. The “20K" carbines changed the locking system, which when the butt is folded does not allow not only pulling the trigger, but also removing the weapon from the fuse.
Score
All carbines are equipped with five-type box-shaped clips of two types: for shells of 70 and 76 mm. Almost all cartridges with normal seaming are used in 76 mm stores. The second type is used with a 70 mm cartridge having an asterisk. Sometimes on sale you can also find clips with a capacity of 8-9 rounds, they are produced by some craftsmen who are not related to the IZHMASH plant. Such products can be distinguished by the "waffle" coating of the walls and low reliability. Brand stores with 8 rounds are much more practical, they have smooth walls and a manufacturer’s logo.
Ammunition
It should be noted that the Saiga 20 gauge works exceptionally reliably, it does not have problems with reloading (regardless of the type of ammunition). The possibility of using cartridges of the Magnum type increases the combat characteristics of the carbine. In fact, the twentieth caliber differs from the twelfth only in a lower muzzle energy and a slightly larger transverse effect on the ammunition. As a result, penetration and accuracy increase. But when using ammunition of the “Tandem” type (they have less muzzle energy), the recoil is reduced, and accordingly the comfort is improved during semi-automatic fire from the Saiga-20 carbine. The characteristics of such firing can be represented as follows: loading the Strela Magnum rifle, with a muzzle energy of 300-3500 J, we get a very scary weapon with strong recoil, rumble and fire from the barrel. Defeat the target will be at the level of 12 gauge. When using a standard cartridge (for example, “Tandem”), the rifle loses in muzzle energy, however, the shooter can easily produce a series of 5-7 accurate shots with ease and comfort, and does not receive a hematoma from the butt on the shoulder. In general, it is recommended to set the gas regulator to the “Magnum” position, in which case all types of cartridges can be alternated without problems.
"Saiga-20": reviews of hunters and application
According to the owners, a good hunting rifle from the Saiga did not work. After all, shooting offhand from a short-barreled assault rifle is a very difficult matter, to say the least (that is, impossible). The barrel of any modification is shorter than the required minimum for shooting at 80-100 meters, and the weight of the weapon is more than that of a double-barreled shotgun. The results of shooting a running hare or a flying bird are not particularly impressive. What else can be said about the Saiga-20 carbine? Reviews of hunters come down to the fact that this weapon is intended for fishing a large beast (bear, moose, etc.). It copes with large goals and surpasses all other weapons in the hunting element. Especially in a situation close to combat, when a wild boar or bear attacks a person. Of course, a semi-automatic short-barreled shotgun at close range is much preferable, of course, if you know how to use it. Connoisseurs and experts on this model often leave such reviews: “Saiga-20 is a personal weapon that is designed to destroy enemy manpower at a distance of up to 50 meters, you can even destroy vehicles and light shelters from it.” From such a statement, we can conclude that the mentioned rifle is more likely an assault rifle than a hunting rifle.
What are these statements based on?
Firstly, the ergonomics of the Saiga-20 carbine is designed for high-speed shooting (thanks to its ancestor - AK). Firing from the thigh from IZH-43 is much easier than firing from the Saiga. However, to conduct targeted fire from any type of multiple-shotgun (except for the one under consideration) and to issue more than three accurate shots in a row is practically impossible.
Secondly, a buckshot fired from the short-barreled Saiga is capable of flashing the car through, and a bullet from the Tandem pierces a sheet of steel 3 mm thick. Not to mention the "Magnum" type cartridges, whose energy is enough to break through a bulletproof vest of 1-3 classes. It should be remembered that this carbine is the most compact semi - automatic smoothbore weapon, this quality is very useful for quick response in the process of firing. It is very convenient in cramped conditions (in the forest, in the city, in the house, in the apartment). And if you add an enlarged store, we get a weapon that has tremendous tactical value.
So what can you get from this carabiner?
1. Amazing reliability. So, after 500 shots fired from the Saiga (subject to a fitted magazine and high-quality cartridges), you will not have delays or misfires. The type of cartridges does not affect this indicator.
2. Ease of care. Of course, it should be understood that, like any semiautomatic device, the Saiga also requires appropriate maintenance. However, if it is impossible to ensure it, the reliability of the carbine does not become lower, because the basis of this weapon is the Kalashnikov assault rifle - the standard of reliability.
3. Very high rate of fire. After certain workouts, producing 4-5 accurate shots in 2 seconds is not a problem at all.
4. Maximum compactness. It is much more convenient to store and transport the Saiga-20 carbine, the butt of which is complex, than other rifles of the same caliber.
5. Decent bullet accuracy , especially considering such a short barrel. When firing from a distance of 50 meters, a bullet easily fits into the dimensions of a half-liter bottle.
6. The serious penetration capacity of ammunition is 2-3 times higher than that of assault rifles and 5-10 times higher than modern combat pistols.
pros
The Saiga of the twentieth series is good in that it is much lighter than the twelfth series in a similar version. The 20th gauge works more sharply than the 12th. Samples of gunpowder, as well as the mass of the projectile are less, however, due to the small diameter of the barrel, the projectile flies out at a much higher speed. Accordingly, for the effective use of this gun you need to have more serious skills than with a copy of the twelfth caliber. "Saiga-20" has a significantly lower recoil force, so it is possible to quickly aim and produce the next shot.
Minuses
The disadvantage of this gun is considered a small caliber. After all, the twelfth is universal, the number of pellets in such a cartridge is much larger, respectively, it is easier to hit the target. Compared with 12-caliber bullet cartridges, such a projectile has a large mass and momentum, however, in terms of accuracy and effective fire range, the Saiga-20 is superior to its rival, the Saiga-12. A serious drawback, many hunters believe that this carbine is made on the basis of military weapons. In their opinion, often not unreasonable, such an adaptation is a disastrous business. Hunters prefer classic weapons created from scratch.
Saiga-20: carbine price
If suddenly, after reading this article, you are thinking about acquiring such weapons (whether for hunting or protecting your home), then this section will be useful to you. In the domestic arms stores you can find any model of the Saiga-20 carbine. Their price will range from 16 to 26 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration and modification. Persons over 18 years old can acquire such weapons, naturally, after receiving a special license from the internal affairs bodies. So fill out the paper and you can go to the nearest weapons store.