General information about the Saiga-20 carbine
When the Saiga 20 was first developed, the gun was intended for rapid shooting at short distances (no more than 50 meters).
The power of this rifle is noteworthy because it is impressive. This weapon can shoot through a metal sheet up to 3 millimeters thick if you use buckshot. The power is complemented by excellent build quality, ensuring a high working life and long service life.
In the hands of an experienced shooter, this hunting rifle produces excellent accuracy and accuracy of fire. Due to its simple design, the Saiga-20 is easy to use and maintain, making it an excellent choice for a first weapon.
Feedback from hunters during the operation of Saiga-20
In the case when a hunter with serious experience purchases a Saiga-20 for hunting, hunting for him is an entertaining hobby, and he does not pursue the goal of constantly shooting large animals on an industrial or similar scale.
Having purchased a Saiga-20, an experienced hunter will definitely modify it before using the gun for hunting. For example, a brass front sight is often replaced with a taller one. This front sight is installed on the muzzle of the barrel. After such “tuning”, it often happens that the slot of the standard rear sight becomes too wide and deep for the new front sight. This drawback can be easily eliminated by filling the front sight with black epoxy glue. After waiting for it to harden, you can cut a new slot in accordance with your wishes.
The plastic folding stock is often replaced with a metal frame. In this case, it often happens that its length is not enough for comfortable aiming. In this case, some hunters make a special metal attachment for the butt, which lengthens it. If the attachment is heavy enough, then the Saiga-20 acquires the necessary balance, which is very helpful when shooting. In the case when hunting is carried out in winter, when the hunter is wearing thick winter clothing that interferes with aiming, the attachment on the butt can be removed in a few minutes.
Many hunters find attaching swivels to the Saiga-20 inconvenient. This problem is solved by moving them to a place more convenient for the hunter. The holding handle is often replaced with a thicker and “gripper” one.
As a result of these manipulations, the Saiga-20 turns from a standard weapon into a very convenient hunting weapon, which is tailored to the specific owner. A design feature of the Saiga-20, like all other carbines in this series, is the wide opportunity for “filing”. Such a weapon, if you take care of it, clean it and don’t throw it anywhere, will not only not fail during a dangerous hunt, but even if necessary, will help “take” a bear. Although doing this alone, and even with a 20 gauge, is not recommended.
Conversations about the “worthlessness” of the Saiga-20 as a hunting weapon still do not subside on specialized forums, but tens of thousands of Saiga-20 carbines sold indicate that this weapon is still in stable demand not only in Russia, but also in Russia. but also abroad. The Kalashnikov Concern (formerly IZHMASH) continues to delight its fans every year with new modifications of the Saiga, improving their design in accordance with the wishes of potential buyers.
How is Saiga-20 different from AK-100?
Shooters often compare this carbine with the AK-100, there are a number of differences:
- Fundamentally different gas pistons;
- The bolt carrier serves as a transmission mechanism, although it is copied from the AK-100. In a machine, it plays the role of a piston;
- Due to the power of the cartridges used, the bolt is divided into two parts. One is set in motion, the other is constantly motionless;
- The Saiga-20 has a larger sear than the AK-100.
In addition to these major differences, there are a number of small ones. Basically, they consist of some changes in the operation of weapon components.
Description and history of creation
The carbine is suitable for a variety of hunting conditions, withstands harsh climates, and therefore is considered reliable and trouble-free. Modern modifications are convenient in that they are adapted for firing cartridges with plastic sleeves. This reduces the weight of the ammunition, which is important when crossing the forest.
Cartridges for Saiga 20 with plastic sleeves
People often call Saiga 20 a “civilian Kalashnikov assault rifle” (due to its external similarity). This added to the popularity of the smoothbore carbine.
The hunting rifle has been produced at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant since 1994. Since then, several popular modifications have appeared, including the installation of sights on a standard rail (collimator supported).
Unlike the first versions, the modern Saiga 20 has a sighting bar that is adjustable vertically/horizontally. It makes it easier to shoot offhand.
The key technical difference from the AK-100 is the lack of automatic firing function. Other modified elements include:
- folding stock;
- barrel length;
- the presence of various variations of sighting devices.
Carbine with ZOS collimator sight
The first model to roll off the production line was the Saiga-20S. A group of engineers led by the famous gunsmith G. Nikonov was responsible for its creation. The smoothbore carbine quickly gained fame among hunters, impressing them with its excellent shooting performance.
Why 20 gauge Saiga is highly valued
We need to return to the external similarity with the AK-100. It was the design that became the decisive factor for many hunters who had long had a weakness for the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle.
Certification made the Saiga-20 an excellent choice for self-defense, and in the mid-90s - difficult years for modern Russia - many purchased the carbine directly for security purposes. According to statistics, about 50% of all sales in the period 1994-2000 came from civilians concerned about self-defense.
The folding stock also affected its popularity. This made the carbine even more convenient and practical for protecting yourself and your family. This is where high-speed shooting comes into play. The catch may be the reload time, but this is compensated for by the larger 8-round magazine.
Saiga-20K Tactics-LEGION with folding stock
Tuning is another plus for the Saiga-20. The presence of a rail at the top of the receiver allows the installation of optics, and a modern forend supports the bipod, which is necessary for preliminary zeroing of the gun after purchase (the initial distance is 10 m and increases gradually, helping the shooter achieve excellent accuracy and accuracy of shot).
Difference from the AK 100 prototype
In addition to the lack of an automatic firing mode, the Saiga-20 differs in caliber. Yes, its magazine volume is significantly smaller than an AK, but even 8 rounds of shot are more than enough for sport shooting in an indoor shooting range or at a training ground.
Here is a list of other differences:
- Changing the shutter design. It is divided into 2 parts: one is static, the second is movable. This made it possible to reduce the area of the extractor recesses. As a result, this design change prevented the base of the cartridge case from swelling during firing.
- The bolt frame plays the role of a transmission mechanism. In the AK-100 design it is used as a piston.
- Various gas systems. This affected the conduct of fire.
Bolt system of a self-loading carbine
Design of the 20-gauge Saiga hunting carbine
The carbine's barrel is smooth-bore and has a muzzle constriction of 0.9 millimeters. Some versions are equipped with a cylindrical barrel and replaceable choke tubes supplied with the weapon.
As mentioned above, two types of cartridges can be used for shooting: 20/70 and 20/76, that is, with sleeves 70 and 76 millimeters long. For each type of charge you need to use different magazines. Therefore, the Saiga 20 hunting carbine comes with two magazines. They are made of durable material - reinforced polyamide. There are three types of magazines in terms of capacity: 2, 5 and 8 rounds.
The design of this gun includes provisions for a gas chamber plug. This is necessary to equalize the speed of moving parts for charges of different power. The manufacturer recommends using the first position when using Magnum ammunition, and the second for all others.
We have already noted above that the Saiga-20 shutter is divided into two parts: movable and fixed. This solution allows you to avoid jamming of the carbine due to swelling of the cartridge case.
The trigger design is almost completely copied from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The sear was increased in size in order to prevent the gun from being converted for automatic firing.
For safety, the weapon is equipped with a safety lever, which is activated by the movement of a lever. The lever itself is located on the right side of the box, so you can change its position with the movement of your thumb. In the upper position, the trigger is blocked, and it is not possible to fire. By moving the lever to the lower position, the fuse is deactivated.
Having studied the experience of previous Saiga guns, experts conducted many experiments and tests to create the best sighting system. Thus, to the front and rear sights that had changed their places, an aiming bar was added, which can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. This design of the sighting mechanism improved shooting accuracy and also made it possible to shoot offhand more efficiently. All versions of Saiga-20 can be equipped with an optical sight.
The stock is made of polyamide. Available in two colors: black and camouflage. The manufacturer plans to produce a hunting rifle with a wooden butt, but this option is only available upon personal order. To improve durability, some external parts are made of durable plastic: the stock, magazines and pistol grip.
Advantages and disadvantages
This domestic gun really has many advantages, and it can safely be called the pride of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. The simple, familiar design has won the recognition of experienced shooters. Saiga-20 does not require complicated maintenance, having an impressive working life and a long service life even with frequent use (for example, for hunting purposes or at the training ground).
Among other advantages, owners of the Saiga-20 carbine note:
- increased magazine volume;
- less weight, if we draw an analogy with popular hunting double-barreled shotguns;
- amazing power for a smoothbore weapon of this type;
- effective shooting not only with shot, but also with bullets.
The Saiga 20 carbine is distinguished by its low weight and high power.
The power of the Saiga-20 is enough to pierce through a three-millimeter metal sheet. An undeniable advantage is the ability to install a collimator sight.
The carbine feels great in different weather conditions. It is not afraid of dirt, does not misfire when exposed to water, and the barrel and trigger mechanism are cleaned with standard tools.
The reduced weight allows you to take the Saiga-20 on long journeys. This is an undeniable advantage over a similar model - Saiga-12 (it is heavier).
The 12 gauge carbine is more powerful, but weighs more
Owners consider the 20 gauge itself to be a disadvantage, as it is inferior in terms of efficiency to the 12 gauge. When firing bullets, a smoothbore carbine does not impart sufficient momentum, although this does not in any way affect the accuracy of fire (in this indicator it is superior to 12 gauge).
What could be improved is the build quality. Despite the impressive working life and reliability of the mechanism, the Saiga-20 is assembled somewhat primly, however, like many other models of domestic firearms. However, many owners are not at all embarrassed by this indicator.
How does Saiga-20 work?
The operation of this carbine is similar to other similar systems. After the shot, reloading occurs under the influence of powder gases and the force of movement of the return spring. When the bolt moves to the rear position, the return spring forces a new cartridge into the chamber from the magazine. At the same time, the spent cartridge case is removed. When the bolt begins to move to the forward position, the barrel closes due to rotation of the bolt.
The trigger is released from engagement with the trigger when the trigger is pressed. The shot is fired due to the action of the return spring on the trigger; it makes a strong blow to the firing pin, resulting in a shot.
Shooting quality from the Saiga 20 hunting carbine
With proper use, IZHMAZH guarantees the performance of the carbine for one and a half years or 2000 shots. This takes into account the use of weapons in the temperature range from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius.
In reality, everything is much better. The gun performs well in operation up to 5000 rounds. Some hunters reported that the weapon demonstrates stable operation even after 8-9 thousand shots.
All the automatics of the gun work perfectly. This weapon can be called “omnivorous”, since it can fire cartridges from any manufacturer. Some brave hunters have even tried using homemade ammunition, but this, of course, is highly discouraged.
Accuracy and shooting accuracy are excellent. As the manufacturer stated, targets can be hit at a distance of up to 50 meters. Once you get used to the carbine, you can shoot effectively offhand. Shot shooting is also satisfactory, showing good accuracy and accuracy.
The weapon's passport states that it is intended for amateur and commercial hunting of small and medium-sized animals and birds. There is not enough power to defeat a large animal, so it is recommended to use more powerful systems for it.
Modifications Saiga-20, 20K and 20S
The weapon is produced in four versions; only the first three are common in Russia and the CIS countries:
- Saiga-20. A standard carbine with a familiar hunting stock. Some models provide the ability to remove the stock to improve maneuverability and simplify transportation of the gun;
- Saiga-20S. This modification of the complex has the ability to fold the butt and is equipped with a fire control handle. Compared to the first version, the working resource reserve has been increased;
- Saiga-20K. It has a folding stock and a trigger lock. In general, this modification is similar to the Saiga-12K. Most often this weapon is used for self-defense;
- Saiga-20C EXP-01. Completely similar to the previous version, it only lacks the trigger blocker. This gun is produced for delivery to the European and American markets.
Technical characteristics of Saiga-20:
- For shooting, 20-caliber cartridges are used;
- The length of the gun barrel is 570 millimeters;
- The total length of the gun is 1,135 millimeters;
- The mass of the unloaded gun is 3.5 kilograms;
- Magazine capacity is 2, 5 or 8 rounds.
Technical characteristics of Saiga-20S:
- For shooting, 20-gauge charges are used;
- The length of the weapon barrel is 570 millimeters;
- The total length of the weapon is 1,050 or 720 millimeters;
- The mass of the unloaded weapon is 3.5 kilograms;
- The magazine capacity is 2, 5 or 8 charges.
Technical characteristics of Saiga-20K:
- 20-gauge ammunition is used for shooting;
- The length of the carbine barrel is 430 millimeters;
- The total length of the carbine is 910 or 670 millimeters;
- The weight of the unloaded carbine is 3.2 kilograms;
- The magazine capacity is 2, 5 or 8 rounds.
If you need a good weapon for hunting, it is best to choose from the first two modifications. The 20K model is not particularly suitable, since shooting at the animal requires a gun with a long barrel.
Gun modifications
It is necessary to consider the differences between the various variations of a shotgun. There are 4 of them in total:
- Saiga-20S - characterized by an increased working life (less likely to become unusable) and is equipped with a folding stock, and for greater convenience has a fire control handle;
- Saiga-20K - in addition to the folding stock, it is equipped with a trigger lock, which makes it an excellent choice for self-defense, sports and tactical exercises, but practically inapplicable for hunting;
- Saiga-20C EXP-01 - export version, supplied to Europe and the USA, very popular among Israeli special forces;
- Saiga-20 is a classic semi-automatic shotgun, equipped with a standard hunting stock, which can be detached if desired.
Modification of the Saiga 20C carbine with a magazine.
The average cost of a smoothbore carbine reaches 20-30 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
Saiga-20 has excellent reliability and durability. As practice shows, over the course of several thousand shots, no damage to the gun occurs. As a rule, even after 2000 rounds, shooters rarely experience misfires or delays.
The tool is easy to care for - just clean it regularly and monitor the condition of the internal mechanisms. Even a beginner can handle this, which is why experts recommend this carbine as a first weapon.
Once accustomed to the Saiga-20, any shooter will be able to fire quickly and accurately. Under normal weather conditions, it is quite possible to fire 4-5 shots at a target within 2-4 seconds.
Two modifications of this gun (20C and 20K) can be called compact. The ability to fold the stock makes the Saiga much more convenient for transportation, which is the dream of many owners of large guns.
Based on all this, we can summarize: this weapon has good qualities. The totality of positive features speaks in favor of purchasing this gun. It will become your best assistant in hunting small, medium-sized animals and birds.
Rules of care
The Saiga-20 mechanism must be lubricated and cleaned a day before the intended shooting. The rifle should be disassembled in a warm room, and for wiping, use rags, tow or other cleaning materials intended for the care of hunting rifles.
The bore, barrel chamber and muzzle attachment are lubricated with a brush moistened with gun oil. After this, it is necessary to thoroughly dry these elements using cleaning materials. To completely remove carbon deposits, up to 10 similar procedures may be required. Final lubrication is carried out with clean oil. It is also necessary to remove carbon deposits from:
- gas chamber and tube;
- piston;
- stock;
- bolt frame and other elements.
Disassembling and cleaning a smoothbore carbine
