Saiga is a family of smooth-bore and rifled weapons created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, produced by Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant JSC, part of Kalashnikov Concern JSC. The plant produces smooth-bore Saiga carbines chambered for 12, 20 and 410 calibers, as well as rifled Saiga carbines chambered for 5.45×39 mm, 5.56×45 mm, 7.62×39 mm, 7. 62x51 mm (308Win), 9x19 "Parabellum", 9x53R. Smooth-bore and rifled Saiga carbines can be used for self-defense, recreational and sport shooting, for commercial and amateur hunting of animals and birds. Saiga is the most popular weapon model on the arms market in Russia and the CIS countries. This popularity is explained by the external similarity of the Saiga carbine to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, as well as its simplicity of design, reliability, unpretentiousness, high maneuverability and great firepower. According to many experts, Saiga is by far the best choice of shotgun for self-defense.
Story
The first rifled carbines of the Saiga family appeared in the 1970s. The first samples of carbines were created by designers after an appeal from the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan D.A. Kunaev to the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee L.I. Brezhnev with a request to create rifled weapons with which it would be possible to shoot migrating herds of saigas, which cause great damage to grain crops.
Prototypes of the Saiga carbine were created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, with changes made to the design: the ability to fire only single shots, with a magazine for 10 rounds, a headlight was attached to the barrel lining, the battery was placed in the butt of the carbine, bullets without a steel core were used when firing .
Testing of the Saiga carbine was carried out in the Kazakh steppes for 4 years by Izhmash designers, representatives of Glavohota, and local game managers. After testing was completed, the plant produced about three hundred Saiga model carbines chambered for 5.6x39 mm.
In the 90s of the last century, he experienced big problems with government orders; rampant crime in the country created a demand for smooth-bore self-loading carbines for self-defense. All this served as a reason to launch the production of smooth-bore versions of the Saiga carbine.
The first smoothbore version of the Saiga carbine was the Saiga-410, chambered for the .410 Magnum cartridge, which went into production in 1993. The case length of the .410 Magnum cartridge is 76 mm (3 inches), and the caliber is 410/1000 inches, that is, 10.2 mm. The choice of such a rare caliber in our country at that time is explained by the fact that the plant’s management was primarily focused on the foreign arms market. At first, .410-caliber cartridges were in short supply, the domestic industry practically did not produce them, and imported cartridges were expensive. Then the production of .410-caliber cartridges was established at the Tula, Krasnozavodsk and Barnaul factories.
In 1995, the Saiga-20 smoothbore carbine was released, chambered for the more powerful and more popular 20-caliber cartridge in our country. The Saiga-20 carbine could be used not only for self-defense, but also for hunting. The Saiga-20 carbine has become very popular in security structures.
In 1997, the Saiga-12 smoothbore carbine was released in the most popular and widespread 12 gauge among hunters in our country. Among all the smoothbore carbines of the Saiga-12 family, it has the highest cartridge power and the best firing range. The first samples of the Saiga-12 carbine had a long barrel and a hunting butt, a little later a modification appeared with a pistol grip and a folding butt. In 1998, the Saiga-12K carbine was released with a barrel shortened to 430 mm and a trigger lock with the butt folded. On the basis of the Saiga-12K carbine, the 18.5 KS-K carbine (Kalashnikov special carbine) was created to arm special forces soldiers. Saiga 12 smoothbore carbines, thanks to their high power, short length and high rate of fire, have become the best-selling weapons among weapons intended for self-defense.
In parallel with the development and production of smoothbore carbines, Saiga continued to develop and produce rifled versions of the carbine. The Saiga-M carbine was a modernized version of the Saiga carbine. In the early 2000s, rifled carbines “Saiga-MK” and “Saiga-MK 7.62 version 30” were released, outwardly similar to the AK-103/101 and AK-104/102 combat assault rifles. Versions of the Saiga-223 carbine chambered for .223Rem and the Saiga-308 carbine chambered for .308Win were released. In addition, the plant over the years produced Saiga carbines chambered for 5.45x39, 5.56x45, 7.62x39, 9x19 Parabellum, 9x53R cartridges.
12K and 12C - what is the difference
The Saiga 12K shotgun has fundamental differences from the no less popular Saiga 12C smoothbore carbine. The main one is the length of the barrel, since the 12K model had a specially shortened barrel in order to increase the technical characteristics of the weapon.
Also, another distinctive feature is the presence of a locking mechanism (Saiga 12C does not have one). Saiga 12K has a very short barrel, so the length of the weapon with the butt folded is less than 800 millimeters. According to federal law, such parameters are unacceptable, therefore, before firing a shot, it is necessary to unfold the butt and then remove the weapon from the safety catch.
In all other respects the models are similar. Both weapons are designed for hunting fur and feathered game and both can be upgraded with a variety of accessories and attachments.
Technical characteristics of the Saiga carbine
- Barrel length:
330 – 680 mm - Caliber:
.410, 20, 12, 5.45x39, .223Rem, .308Win, 7.62x39, 9x19 Parabellum, 9x53R - Operating principle:
self-loading, reloading due to the removal of part of the powder gases - Magazine:
removable, box-shaped for 2-10 rounds - Length:
840 – 1170 mm - Weight:
3.2 - 3.6 kg - (JSC "Kalashnikov Concern")
Saiga carbine design
Trunk
The barrel of the Saiga carbine can be either smooth or rifled, depending on the version of the carbine. The barrel length of Saiga carbines can be from 330 to 680 mm, depending on the version of the carbine. Saiga carbines are produced for cartridges of a wide variety of calibers from .410 to 12 gauge for smoothbore versions and from 5.45x39 to 9x53R for rifled versions of the carbine.
All carbines of the Saiga family have chrome-plated bores and chrome-plated chambers. Chrome plating provides a long barrel life and simplifies weapon maintenance.
Most smooth-bore versions of the Saiga are equipped with replaceable choke constrictions, which increase the efficiency of use and expand the possibilities of using the carbine.
The barrels of some modifications of the Saiga carbine are equipped with a muzzle compensator.
Sights
Most modifications of the Saiga carbine are equipped with open sights: front sight and rear sight. Some versions of the carbine are equipped with an adjustable rib. Many modifications of the Saiga carbine are equipped with a mount for optical and collimator sights.
Automatic and shutter
The Saiga carbine is reloaded by removing powder gases through the upper hole in the barrel wall. In rifled versions of the Saiga carbine, the gas piston and rod are rigidly connected to the bolt frame. Smoothbore versions of the carbine have a completely redesigned gas release mechanism: the gas piston is a separate part from the bolt frame and can move inside the gas chamber. Mechanical decoupling of the gas piston and bolt frame allows the shooter to be protected in the event of excessive gas pressure in the gas chamber.
After the bolt frame has retreated to the required distance under the action of gas pressure, the powder gases are vented into the atmosphere through holes in the gas chamber.
Early smoothbore modifications of the Saiga carbine did not have a gas regulator and could only work with cartridges with a case length of 70 mm. Later, smooth-bore modifications of the Saiga carbine began to be equipped with a gas regulator, which allows you to regulate the volume of powder gases entering the gas chamber. The gas regulator has two fixed positions: one position for magnum cartridges, the second position for conventional cartridges. Thanks to the gas regulator, Saiga carbines began to work normally with both cartridges with a case length of 70 mm, and with semi-magnum cartridges with a case length of 73 mm and magnum cartridges with a case length of 76 mm. The most modern modifications of the Saiga carbine (Special 030, etc.) are produced without a gas regulator, but can work with any type of cartridge.
The barrel of the Saiga carbine is locked by turning the bolt, while the two lugs of the bolt fit into the grooves of the receiver. The shutter is rotated by bevelling the bolt frame. The return spring is located in the longitudinal channel of the bolt frame. The bolt handle is part of the bolt frame and is located on the right.
When the bolt is unlocked, the bolt frame of the carbine moves back and the cartridge case is initially released from the chamber. The ejection of the spent cartridge case is provided by a spring-loaded ejector and a receiver reflector. The cartridge case is ejected to the right through a window in the receiver. The automation system of the Saiga carbine has inherited high reliability from the Kalashnikov assault rifle and is capable of functioning normally even in conditions of severe contamination.
Trigger mechanism
Unlike the Kalashnikov assault rifle, Saiga carbines can fire only single shots, so the carbine does not have a self-timer mechanism: there is no self-timer tide on the bolt frame, there is no retarder in the trigger mechanism, the trigger, sear and safety switch have been changed.
Modifications of the Saiga carbine with folding stocks are equipped with a mechanism for blocking the possibility of firing a shot with the stock folded.
The most modern modifications of Saiga carbines, for example, Saiga-12K Tactics and Saiga-12S-EXP-01, are equipped with a forced slide stop, which makes it easier to reload the carbine. Some modern modifications, for example "Saiga-12S-EXP-01", have a push-button fuse instead of the traditional flag one.
Butt and forearm
Various modifications of the Saiga carbine can have butts and forends made of a variety of materials: plastic, glass-filled polyamide, multi-layer plywood, wood, metal, and have a variety of designs: classic butt, frame, folding with a pistol grip.
Shop
The Saiga carbine is equipped with a removable box magazine with a capacity of 2 to 10 rounds. The magazine capacity depends on its caliber and modification.
The Saiga family carbines have a modified magazine mounting assembly, this was done to make it impossible to insert a magazine from a Kalashnikov assault rifle into the carbine. Weapons workshops and craftsmen very often tune Saiga by installing a wide variety of magazines with different capacities and appearance.
Operating principle
The operating principle of the automation of the Saiga carbine completely repeats the principle of operation of the automatic Kalashnikov assault rifle. The only exception is the trigger, which is upgraded to fire only single shots.
The Saiga carbine is reloaded automatically, using the energy of the powder gases removed from the barrel.
- When you press the trigger, the trigger is released, which, striking the cartridge primer with its striker, ignites it, and a shot occurs
- During a shot, part of the powder gases, through a hole in the upper wall of the barrel, enters the gas chamber
- In the gas chamber, powder gases exert their pressure on the gas piston, which sets in motion and forces the bolt frame to move backwards
- The bolt is unlocked, the cartridge case is first released from the chamber, then the spent cartridge case is ejected to the right through the window in the receiver by a spring-loaded ejector and receiver reflector, the bolt frame compresses the return spring and cocks the hammer into the firing position
- Under the action of the return spring, the bolt returns forward, sends a new cartridge from the magazine into the chamber, and turning around its axis locks the bore and closes the bore. The carbine is ready for the next shot.
Advantages
The 12-gauge smoothbore Saiga has a number of advantages over other carbines, thanks to which it is so loved not only by Russian hunters, but also abroad.
- The ability to install additional sighting devices of almost any type: from a collimator and diopter to an optical sight with a thermal imager or night vision device.
- Quite a convenient design of the gun with a relatively light weight. This feature allows the Saiga to be used by almost any hunter of any size.
- Possibility of purchasing a magazine for 4, 8 and 10 rounds. You can also load one round into the receiver, so the maximum amount of loaded ammunition is 11 rounds. Convenient for hunting game birds, where reload speed is important.
- Resistance to various adverse external factors. Like the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the Saiga is quite unpretentious. It will continue to shoot in the cold, in the rain, and even in the mud.
- A simple design, similar to a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Due to this feature, assembling and disassembling the saiga will not be difficult for anyone who listened carefully to the teacher during life safety lessons.
These are not all the advantages of a hunting rifle. The 12-gauge Saiga has excellent technical characteristics and fighting qualities, so you don’t have to worry that the lethal force of the weapon is not enough to kill an elk or a wild boar. The most important thing is to make a well-aimed shot.
Smoothbore modifications of the Saiga carbine
Saiga-410
The Saiga-410 carbine is the first smoothbore modification of Saiga produced by the plant in 1993. The strange choice of caliber is explained by the plant’s desire to enter the Western arms market. The Saiga-40 can hardly be called a full-fledged hunting weapon, due to too little shot or buckshot in the .410 caliber cartridge. The Saiga-410 carbine is most often fired with bullet cartridges. Saiga-410 carbines were most often purchased for the purposes of self-defense and arming security personnel. The Saiga-410 carbine was equipped with a plastic or wooden hunting butt and fore-end. The barrel length of the Saiga-410 carbine is 570 mm, the total length is 1170 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.4 kg.
Saiga-410S
The Saiga-410S carbine is a modification of the Saiga-410 carbine with an automatic plastic stock folding on the left side, a plastic pistol grip, a hunting-type fore-end, an open front sight at the end of the gas outlet tube and a non-adjustable rear sight. The barrel length of the Saiga-410S carbine is 570 mm, the total length is 1080 mm, the length with the butt folded is 840 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.4 kg.
Saiga-410K
The Saiga-410K carbine is a modification of the Saiga-410 carbine with a shortened barrel and a folding butt. When the stock is folded, it is impossible to fire a shot, since the firing mechanism is blocked. Sights in the form of an open front sight at the far end of the gas tube and a non-adjustable rear sight. The barrel length of the Saiga-410K carbine is 330 mm, the total length is 840 mm, the length with the butt folded is 595 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.3 kg.
The Saiga-410K carbine is presented by the manufacturer in various versions:
- Saiga-410K isp. 01 —
modification of the Saiga-410K carbine with a 404 mm long barrel, a folding plastic butt and plastic handguards and a gas tube cover. Sights in the form of an automatic front sight in a muzzle at the end of the barrel and a two-position rear sight for two fixed positions: 25 and 50 meters. In appearance, this version of the carbine resembles the AK-74M assault rifle. The total length of the Saiga-410K carbine is used. 01 - 910 mm, length with the butt folded 670 mm, carbine weight 3.1 kg.
- Saiga-410K isp. 02
modification of the Saiga-410K carbine with a 404 mm long barrel, a folding metal or plastic frame stock and wooden or plastic handguards and a gas tube cover. At the end of the barrel there is a muzzle brake-compensator. In appearance, this version of the carbine resembles an AK-74S assault rifle. The total length of the Saiga-410K carbine is used. 02 - 910 mm, length with the butt folded 670 mm, carbine weight 3.3 kg.
- Saiga-410K version 03
modification of the Saiga-410K carbine with a 351 mm long barrel, a folding plastic butt and a plastic forend. At the end of the barrel there is a muzzle, the front sight is mounted on the gas outlet tube. In appearance it resembles a small-sized AK of the “hundredth series”. The total length of the Saiga-410K carbine is used. 03 - 825 mm, length with folded stock 585 mm, carbine weight 3.2 kg.
- Saiga-410K isp. 04
modification of the Saiga-410K carbine with a 351 mm long barrel, a folding metal frame stock and a plastic or wooden fore-end and gas tube cover. In appearance it resembles the AKS-74U. The total length of the Saiga-410K carbine is used. 03 - 825 mm, length with folded stock 585 mm, carbine weight 3.2 kg.
You can learn more about the Saiga-410 carbine in our article: Saiga-410 carbine
Saiga-20
The Saiga-20 carbine is equipped with a hunting plastic or wooden butt and fore-end. The barrel length of the Saiga-20 carbine is 570 mm, the total length is 1135 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.5 kg. Carbine Saiga-20 isp. 30 is equipped with a hunting quick-release wooden stock and fore-end, a 680 mm long barrel with interchangeable choke tubes, and an adjustable sighting rib. Since 2022, Saiga-20 carbines have been discontinued.
Saiga-20S
The Saiga-20S carbine is a modification of the Saiga-20 carbine with a folding plastic stock, a fire control handle and a hunting-type forend. The barrel length of the Saiga-20S carbine is 570 mm, the total length is 1050 mm, the length with the butt folded is 810 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.5 kg.
Saiga-20K
The Saiga-20K carbine is a modification of the Saiga-20 carbine with a shortened barrel and a folding butt. The barrel length of the Saiga-20K carbine is 430 mm, the total length is 910 mm, the length with the butt folded is 670 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.2 kg. Carbine Saiga-20K isp. 04 has a folding plastic stock and fore-end, a 400 mm long barrel with replaceable choke tubes, and an 8-round magazine.
Saiga-12
The Saiga-12 carbine is produced in the most popular and in demand among hunters 12 gauge. The barrel length of the Saiga-12 carbine is 580 mm, the total length is 1145 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.6 kg.
The Saiga-12 carbine is presented by the manufacturer in a large number of different versions:
- Saiga-12 Spanish
61 is equipped with a hunting stock and a plastic forend. - Saiga-12 Spanish
65 is equipped with a detachable buttstock and forend made of plastic, replaceable muzzle nozzles, and an adjustable sighting bar. - Saiga-12 Spanish
71 is equipped with a hunting stock and forend made of wood, replaceable choke tubes - Saiga-12 isp.75
is equipped with a hunting quick-release wooden stock and fore-end, a 580 mm long barrel with replaceable choke tubes, and an adjustable sighting bar. - Saiga-12 Spanish
78 is equipped with an AK-type stock and a hunting forend made of plastic and a handle. - Saiga-12 Spanish
85 is equipped with a quick-release stock and a hunting forend made of wood. - Saiga-12 Spanish
102 receiver is closed with a plastic casing, with which the butt and fore-end are smoothly connected, there is a push-button safety - Saiga-12 Spanish
103 is equipped with a plastic butt, a hunting fore-end, a reinforced plastic receiver cover, a convenient push-button safety, and a unified base for mounting a sight. - Saiga 12 isp.
261 is equipped with a magazine receiver, a buttstock with a rotating cheekpiece of the SVD type, a plastic forend, interchangeable choke tubes and a rail on the receiver for mounting a sight. - Saiga-12 Spanish
265 is equipped with a magazine receiver, a detachable stock and a plastic forend - Saiga-12 Spanish
271 is equipped with a magazine receiver, a hunting stock and a wooden forend - Saiga-12 Spanish
275 is equipped with a magazine receiver, a detachable stock and a wood forend. - Saiga-12 Spanish
The 278 is equipped with a magazine receptacle, an AK-style plastic stock and pistol grip, and interchangeable choke tubes. - Saiga 12 isp.
340 smoothbore self-loading shotgun, created for the needs of IPSC athletes. - Saiga-12 EXP-01
modification similar to the Saiga-12K carbine. 030. The modification is intended for export for arming law enforcement agencies. The barrel length is 430 mm, equipped with a bolt stop; the carbine does not have a firing lock with the butt folded. It is not a civilian weapon and is prohibited for sale to citizens on the territory of the Russian Federation.
Saiga-12S
The Saiga-12C carbine is a modification of the Saiga-12 carbine with a folding plastic stock, a fire control handle and a hunting-type forend. The barrel length of the Saiga-12S carbine is 580 mm, the total length is 1060 mm, the length with the butt folded is 820 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.6 kg.
- Saiga-12S isp.
10 has a folding stock, a plastic forend, a 680 mm long barrel with interchangeable choke tubes and an adjustable rear sight. - Saiga-12S isp.
031 is an 18.5 KS-K smoothbore service carbine with an added fire blocker in the folded position. The carbine has a magazine receiver, a hinged receiver cover, a rail for mounting optics, a folding stock and a plastic forend.
Saiga-12K
The Saiga-12K carbine is a modification of the Saiga-12 carbine with a shortened barrel and a folding butt. The barrel length of the Saiga-12K carbine is 430 mm, the total length is 910 mm, the length with the butt folded is 670 mm, the weight of the carbine is 3.5 kg.
The Saiga-12K carbine is presented by the manufacturer in a large number of different versions:
- Saiga-12K isp.030
is a service smoothbore 18.5 KS-K carbine with an added fire blocker in the folded position. The carbine has a magazine receiver, a hinged receiver cover, a rail for mounting optics, an automatic bolt stop, a folding stock and a plastic fore-end. Two additional Picatinny rails at the bottom of the forend and on the barrel under the gas block. The two-position gas regulator was excluded from the carbine's automatic system. - Saiga-12K isp.033
, this modification has a shortened barrel with a length of 330 mm, is equipped with picatinny rails, and is equipped with a specially designed muzzle attachment. - Saiga-12K isp.040
is one of the most interesting modifications of Saiga-12. Produced by a subsidiary of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. It has a magazine receiver neck, a non-removable receiver cover mounted on an axis, a manual or automatic bolt stop, and a Picatinny rail on the receiver. - Saiga 12 K isp.
043 has a magazine receptacle, an adjustable sighting bar, a folding machine gun stock and a plastic forend.
You can learn more about the Saiga-12 carbine in our article: Saiga-12 carbine
Saiga-12. SVD tactics 3-4
Izhevskaya is engaged in tuning Saiga carbines on an industrial scale. Among the most advanced tuning options is the smooth-bore version of Saiga-12. SVD tactics 3 - 4." The design of the Saiga-12 carbine is made in the style of the Tiger carbine, created on the basis of the SVD rifle.
“SVD 3-4 Tactics” from “Saiga-12” has the following borrowings:
- automation mechanisms;
- trigger and impact mechanisms;
- fuse and magazine.
The Tiger carbine has a 580 mm long barrel and a slotted flash suppressor. The shape of the orthopedic butt, which is made from laminated plywood, was borrowed from the SVD rifle. At the end of the butt there is a rubber shock absorber that reduces recoil force. The handguard is also made from plywood. Shooting is carried out with 12/70 mm cartridges.
“SVD 3-4 Tactics” uses a detachable box magazine with 5 rounds. “Tactics SVDS 3-1” is produced on the model of another rifle - SVDS, which has a folding stock. Unlike the Tactics SVD 3-4, the carbine is equipped with a folding frame stock and a wooden handle. Both models look catchy, “military”, this appeals to many security company employees and hunters familiar with the military Kalashnikov. In terms of ballistic characteristics, “SVD Tactics” is practically no different from the regular “Saiga-12”.
Saiga rifled hunting carbines
There are various modifications of Saiga rifled carbines:
- Saiga
- the absence of an index in the name indicates the initial modification of the carbine with a barrel length of 520 mm for calibers 5.56x45 mm, 7.62x39 mm, 5.6x39 mm and a barrel length of 555 mm for calibers 7.62x51 mm and 9×53 mm. The basic modification of the Saiga rifled carbine is equipped with a wooden hunting butt.
- Saiga Spanish
02 modification of the carbine with a hunting plastic butt and a short plastic forend like AK. The barrel is shortened, 415 mm long. - Saiga Spanish
03 modification of a carbine with a hunting wooden or plastic butt and fore-end. The barrel is shortened, 415 mm long. - Saiga Spanish
04 is a modification of the carbine in which the handle, fore-end, gas chamber cover and permanent stock are made of wood or plastic, similar to the AK-74 assault rifle. The barrel is shortened, 415 mm long, equipped with a flash suppressor. - Saiga M is
a modernized modification of the Saiga rifled carbine. Produced in calibers 7.62x39 and .223Rem, barrel length 555 mm. The Saiga M carbine chambered for 7.62x39 caliber had a bolt with three lugs. The Saiga M carbine had a trigger mechanism with a reduced trigger force and was equipped with an ergonomic wooden butt with a rubber butt pad. - Saiga-M1
is a modification of a carbine with a hunting quick-release wooden or plastic butt and fore-end. - Saiga-M2
is a modification of the carbine with an orthopedic wooden butt, rubber butt and fore-end. - Saiga-M3
is a modification of the carbine with a folding plastic stock and an AK-type forend. The carbine front sight block has a short slotted flash hider with a barrel length of 555 mm or a long slotted flash hider with a barrel length of 520 mm. - Saiga M3 “Praktika”
is a modification of the carbine with a folding buttstock adjustable in length and a rotating cheekpiece. The carbine is equipped with a side Picatinny rail on the receiver and a Picatinny rail on the receiver cover. Magazine neck with guide for quick and easy magazine change. - Saiga M3 EXP 01
is a modification of the carbine intended for export for arming security structures, convoy units and law enforcement services. The Saiga M3 EXP 01 carbine is created on the basis of “police” modifications of the Kalashnikov Ak-103-1 / Ak-101-1 assault rifle and is not intended for sale to citizens.
- Saiga MK
is a modification of the Saiga rifled carbine with a shortened barrel, length 336 or 415 mm and a lock for firing with the butt folded.
Created on the basis of the AK-74M assault rifle and its further modifications AK-101 and AK-103. Saiga-MK Spanish
01 carbine is equipped with a black polyamide stock, handle, fore-end and barrel guard, like those of Kalashnikov assault rifles of the hundredth series. - Saiga-MK Spanish
The 02 carbine is equipped with parts borrowed from the AKS-74 assault rifle: metal, frame-type folding stock, wooden fore-end and receiver guard, fire control handle made of brown plastic. - Saiga-MK Spanish
03 (or Saiga-MK-223 isp.03, or Saiga-MK-03) has a 336 mm long barrel chambered for the .223 Remington cartridge (5.56×45 mm), equipped with a lock for firing a shot in the folded position. The carbine is very similar to the AK-102/AK-104 assault rifle and is very popular as a weapon for self-defense. - Saiga-MK Spanish
30 has a 415 mm barrel chambered for 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 cartridges, is equipped with a cartridge guide, a removable flash hider, a safety lever with an additional protrusion, a side Picatinny rail, a Picatinny rail on the right and lower parts of the plastic forend, a sighting bar with markings up to 1000 meters . - Saiga-MK Spanish
33 has a 341 mm barrel chambered for 7.62x39 and 5.45x39, is equipped with a cartridge guide, a removable flash hider, a safety lever with an additional protrusion, a side Picatinny rail, Picatinny rails on the right and lower parts of the plastic forend, a sighting bar with markings up to 500 meters .
- Saiga-5.6 (Saiga-5.6S)
is a rifled carbine of the Saiga family chambered for the 5.6x39 hunting cartridge. The Saiga-5.6 carbine has been in production since 1974 and was discontinued due to frequent failures of the automation system resulting from too much bevel of the cartridge case and poor demand for the carbine chambered for this cartridge from hunters. - Saiga-308
is a rifled carbine of the Saiga family chambered for .308Win (7.62x51 mm).
Saiga-308 isp.
46 has a folding plastic stock, similar in appearance to Kalashnikov 100 series assault rifles, barrel length 350 mm. - Saiga-308 isp.
61 has a folding plastic stock, similar in appearance to Kalashnikov 100 series assault rifles, barrel length 415 mm.
modification of the Saiga carbine chambered for: 9×19 Parabellum, 9×21 mm, 9×53 mm. The Saiga-9 carbine chambered for 9x19 cartridge is produced on the basis of the PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN submachine gun. The automatic action of the carbine operates according to a blowback mechanism; the gas outlet tube performs only a decorative function. The carbine's barrel is extended, the magazine holds 10 rounds, the trigger allows firing only single shots, and the possibility of firing with the stock folded is blocked. The Saiga-9 carbine chambered for 9×21 mm is produced for export sale. The Saiga-9 carbine is produced under the 9x53 mm cartridge. Domestic 9x53 cartridges are very difficult to find on sale, and imported cartridges are many times more expensive than domestic ones and also have higher power, which negatively affects the operation of automation.
- The SR1 carbine
is a self-loading carbine based on the AK-107 assault rifle, designed for competitive shooters. Previously called Saiga-107. - The TR3 carbine
is a self-loading rifled carbine chambered for 5.45×39 mm and 7.62×39 mm calibers, produced on the basis of the AK-12 assault rifle. Previously called Saiga-AK12. - The TR9
Paradox carbine is a smoothbore hunting self-loading carbine chambered for 345TK cartridge, produced on the basis of the Saiga-9 carbine. 02.
12C isp. 76
The carbine differs from the previous ones in its rather long barrel (580 millimeters) and the presence of several muzzle attachments that come with it. This allows you to adjust the spread of the shot flying out of the barrel channel. The Saiga also has a folding stock, which greatly simplifies the process of transporting it. The chamber length for 10 rounds is 76 millimeters. Accordingly, the weapon is designed for 12 gauge.
Disassembly, assembly and maintenance
The Saiga carbine is disassembled for cleaning, maintenance or repair. To disassemble the carabiner, follow these steps:
- Detach the magazine by pressing the locking latch and pushing the bottom of the magazine forward slightly
- Check that there is no cartridge in the chamber; to do this, lower the safety catch down and move the bolt to the rearmost position
- Remove the receiver cover together with the return mechanism, to do this, press down the protrusion of the return mechanism, pull the cover up and move it backwards to separate it from the carbine, separate the return mechanism.
- Separate the bolt frame from the carbine, to do this, move it to the rearmost position and, lifting its rear part, remove it from the receiver guides along with the bolt upwards
- Separate the bolt from the bolt frame, to do this, move it to the rearmost position and turn the bolt by the head counterclockwise so that it disengages from the groove of the bolt frame, remove the bolt from the frame channel
- If necessary, disassemble the bolt by knocking out the fixing pin.
- Separate the gas chamber plug
- Unscrew and remove the gas regulator
- Separate the gas piston
- If necessary, separate the forend by unscrewing the screw of the front swivel and removing it, then remove the forend moving forward and downward.
The carbine is assembled in the reverse order.
Appearance and habits of the saiga
The photo of the saiga clearly shows that the animal has not changed or mutated since ancient times, when mammoths lived on Earth; this sharply distinguishes them from any other animal.
The mammal has a small body with a maximum length of 146 cm, including the tail, and a height of about 79 cm. Males, as a rule, are much larger than females in the weight category - up to 60 kg, and the weight of a female can reach 40 kg. The limbs of the animal are thin and short.
The saiga animal has an interesting nose, unique in nature, which hangs over the lips and looks like a trunk. The nose is designed so that in winter the saiga can warm up the incoming oxygen and filter dusty air, that is, the nostrils are large and separated by a very thin nasal septum.During the rutting season (mating season), the animal makes unique sounds with which it tries to lure the female and scare its rivals. If this does not help, you have to fight with horns that grow upward from the forehead by 20-30 cm.
The saiga's horns are his pride; they are a beautiful yellow color and completely covered with horizontal wide rings. This advantage grows up to 1.5 years, and the female has no horns at all.
Under the animal's horns there are small, voluminous ears that are very sensitive to suspicious sounds. The eyes are round, not large, yellowish-brown in color, but vision is developed at an average level.
In the summer, the saiga is covered with short, almost red fur. In winter, it is covered with a fairly thick pile of at least 7 cm, and becomes almost white, which allows it to “merge” with its natural habitat.
Saiga carbine tuning
The Saiga carbine provides its owners with great tuning opportunities. On sale you can find a large number of spare parts and tuning elements for Saiga.
The Saiga owner can replace the wooden stock with an impact-resistant plastic stock, or vice versa, replace the plastic parts of the fore-end and handle with wooden ones, and change the stock with a metal frame one.
Most modifications of the Saiga carbine have one or more rails designed for mounting an optical, collimator sight, night vision sight or thermal imager.
Many Saiga owners install high-capacity magazines, laser designators, front sights, flame arresters, and bipods on their carbine.
Tuning the Saiga carbine allows the owner to adjust the weapon to his individual requirements.
Advantages of the Saiga carbine
The Saiga carbine has many advantages, for which it is highly valued by its owners.
- The Saiga carbine, thanks to its design and operating principle of automation, inherited from the Kalashnikov assault rifle, is distinguished by its high reliability and unpretentiousness, the ability to work in the harshest conditions.
- The Saiga carbine is quickly and easily disassembled and assembled, repairing the carbine is not difficult, and spare parts for Saiga can be purchased at any gun or hunting store or ordered online.
- Thanks to the self-loading operating principle and high magazine capacity, Saiga has a high rate of fire, which can be important both for self-defense and for certain types of hunting.
- The Saiga's fairly large weight and gas-operated operating principle provide the carbine with relatively low recoil.
- The Saiga carbine provides great opportunities for its tuning; the owner can install sights of various types on it, change the stock and fore-end, install various body kit elements, thereby individualizing it and adjusting it to his requirements.
12K isp. 043
It is a classic smooth-bore carbine with a plastic fore-end and butt. The short rail is an analogue of the standard sighting device for a Kalashnikov assault rifle. There is a receiving neck that allows you to install a magazine with cartridges. Intended only for commercial or amateur hunting. It is practically useless for sport shooting or self-defense.
Disadvantages of the Saiga carbine
Despite all the advantages, the Saiga family carbines also have a number of significant disadvantages:
- The Saiga carbine is not suitable for hunting. Due to the rather short barrel (in most modifications) and the gas-operated principle of automatic operation, the Saiga carbine has far from the best accuracy and accuracy of combat. Experienced hunters prefer to use other hunting weapons for hunting. Still, first of all, Saiga is a weapon of self-defense and a weapon intended for recreational shooting, and not a hunting weapon.
- The Saiga carbine, due to the peculiarities of its ergonomics, is poorly suited for shooting offhand, shooting at moving targets and shooting at long distances.
- The Saiga carbine is quite heavy, which makes it poorly suited for long-term walking hunting.
Obtaining a weapons permit
- First you need to go to the hospital. The task at this stage is to obtain a medical certificate in format No. 002-О/у. The certificate can only be issued by a therapist. You must first see an ophthalmologist, narcologist, or psychiatrist-neurologist. It takes up to two days to complete a health check.
- Now you need to take courses on the use of weapons and pass an exam, after which you will need to issue a hunting license. This requires up to 5 days.
- At the next stage, you need to contact the LRR and write an application and submit the established package of documents. In this case, documents can be submitted online.
- It is imperative to properly equip the place where the weapon will be stored. Now you can invite a local police officer who will fill out a report confirming the correct storage of weapons.
- Now you can get a license and buy a weapon.
Note! The purchase of weapons is permitted in a special store and from a private person.
Purchased weapons will need to be registered. Now you can apply for a license to carry and store.
On a note! Authorized organizations take up to 30 days to create a license. The permit is valid for six months.
Reviews of the Saiga carbine
Owners of the Saiga carbine describe it as a very simple, reliable and unpretentious weapon. In general, most reviews are positive.
It should be noted that the Saiga carbine is still a weapon intended for self-defense and recreational shooting, and not for hunting. In principle, you can hunt with Saiga, but if you are serious about hunting, then it is better to buy yourself a weapon specifically designed for this.
The Saiga carbine is unique in its kind; it is difficult to find a weapon that could be compared with the Saiga in terms of technical characteristics.
12s isp. 261
A distinctive feature of this series is that the butt is equipped with a special rotating cheekpiece. Such devices are used for ease of shooting with an optical sight. A striking example of the convenience of a rotating cheekpiece is the Dragunov sniper rifle. Also, this Saiga (photo of the weapon is presented below) has a magazine opening, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of ammunition during the hunt.
