Saiga 410 carbine - device and characteristics

Smoothbore self-loading carbine “Saiga-410”. A brief overview of the weapon, some tips on modification, storage and care of it.

In the early and mid-90s of the last century, the Izhevsk plant launched production of hunting weapons of the Saiga family, created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. We’ll talk about one of them – the Saiga-410 self-loading smoothbore carbine – today.

The history of the creation of the Saiga 410 carbine

The first configuration, which was created in 1970, bore little resemblance to the modern model. It was loaded with 5.6x39 caliber ammunition and had a narrow purpose. It was called Saiga because the device was invented solely for the purpose of shooting saigas in the Central Asian republics. The weapon had a gas tube, and the barrel channel was locked with a bolt and lugs. The spent cartridge case is removed from the receiver using an ejector.

Saiga 410 is a universal carbine that can be used for hunting, used during the training process, and also had in your arsenal as a reliable weapon for self-defense. This device came to life in 1993.

With its help, you can repel the enemy, shoot a bird or animal, and improve the accuracy of shooting for lodging.

The Saiga 410 immediately became popular because the designers created this weapon based on the drawings according to which the Kalashnikov assault rifle was once produced. The developers did not have to invent the carbine from scratch, but a large group of weapons engineers participated in its refinement. These included famous names:

G. Nikonov;
V. Afonin;
V. Tsypko;
A. Turkin;
V. Abrahamyan;
L. Ponomarev;
V. Simonenko.

This development surprised many experts, because it was decided to equip this gun with 410x76 mm R ammunition. This type of cartridge was not popular in those days, but then during testing it became clear that this was a smart decision. If the carbine itself was produced at the Izhevsk plant, then the cartridges were created in Tula, as well as at the Krasnozavodsk and Barnaul plants. Saiga 410 is a weapon that is suitable for commercial and amateur hunting.

Saiga immediately became famous for its low recoil and good shooting range. Professional hunters and just shooting enthusiasts immediately fell in love with the 410. This is due to the fact that the developers decided to equip the device with 410x76 mm cartridges. This ammunition allows inexperienced shooters, women and even teenagers to use the gun. Previously, this carbine could be purchased without any skills; it was enough to provide a hunting license.

The Izhevsk plant itself, which at that time was considered the most famous manufacturer of high-quality weapons, played a significant role in the history of Saiga. Even back in 1993, experts noted that the firing range and accuracy were quite consistent with what was desired, which is why the Saiga 410 is in demand now. After the weapon became popular, it was put into mass production, and the designers decided not to stop there and create new modifications of the carbine.

Few people know that the first Saiga appeared in the early 70s, but never found widespread use. The revival took place in the early 90s.

Purpose

First of all, Saiga-410 was created as a weapon suitable for use by both amateur hunters and professional fishermen. Its main purpose was to hunt birds, small and medium game. But during operation, thanks to its excellent tactical and technical characteristics and ease of maintenance, the carbine was certified as a weapon for civilian and official use.

Today, Saiga-410 is exported to a number of countries not only as a hunting weapon, but also as a service weapon. In Russia, the Izhevsk carbine received certification as a civilian weapon intended for self-defense, shooting sports and training. It is also allowed to be worn by employees of some law enforcement and specialized departments:

Private security of the Russian Guard.
Forest protection.
Private security companies.

Saiga-410 carbines are often used by security companies.
In foreign countries, Saiga-410 is also used as a civilian and service weapon. In Kazakhstan and Lithuania it is used as a standard weapon of various security services.

Saiga 410 shotgun - characteristics

Saiga 410 is a prototype of the Kalashnikov AK 74 assault rifle, only in a smaller configuration. This fact alone indicates that the technical performance of the device should be up to par. The only significant difference is the replacement of the rifled barrel with a smoothbore one. This part of the mechanism was borrowed from the drawings from which the Magnum was developed. That is why .410x76 mm caliber cartridges were taken.

Characteristic	Parameter
Caliber	410x76 mm
Bullet weight	6 to 7.5 grams
Barrel length	330 mm
total length	840 mm
Barrel type	Smoothbore
Ammunition type	Live ammunition
Magazine capacity	4 or 10
Shot speed	up to 1400 m/s
Rate of fire	4 shots per minute
Power	1400 J
Aim	front sight, dovetail
Energy source	spring
Weight	2600 grams
Weight of carbine with equipment	3300 grams

Due to the fact that the Saiga has several modifications, during its creation various variants of the stock, forearm, barrels of different lengths, etc. were used. The Kalashnikov and Magnum assault rifles are called donors or progenitors of the Saiga 410.

Carbine modifications

Today there are several modifications of the Saiga 410 carbine, namely:

Saiga 410 is a standard version with a plastic or wooden fore-end/stock, barrel length 570 mm.
Saiga 410C is a standard version with a folding stock.
Saiga 410K is a variant with a barrel length of 330 mm, a folding stock, and a fire lock.
Saiga 410K-01 is a carbine with a barrel length of 404 mm, a plastic forend, two rear sight positions (25 and 50m), and improved fire accuracy.
Saiga 410K-02 is a carbine with a plastic/wooden fore-end and a metal/plastic butt. Externally very similar to AK.
Saiga 410K-03 is a carbine with a plastic stock, barrel length 351 mm. Externally it imitates a shortened AK-100.
Saiga 410K-04 is a variant of Saiga 410K-03 with a stock made using the metal frame method and a plastic/wooden forend.
Saiga 410K "Tactics" 06 - carbine with a metal butt, slotted flash suppressor; equipped with a comfortable pistol grip; The barrel and gas tube are covered with a wooden forend.
Saiga 410K “Tactics” 12 is a model with a wooden orthopedic stock and the longest sighting line. The stock of the carbine is made like that of the SVD.

Saiga 410 Tactics
To summarize, the Saiga 410 is a reliable, simple, multi-purpose weapon for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting, which has a huge service life with proper care. And its external resemblance to the AK only adds to its popularity.

Saiga carbine design

Good characteristics and similarity to the Kalashnikov assault rifle make this hunting unit very popular. It is ideal for those who are just starting to hunt, because it does not require serious financial investments. The carbine is popular not only in Russia, but even in countries far and near abroad. Every hunter would like to have such a barrel for hiking in the forest, because there will be no difficulties with the choice of cartridges. Device Features:

The consequence of the pressure of powder gases that occurs during a shot is characterized by the speed of the reverse movement of the gun being significantly reduced, which ensures low recoil when using Saiga.
The weapon is universal in that you can use different types of ammunition. You can choose any type: from small shot to bullet.
A good firing range is provided. You can easily hit the target from a distance of 80 meters. In general, the range indicator depends on the type of ammunition used.
The weapon is relatively light. Full equipment does not exceed 3.5 kilograms. The presence of different modifications allows a person to choose an option for himself: small or more impressive. The most popular type with fixed and folding stocks, long and short barrels.
The two-position rear sight has fixed positions for firing at 25 and 50 meters.
Saiga's handguard and gas tube trim are made of plastic, similar to the Kalashnikov type. The two-position rear sight has fixed positions for firing at a distance of 25 to 50 meters. Combat accuracy has been improved due to an enlarged aiming line.
In Saiga, when the butt is folded, the trigger mechanism is blocked. This is for safety reasons. This trick made it possible to classify this carbine as hunting equipment. According to legal regulations, the total length does not exceed 80 cm.
Experts note low firepower compared to larger caliber smoothbore guns.
The bolt and bolt carrier move forward under the influence of the return spring. These actions allow you to transfer ammunition into the chamber to prepare the device for firing.
The carbine has more than ten modifications. They are distinguished by the stock, the design and material of the attachment and handguard, as well as the size of the barrel and other features.

Experienced shooters can easily hit the target even from a distance of more than 50 meters. That is why Saiga is widely used, although in most cases it is hunting. The light weight of the cartridge allows you to take a large amount of ammunition with you into the forest. The carbine has little recoil. If a person weighs more than 80 kilograms, he will not even feel it.

Many people use a gun for self-defense, but it is worth considering that if you shoot with shot from a distance of up to 5 meters, this will ensure the death of any living creature.

Design and characteristics

The design of the carbine is based on the AK-74 army assault rifle, modified to meet new requirements:

"Saiga" is deprived of the ability to fire automatically in bursts.
The rifled barrel was replaced with a smooth one.
For modifications with folding stocks, except for the 410C model, when they are folded, the impact mechanism is automatically blocked. This is due to one of the requirements of current legislation for civilian weapons.
Options intended for official use in units of the Russian Guard or private security organizations have a light-colored (white or beige) forearm.

Technical characteristics of the Saiga-410 carbine
The main difference between the Saiga-410 and its progenitor AK-74 is the caliber of the ammunition used. The civilian version uses the .410 Magnum cartridge. It is from the designation of the cartridge that the digital marking of this carbine originated.

In general, the design is similar to the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle. From him, the civilian version received simplicity of design, and, as a result, relatively inexpensive cost, unpretentiousness and ease of maintenance. These factors are the reason for the great popularity of the Saiga series carbines, the history of which goes back 25 years.

The carbine is reloaded automatically after firing. For this, an option tested in AK assault rifles is used - the effect of powder gases on the bolt frame. Their excess leaves through the gas outlet tube. True, the self-loading mechanism was modified, as a result of which the piston received a short stroke. The barrel channel is locked using a bolt and lugs.

The design of a smoothbore carbine

For longer service, the internal parts of Saiga-410 are coated with a protective layer of chrome. Ammunition is supplied using several types of box magazines: with a capacity of 2 to 10 rounds. The basic model has an adjustable sighting bar that can be set for shooting at 25 or 50 meters. Further models have an open adjustable rifle sight, or a sight similar to a Kalashnikov assault rifle. The carbine can also be equipped with mounts for optical sights:

dovetail type (side mount);
Weaver/Picatinni type (on the receiver).

Installing an optical sight on Saiga-410

Operating principle

From a technical point of view, the step-by-step shooting process is as follows:

The cartridge is sent into the barrel by the movement of the bolt frame, which is acted upon by a return spring.
After this, the bolt rotates around its own axis, and the barrel bore is locked.
When you press the trigger, the hammer is released and, under the influence of the mainspring, hits the firing pin. A shot occurs.
The cartridge case, after firing the shot, is thrown out by the reflector during the reverse movement of the bolt.
The bolt frame moves back under the action of powder gases. Having reached the rearmost point, it begins to move forward, pushed by the return spring.
At this moment, the trigger is cocked again, engaging with the trigger through the sear.
When the bolt frame moves forward, a new cartridge is sent into the chamber. After this, the carbine is ready to fire the next shot.

Receiver and gas piston with bolt

Performance characteristics

Technical characteristics, depending on the modification and the charge used (shot or bullet), vary slightly. For the basic model they are:

weight - 3.4 kg;
length - 1170 mm;
caliber - 10.25 mm;
accuracy of fire - the radius of scattering of shot from a distance of 25 m is about 10 cm;
charge weight - from 6 to 7.5 grams;
bullet flight speed - 400 m per second;
sighting range - when using shot 25 m, when shooting with a bullet 50 m.

TTX Saiga-410

Advantages and disadvantages of the model

Despite this, critics claim that this caliber is too small for such an impressive weapon. At close range, the 410 caliber can cause serious injuries even to a large animal: a bear or a moose. To find out how good Saiga really is, a full analysis of the carbine was carried out and the main shortcomings and obvious advantages were highlighted.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you shoot even from 30 meters, you can accurately hit the target

Lightweight ammunition. If a person goes on a long hike, then he will be able to take more cartridges with him, if compared with 12 gauge

A reliable weapon because it was created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The main part of the mechanisms is taken from the AK-47. Plus the two weapons are very similar.

Buyers note that the carbine is much cheaper than its analogues. A practically new device can be bought for 10,000 rubles. Despite the price of cartridges, they are easy to find on sale

The strength and reliability of the device has been tested for decades

Saiga is a real paradise for body kit lovers. It was created by the best designers of the USSR

Users note that sometimes even experienced hunters have difficulty reloading

You rarely see a modification with automatic reloading on sale. It is not recommended to purchase ammunition in Barnaul metal casings and you should not change the calibration of ammunition

The short range of the shot and the low weight of the bullet cause unnecessary trouble when shooting in a forested area. Due to the vegetation, it is difficult to aim well, which determines the disadvantages of the mechanism

Ammo is very expensive, which is why many hunters experiment and purchase ammunition cheaper. This negatively affects the range, accuracy and quality of shooting

The massive barrel of the carbine is designed to withstand significantly higher pressures than those generated as a result of shooting

A large mass of weapons. Due to its large dimensions, many hunters refuse this weapon

Of course, the range indicators are not so impressive, but the model does not pretend to be a sniper rifle. In order to hunt or organize the defense of your own home, Saiga is an ideal option. Experts do not recommend changing the caliber to save money. This can lead to serious negative consequences. If a person wants to get good shooting performance, it is worth buying cartridges with special gunpowder such as Sunar-410, but also with regular Sokol.

Saiga is actively used in Lithuania. There, this carbine is a service device for security guards, and is also used in non-departmental units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Analogues and competitors

Saiga-410 has no real competitors either on the Russian or foreign market for hunting rifles. There are several similar models produced in the world, designed for the weak .410x76 Magnum cartridge. Shotguns produced in this segment are quite rare. The most famous among them is Remington, produced in the USA in the 50-60s of the twentieth century.

Remington chambered for Magnum .410x76

Thus, “Saiga”-410, despite some shortcomings, fully meets the “price-quality” criterion. This is an excellent choice for a person who wants a unpretentious and easy-to-handle gun for hunting small and medium game.

Ammunition for the Saiga 410 carbine

Saiga 410 is probably the most popular carbine, which allows you to experiment in terms of ammunition configuration. In any gun store you can find several variations of cartridges that will fit this weapon. The main thing is to choose the right number. Experts do not recommend shooting bullets through the paradox. It is better to give preference to factory cartridges. The cost of one ammunition varies from 25 to 35 rubles.

Some hunters use “roll-your-own” ammunition because the price of one such ammunition is reduced by three times. If you decide to purchase this type of cartridge, then you should take care of purchasing normal plastic sleeves. If you buy Barnaul or aluminum ones, you should prepare for the fact that recharging will take a very long time. If you purchase high-quality ammunition, this not only increases ease of use, but also allows you to shoot doubles.

Saiga-410. Who is being hunted with a “gardening Kalashnikov”?

In design and appearance, these guns (officially smooth-bore carbines) are very much reminiscent of a Kalashnikov assault rifle, because they were created on the basis of that legendary AK. Modifications 410K-01 and 410K-02 are generally converted from a combat AK-74. In the West this gun is called: AK clone .410 Siaga shotgun.

“Saiga-410 is a self-loading carbine based on a Kalashnikov assault rifle and intended for commercial and amateur hunting of small and medium-sized animals and birds. ... designed for shooting with a hunting bullet, shot and buckshot.” Wikipedia.

On specialized forums, opinions about hunting with “Sayozhka” are generally opposite. From enthusiastic people like:

“Saiga-410 is a smoothbore. There is a bullet and a shot. Accordingly, you can hunt, starting from a defenseless duck, to healthy moose and bloodthirsty wild boars. I read on the internet that the Saiga-410K-02 is essentially a universal weapon (muzzle energy 1000-1200 J). So I ask experienced people what they think about this,”

to these:

“Can you go after a hare with Saiga-410? - Are you kidding me or something, it’s like looking at a bear with a PM. Well, you let the whole store loose on the hare, and he will become furious and gnaw you to death.”

This is how many people make fun of hunters with the 410 “Sayozhka”; some do not understand all the capabilities of this wonderful weapon, or do not want to understand. Of course, the AK-like Saiga is not as convenient for hunting as a standard hunting rifle. Many people buy it as a second gun for recreational shooting (plinking). But if this gun ends up in a hunter’s family, field testing is, as a rule, inevitable.

Who is shot with this “almost Kalashnikov”, despised by all “real hunters”? I will quote real phrases from one hunter forum.

Here is the opinion of the average person: “410 is a commercial caliber for small animals, small birds when shooting at a stationary target. Nowadays it is also used for self-defense, because it is light and compact. I don’t know what other opinions there might be..."

First of all, the crows are shot. For fun.

Small birds, hazel grouse, quail, etc. “Pencil cartridges (76 mm long) are very shot-intensive, with 20 grams of shot each, more than 24 gauge.” Namely, the 24 caliber was considered a “commercial” gun, a gun for a professional hunter. Of course, owners of classic shotguns will argue that the sheaf of shot from a large caliber is wide and the density (the number of pellets per unit area) is much higher. That is, the reliability of hitting a flying bird is also higher. At short distances this advantage of a large caliber is imperceptible, but you hardly want to eat a bird “loaded” with shot. Well, you can shoot a sitting bird with a small-caliber gun from a much greater distance. You just have to remember that you have to aim more accurately.

Nowadays, when a small rifle has become a rifled weapon, it is being successfully replaced by the 410 caliber. Consequently, all types of animals that were previously shot with small guns are now shot with small-caliber smoothbore guns. Squirrel, marten and other small fur-bearing animals. They are usually hunted in winter.

Beavers, muskrats. They only hit the beaver in the head; a beaver wounded elsewhere dives under the water and often dies where it cannot be reached. And beavers are sensitive animals, and as soon as they go under water. And this is where one of the advantages of the 410 caliber comes to the rescue, its range. A small-caliber bullet (all other things being equal) flies further and hits more accurately than a bullet (buckshot) from a gun of “classic” hunting calibers.

Fox, hare. They don't let you get close either. But my personal opinion is that it is better to hunt them with a classic 12 (16) gauge shotgun. They run too fast, and to hit a running animal with an inconvenient and small-caliber Saiga, you just need to be a master!

Small ungulates and small wild boars. It must be said that, other things being equal, the stopping effect of a bullet of a smaller caliber is weaker. You need to aim at the most lethal places - the neck, heart, etc. But even here there is a knight's move: use special expansive bullets with a high stopping effect. Well, “Sayozhka” is still a fast-firing and multi-charge weapon. Besides, going wild with a 410 Saiga is like playing Russian roulette. Although such extreme sportsmen usually hit the beast at long distances, using the Paradox attachment.

For animals over 50 kg (wolf, wild boar, deer, elk) it is definitely necessary to use a larger caliber. Although I have often heard: “I haven’t hunted wolves with a 410 myself, but I have a friend who successfully kills them with a 410k-01,” but, as a rule, these are just hunting tales. In general, it is better to hit a large wild boar with a carbine with optics, which is accurate and powerful. This animal is very smart and runs fast. Although the instructions for the weapon contain the following phrase: “The 410 cartridge is effective against animals up to 100 kg,” I would not recommend trying it. A wounded animal loses its sense of self-preservation and may die from a light bullet wound, but first it will cripple the unlucky hunter. Although there are legends among the people: “When I worked in the north, I had to communicate with Mansi. They shot the bear with small rifles. The fourth vertebra in the withers was holed, and that’s it, the bear died. The main thing is skill." Yes, you can kill a wild boar with a .410 caliber. But what experience and basic luck are needed for this!

And finally. A gun in the hands of even a person who did not know how to shoot always inspired the idea of power. And here in my hands is “almost an automatic rifle.” But still…

Life is given to a person once. The main thing is that the natural desire to play a hero in front of your comrades and show that your Kalashnikov is the coolest does not override the sense of self-preservation and does not knock the basic rules of handling weapons out of your head.

Tags: machine gun, history of weapons, shooting, hunting, weapons, inventions, Saiga carbine

Modifications

For buyers who have a special permit to carry, store and use smooth-bore firearms. The Saiga brand has 12 modifications, but all of them have distinctive features and features:

Saiga-410 is the main type, which is produced with a hunting stock and forend. On the receiver there is a special compartment for mounting an optical sight. That is, theoretically, this carbine can be used as a sniper rifle. The kit includes replacement barrel attachments. External parts are made of wood, some elements have plastic parts.
The U410S has a folding stock and a handle with which you can control the firepower. This decision further shows the similarities between Saiga and Kalashnikov. The product is made of black polyamide.
The U410K has a noticeably smaller barrel and a trigger locking device. This allowed us to comply with the parameters established by law.

The latest modification, Saiga-410K, has several versions. The second type of this carbine has a more elongated barrel. It exceeds the first option by 104 mm. Additionally, it has metal or plastic inserts, depending on the chosen design. The forend of this species is made of plastic or wood. More impressive dimensions have led to the fact that inexperienced hunters will not be able to distinguish this Saiga from an AK-47. A simulator of a muzzle brake-compensator is installed at the end of the barrel.

Saiga is actively used on Belarusian territory. This country has certified the weapon, and it is used as a civilian hunting weapon. In the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, this carbine is used as a service weapon. There, Saiga is often purchased by private security companies. In Russia and Ukraine, this is a type of civil device.

When purchasing this weapon, it is important to take into account that in 2006, some legislative norms in Russia were changed that relate to devices of the Saiga format. That is why manufacturers had to release updated batches, where the forend has a distinctive color. When purchasing, you should pay special attention to this factor and buy a carbine in white, light gray or light beige.

Tuning

Having the skills of metalworking, you can at home change the buttstock to a telescopic or permanent one, of the desired shape and size; to replace the forend and barrel lining, you just need to know how to disassemble a carbine. Rearranging the forend will take three to four minutes of your time. Replacing the forend and receiver lining with the Keymod interface will solve all problems with installing the body kit on a weapon. The flashlight, handle or bipod all fit without problems. The pistol grip is also fixed with a bolt; replacing it is not difficult.

The barrel has threads designed for installation of choke tubes with various constrictions and compensators.

dovetail strap on the left side of the receiver

for mounting an optical, collimator or night sight.
Piccatini
rail , choosing the right one for the Saiga-410 carbine is not a problem.

Considering that the main problem of the Saiga owner is

If the problem is the small size of the butt and the inconvenience of holding it, then by replacing the forend and butt, almost all problems are solved.

Mandatory revision

Serves to finish the magazines, the original Izhevsk ones have a backlash, this is corrected with thin strips of plastic on the neck of the magazine.

In addition, after purchasing a magazine, it is worth disassembling it and sanding the plastic, the quality of workmanship is disgusting

: flash and burrs. You can disassemble them using a screwdriver, hold the tooth of the feeder base with it, and slide the magazine cover.

Disassembling the gun

Disassembly is carried out in order to clean the tool after use. It is important to carry out this procedure every time. Before you start disassembling the device, it is important to worry about safety and process optimization. To do this, you need to choose a room with good lighting and clear the table so that there is somewhere to lay out individual parts. Basic disassembly steps:

Check the position of the fuse box. The edge should face up. Then you need to remove your hand from the trigger part so as not to accidentally fire a shot.
Hold the carabiner and remove the magazine, first removing the latch. Check for the presence of a chamber inside. To remove the receiver cover, you must lift the top while holding the end of the recoil spring guide.
The return spring and bolt frame are removed. After this, you should lift the rear part of the frame up and turn it in order to disassemble the shutter later.
For further disassembly, you need to remove the shift lock and then remove the safety curtain.
In order to remove the forend, you will need a screwdriver or other similar device. To do this, you need to tighten the part, and then move forward and down.

Now all that remains is to remove the gas regulator and piston. To do this, sometimes you have to press the shutter. The carbine is assembled in the reverse order, so it is better to lay out the parts strictly according to the instructions.

Assembly and disassembly of Saiga-410

Assembling and disassembling a carbine follows the same procedure as assembling an AK.

Disconnect the magazine, move the bolt carrier back and check the chamber.

Move the ramrod head away from the barrel and pull it up.

Press the locking button on the receiver latch and remove its cover by moving it towards you and upward.

Remove the return mechanism by sliding the lock forward and then lifting it up and pulling it out towards you.

Remove the bolt frame and separate the bolt from it.

Lift up the latch on the aiming block and separate the gas tube.

Turn the lock on the forend up and forward and remove it.

Assembly is carried out in the reverse order; if you have the skills, you can completely disassemble and assemble the Saiga in 4-5 minutes.

Important!

When purchasing a Saiga, you should hang a twisted ring on the head of the cleaning rod; this will make it easier to remove.

For care, it is best to use special cleaning kits; Ballistol

"
To remove lead from the barrel or in case of significant carbon deposits, you can use Armistol Solvit
and alkaline gun oils.
Clean the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle.
You can visually check the quality of cleaning by placing a sheet of white paper at an angle to the chamber of a disassembled carbine and looking into the bore from the cut side.