Saiga-20 smoothbore carbine: features and modifications

Saiga-20 smoothbore carbines appeared back in the 1990s, instantly gaining immense popularity in the hunting weapons market, despite the design being controversial for hunting weapons. Quickly gaining momentum, the production of smooth-bore weapons based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle reached hundreds of thousands of guns per year. Having entered the hunting market, IZHMASH quickly captured all the niches in the production of smoothbore weapons, starting production of models in 3 different calibers:

• "Saiga-12";
• "Saiga-20";
• "Saiga-410".

It is interesting that the .410 caliber unexpectedly fell in love with domestic gun lovers, since this gun turned out to be light and did not have strong recoil. For those who were not satisfied with smooth-bore hunting Saigas, there was the opportunity to purchase a Saiga rifle.

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:

1. 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.
2. The bolt frame plays the role of a transmission mechanism. In the AK-100 design it is used as a piston.
3. Various gas systems. This affected the conduct of fire.

Bolt system of a self-loading carbine

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.

Technical characteristics of the Saiga 20 shotgun

Let's move on to the main parameters of the carbine. The barrel is completely smooth and has no rifling. Available in 2 versions:

• 570 mm - preferable for hunting;
• 430 mm - suitable for self-defense, popular with private security companies.

The basic model is equipped with a choke of 0.9 mm. Some types of Saiga-20 carbine are supplied complete with additional attachments. There is a modification designed for firing a bullet, not a shot.

Muzzle attachment for the Saiga 20 carbine
Other characteristics include:

• total length - 1135 mm;
• width - 70 mm;
• height - 190 mm;
• weight - 3.5 kg (without cartridges and sighting devices).

[edit] Characteristics

Design of the 20-gauge Saiga hunting carbine

The muzzle narrowing affects the accuracy of fire. With the given parameters (750 mm target at a distance of 35 m), the indicators are as follows:

• models with a choke: Saiga-20, Saiga-20S - 60% of the shot hits the target;
• Saiga-20K, Saiga-20S EXP-01 - 40%;

Since 1998, the Saiga-20 shotgun has been produced with cylindrical barrels. This allows shooters to select the desired modification based on the target.

Design and components of a smooth-bore self-loading shotgun

The gas unit of the carbine is adapted for firing with both conventional and magnum cartridges. For this purpose, 2 fixed positions of the gas chamber plug are provided:

• for Magnum cartridges;
• for all other cartridges.

This feature is noted in the weapon's passport. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with it. The gun shoots excellent cartridges with any cartridge case (70 and 76 mm). The mechanism is adjusted in such a way that the shooter does not feel much difference in the nature of the recoil. This helps to conduct aimed fire at the target.

Using a larger magazine, you can fire a much larger number of shots in the allotted time. This is especially important for sport shooting at the range, when not only accuracy is important, but also the speed of hitting targets.

The ease of handling the Saiga-20 carbine is largely due to:

• the presence of a pistol grip;
• comfortable butt;
• good balance.

The pistol grip makes aiming and shooting easier.
The designers used stamped metal to make the translator lever. It is located on the right side of the box. If desired, the shooter can pull back the lever with his thumb, moving it to the upper position, blocking the trigger and checking for the presence of a cartridge in the barrel.

Specialists and experienced shooters note the excellent automatics of the carbine: the mechanism works smoothly, does not misfire, and listens well to the shooter. Saiga-20 allows you to conduct targeted shooting at a fairly large distance. During testing, the maximum distance to the target was 50 meters. Further, too strong and ineffective dispersion of the shot is noted.

MAKSIMOV.SU

Recently, Izhevsk semi-automatic devices from the Saiga series have noticeably lost ground to classic self-loading machines, both imported and domestic.

It’s no wonder - the former unbridled euphoria from the possibility of acquiring a “civilian Kalash” has passed.

However,

not because of disappointment in this weapon - it’s just that everyone who wanted it managed to buy the Saiga. And not everyone rushed to get rid of it in the end.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

Smooth-bore semi-automatic machines "Saiga" series

back in the 1990s. quickly and confidently became long-term sales leaders in the smooth-bore weapons market.

Judge for yourself

– per year IZHMASH produced and sold 100 thousand guns, which were available in various designs and in three calibers: the classic 12, the revived 20, and the unexpectedly popular .410.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

It was

a time of contrasting liberalization of the arms market, when almost every young hunter considered it his duty to purchase an “almost real Kalash” with his first or second gun.

What

Many wise people have not escaped, although not everyone is ready to admit it. Moreover, those hunters who are not in favor of “public opinion” still continue to hunt with Izhevsk semi-automatic devices.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

Hardly

It will sound like an exaggeration to say that the Kalashnikov assault rifle is known to almost every adult inhabitant of our planet.

For Russia

The Russian surname “Kalashnikov” has become one of the national symbols. Of course, you would like to have such a symbol in your personal possession, even if it’s a new one and even if, at first, in a smooth-bore form.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

Selection of smoothbore hunting weapons

determined by the purpose of use. As a rule, this is hunting, recreational shooting or self-defense.

Obviously,

that the first two points are the most common. But many people also needed to protect their home in the “dashing 90s”. And “Saiga” went to the masses.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

Reaction

public opinion regarding the right of “Saiga” to be called a hunting weapon at one time turned out to be surprisingly diverse. But AK fans were in the overwhelming majority.

Certainly,

IZHMASH’s competent marketing policy also played a serious role in “Saigomania” in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Self-loading shotgun "Saiga"-20S, tuning from the early 2000s.

Many

have purchased and continue to purchase Saiga because of their interest in complex mechanics and the possibility of limitless “tuning”.

You can't tell

, that then the prices for Izhevsk semi-automatic devices were insignificant. But the competition of Saiga as such in the second half of the 90s. was practically absent.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

But still

the main thing was that the 20- and 12-gauge Saiga turned out to be suitable not only for “self-defense fighters.” In practice, it was rated as a completely acceptable hunting weapon.

Interestingly,

This inexpensive, unpretentious and quite effective semi-automatic device was most actively used by hunters in the peripheral regions of Russia. The “Saiga-20S” model, which will be discussed in this article, turned out to be the golden mean for many.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, handle and trigger

Saiga-20S
Analysis of practical application for 12 years
Copy,

which you often see in the photographs for this article, was purchased by me in 2000. The decision was made more than consciously - before that, for several years in a row I periodically hunted with a Saiga-20 with an awkward hunting stock.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, trigger and magazine feeder
Basic version

the gun had a short aiming line that fit neatly on the gas tube of the gun. The brass front sight was not suitable for bullet shooting, so a “high front sight” was purchased, mounted on the muzzle of the barrel.

Slot

The standard rear sight turned out to be too deep and wide for the thinner new front sight, so the slot was filled with epoxy tinted with black paint, after which a new cut was made after drying.

This is positive

affected the comfort of aiming and shooting performance.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, cartridge feeding into the barrel

Plastic stock

I replaced it with a metal frame one and at first I simply lengthened it by 2 cm with two layers of thick rubber and a butt plate made from an old leather belt.

However

for normal shooting offhand this was not enough - the standard butt tends to rest against the shoulder not with the entire vertical plane of the butt plate, but only with its toe, and due to its insufficient length, not against the anterior deltoid muscle, but against the collarbone.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, cartridge feeding into the barrel

For change

pitch, retraction and length of the butt plate, a U-shaped, cross-section, attachment was made from 1.5 mm steel, attached to the butt with 4 side screws. The massive part gave the gun a more or less acceptable balance.

For decreasing

recoil and additionally increasing the length of the butt, a thick shock absorber from IZH-27 is attached to the nozzle with two 6 mm screws, adjustable vertically in a range of 4 cm.

Between

A thick leather gasket is placed between the shock absorber and the butt plate of the nozzle. To shorten the length of the stock when shooting in thick winter clothing, simply remove the shock absorber.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S and "Saiga"-20K on the hunt

Because shock absorber

2 cm wider than the end of the standard stock, it was necessary to grind off the protrusion under the latch on the side surface of the butt plate of the frame stock and weld a U-shaped bracket onto the nozzle.

Top part

the butt frame was wrapped with a narrow leather belt, secured with two screws.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

Inconvenient,

in my opinion, the attachment of the swivels forced us to move the front swivel to the left side of the forend, like an AK. The black “100th series” holding handle was replaced with a thicker and wider handle from AKM. The trigger, if we neglect the long travel of the trigger, does not cause any complaints.

For compensation

“pulling off” the weapon at the moment of firing as a result of failure of the trigger and increasing the practical rate of fire, an M3 screw is screwed into the trigger guard.
Self-loading shotgun "Saiga"-20S and Saiga-12S

Now

a few words about the shops. The 20-gauge Saiga is equipped with two 5-round magazines for cartridges of different lengths. In reality, a magazine marked 20/70 includes cartridges with a star twist and homemade bullet cartridges, and a magazine marked 20/76 contains rolled cartridges with a normal shot load.

Additionally

8-seater stores are available. The procedure for attaching a loaded magazine to a weapon requires certain skills.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

Eventually

the gun became a convenient tool. And most importantly - reliable and completely universal. With a total shooting of about 6 thousand, there were not a single delay due to the fault of the weapon: the mechanics of the gun had only just been “tested” during this time.

From "Saiga"

All the animals of the North Caucasus were regularly hunted - from quail to bear.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, gas chamber, piston and plug

Gun

did not rust at all, was on alert for weeks and was not cleaned, lay in the bodies of “66s” and other ZIL-KRAZs, sank in the river, “chewed” twigs and other debris that got through the fuse slot in the free box, but never failed .

Opinion

“Right hunters” were not initially taken into account, which was completely justified.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, bolt frame and bolt

"Saiga-20S" on the hunt

"Saiga" in 20 gauge

has an excellent bullet response - at 50 m, 5 Polev bullets can be stably placed in a circle of 70-80 mm or even a little less, only you must carefully equip the cartridges yourself: a bullet from a factory-loaded cartridge will not hit anywhere at all.

Exactly

a carefully selected bullet cartridge allowed the author to win city bullet shooting competitions from the MOR a couple of times. When shooting with the Cobra collimator at 100 m, the author placed 5 Polev bullets in a circle of 20-25 cm without any problems, which is more than enough.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, gas piston and bolt frame

According to the average beast

The 20 gauge is generally ideal, and for large ones, like bears and wild boars, there are excellent domestic bullets “Shatun”, “Medved” and others, and from import there is a proven ORIGINAL BRENNEKE 20 mag. bullet, weighing 29 grams (for comparison - a regular BRENNEKE 16-gauge weighs 31 g, 12-gauge 35 g).

"Saiga"

has a 76-mm chamber and extreme structural strength, so the use of heavy projectiles and magnum cartridges is permissible. At the same time, the gun allows you to get a very high practical rate of fire.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, mobile system

Shot fight

excellent. The main thing is to sight the Saiga barrel and determine the optimal combination of attachments and cartridge components. For example: from a distance of 35 m, standard cartridge equipment (1.5 g of Sokol, wad container, shot No. 5, rolling) allows you to get up to 15 hits on a standard 9x13 cm photo card.

Taking into account

traditional requirements, it would be enough to hit 4 pellets. The sharpness is also very good.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, incomplete disassembly

Using

Factory cartridges have never had any problems at all. Even with the gas regulator positioned at number “1” (magnum), when firing conventional cartridges, the automatic operated in normal mode, although this is not possible on all copies.

Little of,

"Saiga" is reloaded by firing a blank charge with a "smoke" and a pair of felt wads in a brass sleeve.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, holding the cartridge in the bolt

Homemade cartridges

, contrary to the factory recommendations, I used it from the very beginning and never regretted it.

Cartridge

with a multiple-shot and heavily deformed cartridge case, it can “wipe” in the magazine or jam during chambering, so it is advisable to calibrate the cartridge cases and finished cartridges and use a conical twist.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S, bolt lugs

"Saiga-20"

confidently covers the range of basic hunting tasks that may arise before a Russian hunter. In Siberia and the Far East, Saiga-20S and 20K are still used as a slug gun against elk and bear.

Fact

— Today, hunters are actively buying Saiga-20 consignment shotguns, and models with a fixed choke and a folding stock are especially popular.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S after a hard hunt

conclusions

A lot of

one can talk about the “correctness” or “incorrectness” of this weapon, but, according to official data, about 1.5 million copies of Saiga semi-automatic machines have been produced and sold since 1996. The hunters voted with rubles.

Currently

Izhevsk residents continue to work on the modernization of Saiga, planning in the near future to release into series an updated Saiga, which has a high quality of finishing and assembly.

According to the characteristics of the battle

The factory workers also promise something special. IZHMASH’s plans include: and the release of "Saiga" with a barrel having a Lancaster drill. Much attention is paid to improving ergonomic and aesthetic indicators.

Will it work out?

This is for Izhevsk residents - time will tell. In the meantime, let's wish them good luck.

Self-loading shotgun
"Saiga"-20S

The article was published
in the magazine “Hunting”, January 2013. The first version of the article was published in the magazine "Caliber" in 2004

How does Saiga 20 work?

In general, the smoothbore carbine system is no different from other hunting rifles of a similar type. Reloading is carried out due to the presence of a return spring and the pressure of the powder gases. When the bolt is fully retracted to the rear position, the spring automatically releases the cartridge from the magazine. This occurs simultaneously with the removal of the spent cartridge case.

The trigger mechanism is simple: the shot occurs when the trigger hits the firing pin. Its release from the hook occurs after pressing the trigger.

Trigger kit for Saiga

Shooting quality from the Saiga 20 hunting carbine

Let's talk about an important part that interests all shooters, beginners and experienced. The Saiga-20 smoothbore carbine is perfectly adapted for firing any cartridges of a given caliber, regardless of the manufacturer. At the same time, excellent accuracy is achieved at a distance of 30-50 m.

According to the assurances of the designers of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, the carbine can be fired at temperatures from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius. Hunters and sports shooting enthusiasts confirm that the weapon behaves perfectly within the given range.

The factory warranty includes 2000 shots, which equates to approximately 1.5 years of intensive use. Practice shows that Saiga-20 does not lose its shooting qualities even after 5000 shots. Professional hunters, with proper care (regular cleaning and lubrication of the trigger mechanism), can fire up to 9,000 shots without noticing any significant damage to the self-loading gun.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Feedback from hunters during the operation of Saiga 20

In general, the Saiga-20 is excellent for hunting, but owners still recommend upgrading it somewhat after purchase. For example, for greater convenience you can:

• replace the plastic butt with a frame one;
• install a higher front sight;
• change the pistol grip, installing in its place a more ergonomic model with grooves for the fingers.

Such manipulations are rather a pleasant addition than a necessity. They make handling the carbine more comfortable and easier, but are not at all a key requirement. Overall, the Saiga-20 is good even as it comes off the production line, and if you have your eye on it for hunting medium game, you will not be disappointed in your choice.