Saiga-410 is a self-loading smoothbore carbine, created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, produced by Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant JSC, part of Kalashnikov Concern JSC. The Saiga-410 carbine has a barrel caliber of .410x76 mm. Available in different modifications and designs. The carbine is intended for commercial and amateur hunting of small and medium-sized animals and birds, sport shooting and self-defense. The Saiga-410 carbine is used as a service weapon by departmental and forestry guards and employees of private security companies. The Saiga-410 carbine is popular for its external resemblance to a Kalashnikov assault rifle, for its simplicity, reliability and unpretentiousness.
Story
The first carbines of the Saiga family were created by designers in the 1970s using a 5.6x39 mm rifled cartridge. The first Saiga carbines were intended for shooting migrating herds of saigas, which in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian republics caused great damage to grain crops.
When creating the carbine, the design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was taken as a basis, to which a number of significant changes were made: the possibility of firing in bursts was removed, the carbine was equipped with a magazine for 10 rounds, and when firing steel, bullets without a steel core were used.
In the 90s of the last century, he experienced big problems with state military orders; rampant crime in the country created a demand for smooth-bore self-loading carbines for self-defense. All this was the reason for launching 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. A whole group of weapons engineers from the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, including G.N., worked on the creation of the Saiga-410 carbine. Nikonov, V. Afonin, V. Tsypko, A. Turkin, V. Abrahamyan, L. Ponomarev and V. Simonenko.
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 at that time in our country is explained by the fact that the plant’s management was primarily focused on the foreign arms market, and also by the fact that the .410 caliber cartridge stands apart from other smoothbore cartridges and has unique characteristics.
The cartridge provides low recoil compared to cartridges of 12, 16 and 20 hunting calibers, which allows people who do not have shooting skills to shoot weapons of this caliber: novice hunters, women, teenagers.
At the same time, the .410 caliber cartridge is intended for smooth-bore weapons, which can be purchased without 5 years of hunting experience.
In the first years after the release of the Saga-410 carbine, .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.
Nowadays, Saiga-410 is still a popular model of smoothbore weapons and is in steady demand.
You can learn more about other carbines of the Saiga family in our article: Saiga carbine
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.
Technical characteristics of the Saiga-410 carbine
- Barrel length:
330 – 570 mm - Caliber:
.410 Magnum (.410 x 76 mm) - Bore diameter:
10.25 mm - Operating principle:
self-loading, reloading due to the removal of part of the powder gases - Magazine:
removable, single-row, box-shaped for 2, 4, 8 and 10 rounds - Length:
825 - 1080 mm, with stock folded 585 - 840 mm - Weight:
3.1 - 3.4 kg - (JSC "Kalashnikov Concern")
Design of the Saiga-410 carbine
Trunk
The Saiga-410 carbine, depending on the modification and design, can have a barrel length of 330, 351, 404 or 570 mm. There are Saiga-410 carbines, which were manufactured on special orders, with barrels 483 and 612 mm long. The Saiga-410 carbine has a barrel caliber of .410x76 mm (10.2x76 mm).
All modifications and versions of the Saiga-12 carbine have chrome-plated bores and chrome-plated chambers. Chrome plating provides a long barrel life and simplifies weapon maintenance.
Saiga-410 carbines are equipped with replaceable choke constrictions, which increase the efficiency of use and expand the possibilities of using the carbine. If desired, the owner of the carbine can install a barrel extension or a Paradox rifled attachment, which lengthens the barrel and increases the accuracy of bullet shooting.
The barrels of some modifications of the Saiga-410 carbine are equipped with removable flash suppressors or muzzle compensators.
Sights
The Saiga-410 carbine is equipped with open sights: front sight and rear sight. Some modifications and versions of the carbine are equipped with an adjustable sighting bar of 5 or 10 divisions. All modifications of the Saiga-410 carbine are equipped with a dovetail side rail, which is designed for mounting optical, collimator sights or night vision sights.
Automatic and shutter
Reloading of the Saiga-410 carbine is carried out by removing powder gases through the upper hole in the barrel wall.
The gas vent mechanism of the Saiga-410 carbine differs from the gas vent mechanism of the Kalashnikov assault rifle and the rifled versions of the Saiga family carbines.
The gas piston of the Saiga-410 carbine is a separate part from the bolt frame. The gas piston moves inside the gas chamber, pushing the bolt frame rod. 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.
Most modifications of the Saiga-410 carbine do not have a gas regulator, but there are carbines that are equipped with a gas regulator for two fixed positions. The gas regulator is also a screw plug for the gas chamber and allows you to regulate the volume of powder gases entering the gas chamber.
After the bolt frame moves away under the action of gas pressure to the required distance, the powder gases are vented into the atmosphere.
The barrel of the Saiga-410 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.
Trigger mechanism
Saiga-410 carbines can only fire single shots, so the carbine does not have a self-timer mechanism: there is no self-timer lug on the bolt frame, there is no retarder in the trigger mechanism, the hammer, sear and safety switch have been changed.
Modifications of the Saiga-410 carbine with folding stocks are equipped with a mechanism for blocking the possibility of firing a shot with the stock folded.
Butt and forearm
Various modifications of the Saiga-410 carbine can have butts and forends made of a variety of materials and have different designs. The Saiga-410 carbine can be equipped with a plastic or wooden hunting butt and fore-end.
The Saiga-410S carbines are equipped with a folding plastic stock, a pistol grip and a hunting-type forend.
Saiga-410K carbines are equipped with a folding plastic or metal frame stock and a plywood or plastic forend.
Shop
The Saiga-410 carbine is equipped with a removable box magazine with a capacity of 2, 4, 8, 10 rounds. The basic package of the main modifications usually includes 4-round magazines. The most popular among owners of the Saiga-410 carbine are 8- and 10-round magazines.
Owner reviews and price
Despite its low firepower compared to larger caliber smoothbore weapons, the Saiga-410 is widely popular. This is usually due to the fact that some modifications of this carbine are more similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifle than any other variant of the Saiga family.
Reviews from hunters indicate that Saiga-410 carbines are recognized among them as very effective weapons. It performed best when hunting birds and small game. First of all, the ability to quickly transfer the Saiga from a traveling position to a combat state is highly appreciated. In addition, hunters consider the recoil of this weapon to be quite low.
The magazine type of loading a carbine allows hunters to equip their weapons in advance, which is especially important in the cold season. The number of cartridges in the magazine is generally considered sufficient to ensure both an aimed shot and the possibility of finishing the game.
At the same time, it was noted that some samples (especially in versions 410K-01 and 410K-02) have far from the best solution for their design elements. You have to spend time and additional money on their independent modification and tuning, although among hunters there are enough people who, on the contrary, really like this opportunity.
In addition, there are frequent complaints about the low quality of parts, their poor assembly and fit. However, serious defects such as a “crooked barrel” or distortions in the gas mechanism were observed extremely rarely. Experienced hunters are advised to carry out partial assembly and disassembly of weapons before purchasing in order to better identify poorly assembled specimens.
In terms of price category, the Saiga 410 family can be considered very affordable. Online store prices for new weapons in general do not much exceed the 20 thousand rubles mark; there are also separate offers at prices starting from 17 thousand rubles. In addition, ammunition of this caliber, as the lowest power, is also considered relatively inexpensive.
Operating principle
The principle of operation of the automation of the Saiga-410 carbine completely repeats the principle of operation of the automation of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The only exception is the trigger mechanism, 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 hammer is released, which, under the action of the mainspring, strikes 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, which is captured by the sear
- 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.
Modifications and versions of the Saiga-410 carbine
Saiga-410
The Saiga-410 carbine is the first smooth-bore modification of Saiga produced by the plant in 1993. The Saiga-410 carbine was equipped with a plastic or wooden hunting butt and fore-end. The carbine had open sights in the form of an open front sight at the end of the gas tube and a non-adjustable rear sight. 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. In addition to the basic modification, the Saiga-410K carbine is presented by the manufacturer in several different versions:
- Saiga-410K isp.
01 is a modification of the Saiga-410K carbine with a 404 mm long barrel, a folding plastic stock and plastic forends 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 frame metal or plastic butt 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 isp.03
is a modification of the Saiga-410K carbine with a 351 mm long barrel, a folding plastic stock and a plastic fore-end. 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.
Main characteristics
Now it’s worth talking in more detail about the main technical characteristics of Saiga-410.
As mentioned above, the carbine was developed to be chambered for the foreign caliber “410”, which is widely used, for example, in the USA. It provided a very good combat range when firing a bullet, while significantly reducing recoil power. You can use cartridges with different charges - from small shot to a bullet.
Depending on the modification, the weight of the weapon can be from 3.1 to 3.4 kg, which allows each shooter to choose exactly the option that fully suits him. There are options with fixed and folding stocks, long and shortened barrels. Therefore, the length varies from 1170 to 830 mm (or 590 mm in the position with the butt folded).
It is important that the Saiga-410’s shooting characteristics are quite good. When using shot, even the least experienced shooter can confidently hit a target at a distance of up to 30 meters. When using a bullet, this distance increases significantly - up to 50 meters or more. For a hunting smoothbore weapon, this indicator is considered very good.
Disassembly, assembly and maintenance
The Saiga carbine is disassembled for cleaning, maintenance or repair. To disassemble the carabiner, follow these steps:
- Press the magazine locking latch and push the bottom of the magazine forward slightly, disconnect the magazine from the carbine
- Make sure 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 along 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, then 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.
Tuning
Many owners of the Saiga-410 carbine are upgrading it. On sale you can find a large number of different tuning elements for Saiga-410.
- Many Saiga-410 owners install high-capacity magazines, laser designators, front sights, flash suppressors, and bipods on the carbine.
- The Saiga-410 carbine can be equipped with an optical, collimator or night sight, or even a thermal imager.
- The owner can replace the factory muzzle brake-compensator with a tuned one, which can be longer and have a more interesting appearance.
- It is possible to replace the factory handguard with a high-strength aluminum alloy forend with an integrated weaver-picatinny rail, or with a tactical forend with several weaver-picatinny rails.
- The carbine can be equipped with a telescopic buttstock with an adjustable cheek rest and a built-in recoil compensator.
Pros and cons
Is it worth buying Saiga? Definitely worth it. Despite all the obvious disadvantages, the carbine has an unsurpassed balance of price and quality. Moreover, the manufacturer continuously improves the quality of its products thanks to modern management systems. Minor defects in products are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to impeccable products from Russian gunsmiths.
Smoothbore weapons
- India
- South Korea
- South Africa
- USA
- Russia
- Türkiye
- Belgium
- Ukraine
- Italy
- Philippines
Advantages of the Saiga carbine
The Saiga-410 carbine has a number of advantages, thanks to which it is highly valued by its owners.
- The Saiga-410 carbine, thanks to its cartridge, fairly large weight and gas-operated operating principle, has very low recoil, which allows even women and teenagers to shoot from it comfortably.
- The Saiga-410 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 carbine is quickly and easily disassembled and assembled, repairing the carbine is not difficult, and spare parts can be purchased at any gun or hunting store or ordered online.
- The Saiga-410 carbine is well suited for use as a self-defense weapon. Thanks to the self-loading operating principle and high magazine capacity, the Saiga-410 has a high rate of fire. When defending a home, the carbine allows a less experienced shooter to fire a large number of shots in a short period of time, which will scare away intruders, forcing them to abandon their intentions.
- The carbine has an appearance similar to its ancestor - the Kalashnikov assault rifle, and with the help of tuning the owner can individualize it and adjust it to his requirements. The carbine provides great tuning opportunities; the owner can install various types of sights on it, change the stock and fore-end, and install various body kit elements.
Purpose
The carbine is intended for amateur and commercial hunting of small and medium game. Indispensable for training shooting due to its simple design and easy disassembly and assembly.
In some countries, the carbine has been successfully certified as a service weapon and is very popular in private security companies. In the Russian Federation it is used by forest guards and some departmental security units. In some cases, it is purchased by citizens for self-defense.
Disadvantages of the Saiga carbine
With all its advantages, the Saiga-410 carbine also has a number of disadvantages:
- The Saiga-410 carbine is not suitable for hunting. First of all, the Saiga-410 is a self-defense weapon and a weapon intended for recreational shooting, and not a hunting weapon. Experienced hunters prefer to use other hunting weapons for hunting.
- A 410 caliber cartridge contains a very small amount of shot; it is almost impossible to hit a flying bird with such a cartridge.
- A bullet in a 410 caliber cartridge weighs from 6 to 7.5 grams. Due to its light weight, the bullet has little destructive power and easily changes direction of flight upon contact even with thin branches of trees and bushes.
- 410 caliber cartridges, despite the smaller amount of gunpowder and the weight of the bullet or shot in the cartridge, are no cheaper than 12, 16 or 20 caliber cartridges, and they are more difficult to find on sale.
- Most modifications of the Saiga-410 carbine, due to the peculiarities of their ergonomics, are poorly suited for shooting offhand, shooting at moving targets and shooting at long distances.
- Many carbine owners complain about poor build quality and fit of parts, especially for carbines produced in the 90s of the last century. To combat all kinds of jamming and biting, owners have to fine-tune the carabiner themselves using a file, needle files and sandpaper.
What kind of prey is it suitable for?
Based on reviews from hunters who used this weapon, one nuance can be noted. You should immediately stop using shot and buckshot when hunting. Alas, the weight here will be very small, and it is almost impossible to hit a flying bird due to the small spread. The only exception is hunting with decoy ducks, when you have to shoot at an almost stationary target at a short distance.
But the bullet promises a more interesting hunt. Of course, here you need to skillfully choose your prey. Of course, it is possible to kill a bear or an adult wild boar, but this is more of a fantasy - for example, if you hit it right in the eye or heart. But it’s quite possible to go after a roe deer or a young wild boar - at a distance of 40-50 meters you can confidently catch them. Still, this is precisely the firing range specified in the characteristics of the Saiga-410 and is optimal.
However, for such a hunt it is advisable to be in good physical shape. The fact is that very often a light bullet inflicts a severe, even fatal wound on an animal, but still leaves it alive for a few minutes. During this time, the roe deer may well run several kilometers from the wound site. It is necessary to follow the trail as quickly as possible in order to find her in hot pursuit. Otherwise, the killing will become meaningless - not a single self-respecting hunter who considers the forest his second home will allow himself to do this.
Reviews of the Saiga carbine
The Saiga-410 carbine is unique in its kind; it is difficult to find a weapon that could be compared with it in terms of technical characteristics. Owners of the Saiga carbine speak of it as a very simple, reliable and unpretentious weapon; most reviews are positive. It should be noted that the Saiga-410 carbine is primarily intended for self-defense and recreational shooting, and not for hunting. In principle, you can hunt with Saiga-410, but if you are serious about hunting, then it is better to buy yourself a weapon specifically designed for this.
Table of contents
- Purpose
- Operating principle, design
- Modifications
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Analogues, competitors
- Specifications and prices
- Conclusion
Next year the legendary Izhevsk carbine celebrates its 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, the product has faithfully served lovers of hunting and sport shooting throughout the Russian Federation and beyond. Why do they love Saiga 410? Why did the carbine become a true legend and win millions of fans? The answers to these and other questions are in our article.
Saiga carbine price
The Saiga-410 carbine is produced at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, part of the Kalashnikov Concern. Currently, the plant produces Saiga-410K carbines of versions 02 and 04; you can buy them in weapons and hunting stores at a price of 25 to 30 thousand rubles. You can purchase a used Saiga-410 carbine through the consignment department of a gun store or through a website with advertisements for the sale of weapons. The price of such a carbine will depend on the modification, design and condition and starts from 10 thousand rubles.
Shooting Features
When using bullet cartridges, the effective firing range is 50 m; when shooting with shot, the range is reduced to 25 m. When shooting, you should take into account the fact that the flight path of a bullet and buckshot is significantly different and therefore it is necessary to make adjustments immediately before using the weapon. The optical sight is adjusted by rotating the vertical adjustment drum, while the open sight is adjusted by changing the aiming point. The Saiga 410 carbine can be equipped with a side dovetail rail for mounting optics, or a Picatinny rail integrated into the receiver cover.
Saiga-410K Tactics 12
