- December 15, 2018
- Weapons and ammunition
- Michael
One of the most recognizable types of smoothbore weapons in our country remains the Saiga-410 smoothbore carbine. Characteristics, firing range, low recoil - all this made it a desirable acquisition for both hunters and just shooting enthusiasts. Therefore, it would not be superfluous to talk about it so that every reader understands the issue.
History of creation
Like other versions of the Saiga hunting carbine (rifled and smooth-bore), this one was developed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. This happened in the early 90s, and in 1993 the first samples rolled off the Izhmash assembly line.
It is worth recognizing that the new weapon was intended for ammunition that was very exotic for the domestic market. However, if you look into the issue, it is not difficult to understand why and what caliber the Saiga-410 received. On the one hand, the 410x76 mm cartridge provided low recoil compared to Saiga calibers 12, 16 and 20, which allowed them to be used even by people who do not have shooting skills - women, teenagers, and beginners in hunting. On the other hand, like any smooth-bore weapon, the Saiga-410 could be purchased without hunting experience.
It was originally planned that imported cartridges would be used. However, quite quickly, specialists from the Barnaul, Krasnozavodsk and Tula plants studied this issue, and soon Russia had its own ammunition of a caliber exotic for its time.
Quite quickly, experts and ordinary shooters became convinced that the Saiga-410’s characteristics, firing range and accuracy fully corresponded to the desired ones. Therefore, the carbine took pride of place in the list of weapons produced by the famous plant. Over time, it became widely known, and Izhevsk gunsmiths developed several variants of carbines - we’ll tell you more about them a little later.
Characteristics of the Saiga shotgun
As already mentioned, the Saiga carbine is based on the basic version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. However, the design has undergone a number of changes. First of all, the fire safety switch and trigger were changed. Saiga carbines have lost the ability to fire automatically. As is quite expected, the barrel itself has also changed, although the changes mainly affected variants for hunting cartridges.
The characteristics of the 7.62x39 mm barrel have remained virtually unchanged. It is worth noting that some models, especially export versions, received a shutter delay, for which this was done, I’m afraid not a single hunter will be able to explain.
In variants equipped with a folding stock, the possibility of firing with the stock folded has been blocked. In addition, the magazine latch and the magazines themselves were redesigned, since the Federal Law “On Weapons” has a limit on the magazine capacity of civilian and hunting weapons.
Saiga-M3
The receiver of the Saiga carbine is somewhat different from the receiver of combat assault rifles, this primarily concerns the marks. Location of pins and stampings. In addition, it should be noted that, unlike linear AKs, all carbines are initially equipped with dovetail rails for installing optical and night sights. This is true for both smooth-bore and rifled versions.
Saiga carbine with optical sight
It is prohibited to use magazines from the combat version of the AK on the Saiga carbine. But, despite this, craftsmen and weapons tuning companies can work on using 30 local magazines in hunting weapons; it is worth noting that the magazine capacity in this case is limited by the installation of special pins. You can find articles and videos on this topic on the Internet.
Typically, Saiga-M and Saiga-410 undergo modifications, since they most accurately replicate the appearance of the AKS. For imitation, magazines from AK-74, less often from AKM, are used. Difficulties arise only with the .410 cartridge; to use it in non-standard magazines, tuning of the magazine itself is required, in addition to the presence of an adapter and cutting the cartridges to size.
Saiga 410K
The most recognizable parts of the body, the butt and forearm, have different shapes in different designs and are not interchangeable. Nevertheless, for designs that imitate the appearance of combat assault rifles, parts from military weapons are used, since they are quite suitable for mounting, in addition, a wide production of add-ons and accessories has now been launched specifically for this model of hunting weapon.
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.
Ammo for Saiga
The standard carbine kit includes a magazine with a capacity of up to four rounds of ammunition. The manufacturer has provided the opportunity to increase the ammunition capacity of one loaded magazine to ten rounds. The hunter can buy the required number of magazines to fill the unloading.
Carbine owners need to know which caliber of Saiga 410 cartridges is considered the best among imported analogues. The main ammunition that has proven effective in sports shooting and defensive use is the 410 Magnum cartridge (Russian 10.4 mm caliber) with a 76.0 mm (410x76) case. It is noteworthy that Saiga cartridges with a seventy-millimeter sleeve show slightly worse ballistic performance.
Cartridge 410 Magnum
The use of such a cartridge satisfies the needs of hunting small and medium game, with a bullet and a small shot load, at short distances from the target. Manufacturers do not recommend the use of buckshot - the firing efficiency is not great, with simultaneous significant wear of the barrel.
For those who like to load their own ammunition, they have the opportunity to independently select a bullet from the assortment presented by gun stores, including (weight, g/length, mm):
- “Lee” - four-band, 13.6/ 16.2;
- "Sapsan 410" 12.2/15.0;
- “Tula Paradox” 11.85/15.0;
- "Bibisina", 13.4/17.0;
- "VVS Wedge", 24.5/15.8;
- "Nitrogen", 9.35/50.0;
- "Whirlwind", 10.2/32.0.
The list of bullets from different manufacturers is not limited to the presented list. Constant work is underway to improve the ballistic characteristics of the Saiga 410 k. But the main material for manufacturing remains lead alloys.
Purpose
The scope of use of this weapon is quite wide. After all, the inherent characteristics of the Saiga-410, firing range and low recoil, are highly valued by a variety of people.
Of course, the main purpose is hunting. True, a small caliber leads to a low bullet mass (from 6 to 7.5 grams) and a small amount of shot. Therefore, the list of animals and birds that can be successfully hunted with this weapon is significantly reduced - we’ll talk about this a little later.
It is an excellent choice for people who simply love to shoot and who want to bring weapons culture to their family and social circle. The fact is that 410 caliber Saiga-410 cartridges provide very little recoil. For an experienced, strong man weighing 70-90 kilograms, this factor cannot be called very important.
But if your goal is to teach the art of shooting to a teenager or a fragile woman, then giving them a 12-gauge gun for the first shot in their life is not the best idea. Still, in inexperienced hands, powerful recoil may well lead to injury or at least fear of the weapon. When using a 410 caliber carbine, recoil is minimal, so everyone can master shooting and fall in love with shooting.
They often buy Saiga-410 to protect their home from a sudden invasion of robbers. This is also a good choice here. Still, in most cases, the owner of the house sets himself the goal of scaring off robbers, and not killing them. A shot from 2-5 meters from a 12-16 caliber gun (no matter whether it is shot, bullet or buckshot) almost always leads to death, even if it is aimed not at the body or head, but at the limbs.
"Saiga-410" in this sense is much more humane - the bullet weighs only a little more than in a Makarov pistol, and therefore is suitable for inflicting a non-fatal wound.
Some critics believe that this caliber is too small for self-defense. But here they are wrong. Yes, the 410 caliber is not suitable for hunting large animals - bear, elk. But man is a much less resilient creature. In addition, often even a slight injury forces attackers to abandon their original plans, simply give up and wait for the arrival of law enforcement officers under the supervision of the weapon owner.
However, thanks to its excellent characteristics, this carbine has found use not only among private individuals. For example, in Lithuania, Saiga-410 is a service weapon in many private security companies. Exactly the same picture is observed in Kazakhstan. And in Russia, many paramilitary non-departmental units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are armed with these weapons.
Main advantages
Now it’s worth talking about the main advantages of this weapon, which made it so popular not only in our country, but also in many others.
Of course, the main advantage is low recoil and, as a result, excellent accuracy. At a distance of 25 meters, bullets confidently fall into a circle with a diameter of 50 centimeters. Of course, for a rifled sniper rifle this figure would be considered unacceptable. But for a smooth-bore weapon it is very good. When defending a home, and even if you are not the most experienced shooter, this is very important - you can fire a large number of shots in a short period of time.
Judging by the reviews, the low weight of the cartridges can also be considered a plus. Thanks to this, during hunting you can easily carry several times more ammunition with you than, for example, when using a 12-gauge weapon.
The weapon is based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle, famous for its reliability. Many components and even the external design were taken from it. Therefore, the owner definitely won’t have to worry about reliability, especially if he manages to purchase an old weapon that was produced in the 90s, but has a small round of ammunition.
Many buyers are flattered by the fact that most modifications of the Saiga-410 have an appearance similar to its ancestor - the AK-47. However, this also has practical significance. Once you get used to handling a Kalashnikov assault rifle, switching to the Saiga-410 will be quite easy. Changing back is also much easier.
conclusions
This model of shotgun is popular among weapon lovers primarily due to its similarity with the Kalashnikov assault rifle.
Based on its operating mechanism and design, the Saiga-410 carbine can be called a reliable and simple weapon not only for target practice or self-defense, but also for hunting only small animals, since it does not have much power.
You can fire with shot, buckshot and bullets. It is recommended to use bullets as they give better results. The maximum combat range of a bullet is 50 meters.
Existing disadvantages
Alas, any weapon that has advantages will certainly have certain disadvantages. And it is no less important to know about them, so as not to be disappointed in the purchase later.
Let's start with the fact that the bullets used in 410 caliber cartridges have a low weight, as mentioned above: from 6 to 7.5 g. For comparison, a bullet in 12 gauge cartridges weighs from 30 to 35 g. This provides not only a greater firing range , but also much more severe injuries. The same can be said about pouring shot. Therefore, using Saiga-410 of this caliber when hunting elk, bear, duck or snipe is quite problematic.
The firing range is also not too long. Even in experienced hands, when shooting with a bullet, it is not always possible to hit a stationary target at a distance of 70 meters. What can we say about the forest, when the target is actively moving and has a much smaller size than a target at a shooting range!
The low weight of the bullet causes unnecessary trouble when shooting from bushes. Alas, a light 6-7 g bullet can change its flight direction even upon contact with grass, leaves or thin branches. Therefore, it is advisable to shoot only in more or less open areas.
An additional disadvantage is the high cost of ammunition. Knowing what caliber is used on the Saiga-410, keep in mind that you will have to pay 1.5-3 times more for the cartridge compared to an analogue for 12 or 16 calibers. Of course, for many hunters and just shooting enthusiasts, such a significant overpayment will be unacceptable.
Practical hunting with Saiga-410
Reviews from hunters indicate the popularity of Saiga-410 carbines among them. They use them when hunting birds and small game and note the exceptional qualities of these weapons, manifested in the following:
- the ability to quickly transfer weapons from a traveling position to a combat state;
- equipping stores in advance, in quantities limited by their availability (especially in the cold season);
- the number of cartridges in the magazine, ensuring the possibility of finishing the game;
- light weight of the weapon;
- comfortable recoil when shooting;
- reliability of operation of weapon components and mechanisms.
At the same time, it was noted that some samples (410k-01, 410k-02) have some “roughness” in the design and, for their independent modification and tuning, one has to spend personal time, as well as additional funds.
See also the article T-5000 sniper rifle and its characteristics
Thus, the Saiga-410 carbine range has taken its rightful place in the overall structure of weapons production in Russia. To perform the assigned tasks, it is a reliable and easy-to-maintain weapon that enjoys well-deserved respect and consumer demand. Among the carbines of this class, the Saiga 410k 04 stands out, the characteristics of which are improved compared to its predecessors.
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.
Basic weapon options
It was already mentioned above that this carbine is available in several modifications. Each has certain distinctive characteristics that make it unique and a good choice for specific shooters. Now it's time to tell you more about them.
The very first and most common version is the classic “Saiga-410” of 410 caliber. It has a standard hunting stock without a pistol grip. Like the forend, the stock can be made of either wood or plastic. The total length is 1170 mm with a barrel length of 570 mm, which provides the greatest firing range.
The Saiga-410S is not very different from it. The only innovation is that the stock can be folded for easy storage and transportation. The barrel length is exactly the same, but the overall length is slightly less - 1080 mm.
Saiga-410K is more suitable for home defense. It has not only a folding stock, but also a shortened barrel - only 330 mm. Because of this, the total length is 840 mm, and with the stock folded - 595 mm. In order for the weapon to comply with the weapons legislation of the Russian Federation, the carbine is equipped with a special device that blocks the trigger when the butt is folded. It is used extremely rarely for hunting, but for home defense it is quite a good option. That is why several modifications were released.
For example, Saiga-410-01 received a slightly elongated barrel - 404 mm. In addition, the design was as close as possible to the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle.
According to reviews, the characteristics of Saiga-410-02 are more different. The butt here can be either plastic or metal, framed. In addition, there is a muzzle brake-compensator, which additionally brings the carbine closer to the AKS-74 in appearance.
The “03” and “04” versions have a rather short barrel – 351 mm. Together with the decorative muzzle and the front sight located on the gas chamber, this makes the weapon as similar as possible to Kalashnikov assault rifles of the “hundredth” series. The short barrel significantly limits the shooting range, making carbines not the best choice for hunting.
They differ from each other only in the type of butt. In version “03” it is plastic and folding. And “04” has a metal frame. However, this does not affect the characteristics and firing range of the Saiga-410-04. Typically, private individuals purchase them either for amateur shooting at a shooting range or for home defense. In this case, this choice can be called very successful.
Finally, it’s worth talking about the characteristics of Saiga-410 KV. It has a comfortable pistol grip, a folding stock and a fairly short barrel - 330 mm with a total length of 840 mm.
Which store to choose
Most modifications of the Saiga-410 can use carbines with a capacity of 2, 4, 8 and 10 rounds. And here we have to make a very difficult choice. The smaller the magazine, the more convenient it is to work with it in the future - it does not cling to bushes, belts and other equipment. But the longer it is, the more cartridges it holds.
Therefore, it is impossible to give definite advice here - each owner must decide for himself which store will be the best choice for him. But it is advisable to have several magazines in your arsenal so that you can use the one that suits you in a particular situation.
How to shoot a Saiga-410 carbine
The use of a carbine should be divided into three stages: preparation for shooting, firing shots, transferring to a “traveling” state. At the first stage you should:
- make sure the weapon is clean, and also remove any remaining grease from all metal surfaces;
- prepare the aiming device. If there is a front sight, smoke it; if there is an optical sight, check the cleanliness of the lenses; if necessary, clean with a soft rag or special wipes. Install the optics in their original place;
- check the operation of parts and mechanisms in an uncharged state.
Before shooting begins, the magazine is equipped with ammunition and attached to the carbine. Loading the cartridge is accompanied by retracting the bolt to the rear extreme position and releasing it without hand movement. The carbine is ready to fire. After detecting the target, it is removed from the safety lock and an aimed shot is fired.
After shooting, the following manipulations should be carried out:
- check the installation of the weapon on the safety device;
- disconnect the magazine;
- remove protect;
- put the bolt frame in the rear position, make sure that there is no cartridge in the chamber, return it to its normal position;
- fire a control shot, set the safety;
- remove and empty the magazine.
See also the article Traumatic pistol MP 80-13 and care tips
Saiga in action
Such simple manipulations allow effective shooting and prevent the possibility of accidentally hitting unplanned targets. The direct use of this weapon during hunting can be found in videos on the Internet.
Tuning options
Judging by the reviews, shooters highly value the Saiga-410 for its extensive tuning capabilities. Here you can replace almost everything: stock, forend, magazine. In addition, you can install various optics - from collimators to powerful optical sights (at the owner’s request). For this purpose there is a special mount on the left side of the carabiner.
Yes, it doesn't come cheap. But after spending a certain amount, you get a weapon that perfectly meets your requirements.
