Saiga 223 rem: hunter reviews

Disassembly

As mentioned earlier, the prototype of the Saiga was the AK-47, which is distinguished by its reliable and simple design. If you didn’t skip life safety classes at school, you can easily partially disassemble the Saiga in a matter of seconds. However, do not forget to completely unload the weapon and remove it from the safety lock before doing this.

It is also necessary to disassemble a self-loading carbine exclusively indoors and in a place specially equipped for this. This should be done slowly so as not to damage the parts in the process. Even the slightest deformation as a result of careless handling can lead to disruption of the entire mechanism.

Lubrication

Any weapon needs regular and thorough lubrication. “Saiga” is far from an exception in this regard. Lubrication of smooth-bore weapons is carried out no later than after 24 hours of use. Otherwise, the powder residue will turn into soot, which will then be very difficult to get rid of. Before lubrication, it is necessary to partially disassemble the weapon. It is recommended to use the cleaning rod that comes with the carbine, a clean rag and high-quality gun oil as tools.

First, you need to clean the muzzle channel, since this is where most traces of gunpowder accumulate. To do this, use a cleaning rod after dipping it in gun oil. We take out the tool, wipe it with a rag to remove carbon deposits, lubricate it with oil again and repeat the procedure. This must be done at least 8 times. Also, do not forget to lubricate other parts that are exposed to gunpowder, such as the bolt carrier, at the end.

Shooting sensations

According to many owners, the Saiga carbine has a softer recoil. This is explained by the peculiarities of the geometry of the butt. “Vepr” with a very clear trigger that does not fall through and has a short stroke. "Saiga" with a less pleasant descent. The problem is that it is too long and lacks clarity. In addition, the finger may slip down.

Both rifle units use Win ammunition. 308 NATO model caliber 7.62x51 mm. This cartridge has recently been very popular because it has better ballistics and a greater lethal and stopping effect, in contrast to 7.62x39 mm. Also Win. 308 is cheaper. In addition, the recoil when firing this cartridge is much less. Many owners claim that the Vepr has better combat accuracy, which ranges from 1.8 to 2 MOA.

For a semi-automatic machine this is a pretty good result. In terms of accuracy, Saiga is somewhat inferior. In this parameter, its indicator ranges from 2.3 to 2.7 MOA. Nevertheless, according to experts, this result is considered quite acceptable for commercial firearms.

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.

Caliber

The popularity of the weapon among assault groups and security services is due to the fact that the carbine was developed for a cartridge intended for shooting at a person. Despite the wide range of calibers up to 9x19 mm, the main characteristics of the weapon generally coincide with the operational properties of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. At the same time, carbines chambered for 7.62x39 are still in use. The authorities of some regions have banned killing animals with such guns. In some regions of the federation, the use of certain varieties of Saiga M or MK for purposes other than self-defense is considered illegal. The best option for hunters is Saiga 410 or 20K, as well as other models with a caliber different from the caliber of the machine gun. The ban is explained by the fact that 7.62x39 cartridges allegedly rarely kill an animal, especially a large one. As a result of unsuccessful shooting, many wounded animals remain. In fact, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is afraid of the misuse of cartridges in service - tracer, armor-piercing, armor-piercing incendiary. Experts insist that it is necessary to stop the production of civilian weapons of 7.62x39 caliber. Based on these recommendations, in recent years the Izhevsk plant has been producing weapons compatible with other cartridges, mainly foreign ones. For example, Saiga 308 has a caliber for 7.62x51 Winchester ammunition. The Saiga-9 is chambered for the 9x53 P cartridge, as can be seen in its photo; the range also includes self-loading shotguns chambered for 9x19 mm cartridges.

Carbines based on an assault rifle: similarities and differences

Just look at the photo to understand: any model of carbine, be it Saiga 410, Saiga 12 or 20K, is developed on the basis of a well-known domestic machine gun, and externally inherits it. However, the gun has worse characteristics than the original, especially if we are talking about early versions. If you look closely at the photo, it becomes noticeable that the Saiga 410, 308 isp. 44, MK isp. 340 and others lack elements that would allow firing in bursts. At the same time, the engineers got rid of those parts that would theoretically make it possible to convert the weapon into a machine gun. And this despite the fact that AKs of almost any series can be purchased on the black market. The caliber of hunting rifles varies from 5.56x45 mm to 9x19 mm. Probably due to the wide selection of modifications, carbines are in high demand, despite the inconvenience of handling some weapon models. However, any hunter can modify the weapon at his own request. Also, the carbines Saiga 12, Saiga 410, Saiga 20K, Saiga 308 and other modifications differ from the combat assault rifle in the material of the butt, the presence of a small-capacity magazine and the modified configuration of some parts. For example, all models do not have a hook for the automatic sear, and on the bolt frame there is no protrusion that interacts with the automatic release. The Saiga 308 rifle is equipped with a quick-release stock, and some modifications have an optical sight or a base for its installation. As can be seen in the photo, the barrels of hunting carbines are elongated. A slotted flash suppressor is used as a muzzle device, as in the Saiga 410, 20K or 308, or a muzzle brake, as in the case of the Saiga 12. As for “civilian” weapons, its barrel can be shortened. However, according to weapon developers, the quality of shooting is maintained regardless of the characteristics of the barrel, and disassembly and assembly of carbines can be carried out using the same method as the AK-47.

Smoothbore hunting carbine "Saiga"

The first smooth-bore modification of the Saiga carbine for hunting, which appeared in the mid-90s, was designed to fire the then little-known 410 caliber cartridge. In the metric system - 10.4 mm. For this smallest caliber, there are several modifications of the cartridge case.

The standard cartridge, which has a case length of 70 mm, is low-power and is not capable of providing sufficient weight to the projectile. Therefore, the more powerful 410/76 Magnum cartridge is most often used, which provides higher shooting performance, such as weight and bullet speed.

The Saiga 410 caliber smoothbore carbine is ineffective when firing shotguns. This is due to the presence of a small amount of shot in the cartridge. The same applies to shooting with buckshot.

Due to the small caliber and the presence of a smooth barrel, the characteristics of the carbine during bullet shooting are significantly inferior to its rifled counterparts. But, nevertheless, with the right cartridge, the weapon exhibits sharp and accurate action and is excellent for recreational shooting and self-defense.

Weapon Description

It's no secret that this weapon is one of the best examples of the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, which is intended for commercial and amateur hunting in a wide variety of conditions. Judging by the reviews of hunters, the Saiga-223 REM carbine can be classified as a universal type of weapon, which is perfect for use both for hunting game birds or fur-bearing animals, and for shooting large predators. The appearance of the self-loading carbine is a bit reminiscent of a Kalashnikov assault rifle, but it also has significant differences from the prototype.

Regardless of the modification, any Saiga uses a self-loading mechanism as the basis of its operation, which greatly simplifies the process of its operation. Reloading of a spent cartridge occurs with the help of a return spring, which ejects the spent cartridge case and places a new cartridge in the chamber. Hunting with such smooth-bore weapons is dynamic, although the Saiga does not produce such accuracy of combat at long distances as sniper rifles.

Carbine modifications

Saiga carbines have markings characteristic of all calibers. At the beginning there is a word that indicates belonging to the family - “Saiga”, followed by a letter sign indicating the modification.

There are such weapon modifications as:

"Saiga-M" is a modernized model with an extended barrel. The bolt has three lugs, the firing mechanism system requires less force for release, and the butt is equipped with a rubber butt plate.
M1, M2 and the Saiga-M3 carbine are different options for manufacturing the M modification.
The Saiga-MK carbine is a model with a shortened barrel and a locking mechanism that prevents shooting with the butt folded.

The letter markings are followed by numbers. They indicate the caliber of the weapon.

The following numerical types of markings can be distinguished:

No index - a carbine designed to fire a standard cartridge - 7.62x39mm.
Number 223 – cartridge caliber – 5.56x45mm.
The Saiga-308 carbine allows you to fire a 7.62x51mm cartridge.
The number 5.6 is the cartridge caliber – 5.6x39mm.
Number 9 – cartridge caliber 9x53mm or 9x19 Parabellum.

If the carbine has a special design, then an additional index may be indicated through a space. For example: EXP 01 - indicates a modification for police needs.

Attack of the Clones: Saiga-223 and Saiga-MK-223

This year we have already described the just released Saiga-MK in 7.62x39 mm caliber. But then we could not even imagine that in the very near future several more models would appear with an external design as close as possible to its progenitor - the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

In the October issue of CALIBR magazine, we already talked (a report on the Izhevsk ROST-2002 exhibition) about the appearance of a whole series of Saiga-MK “automatic machines” and its modifications in .223 Rem and 7.62x39 mm calibers, as well as .410 caliber smoothbore guns.

We were looking forward to the arrival of this weapon in Moscow in order to test it. And finally, the editorial office received a call from our old friends - the Dynamo-Izhmash weapons store brought the very first batch of these weapons.

For the test, we chose two Saiga-MKs in the standard Soviet caliber 7.62x39 mm and two in the NATO .223 Rem (5.56x45 mm).

Favorite color, favorite size.

In addition to the “Saiga-MK” already known to our readers, we also managed to get a new product - “Saiga-MK-03”, which is made in a shortened version. Many of you are well aware of the AKS-74U assault rifle, which is used by many police units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. Many people confuse it with short AKs of the 100th series (AK-102 and 104), but they have differences - a polyamide folding stock (AKS-74U - metal frame), a slightly longer barrel, and a black polyamide forend. Why was the prototype for Saiga-MK-03 not the AKS-74U, but the AK of the hundredth series? There are two visible reasons: - firstly, the AKS-74U is produced by another plant (TOZ), and for the AK-10x the production line has already been developed at IZHMASH; - secondly, the “hundred” is still longer, which allows it to easily fit into the legal framework (800 mm total length with the butt unfolded and 500 mm barrel length with the receiver).

Although, from a design point of view, the AKS-74U seems more complete and stylish.

“Saiga-MK” is a copy of a standard AK assault rifle of the hundredth series, or rather this is what it is, the difference is the absence of an automatic fire sear and self-timer, in addition (like the “Saiga-MK-03”) it is equipped with a short magazine for five rounds, ten rounds sold separately. We have already expressed the idea that it is also necessary to produce long magazines that completely imitate the original thirty-round magazines, but with a limiter of 10 rounds, to give a more familiar “automatic” silhouette of the “Saiga-MK”; if we are to make a copy of a combat assault rifle, then we need pay attention to accessories.

Another difference is the sighting rib, which has only three marks at 100, 200 and 300 m. The grooves for installing a bayonet on the tide under the barrel have been removed.

The plastic forend and handle can be replaced with wood, and the butt with a metal frame. Unlike the carbines of the first releases, identification marks appeared on the cartridges in the form of ring-shaped swellings on the muzzles; in addition, the flash suppressor became removable, which made it easier to clean.

Metal parts with traces of mechanical processing, coating - special paint.

The shortcomings of ergonomics are the same as those of the “ancestor” and are quite well known: insufficient length of the butt and an inconvenient safety catch.

These costs can be forgiven for the complete authenticity and sense of pride of the owner of an “almost real” AK.

However, the situation with the stock has improved somewhat in recent months: the plant, as an option, offers rubber “galoshes” for the butt plate, similar to those used on army AK-74s, which are equipped with GP-25 under-barrel grenade launchers.

Let's shoot

Shooting was carried out at a temperature of about 0ºC with two shooters from a “sitting” position from a rest position.

The following cartridges were used:

— with a jacketed bullet weighing 8 g and a nickel-plated “Silver Bear” case (Klimovsky Stamping Plant); — with an expansive bullet (PN) weighing 8.1 g and a zinc-coated sleeve (BSZ); — with a shell bullet weighing 8 g (BSZ); - with a semi-shell bullet weighing 8.1 g (BSZ). Old style packaging.

Taking this opportunity, we measured the initial velocities of these cartridges using the Beta Chrony device and obtained the following results:

— the spread in initial speed between the long and short Saiga ranged from 8 to 21 m/s; — the best stability of speeds (i.e., the smallest difference) was obtained with BSZ cartridges with a shell, and the worst result was obtained with Klimov “Silver Bear” cartridges.

More detailed results of shooting cartridges will be published in the upcoming issues of our magazine.

The impressions from both carbines are very similar, the same short stock, approximately the same recoil, but there are also differences: first of all, the Saiga-MK-03 throws up more, especially when firing quickly. “Saiga-MK” behaves more calmly; you can fire series of 5-6 shots, and the recoil, subjectively, seems to be less.

Since optical sights were not installed on the weapon, it was necessary to shoot from an open sight from a distance of 50 m. The dispersion diameter of the bullets under these conditions did not exceed 40 mm. Approximately the same results can be achieved at a distance of 100 m when installing optics, as evidenced by our test conducted in the spring of this year, when a 6x optical sight was installed on the Saigu-MK and fantastic results were obtained for a weapon of this class , results: from 25 to 38 mm gross Barnaul cartridges!

During the entire shooting period, not a single delay was noted.

Conclusions:

Of course, such a weapon does not pretend to be a hunting rifle. But it will appeal to all those who love military-style weapons. The more difficult question to answer is which carabiner to choose? "Saiga-MK-03" has a more aggressive appearance and is more compact, on the other hand, "Saiga-MK" is more docile and its initial speed is somewhat higher. In addition, it is more recognizable. Most likely, the choice between these two carbines is a matter of taste.

Are we joining NATO?

The other two carbines are “Saiga-MK-223” and “Saiga-223”. The first one is externally absolutely similar to the Saiga-MK, except that it (as well as the Saiga-223) comes with not only 5-round magazines, but also 10-round magazines. However, they are also not made in the style of the AKM “horn”. To distinguish the magazines, the inscriptions “.223 Rem” are stamped on them.

There is a short modification completely similar to Saiga-MK-03. Therefore, we took another model, which is also a new product.

This is a shortened model of the “hunting” Saiga.

It is available not only in caliber .223 Rem, but also .308 Win. These models were first shown in August of this year, and judging by the stamps, they are made for the USA.

“Saiga-223” (that’s the name of this carbine) is quite maneuverable in the forest and has a good grip. The introduction of the classic hunting stock led to the fact that the trigger mechanism (trigger mechanism) had to be redesigned - it was moved back.

The stock and fore-end are made of standard black polyamide, but can also be made of wood upon request. Still, plastic is very suitable for Saiga, as we were once again convinced of. And from a practicality point of view, it is preferable.

Externally, the Saiga-223 is a bit reminiscent of the American semi-automatic Mini-Rugers.

The shortened Saiga-223 looks even more stylish than the standard long version.

Let's shoot

Shooting was carried out at a temperature of about 0ºC by two shooters from a “sitting” position from a rest in series of five shots.

Shooting from the Saiga-223 is much more pleasant than from the Saiga MK-223; the hunting stock and long butt make for more comfortable shooting. But there are also disadvantages: the trigger, although moved back, is still located far away and you have to reach for it; in addition, the short barrel does not have a flash suppressor, which will blind the shooter when firing at dusk.

The descent, with warning, is quite clear. Trigger force is unregulated.

The following cartridges were used:

— with a shell bullet weighing 4 g WOLF (Tula Cartridge Plant); — with a shell bullet weighing 4 g (BSZ); - with a semi-shell bullet weighing 4 g (BSZ). Old style packaging.

The results of measurements using a speed meter can be read in this issue of the magazine in an article dedicated to the .223 Rem caliber cartridge.

The difference in initial velocities of bullets fired by the long and short Saiga MK-223 and Saiga-223 ranged from 15 to 25 m/s.

Just like on the 7.62 mm Saigas, optical sights were not installed.

The bullet dispersion diameter at a distance of 50 m did not exceed 40 mm.

The recoil of this cartridge feels weak, even compared to the fairly soft recoil of the 7.62x39mm cartridge.

During the entire shooting period, not a single delay was noted.

Conclusions:

Choosing between Saiga-223 and Saiga MK-223 is much easier than in the previous case. To do this, you need to ask yourself the question: why do you need a carbine? If you are a fan of the military style and you need a carbine for recreational shooting, feel free to take the Saiga MK-223; if you need a carbine for hunting, your choice is Saiga-223.

General conclusions

There is only one question left to decide - in which of the calibers we tested should I buy the Saiga? The advantages of 7.62x39 mm are the possibility of use in hunting (medium-sized ungulates, wolves, foxes), as well as the super-low cost of the cartridge - about 3.50 rubles per piece. The .223 Rem is more accurate, but less versatile, and costs almost twice as much.

We can make the following recommendation: if you are going to engage in recreational shooting and rarely hunt, then 7.62x39 mm is preferable, and for target shooters it is better to get a .223 Rem.

If we consider these samples for their “tactical” purpose, we can draw the following conclusions:

“Saiga-MK-03” is a weapon primarily for self-defense due to its compactness and a powerful cartridge for these purposes with a good stopping effect.
"Saiga-MK" is a universal weapon for recreational shooting, self-defense and limited use, suitable for hunting up to medium-sized ungulates.
"Saiga-MK-223" is best suited for target and recreational shooting.
"Saiga-223" is a hunting and target option, especially since its cost is the lowest - only 4,000 rubles.
"Saiga-MK", stylized as an assault rifle, is today a super popular model of rifled civilian weapons. The reasons for this phenomenon should not be sought on a rational plane: the “recognition effect” is triggered, since most of our population, one way or another, had experience of real communication with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, and its characteristic silhouette is a constant calling card of news from the hot spots of the planet.
Do not forget that the price of Saiga is at a relatively low level. Existing foreign analogues (“civilian assault rifles” such as Steyr-AUG or M16A1) are several times more expensive.

Alexander Kudryashov Nikolay Dergachev

Design Features

If you believe the reviews of hunters, Saiga-223 is distinguished by excellent technical characteristics, which are ensured thanks to high-quality assembly and design features. For example, the Saiga barrel has a chrome coating, which allows you to clean the carbine without any problems. And magazines for smooth-bore self-loading weapons are made only from special impact-resistant plastic, so they are not afraid of falls even from great heights. The forend and butt are most often also made of plastic, but there are also options made of wood:

birch;
nut;
beech

Also, “Saiga-223” has a classic open-type sighting device, but this does not mean that you cannot install a collimator or optical sight on the weapon. For this purpose, the self-loading carbine is specially equipped with a dovetail sighting bar, which allows the installation of most types of sighting devices.

Saiga hunting rifled carbine: weapon review

In the 70s of the last century, farmers of the Kazakh Republic faced an unexpected misfortune. Vast arable agricultural lands were trampled by migrating herds of saiga antelope, causing colossal losses.

Numerous groups of hunters, armed with shotguns used at that time, were unable to cope with the problem and significantly reduce the animal population. Buckshot charges did not have the desired effect, only increasing the number of wounded animals.

In this regard, the top leadership of the party decided to develop a fundamentally new type of small arms that could change the current state of affairs. This was the beginning of a large family of carbines, called “Saiga”.

Advantages

According to reviews from hunters, “Saiga-223 REM” has a number of positive aspects. Here is a list of just the most frequently mentioned of them:

relatively low cost compared to imported carbines;
the ability to modify weapons with various devices and body kits;
a unique and very convenient reloading mechanism;
convenient open-type mechanical sight;
reliable fuse;
light weight.

Another definite plus is that the stock and fore-end can be made individually and to order. This allows the weapon to be used by people who are accustomed to shooting with their left hand.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Saiga rifled carbine has acquired many features from the Kalashnikov assault rifle; it is often also called the hunting AK.
Thanks to its successful design and ease of use, the weapon is highly popular among hunters. The following advantages can be highlighted:

The carbine has a low price in comparison with foreign analogues.
The weapon has the ability, depending on the modification, to be equipped with interchangeable elements, such as the front sight base, forend, butt and others.
Immediately after the shot, the weapon is automatically reloaded.
The carbine is equipped with a convenient open-type mechanical sight, allowing effective shooting at a distance of up to three hundred meters. Also, the standard sight does not lose its functions when an optical sight is installed.
Convenient and reliable safety lock located on the right side of the weapon.
The barrel and chamber elements are reliably protected from corrosion thanks to chrome coating.
Ability to use magazines of various capacities.
The handguard and stock can be made individually. The range of possible materials includes various types of wood and impact-resistant plastic.

Early models often have some shortcomings. Thus, a non-removable flash suppressor can make cleaning the barrel difficult. There may be no markings on the cartridges. The stock may be made of low-quality material.

The Saiga-MK carbine has unfinished ergonomics. The model has an insufficient butt length, which can cause difficulties when hunting. The problem is eliminated by installing a rubber head and cheek. The model also has an inconvenient safety lock.

The Saiga-223 carbine has a shortened barrel, which is not equipped with a flash suppressor. When shooting in the dark, the hunter may be blinded. The trigger is located far away, which reduces the rate of fire.

Despite these shortcomings, the weapon is highly reliable and resistant to breakage and jamming, even if not used properly. In turn, the new Saiga has absorbed all the advantages of previous models, for which it enjoys well-deserved popularity.

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Dissuade from rifled 223rem.

Again, during full-scale “friendly visits of friendly NATO troops”, captured souvenir .308s are available. And .223 too, in principle. But! NATO .223s from civilian guns will fly “extremely reluctantly.” Because of the twist. But the .308 M118ball, and especially the M118LR, are directly made for most civilians. In the USA, surprise surpluses are very popular.

In addition, for .308, the domestic industry (refinery) has launched the production of good “Extra” match bullets. Very good, no matter what anyone says. Not Berger, and not Lapua for a 1000+ m distance, but nevertheless very good. The .223 can be shot at 500 meters, and is even quite convenient due to its speed. But the wind. When it’s the M16 burst, it can be easily adjusted. And when - only one shot. Here .308 or 54.

If you want small and fast, then .243. People work with him at 800 m.

And yet - YES. Of the 4 rifled ones, not counting the small ones, three are equal to or more than 7.62 mm. incl. .308. If I took less than 7 mm, then 6.5x47 or 260rem. Well, 270 win, if it’s just “well, for everything.” Of these, for various reasons, .260 is preferable.