When hunting, rifled weapons provide better shooting range and increased accuracy. In terms of these parameters, a smoothbore gun cannot compare with it, although it is often used in cases where it is necessary to shoot an animal at close range. Created on the basis of military weapons, the Saiga rifled carbine is a good option for hitting game from afar. However, the family also includes smooth-bore samples. The manufacturer of the line is the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant - the same one that produces the famous Kalashnikov assault rifles. However, this does not mean that the quality of the guns corresponds to what is expected, be it a modification of the original. 44, 308 or 340.
Saiga MK 308-1 device
The developers did not come up with anything new and made the carbine simple, understandable and reliable. Reloading occurs automatically due to the energy of the powder gases and the energy of the return spring. When firing, gases from the barrel enter the gas chamber. The channel is locked in a way familiar to many hunters - by turning the shutter around its axis.
The trigger-type trigger, barrel bore and chamber are protected by a chrome-plated composition.
It is possible to install an optical sight. Standard sighting mechanisms allow shooting at a distance of up to 300 meters. Some versions of the gun are equipped with a cheek piece on the butt for comfortable shooting. It has two positions: for an optical sight and for open sighting mechanisms.
Specifications:
- For shooting, .308win charges are used;
- Barrel length 555 millimeters;
- Total length 1,125 millimeters;
- The mass of the unloaded weapon is 4.1 kilograms;
- The magazine holds 8 rounds;
- Effective firing range up to 300 meters.
The muzzle of the weapon is presented in several types and in different versions for the buyer to choose from: a short conical flash suppressor, an elongated cylindrical flash suppressor, or no flash suppressor at all.
For ease of transportation and storage, you can choose a modification with a removable stock. It can be removed very easily due to the latch located in the rear of the receiver.
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.
Device
The energy from the recoil spring acts on the bolt carrier and bolt, causing them to move forward. At the same time, the cartridge is sent into the chamber.
Pressing the trigger activates the movement of the hammer under the influence of the mainspring. He delivers a strong blow to the striker - a shot occurs. Powder gases affect the bolt and bolt frame, they begin to move backwards. At this time, the spent cartridge case is removed from the chamber and removed from the receiver due to the reflector.
The sear grabs the hammer and cocks it due to the action of the return spring. Having reached the rearmost position, the return spring begins to act on the bolt and bolt frame, starting their movement to the frontmost position. At the same time, a new cartridge is captured from the magazine and sent into the chamber.
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.
Safety rules for operating Saiga MK 308-1
- Do not aim a gun at people;
- Remember that the flight range of a bullet is 3 kilometers;
- During reloading and unloading, point the barrel of the carbine away from people;
- Before reloading, make sure that there are no small objects in the barrel bore and chamber;
- In case of misfire, do not open the shutter for 3 minutes, as a “lingering” shot may occur;
- After shooting, be sure to put the weapon on safety;
- The stock must not be disconnected from the gun when there are charges in the chamber;
- At the end of shooting, the carbine must be unloaded;
- It is recommended to store cartridges separately from the gun.
Preparing Saiga MK 308-1 for shooting
Before shooting from a carbine you need:
- If the bore and chamber are covered with grease or gunpowder residue, they must be wiped dry with a soft cloth;
- Check the trigger mechanism and fuse;
- Check the reliability of the latch on several stores;
- Make a dry trigger to evaluate the operation of the gun and its moving parts.
Working with a fuse
- The fuse is turned on by moving it to the upper “S” position. This blocks the trigger;
- The fuse is turned off by moving it to the lower position “F”.
Loading and shooting
- The magazine is disconnected from the weapon by moving down and forward immediately after pressing the latch;
- The magazine is filled with cartridges. This must be done carefully and slowly: each charge must be under the flap, tightly adjacent to the rear wall of the magazine;
- The magazine is attached to the carbine;
- The fuse is deactivated. It should now be in the down position "F";
- The bolt frame is moved by hand to the rear extreme position and released. It should move to the extreme forward position;
- The sighting mechanism is set to the desired position: “1” - 100 meters to the target, “2” - 200 meters and “3” - 300 meters.
After this, the carbine is ready to fire. When the magazine runs out of cartridges, the bolt will remain in the forward position.
Incomplete disassembly of the carbine
Partial disassembly is carried out to inspect the condition of all components, clean and lubricate the weapon. This ensures its stable operation and extends its service life. The order of partial disassembly is as follows:
- Be sure to make sure the weapon is unloaded. After removing the magazine, you need to move the bolt to the rear position and check if there is a charge in the chamber;
- Remove the optics, if installed, following the instructions for using the sight;
- Remove the receiver cover and recoil mechanism. To do this, you need to recess the protrusion of the return mechanism, grab the back of the cover with your right hand, and pull it up, and then remove the cover from the carbine by moving it backwards. After this, the return mechanism is removed;
- Remove the bolt carrier and bolt. The frame must be pulled to the rearmost position and removed together with the bolt, pointing it upward from the receiver;
- Remove the bolt with the bolt frame. Taking hold of the bolt head, it must be rotated counterclockwise until the bolt diamond disengages from the figured groove of the frame;
- Remove the gas pipe. The handguard must be removed if it needs to be repaired or cleaned. To remove the forend, you need to unscrew the fastening screw using a simple screwdriver and separate it by moving it forward;
- Remove the stock. It is dismantled using a lock.
Partial disassembly must be carried out carefully and carefully so as not to damage the components of the weapon. It goes into a complete disassembly process, which we'll talk about below.
Complete disassembly of the carbine
Gun owners resort to complete disassembly in several cases. In case of severe contamination and any damage, if it is necessary to dry components after strong exposure to moisture and when the weapon is placed in long-term storage. The procedure for complete disassembly is as follows:
- Complete partial disassembly, following the above algorithm;
- Disassemble the bolt in accordance with the instructions that come with the carbine;
- Disassemble the magazine as indicated in the documentation provided with the gun.
Complete disassembly is a painstaking and responsible process. Beginners are not recommended to do it alone. To gain experience, it is better to ask for help from professional shooters or hunters with extensive experience.
Summary
In general, Saiga carbines are a good option for hunting, but the popularity of the weapon is more associated with the big name of Kalashnikov than with any outstanding achievements. Saiga 12 and other models have proven themselves well in hunting, but they cannot be called the best of the best. The advantages of carbines include a pleasant appearance, optimal recoil force and a variety of options - there are both smooth-bore and rifled weapons. The line is also honored by its extensive selection of calibers up to 9x19 mm. The main drawback of the family is a number of design flaws made when trying to make the machine gun a civilian weapon, which resulted in inconvenience in using the guns. However, as reviews and photos indicate, this is not a problem for connoisseurs of the brand: many people like to improve and customize their weapons.
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Cleaning and lubricating the implement
The quality of work and overall service life of Saiga 308-1 depends on proper care. To ensure maximum service life, regular cleaning and lubrication should be carried out within 24 hours after each shooting. This should be done at a temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius. In winter, it is recommended to carry out maintenance of the rifle indoors, and only when the weapon has warmed up to room temperature.
Cleaning occurs according to the following algorithm:
- The bore and chamber are lubricated with a small brush, which is pre-wetted and wrung out in gun oil;
- After completing the lubrication, the barrel bore must be wiped dry with a wiper, which is covered with wiping material;
- The lubrication process is repeated 8-10 times until all carbon deposits are removed;
- After removing carbon deposits, the bore and chamber should be lubricated with clean gun oil.
