Hunting rifles and carbines "Saiga" - AK for civilians

The Saiga family of weapons represents a wide range of rifled and smooth-bore weapons for hunting. The Saiga hunting rifle (or carbine, which is more correct) has gained enormous popularity not only in Russia and the CIS, but also abroad, due to its similarity with the Kalashnikov assault rifle, on the basis of which all models of this weapon are produced.

The history of the appearance of Saiga hunting carbines

Many people associate the appearance of the first Saiga carbines with the beginning of the 90s. In fact, the first Saiga was released in 1974. This was a weapon chambered for the Soviet 5.6x39 cartridge, which was created to fight saigas in the steppes of Kazakhstan. Although at the same time a small batch of carbines chambered for 5.6x39 was produced, hunting weapons of this type were quite rare until the early 90s, when the management of Izhmash had to remember the Saiga 5.6x39 and create It is based on a wide range of hunting rifled and smoothbore carbines.

The demand for automatic carbines forced the Izhmash gunsmiths to rapidly produce new hunting carbines, which were taken not so much for hunting as for protection or protection. Serial production of Saiga in Izhevsk was established by 1993. The first model was the Saiga chambered for the .410 Magnum cartridge, since the plant management was focused on foreign buyers. The huge interest of the domestic buyer forced the designers to urgently develop weapons chambered for the 20-caliber cartridge. This type of weapon was officially intended for hunting, although it was often used as a weapon for self-defense.

By the end of the 90s, designers developed the Saiga-12, which became the most powerful weapon in the Saiga series of carbines. "Saiga-12" version "030" is of interest not only for hunters, but also for special forces, since this powerful weapon is capable of solving tactical problems that arise during combat operations. The 18.5 KS-K carbine was created especially for the military.

In order to improve the hunting qualities of the Saiga, Izhmash decided to carry out a global modification of the carbine for hunting, since the management was well aware that a weapon created on the basis of a military assault rifle was not very suitable for solving hunting problems. The new hunting “Saiga” was called “Saiga-M”, and in the early 2000s the “Saiga-MK” model appeared, which in appearance completely copied the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

Since the beginning of the 90s, the plant has produced many modifications of the Saiga chambered for the following calibers:

• The smallest caliber was the Saiga 5.45x39;
• 5,56×45;
• Caliber 7.62 chambered for 7.62x39 and 7.62x51 (“Saiga-308”);
• 9x19 "Parabellum";
• "Saiga-223" in .223 Rem caliber;
• Smoothbore carbines in 12, 20 and .410 gauges.

In addition, small batches were produced chambered for fairly exotic calibers, for example 9×53R mm.

Technical characteristics of smoothbore shotguns "Saiga" caliber 12

Saiga smoothbore carbines have a whole set of specific features that they inherited from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The performance characteristics of Saiga-12 are as follows:

• The weight of the carbine is 3,600 g. in the “Saiga-12S” version and 3,500 gr. in the Saiga-12K version;
• The Saiga-12S barrel length is 580 mm, the Saiga-12S barrel length is 430 mm;
• Magazine capacity ranges from 4 to 10 rounds;
• Caliber – 12 (18.3 mm);
• The operating principle of this carbine is based on the removal of powder gases.

The front and rear sights are used as standard sighting devices. It is possible to install additional sighting devices.

The Saiga-12 hunting carbine has few disadvantages, but they are quite serious for some hunters:

• Due to the design of the carbine safety, it is impossible to shoot offhand;
• The weight of the gun is quite large, and some hunters who do not have impressive dimensions complain of fatigue after hunting with the Saiga.

Despite this, smooth-bore Saiga is often purchased for hunting, although experienced hunters prefer hunting weapons of a classical design. At the same time, some hunters purchase Saiga as a weapon specifically for self-defense, or as an additional gun. However, there are cases where hunters with two guns successfully hunt with Saiga-12, achieving fairly high results.

The advantages of Saiga-12 are as follows:

• The simplest design of a carbine, which has an automatic mechanism identical to that of an AK;
• Quick disassembly and assembly;
• Incredible performance in any harsh conditions, despite contamination;
• Possibility of purchasing magazines for 8 or 10 rounds;
• The convenient design of the weapon partially compensates for its heavy weight;
• Possibility of installing sighting devices of any type.

Quite high rates of fire rate, muzzle energy, muzzle velocity and other indicators similar to those of a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

Features of Saiga

The operating principle of the automatic self-loading carbine completely repeats the mechanics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, with the exception of the operation of the trigger, which is designed only for single shooting. The device itself almost completely replicates the AK device, but with dimensions increased to fit the cartridge used. The most impressive, for example, is the 12-gauge Saiga bolt.

After the shot, the powder gases push the bolt carrier piston back, the ejector pulls the spent cartridge case out of the chamber, and cocks the hammer, the return spring is compressed. After full compression, the spring begins to straighten, pushing the frame forward; in this movement, the bolt sends a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber, after which, turning around its axis, it locks the barrel. The carbine is ready to fire again.

As in the Kalashnikov assault rifle, all the mechanisms of the carbine are made with significant gaps, which made it possible to maintain the reliability of the hunting version of the weapon at the level of its combat counterpart.

The most common modifications of the smoothbore Saiga

Now there are many different modifications of the smooth-bore Saiga, which differ in length, design and the presence of various devices that are installed on hunting carbines.

"Saiga-12" is the most popular modification of the carbine. Although this modification has been produced for many years, it is still incredibly popular. The plant continues to delight its customers, releasing more and more modifications every year.

The main difference between the Saiga-12 carbines is the letter designation, which is placed after the number “12”. This letter indicates how long the rifle's barrel will be. For example, Saiga-12S has a long barrel measuring 580 mm or 680 mm. Saiga-12K has a barrel length of 430 mm.

Another interesting feature of the Saiga-12K is the presence of a lock, which does not allow firing with the butt folded, since the total length of the carbine with a short barrel is less than 800 mm, which is unacceptable under the Law on Weapons. In order to make a shot, you must unfold the butt. In versions with a long barrel, such a blocker is absent.

Saiga 12k isp. 340 was made specifically for sports and recreational shooting. In this modification, there are no mechanical sights, since in order to achieve high performance in shooting, it is necessary to use optical or collimator sights. This modification has:

• Weaver sighting bar;
• Thumb quick release button;
• The shutter handle allows reloading from both the right and left sides;
• Push-button type fuse.

This model has an AK-type stock, which is equipped with a rubber butt pad.

"Saiga" model 12 EXP-01 is an almost complete "clone" of "Saiga 12K" version. 030.

The only difference between this model is the absence of a blocker. This is why the Saiga model 12 EXP-01 is a prohibited weapon for use in Russia.

An interesting model is the Saiga-12K. 40. This model has a magazine receiver neck that completely copies the same device on American M-16 rifles. This model is equipped with a sighting device similar to the sighting device of a Kalashnikov assault rifle. In addition, this model is equipped with a Weaver sighting rail.

In addition to the Saiga-12 and its modifications, there are several more modifications of the smooth-bore Saiga.

"Saiga-410", which appeared in the early 90s and marked the beginning of all further developments of hunting carbines, which were created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. With its appearance, this model immediately resolved the issue of creating an AK-based gun that used low-power cartridges. The choice of such a specific caliber can only be explained by the plant’s orientation towards Western consumers.

In any case, the Saiga-410 can hardly be called a full-fledged hunting carbine, since a cartridge of this caliber can hold too little shot or buckshot. Mostly shooting is carried out with bullet cartridges. Most carbines of this caliber were purchased for self-defense or for security organizations.

There are modifications of the Saiga-410, which are similar to the Saiga MK carbine - an almost complete copy of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. It is for this reason that such modifications of the Saiga-410 are still quite popular, despite their weak firepower and insufficient reliability.

The Saiga-20k carbines and other modifications of the 20-caliber Saiga appeared as a tribute to Russian hunters, who mostly used hunting cartridges of this particular caliber. This model also has great similarities with the Saiga MK (although the Saiga MK appeared much later).

Unlike Saiga-410, the 20-gauge model range is distinguished by its overall reliability. All other shooting indicators, such as rate of fire and penetration ability, are at a high level, just like the “ancestor” of the entire Kalashnikov assault rifle series.

Weaknesses of Saiga

"Saiga" was appreciated all over the world for its reliability, competitive price, simplicity and reliability of design. These carbines have served their owners faithfully for many years; they are unpretentious in maintenance and trouble-free operation. I would like to separately note that the carabiner does not rust, even if you use it in the rain all day long. However, based on user reviews, the carbine also has its weaknesses:

• Inconvenient standard sight (this is especially noticeable when shooting at long distances);
• Quite strong recoil;
• A bright flash when firing, which may well give away the shooter’s position;
• Relatively heavy weight (Saiga-12 in wood - 3.8 kg, Saiga-20 in plastic - 3.4 kg)

Hunters also note that some Saiga models have an inconvenient safety lock that is difficult to remove during the throwing process. But going after game with the fuse constantly removed is also not an option.

During reloading there will be a loud click, even if you try to do everything quietly so as not to spook the game. Also among the weaknesses is the fact that the box magazine does not fit cartridges longer than 70 mm. As we remember, for effective hunting it is better to use cartridges with a 76 mm sleeve; they will have to be closed with a star.

Saiga rifled hunting carbines, how to understand the modifications

In order to better understand the models of Saiga rifled carbines, you should understand how to correctly read their markings. The first word in the name (“Saiga”) means belonging to a specific family. After the word, a letter marking of the version of the hunting rifle is written with a hyphen. If there is no index in the marking, this means that the carbine is made in its original version and has a barrel length of 520 mm for Saiga calibers 7.62x39, 5.56x45, 5.6x39. The Saiga 7.62x51 and 9x53 barrel has a length of 555 mm. All these models are equipped with a non-removable wooden stock.

If the name "Saiga" has the letter "M", this means that the following changes have been made to the design of the standard carbine:

• Barrel length 555 mm for calibers 7.62x39 and .223Rem;
• A bolt that has three lugs (in caliber 7.62x39);
• Reduced trigger force in the trigger mechanism;
• Ergonomic wooden buttstock equipped with a rubber butt plate.

Saiga-M comes in three modifications: M1, M2 and M3.

“Saiga MK” is the same modification of “M”, only with a barrel shortened to 336 or 415 mm. One of the most famous modifications in this category is the Saiga MK 7.62, which is equipped with a firing lock when the stock is folded, like all modifications of the Saiga MK.

The most famous modifications of Saiga rifled carbines

The most popular models of Saiga rifled carbines are available in the following modifications:

• "Saiga" is an ordinary rifle, a rifled hunting carbine. The butt and fore-end of this carbine can be made of either wood or plastic. The barrel length of this modification is 520 mm;
• "Saiga" version 02 has a shortened barrel up to 415 mm. The butt and fore-end of this modification are made of plastic. The handguard is shortened, similar to the handguard of a Kalashnikov assault rifle;
• “Saiga” isp.03 also has a shortened barrel up to 415 mm, but the butt and fore-end can be either plastic or wooden;
• "Saiga" version 04 is a rifled carbine, in which all fire controls are made similar to the AK-74 type. The butt and fore-end can be either wooden or plastic. The barrel is shortened to 415 mm, there is a flash suppressor;
• "Saiga-M" is a hunting carbine designed for the 7.62x39 mm cartridge. This carbine is made on the AKM base and has a non-removable buttstock made of wood or polyamide. The front sight block of this modification is equipped with a slot-type flash suppressor;
• "Saiga-M" version M-1 is equipped with a quick-release stock. It happens in wood or plastic. The M-2 is equipped with an orthopedic buttstock with a rubber butt pad;
• "Saiga-M" Spanish 03 has a plastic folding stock and an AK-type forend;
• "Saiga-M" Spanish The M-3 “Praktika” is equipped with a folding buttstock, which has an adjustable butt plate with a cheek plate like the SVD. This modification has a Picatinny rail on which you can mount various types of sights. There is a convenient neck for faster magazine changes. The magazine release and safety can be controlled without removing your hand from the handle;
• "Saiga-MK" is a self-loading carbine, which is based on the AK-74M assault rifle and more modern modifications, such as the AK-101/103. There are modifications for cartridges such as 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45 mm. Available in MK-1, MK-2 and MK-3 versions. This modification is very similar to Kalashnikov assault rifles. Some of the parts that are used for Saiga-MK modifications are low-quality military assembly parts. In Izhevsk itself, there are companies that, for a certain fee, are ready to modify the Saiga-MK, turning the carbine into a complete copy of the Kalashnikov combat assault rifle. Although the externally modified model will look like an AK, it will have restrictions installed, in accordance with the law “On Weapons”;
• An interesting model is the Saiga-M3 EXP 01, which is intended for various security organizations, etc. This carbine was developed on the basis of the AK-103-1. This model is not available to hunters and is sold only under a special license;
• “Saiga-5.6 mm” is the very first model in the “Saiga” family of carbines. Now no longer in production. Cartridges of this caliber (5.6×39 mm) have too large a casing bevel, which often created problems for automatic operation;
• Saiga-308 is a special development chambered for the NATO .308 win caliber cartridge. (7.62x51 NATO). "Saiga-308" is often criticized by domestic hunters, since the firing range from this carbine is inferior to the parameters of Saiga rifled carbines of other calibers;
• "Saiga-308" type "MK" is completely identical in appearance to the AK of the hundredth series. Has a caliber of 7.62×51 mm;
• There are several more modifications of the Saiga-308, which differ in the types of butts, handguards and some other components. These are modifications of Saiga-308-1 in versions 21, 34 and 100;
• "Saiga-9" is a rather interesting model, developed for the Finnish cartridge "Sako 9.3x53R" (Rant). For this weapon there were Soviet cartridges of 9x53 mm caliber. At present, domestic ammunition of this caliber is practically unavailable, and the selection of Western ammunition may lead to a change in the operation of the carbine, since the Sako 9.3×53R cartridges had slightly different characteristics. In addition, the cost of foreign ammunition is 10(!) times higher than the cost of domestic ammunition.

The huge variety of Saiga models has made this carbine one of the most popular in Russia and the CIS countries. The low price and the ability to choose a model to suit your taste have made this weapon truly popular.

Modifications for “pumping up” Saiga

The Saiga can be equipped with a bracket with a Picatinny rail, as well as a dovetail. The use of the strap significantly expands the functionality of the weapon and allows you to install many additional accessories: flashlights, a collimator sight, a laser target designator, etc.

The weapon tuning market offers a large selection of magazines for weapons, including for Saiga. Their capacity ranges from 2 to 10 or more rounds. The increased magazine capacity will allow you to fire more shots without reloading, so the likelihood of hitting a target increases significantly.

What else can be installed:

• Pistol grip;
• Muzzle brake-compensator;
• Gas outlet pipe;
• Fire translator;
• Gas chamber covers, etc.

For novice shooters, an accessory such as a loading accelerator will be useful. It will also be useful to install a telescopic butt. Tuning Saiga carbines allows you to significantly improve its original factory characteristics and customize the unit “to suit you.”

is engaged in the development and production of high-quality accessories for weapons. In our online store you will find a wide range of proven solutions for modifying your rifle. The manager will help you choose the right tuning and buy it at a good price.