Saiga rifle 12. When can I buy rifled weapons? Characteristics of the Saiga shotgun
This small arms owes its birth to the top officials of the communist state. In the 1970s, the dominance of saigas and their trampling of large sown areas in Asia forced the Secretary of the Kazakh SSR D.A. Kunaev to the USSR Secretary General L.I. Brezhnev with a personal request to develop a hunting weapon for effectively shooting pest antelopes.
History of creation
The country's leadership set a task for the gunsmiths of the IZHMASH plant - to create a new hunting carbine and test it in the Kazakh steppes. The first prototype of the Saiga self-loading carbine appeared four years after its development began.
In 1974, after testing the prototype, the Saiga 5.6 rifled carbine chambered for 5.6x39 mm went into mass production. However, the industrial production of a version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle chambered for a hunting cartridge did not make this weapon available to Soviet citizens.
The Wild Nineties gave the Saiga carbine line a new lease of life.
The IZHMASH plant was experiencing big problems with government orders at that time. Rampant crime has significantly increased the demand for civilian versions of the AK. The population massively purchased smooth-bore self-loading carbines for self-defense, which was the reason to revive the serial production of Saiga on the Izhmash weapons lines.
A version of the smoothbore shotgun chambered for the .410 Magnum cartridge was launched into production. The Saiga-410 carbine was suitable for self-defense, sports or training shooting, and hunting small animals. At that time, the .410 Magnum cartridge was rare in the circulation of hunting equipment in Russia, as it was mainly supplied from abroad.
However, the demand for new weapons also entailed the organization of their production at domestic cartridge factories.
Inspired by demand, IZHMASH designers began to develop a smooth-bore Saiga, based on the same AK, for the use of 20-caliber cartridges. This type of carbine was suitable for hunting medium-sized animals and had prospects for taking a strong place in the security business.
At the end of the era of the 1990s, the most effective prototype of the family appeared - the Saiga 12 smoothbore carbine, which showed the best specifications in terms of firing range and possessed impressive power.
This weapon has become popular not only on the civilian market, but also by law enforcement officers. The Saiga-12K combat carbine is specially produced for special forces soldiers under the designation “18.5 KS-K” (Special Carbine - Kalashnikov).
In addition, a line of rifled weapons was developed based on the AK. This is a Saiga-M self-loading carbine, but unlike the smooth-bore variants, the Saiga-M barrels were rifled. The rifled Saiga, like the smoothbore one, was produced in several common calibers. So in the early 2000s, a version chambered for the .223 Remington cartridge was released, called the Saiga 223 (MK) carbine.
Rifled carbines were produced in various designs, but the versions that imitated the combat versions of the Kalashnikov assault rifle were in greatest demand.
This range of weapons was represented by the following versions of weapons:
- M - version of the carbine is equipped with an extended barrel of 555 mm, for caliber 7.62x39 and .223Rem;
- MK - the model is equipped with a short barrel in two versions: 336 mm/415 mm;
- M1 – version of the carbine with a quick-release stock and fore-end;
- M2 – carbine with an orthopedic wooden butt with a rubber shoulder rest and a rubberized forend;
- M3 – model with a folding stock and a function for adjusting the shoulder rest;
- M "Praktika" - the carbine has a folding adjustable stock and is equipped with a Picatinny rail for mounting unified sights and a guide neck for instant magazine change.
Design and performance characteristics
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.
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.
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.
The most recognizable parts of the body, the butt and forearm, have different shapes in different designs and are not interchangeable. However, for performances that imitate appearance combat machine guns use parts from military weapons, since they are quite suitable for the seats, in addition, a wide production of add-ons and accessories is currently being launched specifically for this model of hunting weapon.
Due to tradition, multi-layer plywood, durable wood and glass-filled polyamide are used for the manufacture of decorative elements.
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.
Application
Monitoring reviews from Saiga owners showed that user opinions differed. Hunters believe that this weapon did not make a good rifle for hunting. They attribute this to the short barrel, complaining about the inability to hit moving game with a converted machine gun offhand and at a considerable distance. For these purposes, a double-barreled shotgun is better suited, whose barrel is much longer and the weapon is noticeably lighter.
For large animals, the Saiga carbine is undoubtedly better suited, especially on close range when a wounded animal attacks a hunter.
However, there is an option in the line of this type of shotgun for long-distance hunting, this is the Saiga 12 carbine. 061. This type ranks second in range, behind the Saiga, with a barrel length of 680 mm.
Impressive appearance and positive characteristics close combat, allow the Saiga 12C carbine to deservedly take an honorable place among self-defense weapons and is in service with special units of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Also, this weapon is widely used by security structures.
Saiga-12 isp.030 is used by the national department for combating drug trafficking as the standard weapon of fighters.
Prospects for modernization
The great demand for carbines of the Saiga series is not capable of overloading production, since the capacities of the IZHMASH plant are designed for the mass production of small arms for the needs of the army.
The company tries to fulfill all concluded contracts without delays. The export of Saiga forces designers to look for new solutions in modernizing the carbine in order to compete with well-known arms brands in the international small arms market for civilians.
Video
Saiga smoothbore shotguns inherited the general layout and design of the AK, with a gas release mechanism and locking by turning the bolt. The bolt group and receiver were redesigned to accommodate the use of hunting cartridges, the trigger mechanism lost its self-timer, and a gas regulator appeared in the gas release mechanism to ensure reliable fire with both conventional cartridges and reinforced magnum cartridges.
Saiga-12S is a variant of the Saiga shotgun with a folding plastic stock, a fire control handle (similar to an AK assault rifle) and a hunting-type forend. The Saiga-12C model carbine has a shortened barrel and a trigger mechanism locking device, which eliminates the possibility of firing with the butt folded. Saiga-12S EXP-01 is an export version of the Saiga-12S carbine, the difference of which is the absence of a trigger mechanism locking device. The receiver is equipped with a removable bracket for installation optical sight. Barrel length 580 or 680 mm.
The cartridges are fed from special detachable box magazines of various capacities. The safety mechanism is similar in design to that of Kalashnikov assault rifles, however, for variants with a shortened barrel produced for the Russian market, an additional safety mechanism has been introduced that blocks firing when the butt is folded.
The family of self-loading weapons called “Saiga” is the pride of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. Based on the mega-popular and trouble-free Kalashnikov assault rifle, designers have created a very convenient and effective weapon for amateur and commercial hunting of birds and medium-sized animals. One of the best modifications in this series is the Saiga-12 semi-automatic, which we will talk about in more detail.
Saiga-12 - characteristics
The basic model of the 12-gauge smoothbore shotgun Saiga-12 was released in 1997 and immediately became very popular among both hunters and those who purchased this semi-automatic shotgun for self-defense. The first Saiga-12 was produced in two versions - with a wooden butt and forearm, and with a plastic one. The buttstock design was chosen to be classic - for hunting rifles. The neck shape is semi-pistol, the fore-end is made in one piece. The barrel length also came in two versions: 58 and 68 cm. Sights were placed above the gas tube. In the standard version, these were a front sight and rear sight, and an adjustable sighting bar could be installed upon request.
The first Saiga-12 was produced in two versions - with a wooden butt and forearm, and with a plastic one
In addition to the fact that the Saiga-12 is designed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, another attractive quality is its affordable price for civilians.
Modifications of Saiga-12
This popularity inspired IzhMASH designers to develop various modifications.
Popularity inspired IzhMASH designers to develop various modifications
Saiga 12-C – polymer stock, folds. Hunting type handguard. The barrel is either 58 or 68 cm. Like an AK assault rifle, there is a fire control handle.
Saiga-12S "Tactics". The frame polymer stock is equipped with a rubber butt plate, a sector rear sight, an automatic front sight and a compensator brake on the muzzle. The aiming line is elongated, which allows accurate shooting of bullets.
Saiga-12S isp.031 or Service Carbine, caliber 18.5 mm - a service weapon, not available for free sale. In many ways similar to the AK 74M. It is equipped with Picatinny rails and the receiver cover is hinged. The stock is plastic, framed, folding.
Saiga-12K is a shortened smoothbore carbine. The pistol-type grip, butt and, in some versions, the fore-end are exactly like an AK. Additionally, the Saiga-12K is equipped with a firing mechanism locking mechanism, that is, until the butt is folded back, the gun cannot be removed from the safety lock. The sight can be in two versions - automatic or hunting type. Barrel length – 43 cm.
Saiga-12S EXP-01 is a modification of Saiga-12K, which is exported. It is distinguished by the absence of a locking mechanism.
In all modifications, the classic plastic stock can be quickly removed and replaced with a pistol grip, which is included in the kit.
Saiga 12 - shotgun 
Parts and mechanisms
The entire design of the Saiga-12 hunting rifle, layout and automation, and operating principle are completely similar to the AK. After the shot, the powder gases are discharged through a hole at the top of the barrel into the gas outlet tube, but with one difference - the presence of a gas regulator. Thanks to this, the gun can fire standard 12/70 cartridges and 12/76 Magnum cartridges.
The entire design of the Saiga-12 hunting rifle is completely similar to the AK
Sights can be installed of several types:
- sighting bar without front sight;
- non-adjustable rear sight with front sight (without front sight) and slot;
- the same rear sight, but the front sight with a front sight;
- sector adjustable rear sight, like an AK.
In addition to such open devices on the left, there is a dovetail strip on the receiver on which you can mount optional equipment. New modifications are equipped with Picatinny rails in different areas, on which flashlights, night and collimator sights, laser designators and other sighting devices can be mounted.
The receiver has a dovetail strip on which additional equipment can be mounted
Magazines and cartridges
There are several magazines for the Saiga-12 semi-automatic rifle. On sale, all modifications are equipped with a standard single-row magazine with a capacity of 5 rounds. Additionally, you can buy a capacity for 2 cartridges (then it is almost invisible from below) or for 8 cartridges. For export models, magazines with 10 or more rounds are produced, including disc magazines, like AKs. The magazine receiver can be of two types - protruding, like the M-16 rifle, or in the form of a window at the bottom of the receiver. Standard magazines are only suitable for the second type. Specially designed magazines are provided for the protruding receiver.
Igor, BarnaulReviews of Saiga-12
More than a year ago I bought the classic SAIGA-12. I will say that I am very pleased. I've hunted hare and caught partridges, and it works great on ducks. I also go to shoot at targets periodically. How to improve your skills - generally it works out well. True, the butt seemed a little short to me - I had it lengthened by a craftsman by 4 cm. Now it’s just right. I recommend it - for the money we have nothing better.
S. Moscow region
I had a pump-action IZH-81 – I suffered a lot! The shutter jammed all the time. Yes, and it takes a long time to charge. I was tempted by the semi-automatic Saigu-410S and never regretted it. Everything works like clockwork. I don't understand what problems anyone has. You just need to adapt to both the reloading technique and the shooting. I think it's a great car.
I have Saiga 12k version 040. I love walking hunting. I think it’s simply disgusting to shoot at feeders - you need to give the animal a chance. I bought an 8-round magazine and a collimator. The weapon turned out to be heavy. I’ll probably take another store for 5. The rangers pestered me twice - they almost checked my documents with a magnifying glass. They don't like hunters with semi-automatic weapons.
Ilya Ch. Moscow
I recently bought a Saiga 12k Tactics-1 with a wooden stock. After the first shooting at targets, a crack appeared. I went to the store to change it - my nerves ate everything. I'm waiting for them to replace it. I don’t understand - either I’m just “lucky” or something is wrong. I didn’t like the recoil – it was too much of a twist. Is this how it should be?
Saiga 12KToday, Saiga-12 and its modifications are deservedly the most popular and sought-after semi-automatic hunting weapon in our country, despite the abundance of worthy foreign-made models.
The Saiga-12 hunting rifle is in great demand among customers of our store. This inexpensive smoothbore rifle is designed for amateur and commercial bird hunting, as well as small and medium-sized game. In addition, it is suitable for sports and training shooting in areas with any climatic conditions.
Design features of the Saiga-12 shotgun
This model is of high quality and is one of the best Russian rifles in terms of reliability and price. Its design uses gas-operated automatics, and cartridges are supplied from detachable box magazines. This ensures a quick change of ammunition type, as well as a high rate of fire.
In general, Saiga-12 inherited the general structure and layout of the AK with a gas venting mechanism and rotary locking. The main differences from the Kalashnikov are:
- modified receiver and bolt group (redesigned to accommodate the use of 12-gauge hunting cartridges);
- the presence of a gas regulator for reliable shooting with conventional and reinforced Magnum class cartridges;
- lack of self-timer in the trigger mechanism.
For complete information about the characteristics and cost of the gun, as well as about ways to purchase it in Moscow or another city, please contact the OkhotActiv managers.
The development of the 12-gauge self-loading smoothbore shotgun "Saiga-12" began in the Soviet Union and was completed in Russia. The Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant worked on the design of this weapon. The first thing that catches your eye is the external resemblance to Kalashnikov assault rifles. And this similarity is not only external. Saiga smoothbore shotguns inherited the general layout and design of the AK with a gas release mechanism and locking by rotating the bolt.
Saiga-12K carbine - video
The designers of the Izhevsk plant faced several tasks. First: the automation had to be adapted for the use of 12-gauge hunting cartridges. Second: the shutter had to be made larger and stronger. Third: instead of a rifled barrel, a smooth one was installed. The system for removing powder gases from the barrel was also modified, and a gas regulator appeared.
The trigger mechanism has also been strengthened. At the same time, the ability to conduct automatic fire was removed. The hunting rifle was made self-loading. Depending on the configuration, the gun can be equipped with both adjustable and non-adjustable sights. In addition, some models have Picattini rails that allow the use of additional equipment (collimator sights, flashlights, etc.).
Reviews about the Saiga-12 gun are both positive and negative. In general, hunters note the high reliability of weapons, but at the same time complain about frequent delays when shooting, as well as insufficiently high accuracy of fire. There is absolutely negative reviews, in which the gun is called flimsy and unreliable. A counterargument can be considered the high popularity of the Saiga in the market of the CIS countries, as well as the fact that the gun was even adopted in some countries, for example in Iraq.
"Saiga-12" is available in several modifications and designs:
"Saiga-12S" is a variant with a folding plastic stock. The modification is available with barrel lengths of 580 and 680 mm
"Saiga-12K" is a short shotgun with a 430 mm long barrel and a folding plastic butt. The safety system has been improved, and the Saiga-12K can only be fired with the stock unfolded
"Saiga-12S EXP-01" - export version
"Execution 75" - classic, with wooden fore-end and butt. Comes with various flame arresters
“Execution 261” - with plastic forend and butt, on the butt there is a rotating cheekpiece. Equipped with various flame arresters. A Picattini rail is installed on the receiver cover
“Execution 278” - with plastic forend and butt of the AK74M assault rifle
"Saiga-12K" from Tromix (USA)
Hunting rifles "Saiga-12" are being modified not only in Russia, but also in other countries. The design of the Saiga-12K shotgun from Tromix (USA) is very interesting. The barrel of the gun was significantly shortened, and a short fore-end was installed; The stock is a copy of the M4A1 carbine stock. A very effective flame arrester was installed on the Saiga thus modernized.
