"Saiga-20". Characteristics, photo

"Saiga-20" is a self-loading rifle manufactured by the Izhevsk machine-building plant. This weapon was developed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, it is intended for amateur and commercial hunting of small and medium-sized beasts, as well as feathered game. It can be used in any climatic conditions.

A little about terminology

Carbine "Saiga-20" is a very unusual weapon. To date, the IZHMASH plant produces more than a dozen different models of assault rifles of the Saiga type, which relate to smoothbore long-barreled hunting semi-automatic weapons. However, the language does not turn to call this rifle a hunting rifle and put it on a par with IZH-43 or TOZ-87. Of course, the 12 and 20 caliber ammunition used, as well as the 410 Magnum, combined with semi-automatic fire control, are the main technical features of a hunting rifle. However, how then can one explain that the weapons of the Saiga (K and C modifications) are prohibited from being sold in a number of countries, including the US, as a combat weapon? And this is despite the liberalism of American arms legislation. If you consider the "Saigu-410K" as an example, then from the point of view of the device it can be considered an AKS-74 automatic machine with limited control of semi-automatic fire only. Following the logic, most hunters call it a machine gun, not a hunting rifle. IZHMASH also calls the Saigu a smoothbore carbine, although experts will argue with this definition, because the carbine implies the presence of a rifled barrel and the use of a rifle cartridge. And nevertheless, in accordance with the wishes of the manufacturer, we will call the Saigu a carbine.

Device

In the carabiner "Saiga-20" cartridges of the twentieth caliber are used, the diameter of the barrel is 15.7 mm. Its design allows the use of bullet and conventional shotgun ammunition, as well as cartridges of the Magnum type with a 76 mm sleeve. In the case of bullet cartridges, it should not be forgotten that the standard equipment of this gun, with the aim of increasing its accuracy, has a narrowing of the barrel bore of 0.9 mm. Therefore it is forbidden to use self-made all-lead caliber bullets. The bullet cartridges that are used with this carbine must pass the certification for firing through the choke choke.

The work of automation is based on the principle of the removal of powder gases, with a short stroke of the piston and locking the barrel due to the rotation of the bolt.

Why "Saiga" - not AK-100

Most of the details of the Saiga-20 rifle are unified with the Kalashnikov assault rifle, however the scheme contains some changes:

- the gas piston is presented in the form of a cylindrical element (20x15 mm) located in the gas tube in the front part;

- the gate frame is taken from the machine, but its front part serves as a transmission mechanism, not a piston;

- the shutter is divided into two parts, fixed and pivoting. This is necessary for working with rifle cartridges, which are three times more powerful than automatic ones;

- To exclude the possibility of reworking the carbine to conduct automatic fire, a self-timer searcher is extracted from the USB.

At the end of the gas chamber, the designers installed a gas regulator. It has two provisions: for Magnum type ammunition and for conventional ammunition. Also changed the design of some weapons nodes.

Modification of the carbine

To date, there are three main modifications of the Saiga carbine of the twentieth series:

- "Saiga-20" is a long-barreled weapon with a classic butt ("rifle type");

- "Saiga-20S" - this modification is equipped with a folding stock, made of glass-filled polyamide, the same as in the AK-100;

- "Saiga-20K" - this carbine is also produced with a folding stock and has a shortened trunk (430 mm). In this regard, the trigger mechanism is changed, namely: added a special lock, which does not allow you to fold the butt to pull the trigger. This is done to ensure that the carbine complies with the norms of the Russian legislation (the shooting weapon must have a length of at least 800 mm).

Additional equipment

Any of the modifications of the carbines can additionally be equipped with an adjustable sighting bar, which is mounted on the seat of standard sighting devices. The models equipped with such a bar have corresponding postscript: the Saiga-20 RPK gun, the 20K RPK and the 20C RPK. Small rifles are produced rifles equipped with a set of removable barrel nozzles (similar to the 410 series). Thus, in the "20K" model, the length of the barrel with such an extension is 330 mm. The carbines "Saiga Tactics-20" and "20C" on the left side of the receiver have a standard mount for the optical sight (standard for AK-100). But the modification of "20K" does not have such a fastening, however, its installation is not a complicated procedure. It can be produced even at home.

Since the second half of 1998, all models have been equipped with a new, more convenient type of forehead. It has several large overall dimensions, small incisions and a more rounded shape. Also in new models there was a curtain on the hole, through which the sleeve is thrown out. The "20K" carbines changed the locking system, which, when the stock is folded, does not allow you to not only press the trigger, but also remove the weapon from the fuse.

Score

All carbines are equipped with five-charge box boxes of two types: for sleeves 70 and 76 mm. Virtually all the cartridges with conventional seaming are used in shops 76 mm. The second type is used with a 70 mm cartridge, which has a "star" cast. Sometimes on sale you can find clips with a capacity of 8-9 cartridges, they are made by some folk craftsmen who are not related to the IZHMASH plant. Such products can be distinguished by "wafer" coating of walls and low reliability. Much more practical firm stores for 8 rounds, they have smooth walls and the manufacturer's logo.

Ammunition

It should be noted that the "Saiga" 20 gauge works exceptionally reliably, it has no problems with recharging (regardless of the type of ammunition). The possibility of using the Magnum type ammunition increases the combat characteristics of the carbine. In fact, the twentieth caliber differs from the twelfth only by smaller muzzle energy and a slightly greater transverse impact on the munition. As a result, the penetrating power and accuracy increase. But with the use of cartridges of the "Tandem" type (they have less muzzle energy), the recoil decreases, accordingly the comfort with semi-automatic fire from the carbine "Saiga-20" increases. The characteristics of this shooting can be represented as follows: charging the rifle "Strela Magnum", which has muzzle energy of 300-3500 J, we get a very terrible weapon with a strong impact, roar and fire from the trunk. The defeat of the target will be at the level of 12 caliber. When using a standard cartridge (for example, "Tandem"), the rifle loses in muzzle energy, but the shooter can easily and comfortably produce a series of 5-7 accurate shots, and does not get a hematoma from the butt on the shoulder. In general, it is recommended to install the gas regulator in the "Magnum" position, in which case it is possible to alternate all types of cartridges without problems.

"Saiga-20": reviews of hunters and application

According to the owners, a good hunting rifle from the Saiga did not work. After all, shooting offhand from a short-barreled automaton is very difficult, if not more (that is, impossible). The trunk of any modification is shorter than the required minimum for firing at 80-100 meters, and the weight of the weapon is greater than that of the double-barreled gun. The results of shooting for a running rabbit or flying bird are not particularly impressive. What else can you say about the Saiga-20 carbine? The responses of hunters are reduced to the fact that these weapons are intended for the hunting of a large beast (bear, elk, etc.). It perfectly copes with large targets and surpasses in the hunting element all other weapons. Especially in a situation close to combat, when a wild boar or bear attacks a man. Of course, a semi-automatic short-barrel shotgun at short distances is much preferable, of course, if you know how to use it. Connoisseurs and connoisseurs of this model often leave the following comments: "Saiga-20 is a personal weapon that is intended to destroy the enemy's manpower at a distance of up to 50 meters, it can even destroy vehicles, as well as easy shelters." From this statement, it can be concluded that this carbine is more of an assault rifle than a hunting rifle.

What is the basis of these statements?

Firstly, the ergonomics of the Saiga-20 rifle is designed for high-speed shooting (thanks to its progenitor - AK). To make a shot from the hip of IZH-43 is much easier than from "Saiga". However, it is practically impossible to fire target fire from any type of multiply charged shotgun (except for the one considered) and to issue more than three accurate shots in a row.

Secondly, the buckshot, produced from the short-bore "Saiga", is able to flash through the car, and a bullet from the "Tandem" punches a sheet of steel 3 mm thick. Not to mention the cartridges of the "Magnum" type, the energies of which are sufficient to break through the bullet-proof vest of the 1-3 class. It should be remembered that this carbine is the most compact semi - automatic smoothbore weapon, this quality is very useful when responding quickly in the process of shooting. This is very convenient in cramped conditions (in the forest, in the city, in the house, in the apartment). And if you add an enlarged store, you get a weapon that has a huge tactical value.

So, what can you get from this carbine?

1. Stunning reliability. So, after 500 shots produced from "Saiga" (subject to a fitted store and quality cartridges), you will not have delays and misfires. The type of cartridges for this indicator is not affected.

2. Ease of care. Of course, it should be understood that, like any semiautomatic machine, "Saiga" also requires appropriate maintenance. However, if it can not be ensured, the reliability of the carbine does not become lower, because the Kalashnikov assault rifle is the basis of this weapon - the standard of reliability.

3. Very high rate of fire. After certain trainings to produce 4-5 accurate shots in 2 seconds - not at all a problem.

4. The maximum compactness. To store and transport the carbine "Saiga-20", the butt of which is complicated, is much more convenient than other guns of the same caliber.

5. Decent accuracy of shooting with a bullet, especially considering such a short barrel. When conducting fire from the hands from a distance of 50 meters, the bullet easily lies in the dimensions of a half-liter bottle.

6. Serious penetration of ammunition - 2-3 times higher than that of assault rifles and 5-10 times higher than modern combat pistols.

pros

"Saiga" twentieth series is good because it is much lighter than the twelfth series in a similar performance. The 20th caliber works more sharply than the 12th. The weights of the gunpowder, as well as the mass of the projectile, are smaller, but due to the small diameter of the barrel the projectile takes off at a much higher rate. Accordingly, for effective use of this gun, you need to have more serious skills than with a specimen of the twelfth caliber. "Saiga-20" has a significantly smaller impact force, so it is possible to aim quickly and produce the next shot.

Minuses

The disadvantage of this gun is considered to be a small caliber. After all, the twelfth is universal, the number of pellets in such a cartridge is much larger, accordingly, it is easier to hit the target. If compared to bullet cartridges of 12 caliber, then this shell has a large mass and momentum, but for the accuracy of the combat and the range of effective fire, "Saiga-20" surpasses its rival, "Saigu-12". A serious disadvantage, many hunters believe that this carbine is made on the basis of military weapons. In their opinion, often not without grounds, such an adaptation is a disastrous thing. Hunters prefer a classic weapon, created from scratch.

"Saiga-20": the price of the carbine

If suddenly, after reading this article, you are thinking about buying such weapons (whether for hunting or protecting your home), then this section will be useful to you. In domestic weapons shops you can find any models of the Saiga-20 carbine. Their price will fluctuate from 16 to 26 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration and modification. To acquire such weapons are persons who have reached the age of 18, naturally, after receiving a special license in the bodies of internal affairs. So make out the papers and go to the nearest weapons store.