Saiga 12 is short. Saiga hunting carbine. Options for the execution of the main components of weapons

The main purpose of smoothbore guns is to perform shooting using buckshot, special purpose bullets and fractional charges to hit various targets. Guns for hunting are usually divided into guns with a reclining barrel mechanism, as well as one-piece single-barrel magazine-type carbines. The barrel of such guns is not refracted for loading cartridges and extracting spent cartridges.

A little about the features of smoothbore guns

Shotguns for hunting come with a folding barrel, as well as one-piece single-barrel. Breaking guns are very popular among hunting enthusiasts, because they are unpretentious in maintenance and are quite simple to use. Moreover, the hunter can change cartridges very quickly and continue shooting without wasting precious time. Especially popular are double-barreled models, which allow you to quickly make an aimed shot again in case of a miss.

The second type of smoothbore weapon is a non-folding single-barreled model, the design of which includes a magazine. In such guns, there is always a mechanism that allows you to remove the shells and replace them with new cartridges. Through the use of the energy of exhaust gases and manual power, this mechanism can be put into action.

Such weapons are automatic, and in terms of rate of fire and weight they are ahead of double-barreled models. Shotguns of this type are supposed to use cartridges recommended by the manufacturer. The Saiga hunting rifle also belongs to single-barreled models.

How the Saiga carbine was developed

The gunsmiths of the machine-building plant in Izhevsk worked on the development of the design of the Saiga gun of a self-loading type. "Saiga" is a shotgun with a smooth barrel structure and has an external resemblance to the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle. This similarity is not accidental, since the plant's engineers deliberately took the design of the famous "Kalash" as a basis.

Izhevsk gunsmiths managed to adapt the mechanism of the machine gun for firing hunting cartridges, and the rifled barrel was replaced with a smooth one. In addition, the shutter mechanism was subjected to some improvements, which became somewhat larger and much stronger. Structural changes have also undergone a trigger device and a mechanism for removing exhaust gases.

The "Saiga" is not intended for burst firing. The design of the gun allows the use of auxiliary equipment to improve the visibility of the target and the sight in the Saiga gun. Hunters' reviews indicate a high level of reliability of this weapon, but there are some shortcomings. First of all, this is the lack of accuracy of the shot, as well as sometimes occurring delays during firing.

Carbines "Saiga" 12 gauge and their characteristics

Hunting rifles of the "Saiga" line are made with different barrel lengths. For training shots and as a self-defense, a short-barreled carbine is ideal. One of them is the "Saiga 12K" gun, which is very convenient to use when shooting at targets at short distances up to 25 m. This model is a compact carbine with a shortened barrel 430 mm long. The gun is equipped with a plastic folding stock. It is possible to conduct aimed fire from this weapon only on the condition that the stock is in the unfolded form.

The Saiga 12 S shotgun also has a plastic buttstock that can be folded. The barrel length of this model is 580 mm, and there is also a modification with a 680 mm barrel. The full length of the weapon with the stock unfolded is 1145 mm and weighs 3.6 kg.

Choice in favor of "Saiga"

Magazine capacity can be 5 or 8 rounds. There are also two-round magazines. Moreover, if you use unloading, you can take a sufficient number of magazines and loaded cartridges with you to hunt. Saiga has low recoil when firing due to its weight, as well as a good rate of fire. These qualities make the Saiga shotgun popular. The price of a weapon model with a short barrel will vary within 38 thousand rubles.

The thickness of the barrel allows for long-term shooting, and the presence of a pistol grip significantly improves the controllability of the gun. An interesting fact is that the Saiga guns are being modernized and refined in a number of other countries as well. For example, the American company Tromix makes some improvements to the Saiga, which are clearly expressed in a very short barrel and a modernized flash hider. In addition, the carbine is equipped with the original rifle butt of the M4 model.

About modifications of a smoothbore rifle

Hunting rifles "Saiga" 12-gauge are available in several modifications. Each of which has a number of features. "Saiga 12 K", made in the basic version, is distinguished by the presence of a ventilated type rib. There is also a modification of this model, in which the front sight is entirely located on the back of the gas outlet tube.

"Saiga 12K-030" is designed in such a way that the presence of a pair of Picatinny rails allows you to install different types of sights, as well as illumination. This model has found wide application in a number of power structures and special forces of some countries.

"Tactics" and special versions of weapons

Models of carbines "Saiga 12 K-040 Tactics" and 12 K-040-06 have folding frame-type butts, and a Picatinny rail is installed on top. The handguard of these models is ventilated, and for the model 040-06 it is exactly the same as for the SVD. The rear sight on rifles can be adjusted independently. All of them have short barrels and pistol grips.

The 12th "Saiga" also exists in several versions. The 75th is a classic self-loading carbine, the forearm and stock of which are made of wood. In addition, this model can be equipped with flame arresters of various designs. The 261 is made with a plastic handguard and stock. The stock is equipped with a swivel cheek. It can be equipped with various flame arresters and auxiliary equipment. The 278th version differs in that the model has a plastic handguard, as well as a stock from the AK-74-M.

About the 20th series of carbines "Saiga"

It is known that the Saiga 20 guns appeared after the invention of a line of self-loading guns of 410 caliber. The bore has a diameter of 15.7 mm and is designed for use with 20-gauge cartridges. Shotgun "Saiga 20" exists in several modifications, while the basic model is a long-barreled rifle with a classic type stock. Modification of the gun "Saiga 20 C" is equipped with a folding buttstock made of polyamide fiber. But the model 20 K is equipped with a short barrel 430 mm long and a folding butt.

What stores and cartridges are used

All Saiga guns of the 20th series can be equipped with an adjustable aiming bar. The magazines with which the carbines are equipped are box-shaped, designed for cartridges with a sleeve length of 70 mm and 76 mm. As a rule, these are five-shot models, although eight and nine-shot magazines are made for 76 rounds. For these rifles, the use of Tandem and Magnum cartridges is recommended, the muzzle energy of which can reach 3.5 kJ.

Features "Saiga" 20 gauge

Initially, the "Saiga 20" was conceived as a rapid-fire weapon that can be used at short distances up to 50 m. The destructive power of this carbine should also be noted, especially if the 20 is loaded with buckshot, which is capable of penetrating a three-millimeter steel sheet. In addition, among the smooth-bore compact semi-automatic guns, the 20th Saiga has established itself as a reliable and very practical shotgun for close combat and self-defense.

It should be noted that this gun has an excellent rate of fire and accuracy. In addition, being a semi-automatic weapon, the Saiga 20 guns are easy to use and unpretentious in maintenance. Hunting cartridges have a high penetrating power, which inspires the owner with confidence in their own safety and reliable hitting targets.

Carbine "Saiga 410-K" ─ reliable weapon of a hunter

The gun "Saiga 410 K" can be operated in any weather conditions. It is able to withstand the impact of ambient temperatures from − 30º to + 50ºС. For aimed shooting, 410 caliber cartridges with a sleeve length of 76 mm are used. The design of the weapon is a set of the following elements: a receiver and a weapon muzzle, a gas engine and a return mechanism, a trigger, a handguard, a bolt frame (with a bolt), a gas tube with an overlay and a folding butt.

The carbine is also equipped with magazines of various capacities, an open sight, nozzles equipped with special rifling for bullets, and an optical sight with a bracket. To extend the life of the gas chamber and piston, as well as the barrel channel and the chamber are chrome-plated.

The principle of operation of the smoothbore carbine "Saiga"

After the shot is fired, the reloading of the weapon occurs due to the energy of the gases that are discharged into the chamber from the barrel channel, as well as the energy of the spring of the return mechanism. From the store, the cartridge is sent into the chamber due to the action of the return spring during the forward movement of the bolt with the bolt carrier. Then the channel is closed by turning the shutter, after which the ejector moves beyond the sleeve flange.

When you press the trigger hook, the trigger is released from engagement with the trigger. A return spring acts on it, and, turning, it hits the drummer hard, due to which the shot is fired. Then the frame with the shutter is moved back under the action of the energy of the gases, after which the spent cartridge case is removed from the chamber and ejected from the receiver.

Required hunter inventory

For a gun, you need to purchase a special case of a rectangular shape and not too large. Preference should be given to a dark monochromatic coloring, but it is undesirable to purchase a camouflage cover, since it directly indicates the presence of a weapon in it. Without a cleaning kit and special oil, hunting is simply unthinkable, so these accessories should be taken care of in advance. It is also necessary to purchase goggles that will protect the eyes during shooting from possible injuries. To ensure a secure grip on the weapon and protect your hands, the use of special gloves is recommended.

Specific melee weapons, which are used mainly in police and counter-terrorism operations, are military smooth-bore weapons capable of firing shot, grapeshot, bullet and special cartridges (for example, with a "tear" recipe). Traditionally, the most reliable samples of smooth-bore weapons of "hunting" calibers of the magazine scheme were used, but over time, self-loading samples began to attract more and more attention. Such self-loading rifles also appeared in Russian families of smooth-bore weapons based on the “Kalashnikov system”. They are also referred to as "smoothbore carbines".

In 2003, the Saiga-12 App. 030". This model was the development of the commercial "Saiga-12K", equipped with a side-folding stock and a pistol grip. "Saiga-12" has automatics with a gas engine. The barrel bore is locked by turning the bolt, the design and dimensions of which have been changed in accordance with the characteristics of the rifle cartridge. The return mechanism carries a movable shield that covers the groove for the passage of the charging handle when the fuse is off. The trigger mechanism of the trigger type allows only single fire.

The main difference between the design of the carbine "Saiga-12" isp. 030" from the commercial model is the absence of a trigger blocking device, i.e. it can fire both with the buttstock folded out and with the stock folded. There are a number of other significant differences. So. an automatic shutter stop (shutter lag) has been introduced, which can also be turned on and off manually with the magazine disconnected.

The front sight mount is combined with the gas chamber. On the receiver, a removable bracket is provided for mounting an optical or collimator sight. The receiver cover is mounted on a hinge and carries a Picatinny rail, which allows the use of an optical or collimator sight even with the butt folded. The Picatinny rail under the gas chamber allows you to install a laser pointer or a tactical flashlight on the gun. The carbine is equipped with a plastic folding butt (with a shock absorber on the back of the head), a pistol grip, and a forearm. The slotted muzzle nozzle serves as a flame arrester and allows firing with the barrel resting against an obstacle, for example, when door locks are destroyed by a shot. Options for nozzles for firing expelling cartridges, etc. are also proposed.

Ammunition is fed from a detachable box magazine. The neck of the magazine receiver makes it more secure and makes it easier to replace the magazine by touch. The automatic gas engine works with all types of 12-gauge cartridges. It was reported that ammunition for the Saiga was developed for a wide range of tasks, including cartridges with rubber bullets with improved penetrating action, cartridges for throwing gas grenades.

This development became the basis for the self-loading "special carbine" 18.5 KS-K, adopted by the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation in July 2006. The number "18.5" in the designation of the carbine is due to the fact that the 12 gauge smoothbore gun corresponds to a bore diameter of about 18.5 mm. Lethal (lethal) and non-lethal ammunition is accepted for the carbine. The former are represented, for example, by the KSP-P cartridges with a lead bullet and the KSP-BP with an armor-piercing bullet; the latter, by the KSP-RP cartridge with a traumatic rubber bullet.

The smoothbore carbine aroused the interest of foreign experts as well.

Slightly different from this modification of the Izhevsk "Saiga" is the brainchild of the Vyatka-Polyansky machine-building plant "Molot", presented together with the described "Saiga" already at the Interpolitech-2005 exhibition. Which is understandable, they are based on the same system, they were created to solve the same problems, they use the same stores. Vyatka-Polyana designers presented their version of a smooth-bore carbine in the Vepr family of self-loading weapons, created on the basis of the PKK.

Caliber 12 mm

Used cartridge 12x70 mm, 12x76 mm

Weight without magazine 3.8 kg

Carabiner length;

with folded butt 910 mm

with stock folded 725 mm

Barrel length 430 mm

Combat rate of fire 40 rpm

Effective firing range 35-70 m

Range of effective firing of a bullet 50-100 m

Magazine capacity 4 or 8 rounds

Many mushroom pickers, seeing hunters armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles in the forest, get very scared and try to leave the forest as soon as possible. Only another hunter, seeing someone in the hands of a weapon similar to an AK, will understand that in front of him is either the Saiga hunting carbine, or its smooth-bore version - the Saiga 12 automatic smooth-bore gun. Hunting with a Saiga-12 gun is quite difficult, although if it is a Saiga 12 with a long barrel, then with sufficient skill and training, you can use it as a hunting weapon.

The appearance of hunting carbines "Saiga" and guns "Saiga-12"

In 1974, on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the IZHMASH concern created a cult weapon that is still incredibly popular - the Saiga carbine. The first Saiga models were designed for the 5.6x39 mm cartridge. In those years, these carbines were not popular until the 90s, when the possession of a weapon that looked like a Kalashnikov assault rifle was considered the highest degree of "coolness". IZHMASH instantly reacted to the trends of the new time and released a new "Saiga" chambered for 7.62x39 mm. Cartridges of this caliber were used in most military weapons of that time.

In 1993, on the basis of the Saiga carbine, smooth-bore hunting rifles were produced, one of which was the Saiga-12. As in the case of the carbine, the models of the smooth-bore "Saiga" differed from each other in the length of the barrel, the caliber of the cartridges used and the different materials that were used to make stocks and butts. It was problematic to hunt a serious animal with a short "Saiga", but since it was a dangerous time in the 90s, short versions of the "Saiga" were used for self-defense and protection. The length in this case was a hindrance, since in cramped quarters they used a short weapon with a cartridge loaded with a bullet or buckshot.

The first smooth-bore "Saiga" was the "Saiga" caliber .410. Queues lined up behind this gun because of its external resemblance to a Kalashnikov assault rifle. The IZHMASH plant, which was experiencing huge financial problems, immediately responded to the increased demand by releasing new modifications of the Saiga:

Shotguns 20 gauge (20/70 and 20/76 "Magnum");
"Saiga" 12 gauge under the most popular cartridge for hunting in Russia.

It was this step that allowed the IZHMASH plant not only to stay afloat, but also to make good profits.

TTX "Saiga" in the performance of 12 gauge

The automation of a smoothbore gun works similarly to the automation of the AK, which formed the basis of the weapon for hunting of the Saiga series. The whole layout and design of the gun is practically no different from the Kalashnikov assault rifle, except for two significant differences:

The ability to conduct automatic fire has been removed - to fire the next shot, you must release and pull the trigger again;
"Saiga-12" has a special gas regulator, as this weapon provides for the use of powerful 12/76 mm caliber cartridges for hunting.

The general characteristics of Saiga smoothbore guns differ only because of the barrel length (and the Saiga-12 barrel has several length options) and the caliber of ammunition used when firing.

Various sights that are used on the "Saiga-12"

Sights on the smooth-bore "Saiga" are different and depend on the modification of this gun for hunting:

An ordinary open sight, consisting of a simple rear sight without the possibility of adjustment and a front sight without a namushnik;
The same system, only with a front sight equipped with a front sight;
Sighting system, similar to the system of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, equipped with a fully adjustable sector and a front sight with a namushnik.

In addition, the Saiga has a dovetail rail, which allows the use of many types of optical sights. The latest modifications of the Saiga are equipped with Picatinny rails, which allow you to install anything the owner wants on the weapon. It can be sights of any type or underbarrel lights.

Ammunition automatic rifle "Saiga-12"

Shops for "Saiga-12" come in several modifications:

A magazine that holds only two rounds, which is done for those who are hindered by the standard size of the Saiga magazine. Such a store is an element of "tuning";
Standard factory magazine for 5 rounds;
Extended magazine that holds 8 rounds;
Magazine for 10 rounds.

There are also "tuning" disk stores for "Saiga-12", which are produced by foreign companies, since "Saiga" is very popular outside of Russia precisely as a copy of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

All versions of the stores of domestic stores are single-row and are charged in the same way as Kalashnikov assault rifles. The Saiga-12 is fired with 12/70 mm and 12/76 mm caliber cartridges, which are reinforced. It is recommended to use cartridges in plastic sleeves, as cardboard ones can interfere with the stable operation of the automatic gun. Cartridges with brass cases are not suitable for this gun.

Various modifications of "Saiga-12"

The main model of the Saiga smoothbore gun is the Saiga-12. The stock for the Saiga-12 is fixed, so it is recommended for use as a hunting weapon. Other characteristics, such as the long barrel and the semi-pistol neck, contribute to the hunting use of this weapon. Tuning for this model is the installation of optical sights and the installation of a neck for a more reliable fixation of the Saiga-12 magazine, which significantly improves the characteristics of this model.

List of the most popular models based on Saiga-12:

There are many more modifications of the Saiga-12 smoothbore, which differ slightly from those listed above.

Smooth-bore automatic rifles of the Saiga series are popular not only in Russia and the CIS countries, but also in a number of Western countries. Most often in the west, the Saiga is modified with optical or collimator sights, enlarged magazines and orthopedic butts.

Scope of smooth-bore versions of "Saiga"

Although Saiga-12 is used not only by novice hunters, one should not forget that this weapon is intended more for self-defense or combat use, since it was created on the basis of the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle, which can hardly be called a hunting weapon. It is also worth remembering that the Saiga-12 variants with a short barrel are practically useless for hunting, and long-barreled models (with proper training of the shooter) can be used for hunting. If you refine the standard Saiga-12, and the refinement consists in fitting parts, then it becomes a fairly accurate and reliable weapon.

The main purpose of the Saiga-12 smoothbore automatic rifle is self-defense. A particularly striking example of this is the short-barreled "Saiga" with a folding butt. Such options are most suitable for use in confined spaces, such as buildings. So, the use of "Saiga" for hunting can only be justified by its low price or the love of its owner for the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle.

Pros and cons of "Saiga-12"

Like any weapon, "Saiga-12" has a number of pros and cons. The advantages of this weapon are as follows:

Like the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the Saiga-12 is a fairly reliable and trouble-free weapon. True, for this, "Saiga" needs to be finalized, and you will have to work with a file;
The next plus is the rate of fire and firepower of 12 gauge, especially when using a high-capacity magazine. In close combat, the Saiga-12 will be much more effective than any automatic rifle or carbine. Each buckshot at close range does more damage than a bullet from a Makarov pistol, and there are a lot of buckshots in each cartridge;
Magazines, which are removed quite simply, also give a huge advantage in combat. It is recommended to have several removable stores for bullets, shot and buckshot;
The low price is also a big advantage of the Saiga-12.

Cons "Saiga" also has:

Low build quality;
Difficulties when hunting with short-barreled models;
The need for refinement and "tuning" in order to hunt more or less normally.

If you want to purchase a shotgun to protect your property, then the Saiga-12 is the best option. For hunting, it is better to choose a classic double-barreled shotgun or a pump-action shotgun.

"Saiga" is a hunting carbine, which is produced by the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. For the first time, the weapon appeared in the mid-70s and was developed for the purpose of shooting saigas (which is why the model of the weapon acquired such a name). In the early 90s, a more rapid pace of designing new types of hunting carbines began on the basis of existing ones.

Today, Saiga is a kind of brand under which Izhmash produces a wide range of both rifled and smooth-bore semi-automatic weapons, which are designed both for hunting and sports, and for self-defense. Let us consider in more detail what models of the Saiga carbine exist, what characteristics they have and how to choose the most suitable model for yourself.

Probably, it was this model of the carbine that became legendary among most hunters. And it was logical to start the description of the models with the Saiga-12 carbine. This weapon is a smooth-bore self-loading carbine, which is used for commercial and amateur hunting of small and medium-sized birds and fur-bearing animals.

As the name implies, the carbine has a 12-gauge barrel, which allows the use of both shot and bullet cartridges with a sleeve length from 70 to 76 mm. The carbine is designed for single fire with the possibility of automatic reloading.

The principle of operation of the automatic system is exactly the same as that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle - powder gases are discharged through a hole in the barrel. The carbine can be equipped with a vertically adjustable horizontal or vertical aiming bar, which greatly increases the convenience of shooting at moving targets.

There are several modifications of the Saiga-12 carbine:

. It differs from the "native" model in that it has a folding stock and a fire control handle. Folded stock greatly facilitates the transportation and safety of weapons.
. It is equipped with a shortened barrel and a safety trigger mechanism, which makes it impossible to shoot with the stock folded.
"Saiga 12C-EXP01". An export model of the carbine, which is practically no different from the Saiga-12K. The only difference is the absence of a firing mechanism fuse.

Weapon Selection Tips: Perhaps the Saiga-12 model is the most versatile and most suitable weapon for hunters. There are few differences between the modifications, but you should pay attention to them. The Saiga-12K has a 20% less accuracy of fire due to the shortened barrel (430 mm versus 580 mm for the Saiga-12 or Saiga-12S). Therefore, for those hunters who prefer hunting at close or medium distances, it is preferable to choose a shortened version of the Saiga-12 carbine, and for those who often hunt birds or game from long distances, it is advisable to choose the standard version of the carbine.

As for the length of the weapon, in this case the choice lies entirely with the hunter. It is possible that the shortened Saiga-12 models are more convenient for some, but for others it is much better to use the standard versions.

As in the case of the twelfth model of the carbine, "Saiga-20" is designed for amateur and commercial hunting for medium and small game. The weapon can be used in any weather or climate conditions.

The carbine is highly reliable even in the most difficult operating conditions. "Saiga-20" has a smooth barrel 20 caliber and provides for the use of both shot and bullet cartridges with a length of 70-76 mm. The principle of operation of the carbine is the same as that of the Saiga-12 model.

Saiga-20 is produced in four different modifications:

. It has a standard hunting butt, which in some models can be removable for easy storage and transportation. In addition, the removable buttstock significantly improves maneuverability.
. It differs from the previous model by the presence of a folding stock and a fire control handle. This design of the weapon significantly increases wear resistance and ease of transportation.
. It has exactly the same features as the Saiga-12K model. Similarly, the carbine is equipped with a folding stock and a trigger lock. "Saiga-20K" is popular as a means of self-defense.
"Saiga-20S EXP-01". The export model of the carbine, which has exactly the same design features as the Saiga-20K model, but is not equipped with a trigger lock.

Weapon Selection Tips: for hunting purposes, it is best to use carbines such as "Saiga-20" or "Saiga-20S". Moreover, there is no practical difference between them - in both cases, there is the possibility of transporting and using weapons without a butt.

Why is it undesirable to choose "Saiga-20K" for hunting purposes? But because the 20 caliber is quite small and has the greatest efficiency at medium and close distances.

The accuracy of fire of the Saiga-20K and its export version is only 40% - this is an indicator that indicates the effectiveness of the weapon only at long distances. However, for self-defense purposes, this modification is the most suitable.

The Saiga-410 smooth-bore self-loading carbine can be used for both amateur and commercial hunting for medium and small game. .410 caliber barrels are installed on the carbines. The chambers of this carbine allow the use of both shot and bullet cartridges, the length of the sleeves of which is 65, 70-76 mm.

Like all previous models, the Saiga-410 was created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle and has excellent performance characteristics. The stock and handguard of the carbine can be made of both wood and high-strength polyamide.

As in previous cases, the carbine has three standard modifications (standard "410" st, "410C" with a folding butt and a shortened carbine "410K"). However, there are two more modifications - "Saiga-410K version 1" and "Saiga-410K version 2". These versions of the carbine have folding butts, polyamide forearm. Externally, the models of carbines are practically no different from Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Weapon Tips: The Saiga-410 carbine and its modifications are highly ergonomic and reliable in operation. The weapon has increased firepower due to the possibility of using magazines designed for 10 rounds. The best option among those presented can be called the Saiga-410K model with a 10-round magazine.

The appearance of the Saiga-MK carbine almost completely coincides with the appearance of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. More precisely, the model is almost identical to its prototype - AK-103. In addition to the manufacturer's marks, the civilian version of the weapon is distinguished only by a shortened magazine for 5 rounds and an aiming bar with risks up to 300 meters. The rest is an exact copy of the AK-103. This is a rifled self-loading weapon that has a caliber of 7.62X39.

"Saiga-MK" is designed not only for hunting small and medium-sized game, but can also be used for hunting large game. The carbine is also often used in security organizations and for self-defense purposes.

If you want to use a rifled carbine, then the Saiga-MK is one of the best options in terms of price and quality. For 6,000 rubles you will receive an almost exact copy of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which can be effectively used for hunting and self-defense purposes.

We start a conversation, during which Vsevolod Ilyin removes his championship shotgun "Saiga-12" Spanish from the case. 340. For a moment everyone is silent - the gun strikes with its ideal proportions and power. Actually, for the sake of it - the world's best smooth-bore weapon for practical shooting - we gathered in the editorial office of Popular Mechanics.

Alexander Grek

Practical shooting, which has martial roots, is one of the youngest and most spectacular types of shooting sports. Its main goal is to develop techniques that most fully meet the various cases of the use of firearms by police and special units of the world. That is why practical shooting is the "home" sport of the special forces and the police. Its motto - Diligentia-Vis-Celeritas - quite accurately reflects the requirements for weapons for this discipline - Accuracy-Power-Speed.

Case - pipe

Of the three types of weapons used in practical shooting - a pistol, a carbine and a gun - in our country, by virtue of legislation, the latter is the most common. Since the use of high power weapons is encouraged by glasses, the maximum caliber for guns for practical shooting is the 12th. Automation is responsible for the speed - you can’t keep up with it manually. The main stumbling block was high-speed reloading. It is clear from military practice that it is best to use box magazines. The problem was that box magazine shotguns were an exotic and complex product that few sold. Only two companies experimented with them - the German Heckler & Koch, which is developing the Close Assault Weapon System (CAWS) for the US Army, and the small Italian Franchi, which produced a small edition of the SPAS-15 smoothbore assault rifle, which was also sold in Russia. These guns were prohibitively expensive, and the SPAS-15 had fatal generic problems - telescopic springs that rubbed against each other during operation and broke. The main problem was not even in the operation of automation, but in the store supply. There are almost no manufacturers in the world who can solve the problem of reliably supplying a hunting cartridge from a box magazine: depending on the manufacturer, cartridges have different lengths, skirts, shapes, seams, powder weights, as well as different equipment: bullet, shot or buckshot. But hunting cartridges are very easy to file from a tubular underbarrel magazine - just throw the spring back onto the tray. That is why, initially, an underbarrel magazine was used in practical shooting. Methods of high-speed charging with the help of exotic special devices were also invented. Speedloaders were used - tubes with preloaded cartridges, up to eight pieces, with a special piston. On the shooter's thigh, like a quiver, a special bag with speedloaders was fixed, he turned the weapon over, snatched out the speedloader and tried to quickly get into the charging hole, loaded, threw away the used tube and resumed firing. This system was very common until box magazine shotguns appeared in 2003.

From the shop

Historically, the first debugged gun with box magazines was the Saiga developed by Izhmash (since 2013 renamed the Kalashnikov Concern). It is unique in that it was possible to achieve a reliable feed from the magazine of different types of cartridges. The geometry of the store and the feeder was very precisely matched, and the design of the feed unit was redesigned. This is a very complex and responsible engineering task, on which, first of all, the reliability of the operation of a gun with a box magazine depends. You need to position the magazine very precisely, respect the exit angles of the cartridges, make sure that the cartridge welts do not jump over each other, and ensure the optimal trajectory of the cartridge feed. The team of designers successfully coped with the task. The level of this team is indicated by the fact that their number included Gennady Nikonov, the legendary designer of the AN-94 Abakan assault rifle. "Saiga" only superficially resembles a Kalashnikov assault rifle, they tried to emphasize this similarity for marketing reasons. In fact, this is a completely different weapon, differing both in the design of the shutter and in the principle of operation of automation. On Kalashnikov assault rifles, there is a gas exhaust system with a long piston stroke, and on Saiga smooth-bore guns, the piston stroke is short. Hunting cartridges, unlike military ones, are very diverse - they are equipped with different gunpowder, with different weights and, accordingly, have different impulses. All this can significantly affect the reliability of automation. In this situation, the Saiga gas engine with a short piston stroke works more reliably, moreover, such a scheme can significantly reduce the contamination of the receiver with powder gases.

From Saiga to Vepr

In 1993, the first shotgun with a box magazine for the exotic 410 caliber, the Saiga-410, appeared first. Queues formed behind him, primarily because of the strong external resemblance to a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Later, a modification appeared for the 20th caliber and, finally, the long-awaited "Saiga-12" for the most massive domestic hunting cartridge of the 12th caliber. This gun was supplied both to the civilian market and to law enforcement agencies. After preliminary operation, an order was received from the internal affairs bodies and athletes to refine the Saiga-12 guns. The requirements of the security forces and athletes coincided. Both of them needed to use more familiar ergonomics, folding butts, collimator sights. As a result, in 2003, the Saiga-12 appeared. 030, which was actively exported, for example, was put into service with the French police, was used by some special units in Russia. The concept fully justified itself for practical shooting, as it allowed you to change magazines very quickly. With "Saiga-12" Spanish. 030, the Russian team took part in the 2006 European Championship in Greece, where they successfully performed, taking an honorable 3rd place. Foreign and domestic shooters paid attention to the Saiga, and from that moment its victorious march in practical shooting began. Some Orthodox until 2010 held on to guns with underbarrel magazines of infinite length, but they also broke down, unable to compete in speed, and gradually switched to guns with box magazines. However, Izhmash was not ready for such a sudden demand: in the same 2006, a huge order came from Venezuela for the AK-103, and for several years the plant was busy servicing it. It was decided to transfer the production of "Saiga-12" Spanish. 030 to the Vyatka-Polyansky machine-building plant "Molot", which produced, in particular, Kalashnikov light machine guns. There, the gun was put into production under the name "Vepr-12" (VPO-205). A significant part of the weapons from the first industrial batches went to practical shooters. "Vepr-12" turned out to be a good sporting gun, but some ergonomic improvements were required for sports: a quick release of the magazine, a shaft expander for attaching the magazine, a telescopic stock, a muzzle brake. All this athletes had to finish on their own. In 2010, Ilyin was sent by the Moscow branch of the Practical Shooting Federation to Vyatskiye Polyany, where, together with factory designers, he made a sports version of the Vepr, almost ready for competition. With this gun, he himself competed for quite a long time.

The path to big sport

In 2011, the Federation of Practical Shooting turned to the Izhmash plant with a request to produce guns for the Russian team for the World Championship, which would best meet the needs of practical shooters. The enterprise went forward, they took a hunting rifle with a different, more advanced gas engine as a basis. Vsevolod Ilyin participated in the project on the part of sportsmen-shooters, who, together with the designers of the enterprise, worked on the gun. “The designers were very prompt,” recalls Ilyin, “they showed drawings and 3D models, and we quickly corrected everything.” The new gun, which received the designation "Saiga-12" isp. 340, was ready in record time. The terms of reference were sent to the plant on February 1, 2012, and by the end of April the first gun was ready. With such a speed, models were developed only during the Second World War.

The only thing people do after buying "Saiga-12" isp. 340 - they select the pistol grip and forend according to their taste and according to their anthropometric data for their method of holding.

In "Saiga-12" Spanish. 340 for the first time tried to integrate all the elements that a practical shooter needs. When developing this modification of the gun, the concern's specialists took into account all previous experience in creating sports versions of the Saiga-12 and Vepr-12 smoothbore carbines. At the same time, the gun received a number of new design solutions that not only increased the efficiency of shooting, but also improved the appearance, ergonomics and functionality of the weapon. For example, a push-button safety, which allows you to very quickly remove the gun from the protection mode. With the new weapon, Ilyin set several personal records. It takes Ilyin 0.3 seconds to take off the safety from holding the gun at the hip, jump up and hit the target at a distance of 15 m!

The area of the shutter delay release button has been expanded. The shutter in the rear position can be put on the shutter delay when it is open, and after attaching the magazine, quickly load the gun without pulling the handle, but by pressing part of the brush on a special lever. In practical shooting, this is called "position three" when the magazine is not closed and the gun is unloaded. So, the shutter delay and the expander of the magazine receiver shaft allow you to dramatically increase the charging speed. For example, Ilyin takes 0.95 seconds from “position three” to hitting the target - that is, in less than a second, at the timer signal, the shooter raises the barrel, pulls out and attaches the magazine, removes the gun from the bolt stop and makes an aimed shot. In previous versions, this was fundamentally impossible, not to mention rifles with an underbarrel magazine.

World champion

Vsevolod Ilyin - Honored Master of Sports of Russia, two-time world champion in 2015, silver and bronze medalist of the World Shotgun Championship in 2012, bronze medalist of the 2014 World Triathlon Championship in the USA, two-time Russian champion in practical rifle shooting, seven-time Russian champion in practical rifle shooting, gold medalist of the Central European Championships 2011 and 2 013 in Hungary, champion of Russia in triathlon in 2015 and 2016, multiple winner and prize-winner of Russian cups. The only thing people do after buying "Saiga-12" isp. 340 - they select the pistol grip and forend according to their taste and according to their anthropometric data for their method of holding.

In the 340th Saiga, the cocking handle is duplicated on both sides, which is traditionally located on the right side. This made it possible to quickly charge from "position two" when the magazine is closed and the chamber is empty. Ilyin's personal record is to lift, pull the handle and hit - half a second.

For a long time they selected the shape of the handle so that it would become ergonomic and not peel off fingers when manipulating the weapon. For ease of cleaning, a plug was used on the gas engine. The gas engine has approximately the same diameter as the barrel, therefore, by unscrewing the plug, it can be quickly cleaned with the same ruff. “I must say, the engine design is very successful,” says Ilyin. - When I competed with Vepr, it got dirty pretty quickly, and I had to clean the gas system after each exercise. In "Saiga-12" Spanish. 340, due to the fact that the gas outlet is significantly smaller in diameter than on the sports Veprs, the system is less polluted and works reliably with the smallest weights. I once had up to 6000 shots, and everything worked. It was possible to continue further, but the nerves could not stand it, and I cleaned it before the competition.

For fast shooting, it is necessary that the gun is stationary when firing, so that the recoil is controlled, and also the withdrawals that occur when a weapon of this caliber recoils are compensated. For the most part, recoil is controlled by the method of holding and the location of the center of gravity, the shooter's stance. Nevertheless, for quick transfers, in order to facilitate this process, Ilyin developed a muzzle brake-compensator, which is now produced by the Kalashnikov Concern and is supplied in the database with the Saiga-12 Spanish. 340. 10-round magazines were also developed. Today, the Kalashnikov Concern produces the latest generation of magazines - transparent in different colors, to satisfy all the needs of shooters, including aesthetic ones.

Many third-party companies produce a lot of accessories for Saiga. Some make handguards, some make magazine reset button extensions (everyone has different finger lengths). But in general, the product is absolutely finished, and in order to take part in the competition, you only need to put a collimator sight.

Today, the serial production of the Saiga-12 gun isp. 340 was established in Izhevsk at the arms production of the Kalashnikov Concern. Thanks to the work of the designers of the Concern and the athletes-shooters of the Russian Practical Shooting Federation, the serial gun is freed from childhood diseases that the early prototypes suffered from. As a result, the weapon turned out to be very long-lived, since all the main elements that could break were strengthened. Now "Saiga-12" Spanish. 340 fully satisfies the needs of shooting athletes. In 2012, at the World Championship in practical shooting from a rifle in Hungary, the Russian team with this weapon took second place, Ilyin - third place in a duel. In 2015, at the Shotgun World Shoot Championship in Italy, the Russian team took gold. And if in 2012 a significant part of the athletes were still shooting from shotguns with a barrel magazine, then in 2015 in the open class everyone finally switched to shotguns with a box magazine, and 99% of them are Russian. Today from the gun "Saiga-12" isp. 340 is shot not only by the Russian team, but also by the best foreign athletes. For example, the current world champion in the individual competition Vaclav Windushka. The Russians surprised the world again.