"Saiga-20" is a self-loading rifle producedIzhevsk Machine Building Plant. This weapon was developed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, it is intended for amateur and commercial hunting for 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 very unusualweapons. 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 used ammunition of 12 and 20 caliber, 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 restriction of conducting only semi-automatic fire. Following the logic, most hunters call it an automatic weapon, not a hunting rifle. IZHMASH also calls the "Saigu" 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
Cartridges "Saiga-20" are used cartridgesof the twentieth caliber, the diameter of the trunk 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 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, which are used with this carbine, necessarily pass certification for shooting through muzzle choke constriction.
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, rather than a piston;
- the shutter is divided into two parts, fixed and pivoting. This is necessary to work 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, the design of some weapon nodes has been changed.
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 producedwith 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 is in compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation (the shooting weapon must have a length of at least 800 mm).
Additional equipment
Any of the modifications of carbines canadditionally equipped with an adjustable aiming bar, which is installed 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 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 of steelequipped 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-chargebox-type clips 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 it is possible to meet also clips with 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 "waffle" 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" of 20 caliber runsIt is extremely reliable, it has no problems with recharging (regardless of the type of ammunition). The ability to use "Magnum" cartridges 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 alternately alternate all types of cartridges.
"Saiga-20": reviews of hunters and application
According to the owners, a good huntingguns 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 a double-barreled gun. The results of shooting a running rabbit or flying bird are not particularly impressive. What else can you say about the Saiga-20 carbine? The responses of the hunters are reduced to the fact that this weapon is 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 intended for the destruction of enemy manpower at a distance of up to 50 meters, it can even destroy vehicles, as well as light 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?
First, the ergonomics of the Saiga-20 carbineis 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 almost impossible to fire target fire from any type of multiply charged shotgun (except the one considered) and to issue more than three accurate shots in a row.
Secondly, the buckshot, produced fromshort-barreled "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, we'll get a weapon that has tremendous tactical value.
So what can you get from this carbine?
1. Outstanding reliability.So, after 500 shots fired from Saigi (subject to a fitted shop and high-quality cartridges), you will not have delays and misfires. The type of ammunition does not affect this indicator.
2. Ease of care.Of course, it should be understood that, like any semi-automatic, Saiga also requires appropriate maintenance. However, if it is impossible to ensure the reliability of the carbine does not become lower, because the basis of this weapon is a Kalashnikov assault rifle - the standard of reliability.
3. Very high rate of fire. After certain workouts, 4-5 accurate shots in 2 seconds is not a problem at all.
4. Maximum compactness. It is much more convenient to store and transport the Saiga-20 carbine, whose butt is complicated, than other rifles of the same caliber.
5. Decent accuracy of shooting by a bullet, especially considering such a short barrel. When conducting fire from a distance of 50 meters, the bullet easily falls into the dimensions of a half-liter bottle.
6. Serious penetration capacity of ammunition is 2-3 times higher than that of assault rifles and 5-10 times higher than modern combat pistols.
pros
The “saiga” of the twentieth series is good becausemuch lighter than the twelfth series in a similar design. The 20th gauge works more abruptly than the 12th. The weight of the powder, as well as the mass of the projectile is less, but due to the small diameter of the barrel, the projectile flies at a much higher speed. Accordingly, for the effective use of this gun you need to possess more serious skills than with a copy of the twelfth caliber. The Saiga-20 has a noticeably lower recoil force, so there is an opportunity to aim faster and make the next shot.
Minuses
The disadvantage of this gun is considered a small caliber.After all, the twelfth is universal, the number of pellets in such a cartridge is much larger, respectively, it is easier to hit the target. If we compare it with the 12-caliber bullet cartridges, such a projectile has a large mass and momentum, however, the accuracy of the battle and the range of effective fire "Saiga-20" surpasses its rival, "Saiga-12". A serious drawback of many hunters is that this carbine is made on the basis of military weapons. In their opinion, often unfounded, such an adaptation is a bad thing. Hunters prefer classic weapons created from scratch.
Saiga-20: the price of a carbine
If suddenly, after reading this article, you thinkto acquire such a weapon (whether to hunt or protect your home), this section will be useful to you. You can find any models of the Saiga-20 carbine in domestic weapons stores. Their price will vary from 16 to 26 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration and modification. Those who have attained the age of 18 can purchase such weapons, naturally, after receiving a special license from the internal affairs bodies. So make out the paper and can go to the nearest gun shop.
