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{{More footnotes|date=January 2013}}
{{More footnotes|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Saiga Semi-Automatic Rifle (/ˈsaɪɡə/, Saiga)
|name=Saiga Semi-Automatic Rifle
| image= Saiga-308.jpg
| image= Saiga-308.jpg
| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
Line 18: Line 18:
|manufacturer=[[Kalashnikov Concern]] (formerly [[Izhmash]])
|manufacturer=[[Kalashnikov Concern]] (formerly [[Izhmash]])
|unit_cost=
|unit_cost=
|production_date=
|production_date= 1990-present
|number=
|number=
|variants= (based on the caliber of ammunition used)
|variants= (based on the caliber of ammunition used)
Line 45: Line 45:
|sights=Iron "Leaf" sights
|sights=Iron "Leaf" sights
}}
}}
The '''Saiga semi-automatic rifles''' (/ˈsaɪɡə/, Saiga) are a family of [[List of modern Russian small arms and light weapons|Russian]] [[semi-automatic rifle]]s manufactured by [[Kalashnikov Concern]] (formerly [[Izhmash]]), which also manufactures the original [[AK-47]] and its [[AK-47#Variants|variants]], [[Saiga-12]] [[shotguns]] and [[Dragunov sniper rifle]]. Saiga [[rifles]] are a [[Shooting sports#Gun shooting sports|sport]] version of the [[Kalashnikov rifle]], and are marketed for [[Hunting weapon|hunting]] and civilian use. They are sometimes referred to as '''Saiga Sporters'''.
The '''Saiga semi-automatic rifles''' (/ˈsaɪɡə/, Saiga) ({{lang-rus|сайга|r=Sayga}}) are a family of [[List of modern Russian small arms and light weapons|Russian]] [[semi-automatic rifle]]s manufactured by [[Kalashnikov Concern]] (formerly [[Izhmash]]), which also manufactures the original [[AK-47]] and its [[AK-47#Variants|variants]], [[Saiga-12]] [[shotguns]] and [[Dragunov sniper rifle]]. Saiga [[rifle]]s are a [[Shooting sports#Gun shooting sports|sport]] version of the [[Kalashnikov rifle]], and are marketed for [[Hunting weapon|hunting]] and civilian use. They are sometimes referred to as '''Saiga Sporters'''.


==History==
==History==
Named after the [[Saiga Antelope]], the Saiga series of rifles is based on the AK-47 [[weapon]] system originally designed by [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]]. The series was developed for [[Shooting|shooters]] who wanted the reliability of an AK pattern rifle in a non-[[military]] package.<ref>http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga.shtml</ref>
Named after the [[Saiga Antelope]], the Saiga series of rifles is based on the AK-47 [[weapon]] system originally designed by [[Mikhail Kalashnikov]]. The series was developed for [[Shooting|shooters]] who wanted the reliability of an AK pattern rifle in a non-[[military]] package.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga.shtml |title=IZHMASH JSC official site |access-date=2009-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208224350/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga.shtml |archive-date=2010-02-08 }}</ref>


Originally designed in the 1970s, the first rifles were chambered for [[.220 Russian]] (5.6×39mm). The project was not a huge success and only about 300 rifles of this design were produced.<ref name=Popenker>{{cite web|last=Popenker|first=Max|url=http://world.guns.ru/civil/civ011-e.htm |title=Modern Firearms - civilian guns for self-defense, training and hunting - Saiga self-loading rifle / carbine |publisher=World.guns.ru |year=1999 |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
Originally designed in the 1970s, the first rifles were chambered for [[.220 Russian]] (5.6×39mm). The project was not a success and only about 300 rifles of this design were produced.


The Saiga was reintroduced in the 1990s and was marketed as a rifle capable of [[hunting]] medium-sized [[Game (hunting)|game]]. Improvements were made to the initial design from the 1970s which made the rifle capable of handling more powerful [[cartridges]] such as the [[.308 Winchester]]/[[7.62×51mm]] and the more prevalent [[.223 Remington]]/[[5.56×45mm]], [[5.45×39mm]], and [[7.62×39mm]] [[caliber]]s. These improvements contributed to the modern line of the Saiga rifles being adopted by many different hunters.<ref name="Popenker"/>
The Saiga was reintroduced in the 1990s and was marketed as a rifle capable of [[hunting]] medium-sized [[Game (hunting)|game]]. Improvements were made to the initial design from the 1970s which made the rifle capable of handling more powerful [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]s such as the [[.308 Winchester]]/[[7.62×51mm]] and the more prevalent [[.223 Remington]]/[[5.56×45mm]], [[5.45×39mm]], and [[7.62×39mm]] [[caliber]]s. These improvements contributed to the modern line of the Saiga rifles being adopted by many different hunters.


The rifle is currently made in the Izhmash factory in the town of [[Izhevsk]], the same plant that makes Kalashnikov military AKs. In fact the Izhmash factory is the factory that Mikhail Kalashnikov worked at for so many years.
The rifle is currently made in the Izhmash factory in the town of [[Izhevsk]], the same plant that makes Kalashnikov military AKs. In fact the Izhmash factory is the factory that Mikhail Kalashnikov worked at for so many years.
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[[Image:Saiga Internals 2.JPG|thumb|left|A closer look at the [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]] mechanism of the Saiga.]]
[[Image:Saiga Internals 2.JPG|thumb|left|A closer look at the [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]] mechanism of the Saiga.]]
The saiga most resembles an [[AK-74]] and the [[AK-100 series of rifles]]. It includes a [[Stamping (metalworking)|stamped]] [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]], and 90-degree [[Gas-operated reloading|gas]] block unlike the AK-47 which has a [[Milling (machining)|milled]] receiver and 45-degree gas block. The use of a third [[trunnion]] [[rivet]] gives it resemblance to the AK-100 series of rifles Russia is currently [[Defense industry of Russia#Exports|exporting]]. This rivet is not present on the AK-47, [[AKM]], and AK-74, the [[bullet]] guide in these designs incorporate an extra appendage which allows the [[Bolt (firearms)|bolt]] to [[Lock (firearm)|lock]] while this Saiga and AK-100's use a single rivet design. Most of the components of the Saiga are similar if not identical to an [[AK-101]], but there are many cosmetic and functional differences between a Saiga and an AK series rifle. On the Saiga there is a pin that is used to secure the front [[hand guard]] on to the front [[Gun barrel|barrel]] assembly and a screw that is used to secure the hand guard in towards the rear. The 7.62×39 version Saiga is unable to accept standard [[AK magazines]]; physically the [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] catch will not allow a magazine to lock into place inside of the receiver. The Saiga's magazine catch has a smaller clearance between the receiver than a "normal" AK. This does not allow the larger lug of a non-Saiga magazine to lock in. The AK type magazines can be modified to lock in place, but cartridges may not feed because the Saiga's receiver lacks a bullet guide.<ref name=manual >{{cite manual |title=Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual |publisher=Izmash |page=8}}</ref> The bullet guide allows a round to be pulled from a magazine and then fed into the [[Chamber (firearms)|chamber]] without being caught on the front trunnion; this bullet guide is specifically built on the lip of the Saiga magazine. Any magazine used that does not have this feature may not feed reliably in the rifle.<ref name="manual"/>
The saiga most resembles an [[AK-74]] and the [[AK-100 series of rifles]]. It includes a [[Stamping (metalworking)|stamped]] [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]], and 90-degree [[Gas-operated reloading|gas]] block unlike the AK-47 which has a [[Milling (machining)|milled]] receiver and 45-degree gas block. The use of a third [[trunnion]] [[rivet]] gives it resemblance to the AK-100 series of rifles Russia is currently [[Defense industry of Russia#Exports|exporting]]. This rivet is not present on the AK-47, [[AKM]], and AK-74, the [[bullet]] guide in these designs incorporate an extra appendage which allows the [[Bolt (firearms)|bolt]] to [[Lock (firearm)|lock]] while this Saiga and AK-100's use a single rivet design. Most of the components of the Saiga are similar if not identical to an [[AK-101]], but there are many cosmetic and functional differences between a Saiga and an AK series rifle. On the Saiga there is a pin that is used to secure the front [[hand guard]] on to the front [[Gun barrel|barrel]] assembly and a screw that is used to secure the hand guard in towards the rear. The 7.62×39 version Saiga is unable to accept standard [[AK magazines]]; physically the [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] catch will not allow a magazine to lock into place inside of the receiver. The Saiga's magazine catch has a smaller clearance between the receiver than a "normal" AK. This does not allow the larger lug of a non-Saiga magazine to lock in. The AK type magazines can be modified to lock in place, but cartridges may not feed because the Saiga's receiver lacks a bullet guide.<ref name=manual >{{cite manual |title=Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual |publisher=Izmash |page=8}}</ref> The bullet guide allows a round to be pulled from a magazine and then fed into the [[Chamber (firearms)|chamber]] without being caught on the front trunnion; this bullet guide is specifically built on the lip of the Saiga magazine. Any magazine used that does not have this feature may not feed reliably in the rifle.<ref name="manual"/>
Another difference of some later model Saigas is that they have a bolt hold open button.[[File:Saiga MK-107.jpg|thumb|[[Saiga MK-107]]]] The Saiga bolt hold open is engaged by manually pressing a lever near the [[trigger guard]] and pulling the [[charging handle]] rearward although this feature does not automatically hold the rifle's action open after the last round is fired as seen on the [[AR-15]]. Most versions of the rifle lack a [[pistol grip]] and don't have a threaded front [[Sight (device)|sight]] block, making it unable to accept [[Gun barrel#Muzzle|muzzle]] devices. The [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]] and trigger guard of most of the US versions are placed farther back on the receiver than on a typical AK series rifle, and a transfer bar type system is used to release the [[Hammer (firearms)|hammer]]. This results in the Saiga to have a considerably heavier and grittier trigger pull than that of other Kalashnikov-made firearms.<ref name=manual31>{{cite manual|title = 'Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual | publisher = Izhmash| page = 31}}</ref>
Another difference of some later model Saigas is that they have a bolt hold open button.[[File:Saiga MK-107.jpg|thumb|[[Saiga MK-107]]]] The Saiga bolt hold open is engaged by manually pressing a lever near the [[trigger guard]] and pulling the [[charging handle]] rearward although this feature does not automatically hold the rifle's action open after the last round is fired as seen on the [[AR-15]]. Most versions of the rifle lack a [[pistol grip]] and don't have a threaded front [[Sight (device)|sight]] block, making it unable to accept [[Gun barrel#Muzzle|muzzle]] devices. The [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]] and trigger guard of most of the US versions are placed farther back on the receiver than on a typical AK series rifle, and a transfer bar type system is used to release the [[Hammer (firearms)|hammer]]. This results in the Saiga having a considerably heavier and grittier trigger pull than that of other Kalashnikov-made firearms.<ref name=manual31>{{cite manual|title = 'Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual | publisher = Izhmash| page = 31}}</ref>


In March 2013, Izhmash debuted a civilian version of the [[AK-107]]/[[AK-108]] rifle designated the [[Saiga MK-107]]. The MK-107 features improvements over the original AK-107 design including a rounded ergonomic [[Cocking handle|charging handle]], a button-style [[Safety (firearms)|safety]] above the trigger guard, AR-15-style pistol grip and [[Stock (firearms)|stock]] (made by [[Defense industry of Israel|Israeli]] firm CAA Tactical), and full length top [[picatinny rail]].<ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/03/06/saiga-mk-107-the-civilian-ak-107-with-balanced-recoil-arrives/ Saiga MK-107: The Civilian AK-107] - Thefirearmblog.com, March 6, 2013</ref>
In March 2013, Izhmash debuted a civilian version of the [[AK-107]]/[[AK-108]] rifle designated the [[Saiga MK-107]]. The MK-107 features improvements over the original AK-107 design including a rounded ergonomic [[Cocking handle|charging handle]], a button-style [[Safety (firearms)|safety]] above the trigger guard, AR-15-style pistol grip and [[Stock (firearms)|stock]] (made by [[Defense industry of Israel|Israeli]] firm CAA Tactical), and full length top [[picatinny rail]].<ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/03/06/saiga-mk-107-the-civilian-ak-107-with-balanced-recoil-arrives/ Saiga MK-107: The Civilian AK-107] - Thefirearmblog.com, March 6, 2013</ref>
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piston. Also the recoil spring and Saiga bolt are visible.]]
piston. Also the recoil spring and Saiga bolt are visible.]]


The Saiga uses the same type of gas system that the AK series rifle uses: [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke piston|Long-stroke piston]]. A [[piston]] is pushed by the force of the gases from the firearm when a round is discharged, and it keeps powder residue and [[carbon]] from [[Firearm malfunction|impeding the action]] of the Saiga. It is widely accepted that this type of action provides greater reliability than most other semi automatic actions.<ref>http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/ar-gas-piston-gas-impingement/</ref> This piston is located inside the gas tube. As gas is siphoned into the gas tube, the gas piston is sent rearward. While the gas piston is sent rearward, the [[Bolt (firearm)|bolt]], attached to the gas piston, is unlocked from the trunion and ejects the spent casing. When the bolt and gas piston reach the rearmost position of the receiver, the [[recoil]] spring pushes them forward again picking up a new round and chambers it, and the cycle repeats when the trigger is pulled.<ref name="manual14">{{cite manual |title=Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual |publisher=Izmash |page=14}}</ref>
The Saiga uses the same type of gas system that the AK series rifle uses: [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|Long-stroke piston]]. A [[piston]] is pushed by the force of the gases from the firearm when a round is discharged, and it keeps powder residue and [[carbon]] from [[Firearm malfunction|impeding the action]] of the Saiga. It is widely accepted that this type of action provides greater reliability than most other semi automatic actions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/ar-gas-piston-gas-impingement/|title=AR Operating Systems: Gas Impingement vs. Piston|website=www.americanrifleman.org|access-date=10 May 2018}}</ref> This piston is located inside the gas tube. As gas is siphoned into the gas tube, the gas piston is sent rearward. While the gas piston is sent rearward, the [[Bolt (firearm)|bolt]], attached to the gas piston, is unlocked from the trunion and ejects the spent casing. When the bolt and gas piston reach the rearmost position of the receiver, the [[recoil]] spring pushes them forward again picking up a new round and chambers it, and the cycle repeats when the trigger is pulled.<ref name="manual14">{{cite manual |title=Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual |publisher=Izmash |page=14}}</ref>


Another key feature cited in the reliability of the Saiga is that the rifle is designed to have loose tolerances between moving parts. These loose tolerances allow more space between the moving parts of the rifle, and they allow the rifle to push any dirt and debris out of the way when the action cycles. All Saiga rifles have a hammer-forged [[chrome plating|chrome]]-lined barrel, which influences the Saiga's reliability by making the in
Another key feature cited in the reliability of the Saiga is that the rifle is designed to have loose tolerances between moving parts. These loose tolerances allow more space between the moving parts of the rifle, and they allow the rifle to push any dirt and debris out of the way when the action cycles. All Saiga rifles have a hammer-forged [[chrome plating|chrome]]-lined barrel, which influences the Saiga's reliability by making the inside of the [[Gun barrel|barrel]] more resilient to [[Pitting corrosion|corrosion]] and enabling the rifle to withstand more rounds to be fired out of the barrel without an adverse effect on accuracy. This allows the firearms barrel to be [[Firearm maintenance|cleaned]] easier than that of a non-chrome lined [[Gun barrel#Bore|bore]].<ref name=manual20 >{{cite manual| title = 'Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual | publisher = Izmash| page = 20}}</ref>
side of the [[Gun barrel|barrel]] more resilient to [[Pitting corrosion|corrosion]] and enabling the rifle to withstand more rounds to be fired out of the barrel without an adverse effect on accuracy. This allows the firearms barrel to be [[Firearm maintenance|cleaned]] easier than that of a non-chrome lined [[Gun barrel#Bore|bore]].<ref name=manual20 >{{cite manual| last= | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = 'Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual | publisher = Izmash| date =| location =| page = 20}}</ref>


==Market==
==Market==
Line 77: Line 76:


===In the United States===
===In the United States===
The Saiga line was initially exclusively imported into the United States by Russian American Armory and then RWC. Some rifles were imported by the FIME group (Arsenal) for conversion and resale under the Arsenal SGL line. On 16 July 2014. [[U.S. President]] [[Barack Obama]] signed an [[Executive order (United States)|Executive Order]] banning the importation of Russian-made firearms (which include the Saiga) into the United States in response to [[2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine|Russian military intervention in Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegunwriter.blogs.heraldtribune.com/17287/breaking-import-of-kalashnikov-concern-aks-banned-by-executive-order/|title=BREAKING: Import of Kalashnikov Concern/Saiga AKs banned by executive order|author=Lee Williams|publisher=|accessdate=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/07/16/official-izmash-kalashnikov-concern-weapons-banned-importation-usa/ Breaking: Izhmash & Kalashnikov Concern Now Sanctioned by US Government] - Thefirearmblog.com, 16 July 2014</ref> RWC (originally from Tullytown, Pennsylvania) then changed their name to "Kalashnikov USA" and has started manufacturing their own AK-pattern rifles in Florida. Kalashnikov USA is now manufacturing the Saiga (now called the US132) and other Kalashnikov rifles in the United States, independently of the Kalashnikov Concern in Russia.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/2015/07/09/new-american-made-kalashnikov-firearms-now-available/| author=Daniel Xu| title=New American-made Kalashnikov USA Firearms Now Available| publisher=OutdoorHub| date=July 9, 2015}}</ref>
The Saiga line was initially exclusively imported into the United States by Russian American Armory and then [[Kalashnikov USA|Russian Weapons Company (RWC)]]. Some rifles were imported by the FIME group (Arsenal) for conversion and resale under the Arsenal SGL line. On 16 July 2014, [[U.S. President]] [[Barack Obama]] signed an [[Executive order (United States)|Executive Order]] banning the importation of Russian-made firearms (which include the Saiga) into the United States in response to the [[2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine|illegal, unwarranted Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegunwriter.blogs.heraldtribune.com/17287/breaking-import-of-kalashnikov-concern-aks-banned-by-executive-order/|title=BREAKING: Import of Kalashnikov Concern/Saiga AKs banned by executive order|author=Lee Williams|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=20 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120223205/http://thegunwriter.blogs.heraldtribune.com/17287/breaking-import-of-kalashnikov-concern-aks-banned-by-executive-order/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/07/16/official-izmash-kalashnikov-concern-weapons-banned-importation-usa/ Breaking: Izhmash & Kalashnikov Concern Now Sanctioned by US Government] - Thefirearmblog.com, 16 July 2014</ref> RWC (originally from [[Tullytown, Pennsylvania]]) then changed their name to "Kalashnikov USA" and has started manufacturing their own AK-pattern rifles in Florida. Kalashnikov USA is now manufacturing the Saiga (now called the US132) and other Kalashnikov rifles in the United States, independently of the Kalashnikov Concern in Russia.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/2015/07/09/new-american-made-kalashnikov-firearms-now-available/| author=Daniel Xu| title=New American-made Kalashnikov USA Firearms Now Available| publisher=OutdoorHub| date=July 9, 2015}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[WASR series rifles]]
* [[Kalashnikov USA]]
* [[WASR-series rifles]]
* [[Zastava PAP series]]
* [[Zastava PAP series]]
* [[SA M-7]]
*[[Saiga-12]]
*[[Saiga-12]]
*[[AK-101]]
*[[AK-101]]
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga.shtml Izhmash in Russia, the manufacturer of the AK and SAIGA self-loading hunting carbines]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100208224350/http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga.shtml Izhmash in Russia, the manufacturer of the AK and SAIGA self-loading hunting carbines]
*[http://www.legionusainc.com Legion USA Inc. - Official Importer of Saiga 12 Shotguns and Rifles]
*[http://www.legionusainc.com Legion USA Inc. - Official Importer of Saiga 12 Shotguns and Rifles]
*[http://www.minutemanreview.com/2008/08/saiga-ak-556.html Article on Saiga to AK Conversion]
*[http://www.minutemanreview.com/2008/08/saiga-ak-556.html Article on Saiga to AK Conversion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621021513/http://www.minutemanreview.com/2008/08/saiga-ak-556.html |date=2016-06-21 }}
*[http://photofile.ru/users/vinnipuh83/96474814 SAIGA (photo site members guns.ru)]
*[http://photofile.ru/users/vinnipuh83/96474814 SAIGA (photo site members guns.ru)]
*[http://www.kalashnikov-usa.com/firearms Kalashnikov USA website]
*[http://www.kalashnikov-usa.com/firearms Kalashnikov USA website]
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{{AK47 derivatives}}
{{AK47 derivatives}}


[[Category:7.62 mm rifles]]
[[Category:5.6×39mm firearms]]
[[Category:7.62×39mm firearms]]
[[Category:7.62×39mm semi-automatic rifles]]
[[Category:.30-06 Springfield semi-automatic rifles]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic rifles]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic rifles of Russia]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov Concern products]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov Concern products]]

Latest revision as of 02:08, 27 August 2024

Saiga Semi-Automatic Rifle
The Saiga-308 rifle
TypeSemi-automatic rifles
Place of originRussia
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed1990s
ManufacturerKalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash)
Produced1990-present
Variants(based on the caliber of ammunition used)
Specifications
Mass3.6 kg (7.9 lb)
Length900 mm (35 in)
Barrel length415 mm (16.3 in)
Width70 mm (2.8 in)
Height220 mm (8.7 in)
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Effective firing range500 m (550 yd)
Feed systemMagazine
SightsIron "Leaf" sights

The Saiga semi-automatic rifles (/ˈsaɪɡə/, Saiga) (Russian: сайга, romanized: Sayga) are a family of Russian semi-automatic rifles manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash), which also manufactures the original AK-47 and its variants, Saiga-12 shotguns and Dragunov sniper rifle. Saiga rifles are a sport version of the Kalashnikov rifle, and are marketed for hunting and civilian use. They are sometimes referred to as Saiga Sporters.

History

[edit]

Named after the Saiga Antelope, the Saiga series of rifles is based on the AK-47 weapon system originally designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The series was developed for shooters who wanted the reliability of an AK pattern rifle in a non-military package.[1]

Originally designed in the 1970s, the first rifles were chambered for .220 Russian (5.6×39mm). The project was not a success and only about 300 rifles of this design were produced.

The Saiga was reintroduced in the 1990s and was marketed as a rifle capable of hunting medium-sized game. Improvements were made to the initial design from the 1970s which made the rifle capable of handling more powerful cartridges such as the .308 Winchester/7.62×51mm and the more prevalent .223 Remington/5.56×45mm, 5.45×39mm, and 7.62×39mm calibers. These improvements contributed to the modern line of the Saiga rifles being adopted by many different hunters.

The rifle is currently made in the Izhmash factory in the town of Izhevsk, the same plant that makes Kalashnikov military AKs. In fact the Izhmash factory is the factory that Mikhail Kalashnikov worked at for so many years.

Description

[edit]
A closer look at the trigger mechanism of the Saiga.

The saiga most resembles an AK-74 and the AK-100 series of rifles. It includes a stamped receiver, and 90-degree gas block unlike the AK-47 which has a milled receiver and 45-degree gas block. The use of a third trunnion rivet gives it resemblance to the AK-100 series of rifles Russia is currently exporting. This rivet is not present on the AK-47, AKM, and AK-74, the bullet guide in these designs incorporate an extra appendage which allows the bolt to lock while this Saiga and AK-100's use a single rivet design. Most of the components of the Saiga are similar if not identical to an AK-101, but there are many cosmetic and functional differences between a Saiga and an AK series rifle. On the Saiga there is a pin that is used to secure the front hand guard on to the front barrel assembly and a screw that is used to secure the hand guard in towards the rear. The 7.62×39 version Saiga is unable to accept standard AK magazines; physically the magazine catch will not allow a magazine to lock into place inside of the receiver. The Saiga's magazine catch has a smaller clearance between the receiver than a "normal" AK. This does not allow the larger lug of a non-Saiga magazine to lock in. The AK type magazines can be modified to lock in place, but cartridges may not feed because the Saiga's receiver lacks a bullet guide.[2] The bullet guide allows a round to be pulled from a magazine and then fed into the chamber without being caught on the front trunnion; this bullet guide is specifically built on the lip of the Saiga magazine. Any magazine used that does not have this feature may not feed reliably in the rifle.[2]

Another difference of some later model Saigas is that they have a bolt hold open button.

Saiga MK-107

The Saiga bolt hold open is engaged by manually pressing a lever near the trigger guard and pulling the charging handle rearward although this feature does not automatically hold the rifle's action open after the last round is fired as seen on the AR-15. Most versions of the rifle lack a pistol grip and don't have a threaded front sight block, making it unable to accept muzzle devices. The trigger and trigger guard of most of the US versions are placed farther back on the receiver than on a typical AK series rifle, and a transfer bar type system is used to release the hammer. This results in the Saiga having a considerably heavier and grittier trigger pull than that of other Kalashnikov-made firearms.[3]

In March 2013, Izhmash debuted a civilian version of the AK-107/AK-108 rifle designated the Saiga MK-107. The MK-107 features improvements over the original AK-107 design including a rounded ergonomic charging handle, a button-style safety above the trigger guard, AR-15-style pistol grip and stock (made by Israeli firm CAA Tactical), and full length top picatinny rail.[4]

Design and operation

[edit]
The Saiga 7.62×39 rifle disassembled. The charging handle is attached to the gas piston. Also the recoil spring and Saiga bolt are visible.

The Saiga uses the same type of gas system that the AK series rifle uses: Long-stroke piston. A piston is pushed by the force of the gases from the firearm when a round is discharged, and it keeps powder residue and carbon from impeding the action of the Saiga. It is widely accepted that this type of action provides greater reliability than most other semi automatic actions.[5] This piston is located inside the gas tube. As gas is siphoned into the gas tube, the gas piston is sent rearward. While the gas piston is sent rearward, the bolt, attached to the gas piston, is unlocked from the trunion and ejects the spent casing. When the bolt and gas piston reach the rearmost position of the receiver, the recoil spring pushes them forward again picking up a new round and chambers it, and the cycle repeats when the trigger is pulled.[6]

Another key feature cited in the reliability of the Saiga is that the rifle is designed to have loose tolerances between moving parts. These loose tolerances allow more space between the moving parts of the rifle, and they allow the rifle to push any dirt and debris out of the way when the action cycles. All Saiga rifles have a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel, which influences the Saiga's reliability by making the inside of the barrel more resilient to corrosion and enabling the rifle to withstand more rounds to be fired out of the barrel without an adverse effect on accuracy. This allows the firearms barrel to be cleaned easier than that of a non-chrome lined bore.[7]

Market

[edit]
Saiga Mk .223 Rem "Tactical Edition"

Saigas were sometimes called "true" Kalashnikovs, since they were made under license in the same Kalashnikov Concern Izhmash factory where Mikhail Kalashnikov worked. Many Kalashnikov-pattern rifles produced in the world today are unlicensed.

In the United States

[edit]

The Saiga line was initially exclusively imported into the United States by Russian American Armory and then Russian Weapons Company (RWC). Some rifles were imported by the FIME group (Arsenal) for conversion and resale under the Arsenal SGL line. On 16 July 2014, U.S. President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order banning the importation of Russian-made firearms (which include the Saiga) into the United States in response to the illegal, unwarranted Russian invasion of Ukraine.[8][9] RWC (originally from Tullytown, Pennsylvania) then changed their name to "Kalashnikov USA" and has started manufacturing their own AK-pattern rifles in Florida. Kalashnikov USA is now manufacturing the Saiga (now called the US132) and other Kalashnikov rifles in the United States, independently of the Kalashnikov Concern in Russia.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "IZHMASH JSC official site". Archived from the original on 2010-02-08. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
  2. ^ a b Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual. Izmash. p. 8.
  3. ^ 'Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual. Izhmash. p. 31.
  4. ^ Saiga MK-107: The Civilian AK-107 - Thefirearmblog.com, March 6, 2013
  5. ^ "AR Operating Systems: Gas Impingement vs. Piston". www.americanrifleman.org. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  6. ^ Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual. Izmash. p. 14.
  7. ^ 'Self-Loading Hunting Carbine Service Manual. Izmash. p. 20.
  8. ^ Lee Williams. "BREAKING: Import of Kalashnikov Concern/Saiga AKs banned by executive order". Archived from the original on 20 November 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  9. ^ Breaking: Izhmash & Kalashnikov Concern Now Sanctioned by US Government - Thefirearmblog.com, 16 July 2014
  10. ^ Daniel Xu (July 9, 2015). "New American-made Kalashnikov USA Firearms Now Available". OutdoorHub.
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