Saiga-20 is very similar to the 12th series of this weapon complex. The self-loading carbine of the 20th caliber is mainly used for hunting medium and small sized game. Build quality allows you to use a gun in the most extreme weather conditions. You can shoot cartridges with a sleeve length of 70 and 76 millimeters.
General information about the Saiga carbine-20
When the Saiga 20 was only developed, the gun was intended for quick firing at short distances (no more than 50 meters).
The power of this carbine is noteworthy because it is impressive. This tool can shoot through a metal sheet with a thickness of up to 3 millimeters, if you use a canister. Power is complemented by excellent build quality, ensuring a high stock of working resource and long service life.
In the hands of an experienced shooter, this hunting rifle produces excellent indicators of accuracy and accuracy of fire. Due to the simplicity of the design, the Saiga-20 is easy to use and maintain, so it is an excellent choice of the first weapon.
What is the difference between saiga-20 and AK-100?
Arrows often compare this carbine with the AK-100, there are a number of differences:
- Fundamentally different gas pistons;
- The bolt carrier acts as a transmission mechanism, albeit copied from an AK-100. In the machine, it plays the role of a piston;
- The shutter is divided into two parts due to the power of the used cartridges. One is set in motion, the other is constantly immobile;
- Saigi-20 has more whisper dimensions than AK-100.
In addition to these serious differences, there are a number of small ones. Basically, they consist in some changes in the operation of the weapon assemblies.
Saiga 20-caliber hunting carbine design
The barrel of the carbine is smooth-bore, it has a choke at 0.9 millimeters. Some versions are equipped with a cylindrical barrel and interchangeable muzzle nozzles, supplied with a weapon.
As mentioned above, two types of ammunition can be used for shooting: 20/70 and 20/76, that is, with cartridges of 70 and 76 millimeters long. For each type of charges you need to use different stores. Therefore, complete with the Saiga 20 hunting carbine, there are two stores. They are made of durable material - reinforced polyamide. For roominess, there are three types of shops: 2, 5 and 8 rounds.
The design of this gun is provided for the position of the gas chamber plugs. This is necessary to equalize the speed of moving parts for charges of different power. The manufacturer recommends using the first position when using Magnum ammunition, and the second for all others.
We have already noted above that the Saigi-20 shutter is divided into two parts: mobile and stationary. This solution allows you to avoid jamming the carabiner due to bulging of the sleeve.
USM design is almost completely copied from the Kalashnikov. The whisper was increased in size in order to prevent the gun from being converted to automatic firing.
For safety the weapon is equipped with a safety device that is activated by the movement of the lever. The lever itself is located on the right side of the box, so you can change its position with the movement of your thumb. In the upper position, the trigger is blocked, and there is no possibility to shoot. Moving the lever to the lower position, the fuse is deactivated.
Having studied the experience of previous guns of the Saiga family, the specialists of the IZHMASH company conducted many experiments and tests in order to create the best aiming system. Thus, an aiming bar was added to the front and rear sight guns that changed their places, which can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. This design of the sighting mechanism has improved the accuracy of shooting, and also made it possible to more efficiently shoot offhand. All versions of the Saygi-20 can be equipped with an optical sight.
Butt made of polyamide. There are two colors available: black and camouflage. The manufacturer provides for the release of a hunting carbine and with a wooden butt, but this option is only available with a personal order. To improve strength, some external parts are made of durable plastic: stock, magazines and pistol grip.
How does saiga 20 work?
The work of this carbine is similar to other similar systems. After the shot, reloading occurs under the influence of powder gases and the force of movement of the return spring. When the bolt moves to the rear position, the return spring sends a new cartridge into the chamber from the magazine. At the same time, the cartridge case is being removed. When the shutter begins to move to the front position, the barrel closes by turning the shutter.
The release of the trigger from engagement with the trigger hook occurs after pressing the trigger. The shot is carried out due to the impact of the recoil spring on the trigger, it makes a strong blow to the firing pin, as a result of which the shot occurs.
Shooting quality from the Saiga hunting carbine 20
With proper operation, "IZHMAZH" guarantees the performance of the carbine for one and a half years or 2000 shots. This is taking into account the use of weapons in the temperature range from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius.
In fact, everything is much better. The gun shows itself perfectly in work up to 5000 shots. Some hunters reported that the weapon demonstrates stable performance even after 8-9 thousand shots.
All gun automatics are working on a solid top five. This tool can be called "omnivorous", since from it you can shoot ammunition from any manufacturer. Some brave hunters even tried to use improvised ammunition, but this, of course, is highly discouraged.
Accuracy and shooting accuracy is excellent. As a manufacturer, you can hit targets at a distance of up to 50 meters. Having got used to the carbine, it is possible to conduct effective shooting offhand. Shooting shot is also satisfactory, shows good accuracy and accuracy.
In the passport of the weapon it is indicated that it is intended for amateur and commercial hunting for small, medium-sized animals and birds. Power to defeat a large animal is not enough, so it is recommended to use more powerful systems for it.
Saiga-20, 20K and 20C modifications
The weapon is produced in four versions; only the first three are distributed in Russia and the CIS countries:
- Saiga 20. Standard carbine with the usual hunting butt. Some models provide the ability to remove the butt to improve maneuverability and simplify the transport of the gun;
- Saiga-20C. This modification of the complex has the ability to fold the butt and is equipped with a fire control knob. In comparison with the first version, the stock of a working resource is increased;
- Saiga-20K. It has a folding butt and lock trigger USM. In general, this modification is similar to the Saiga-12K. Most often this weapon is used for self-defense;
- Saiga-20C EXP-01. It is completely similar to the previous version, it does not have only the trigger USM. This tool is produced for delivery to the European and American markets.
Specifications Saiga-20:
- Used for firing ammunition 20 gauge;
- The length of the gun barrel is 570 millimeters;
- The total length of the gun is 1,135 millimeters;
- The weight of the discharged gun is 3.5 kilograms;
- Magazine capacity is 2, 5 or 8 rounds.
Technical characteristics of Saiga-20C:
- For shooting, charges of the 20th caliber are used;
- The length of the barrel is 570 millimeters;
- The total length of the weapon is 1,050 or 720 millimeters;
- The weight of the discharged weapon is 3.5 kilograms;
- Store capacity is 2, 5 or 8 charges.
Specifications Saiga-20K:
- Used for firing ammunition 20-gauge;
- The length of the carbine barrel is 430 millimeters;
- The total length of the carbine is 910 or 670 millimeters;
- The mass of the unloaded carbine is 3.2 kilograms;
- Magazine capacity is 2, 5 or 8 ammunition.
If you need a good weapon for hunting, it is best to choose from the first two modifications. Model 20K is not particularly suitable, as for firing at the beast requires a gun with a long barrel.
Conclusion
Saiga-20 has excellent reliability and durability. As practice shows, for several thousand shots there is no damage to the gun. As a rule, even after 2000 shots, shooters rarely encounter misfires and delays.
It is easy to care for the instrument - it is enough to carry out regular cleaning and to monitor the state of the internal mechanisms. Even a novice can handle it, so experts recommend this carbine as the first weapon.
Having got used to Saiga-20, any shooter will be able to conduct fast and accurate shooting. Under normal weather conditions, it is quite realistic to make 4-5 shots at the target within 2-4 seconds.
Two modifications of this gun (20C and 20K) can be called compact. The ability to fold the butt makes the Saiga much easier to transport, as many owners of large guns dream of.
Based on all this, we can summarize: this weapon has good qualities. The combination of positive features speaks in favor of the acquisition of this gun. It will become your best helper in the hunt for small, medium-sized animals and birds.
