Carabiner "Saiga-12" App. 340: tuning, reviews

Practical shooting is the youngest and very spectacular sport that is considered "home" for many law enforcement agencies. Its task is to develop the necessary methods of possession of firearms from police officers and special forces. The rules are established by the International Confederation of Practical Shooting. Especially for this sport in the rules of the IPPC Russian gunsmiths developed a carbine "Saiga-12". 340.

The work took into account the wishes of those engaged in practical shooting and has extensive experience in this field. Since 2015, the serial production of the sports model "Saiga-12" is being implemented. 340. The description, characteristics of this small arms, as well as feedback from users about it, are presented in the article.

Start

The basis for the carbine "Saiga-12" isp. 340 was a civilian version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which since the 1990s was used by hunters and law enforcement and security personnel. In addition, this version of the small arms in the version 030 was used by athletes. In 2012, from the Rostechnologii corporation, an order was made to the Kalashnikov concern to develop a special sport carabiner modification, which could later be used in the framework of the MKPS. This carbine was "Saiga-12". 340.

Work on the shooting model was carried out under the leadership of the lead designer Alexei Shumilov. Also, a well-known Russian athlete, the leader of the Rostek team, Vsevolod Ilyin was involved in this. The first sample of "Saiga-12" isp. 340 was demonstrated in the city of Nuremberg. After successful testing, the manufacturer released the first trial lot, which consisted of fifty units. Since January 2015 this model is produced serially.

Tuning

"Saiga-12" isp. 340 contains a telescopic adjustable plastic butt, in which there are a rubber shock absorber and an elongated forearm, providing a comfortable and strong hold on the weapon. In addition, an elongated form of the forehead, in the manufacture of which polymeric materials are used, allows the athlete to more quickly manipulate the carbine. In the future, developers plan to use ergonomic aluminum for these purposes.

In addition to the regular grip, there is an additional one on the left side of the model for recharging. Carabiner "Saiga" 12 ex. 340 L 430 is not equipped with open sighting devices. The barrel box is equipped with an integrated Picatinny folding hood, thanks to which the shooters have the opportunity to install various collimating sights.

Automation

For the "Saiga-12" isp. 340, as with most guns in this series, we use the time-tested Kalashnikov assault rifle. The carbine is equipped with a gas automatic control system. The barrel is locked with a shutter. The length of the chamber is 76 mm. In this carbine, the automatics is adapted for firing "sports" ammunition cartridges containing small charge weights that provide a small return.

Fighting

For carabiners, detachable box magazines have been developed, the receivers of which are equipped with special guide shafts. Thanks to this design solution, the change of store is much faster.

The Saiga-12 gun. 340 is made with automatic shutter delay and a special remote button, with which a quick drop of the magazine is carried out like a gun. According to athletes, clicking on it is very convenient, using the thumb of the right hand. In this case, the grip of the handle and the control of the fire remain unchanged. In the carabiner system, there is a regular return spring, due to which the possible inertial discharges of stores, often resulting from recoil, are completely excluded.

Know-how of the system

Creating a carabiner of performance 340, the developers decided to introduce into this model an original design solution. It is in the use of muzzle brakes-compensators. For the production of these elements installed on top of the choke, an aluminum alloy is used.

Features of the 340 series

The shooting model is equipped with:

• A modernized gas engine for firing cartridges with smaller fractions of shot;
• Muzzle brake-compensator;
• A quick store reset system;
• The Picatinny slat;
• Push-button fuse;
• Additional handle.

Specifications

• The shooting from the carbine is carried out by cartridges of caliber 12/76 mm.
• The total length of the weapon is 1110 mm.
• The size of the trunk is 43 cm.
• The weight of weapons without ammunition does not exceed 3.9 kg.
• The store is designed for 8 rounds.

"Saiga-12" isp. 340: reviews

About this small arms users respond mostly positively. Those who managed to test this model, appreciated its following strengths:

• Due to the two handles for the platoon located on both sides of the receiver, any athlete, whether left-handed or right-handed, can perform the fastest forwarding of the ammunition to the chamber and effectively use this carbine.
• The model has reliable operation of a short gas piston.
• The carbine system is characterized by a complete absence of contamination with gunpowder gases from the receiver.
• Many note the feeling of softness during the shooting. Thanks to the new compensator, Russian athletes noted that the return on shooting is significantly lowered. In addition, the weapons are not withdrawn from the aiming line.
• The ability to shoot at high tempo.

In addition to the merits, this carabiner has one drawback. During the use of weapons, many gunners noticed that the barrel is very hot. With a superficial examination of the model, users may get the impression that it is made of carbon fiber. However, when it is produced, glued aluminum is used. This explains why this element quickly becomes hot. Many arrows use gloves during the operation of the Saiga-12.

Conclusion

This model of sporting small arms is provided to the participants of the competition in a completely finished form. At will, everyone can already independently equip a carbine with a collimator sight.

In 2015, the gun brought the victory of the Russian team in practical shooting. Today, these carbines are manufactured in small batches, as well as on individual orders.