Kalashnikov KSZ
Kalashnikov Concern · Carbine · Limited Production · 2017
Also known as: Saiga KSZ, KSZ pump-action carbine
Overview
The Kalashnikov KSZ is a manually operated pump-action carbine developed by the Kalashnikov Concern, derived from the semi-automatic Saiga line and built to compete in the Manual Rifle division of IPSC practical shooting. Introduced in 2017 at the request of the Russian IPSC team for the World Rifle Championship in Moscow, it retains the Kalashnikov gas-piston-pattern receiver but replaces the self-loading mechanism with a pump-action forend that cycles the bolt by hand, allowing it to be sold and used where semi-automatic rifles are restricted. It shares magazines and many parts with its Saiga parent and features a collapsible stock, a top-cover Picatinny rail, ambidextrous charging levers and an ergonomic index-finger safety lever. This variant is chambered in the intermediate 7.62x39mm cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1025 mm (40.35") |
| Folded Length | 925 mm (36.42") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1960 J (1446 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Index Finger Safety Lever
- Features: Collapsible Stock, Picatinny Rail, Flared Mag Well, Ambidextrous Charging Levers, Pump Action Forend
Variants
- Kalashnikov KSZ-223 - Alternate Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Russian IPSC Team · adopted 2017
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Introduced as a limited production sport carbine; full mass-production figures not published.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Kalashnikov Concern
Notes
The KSZ family was introduced in 2017 as a limited run for IPSC competition; mass production was contingent on demand after the 2017 IPSC World Shoot. Offered in multiple chamberings across the Saiga pattern; this entry covers the 7.62x39mm version.
Background
The pump action was a deliberate workaround: by removing self-loading capability, Kalashnikov could offer an AK-pattern carbine that qualified for the IPSC Manual Rifle division and skirted civilian restrictions on semi-automatic rifles in several markets.