Saiga-308
Kalashnikov Concern (Izhmash) · Rifle · In Production · 1999
Also known as: Saiga .308, Saiga 7.62x51
Overview
The Saiga-308 is a semi-automatic hunting and sporting rifle built on the Kalashnikov AK-pattern action, manufactured by Izhmash (now Kalashnikov Concern) and chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester). It uses the long-stroke gas piston system inherited from the AK and features a chrome-lined hammer-forged barrel, sporter or AK-style stock options, and a side-mount optics rail. Magazine capacities range from 3 to 10 rounds depending on the market and configuration.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Barrel Length | 350 mm (13.78") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3270 J (2412 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ak Pattern Safety Lever
- Features: Ak Pattern Action, Chrome Lined Barrel, Hammer Forged Barrel, Iron Sights, Side Mount Optic Rail
Variants
- Saiga-308-1 — Sporter Stock
- Saiga-308-2 — Standard Ak Stock
- Saiga-308-3 — Extended Barrel
- AK-308 — Military
Service history
Operators
- Civilian (Russia) · adopted 1999
- Civilian (Export markets)
Production
Production years: 1999-present
Civilian sporting rifle; production figures not publicly disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Notes
Saiga rifles were imported in large numbers to the United States until 2014 when sanctions blocked further importation. The Saiga-308-1 features a sporter-style stock, while the -2 and -3 variants offer more military-style ergonomics and longer barrels.
Background
The Saiga line was created in the 1990s when Izhmash needed civilian products to keep workers employed after the post-Soviet collapse of military orders. The name 'Saiga' refers to the saiga antelope of the Central Asian steppe - a marketing nod to the rifle's intended hunting role, despite the obvious military lineage of every component below the polymer furniture.