Saiga-9
Kalashnikov Concern (Izhmash) · Personal Defense Weapon · In Production · 2014
Also known as: Saiga 9x19, Saiga-9 PCC
Overview
The Saiga-9 is the civilian semi-automatic-only carbine derived from the PP-19-01 Vityaz, an AK-pattern 9x19mm submachine gun developed by Izhmash (now Kalashnikov Concern) in Izhevsk, Russia. Unlike gas-operated rifle-caliber AKs, the Saiga-9 uses a simple straight blowback action suited to the pistol cartridge while retaining a stamped-steel receiver, AK-pattern hammer-fired trigger group, AK safety/selector lever, and a side-folding stock. Built for the civilian sporting and self-defense market, the Russian-market version ships with a 10-round magazine but is compatible with the 30-round Vityaz magazines. With a 345mm barrel it has an overall length of about 805mm, folding to roughly 565mm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 805 mm (31.69") |
| Folded Length | 565 mm (22.24") |
| Barrel Length | 345 mm (13.58") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ak Pattern Safety Selector, Stock Folded Trigger Block
- Features: Ak Pattern Controls, Stamped Steel Receiver, Side Folding Stock, Blowback Pistol Caliber Action, Picatinny Rail Dust Cover, Adjustable Rear Sight, Vityaz Magazine Compatible
Variants
- Saiga-9 K — Short Barrel Fixed Stock
- Saiga-9 EXP — Updated
- PP-19-01 Vityaz — Select Fire Submachine Gun
Base model
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Civilian semi-auto derivative of the PP-19-01 Vityaz platform; production figures not published.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Victor Kalashnikov
Notes
The Saiga-9 is the semi-auto-only civilian derivative; the PP-19-01 Vityaz and select-fire Vityaz-SN are the parent military/LE submachine guns used by Russian forces, MVD Internal Troops, and Spetsnaz. Barrel length varies by market version (about 332mm on the K variant, 345mm Russian-domestic, up to 367mm on some export models). The Russian-market 10-round capacity is a legal restriction; the platform accepts 30-round Vityaz magazines. A trigger block prevents firing when the stock is folded. Height, width, barrel material, and finish were not confirmed by sources; muzzle velocity is the platform figure (~380 m/s).
Background
The Saiga-9 traces its lineage through the PP-19-01 Vityaz, developed in 2004 at the request of the MVD's 'Vityaz' special-purpose unit for close-quarters work - itself a descendant of Victor Kalashnikov's PP-19 Bizon. One reviewer described the Saiga-9 as essentially a slightly modernized, 9mm version of an AKS-74U.