Saiga AK Carbine
Izhevsk Machine Building Plant (Izhmash) · Carbine · Discontinued · 1998
Also known as: Saiga, Saiga-7.62, Saiga MK
Overview
The Saiga AK Carbine is a Russian semi-automatic carbine derived directly from the Kalashnikov AK action and chambered in 7.62x39mm. Built by Izhmash on the same long-stroke gas-piston, rotating-bolt mechanism as the AK-47/AKM, it was designed for the civilian hunting and sport-shooting market with a sporting stock, single-stage trigger, and detachable box magazines. It retains the legendary reliability of the Kalashnikov platform while complying with civilian semi-automatic-only regulations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3240 g (114.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1050 mm (41.34") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2045 J (1508 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62mm M43, .30 Russian Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Lever Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Gas Operated Long Stroke Piston, Rotating Bolt, Chrome Lined Barrel, Detachable Box Magazine, Optics Ready Side Rail
Variants
- Saiga MK — Tactical
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and hunting market · adopted 1998
Production
Production years: 1998-2021
Civilian production line at Izhmash/Kalashnikov Concern; widely exported until sanctions and import bans curtailed sales.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Izhmash (based on Mikhail Kalashnikov's design)
Discontinued: 2021
Notes
Civilian-legal semi-automatic sporting version of the Kalashnikov rifle. Magazine capacity varies from 5 to 30 rounds depending on market and configuration; export models were often supplied with reduced-capacity magazines. The barrel is hammer-forged and chrome-lined.
Background
The Saiga family is named after the saiga antelope of the Eurasian steppe. Adapting the AK platform for the civilian market gave hunters and sport shooters worldwide access to Kalashnikov reliability in a semi-automatic sporting package.