Practical shooting is the youngest and most spectacular sport, which is considered "home" for many law enforcement agencies. Its task is to develop the necessary techniques for owning firearms among police officers and special forces. The rules are set by the International Practical Shooting Confederation. Especially for this sport, within the framework of the IPSC rules, Russian gunsmiths developed the Saiga-12 carbine, Spanish. 340.
The work took into account the wishes of those who are engaged in practical shooting and have extensive experience in this area. Since 2015, serial production of the sports model "Saiga-12" is carried out. 340. Description, characteristics of this small arms, as well as user reviews about it are presented in the article.
Start
The basis for the carbine "Saiga-12" isp. 340 became the civilian version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which since the 90sused by hunters and employees of law enforcement and security structures. In addition, this version of small arms in the performance of 030 was used by athletes. In 2012, an order was placed from the Rostekhnologii corporation to the Kalashnikov concern to develop a special sports modification of the carbine, which could later be used within the framework of the ICPS. This carbine was "Saiga-12" Spanish. 340.
Work on the shooting model was carried out under the guidance of lead designer Alexei Shumilov. Also, a well-known Russian athlete, the leader of the Rostec team, Vsevolod Ilyin, was involved for this. The first sample "Saiga-12" isp. 340 was demonstrated in the city of Nuremberg. After successful testing, the manufacturer released the first trial batch, which consisted of fifty units. This model has been mass-produced since January 2015.
Tuning
"Saiga-12" Spanish. 340 contains a telescopic adjustable plastic stock, which houses a rubber shock-absorbing recoil pad and an elongated forearm, providing a comfortable and strong hold of the weapon. In addition, the elongated shape of the forearm, in the manufacture of which polymer materials are used, allows the athlete to quickly manipulate the carbine. In the future, the developers plan to use ergonomic aluminum for these purposes.
In addition to the standard handle, on the left side of the model there is another additional one for reloading. Carbine "Saiga" 12 Spanish. 340 L 430 is not equipped with open sights. The receiver is equipped with an integrated Picatinny-type hinged cover, thanks to which the shooters have the opportunity to install various red dot sights.
Automatic
For "Saiga-12" isp. 340, like most shotguns in this series, uses the time-tested design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The carbine is equipped with gas automatics. The barrel is locked with a rotary bolt. Chamber length - 76 mm. In this carbine, the automation is adapted for firing "sporting" ammunition cartridges containing small charge weights that provide low recoil.
Ammunition
Detachable box magazines have been developed for carbines, the receivers of which are equipped with special guide shafts. This design solution makes changing magazines much faster.
Shotgun "Saiga-12" Spanish. 340 is made with an automatic slide delay and a special remote button, which, like a pistol, quickly releases the magazine. According to the athletes, it is very convenient to press it using the thumb of the right hand. At the same time, the grip of the handle and fire control remain unchanged. The carbine system has a regular return spring, thanks to which possible inertial discharges of magazines, which often occur from recoil, are completely excluded.
System know-how
Creating the 340 version carbine, the developers decided to introduce an original design solution into this model. Isit is in the use of muzzle brake compensators. Aluminum alloy is used for the production of these elements that are installed on top of the choke tube.
340 Series Features
Rifle model equipped with:
- modernized gas engine for firing cartridges with smaller shot weights;
- muzzle brake compensator;
- quick release magazine system;
- Picatinny rail;
- button fuse;
- extra handle.
Specifications
- Shooting from a carbine is carried out by cartridges of caliber 12/76 mm.
- The total length of the weapon is 1110mm.
- Barrel size - 43 cm.
- The weight of the weapon without ammunition does not exceed 3.9 kg.
- Magazine holds 8 rounds.
"Saiga-12" Spanish. 340: reviews
Users respond mostly positively to this small arms. Those who managed to test this model, appreciated its following strengths:
- Due to two cocking handles located on both sides of the receiver, any athlete, regardless of whether he is left-handed or right-handed, can carry out the fastest sending of ammunition into the chamber and use this carbine effectively.
- Model has reliable short gas piston performance.
- The system of carbines is characterized by the complete absence of contamination by powder gases of the receiver.
- Many people note the feeling of softness during shooting. Thanks to the newcompensator, Russian athletes noted that the recoil when shooting was noticeably reduced. In addition, the weapon is not withdrawn from the aiming line.
- Able to shoot at a high pace.
Besides the advantages, this carbine has one drawback. In the course of using the weapon, many shooters noticed that the handguard gets very hot. At a superficial examination of the model, users may get the impression that it is made of carbon fiber. However, in its production, glued aluminum is used. This explains why such an element quickly becomes hot. Many shooters use gloves while operating the Saiga-12.
Conclusion
This model of sports firearms is provided to the participants of the competition in a completely finished form. If desired, everyone can already independently equip the carbine with a red dot sight.
In 2015, the gun brought victory to the Russian team in practical shooting. Today, these carbines are made both in small batches and on individual orders.
