Civilian Rifles - Vol.2

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MAGPUL Masada / Bushmaster ACR – Adaptive Combat Rifle (USA)

Data for Standard version

Type / action gas operated, rotating bolt

Caliber(s) 5.56x45 / .223 Rem, possibly others such

as 7.62x39 M43

Weight unloaded 3.3 kg

Length 716 mm / 28.2" folded, 947 mm / 37.3"

stock fully extended

Barrel length 406 mm / 16" (also 318mm / 12.5", 368mm

/ 14.5" and 457mm / 18")

Magazine capacity 30 rounds

The Masada rifle was developed by US-based company Magpul Industries, which became famous for its line of aftermarket accessories and replacement parts for firearms. Work on the new modular rifle, suitable for civilian, police and military applications and designed more or less along the lines of the SCAR program commenced in 2006. First prototypes were shown to the public in 2007 at ShotShow, and early in 2008 it was announced that new rifle (previously known as Masada) will be mass produced by famous American gun-making company Bushmaster Firearms. Current plans are to introduce civilian and police (semi-automatic) versions in mid-2009, with military select-fire version scheduled for production in late 2009. It is also planned to introduce Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifles in 5.56mm / .223 Rem caliber; other calibers might follow later. Magpul also is developing a 7.62x51 / .308 Win version of the Masada / ACR rifle, provisionally known as Masoud. It is still in early development and no information is available on its date of release to the public.

MAGPUL Masada / Bushmaster ACR - Adaptive Combat Rifle in standard configuration, 2008 prototype

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The Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic or selective-fired (Military version only) weapon of modular design. It utilizes aluminum alloy upper receiver, with polymer pistol grip / trigger / magazine housing (lower receiver) unit which is attached to the upper receiver using cross-pins. Various types of lower receivers are planned to accommodate different types of magazines (i.e. Ar-15 type magazines as opposed to AK-type magazines). The trigger / manual safety unit is made as a single removable item, and it mostly utilizes Ar-15-compatible parts. The barrels of ACR / Masada are quick-detachable, with short-stroke gas pistons attached to each barrel. To remove the barrel (for change, inspection or maintenance), user has to remove polymer handguards, then swing down the wire lever, located below the barrel, turn the barrel to unlock and pull it forward and out of the receiver. All barrels are free-floated within handguards to achieve consistent accuracy. Bolt group also is made as a single unit, with captive return spring and rotary multi-lug bolt which locks directly to the barrel breech. The standard magazine housing, which is suited to accept Ar-15 type magazines, has ambidextrous magazine release buttons. The ambidextrous bolt stop release button is located at the front of the triggerguard. Safety lever is also ambidextrous, and charging handle can be installed on either side of the gun, depending on user preferences. Depending on the version (or user preferences) ACR / Masada rifle can be equipped with various Magpul-made buttstocks, fixed or side-folding, and adjustable for length of pull (some also with adjustable cheek rest). Each Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifle gas integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver; additional accessory rails can be installed on forend according to user preferences. Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifle can be fitted with removable iron sights, and/or with any optical or night sight with appropriate mounting.

MAGPUL Masada / Bushmaster ACR - Adaptive Combat Rifle in SPR configuration, with 18.5in barrel and fixed adjustable 'sniper' stock

MAGPUL Masada / Bushmaster ACR - Adaptive Combat Rifle in Entry configuration with 12.5in barrel

and side-folding stock.

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MAGPUL Masada / Bushmaster ACR - Adaptive Combat Rifle in standard configuration with 16in barrel

and side-folding stock

MAGPUL Masada / Bushmaster ACR - Adaptive Combat Rifle diagram showing its modular design

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Microtec MSAR STG-556 rifle (USA)


Caliber(s) 5.56x45 mm / .223 Rem, also 6.8x43 mm

Rem SPC

Weight unloaded 3.26 kg / 7.2 lbs

Length 686 mm / 27" with 16" barrel

Barrel length 406 mm / 16", also 356 mm / 14" and 508

mm / 20"

Magazine capacity 10, 20, 30 and 42 rounds

The STG-556 rifle was developed by US-based company Microtec Small Arms Research, a sister company to famous hi-tech knife-maker Microtec Knives Co. Based on the famous Austrian Steyr AUG assault rifle. Manufacture of this clone became possible because original patents for Steyr AUG have expired, and the demand for civilian version of this weapon in USA was not covered by import of original Austrian-made rifles. MSAR designers took some time to reverse-engineer the Steyr AUG, and then added several additional features that they feel might appeal to US shooters. Most notable of these new features are bolt stop release button and Ar-15 style bolt -closure forward assist button on the left side of receiver. Otherwise, the STG-556 follows the Steyr AUG A2 rifle pattern. Microtec MSAR STG-556 rifle is available in different colors and with barrels of various lengths. Optional caliber conversion kit allows to upgrade the rifle from 5.56mm / .223 to more potent 6.8mm Rem SPC caliber. SAR also offers STG-556 in either semi-automatic only (civilian / police) or selective-fire (military) versions.

Microtec MSAR STG-556 rifle with 16 inch barrel and integral optical sight (standard configuration), with 10-round magazine

Microtec MSAR STG-556 rifle is gas-operated semi-automatic or selective-fired weapon of bullpup configuration. The receiver is made from aluminum alloy, the stock / housing is made from impact-resistant polymer. Barrels are quick-detachable, with barrel lock incorporated into the gas block / forward grip base. Gas system features short-stroke gas piston, located to the right of the barrel. Bolt group rides on dual guide rods, and different

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user-replaceable multi-lug rotary bolts are available for right- or left-hand ejection. STG-556 is equipped with bolt hold-open device; bolt catch release button is located on the left side of the gun, behind the magazine housing. The M16 / Ar-15 type bolt closure assist button is located on the left side of the gun, in front of the magazine. Non-reciprocating charging handle is located also on the left side, in front of the receiver. STG-556 accepts proprietary Steyr AUG-type magazines, made of plastic; magazine release button is located below the stock, behind the magazine housing. Manual safety is of cross-bolt button style, located above the pistol grip. In military select-fire version, mode of fire is controlled by the pull of the trigger - short pull results in single shots, long pull produces full automatic fire. STG-556 is offered either with Steyr AUG-type 1.5X magnification telescope sight on special detachable mount, or with Picatinny rail (also on detachable base).

Microtec MSAR STG-556 rifle with 16 inch barrel and Picatinny rail receiver, with 10-round magazine

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Remington model 7600 rifle (USA)

Remington model 7600 rifle Remington model 7600P Police

carbine

Type / action manually operated, pump action rifle

Caliber(s) .243Win, .270Win, .308Win,

.30-06 .308Win / 7.62x51mm

Weight unloaded 3.4 kg / 7.5lbs 3.18 kg / 7lbs

Length 1082 mm / 42.6" 953 mm / 37.5"

Barrel length 559 mm / 22" 420 mm / 16.5"

Magazine capacity

4 rounds

Remington model 7600 pump-action rifle was introduced in 1981 and replaced in production the externally similar model 760. The model 7600 rifle is the fourth generation of the pump-action rifles, made by Remington Arms company in USA since the 1913 (the year Remington model 14 pump-action rifle was introduced). This rifle is quite popular as a hunting weapon in USA, and is available in four major medium-game calibers. In carbine version it also makes a great all-around weapon, and recently Remington has introduced a special "Police / Patrol carbine" version of the model 7600, which is compact and handy, yet packs some good accuracy and power thanks to its popular .308 / 7.62mm caliber. While the standard magazine capacity for Remington 7600 rifles and carbines is relatively low at only 4 rounds, aftermarket 10-round magazines are available for those who need more firepower. Another thing to consider is that these rifles are known for good accuracy and feature free-floating barrels.

Remington model 760 pump-action rifle, predecessor to Model 7600

Remington model 7600 pump-action rifle with synthetic furniture

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Remington model 7600 rifle is a manually operated weapon which uses sliding forend to operate its action. Barrel is locked by rotary bolt with four radial lugs, and the bolt carrier is connected to the sliding forend by dual action bars. Feed is from detachable box magazines. Standard sights are of open type, with both rear (adjustable) and front sight blades being mounted on the barrel. The top of receiver is drilled and tapped for installation of various telescope sight mounts. Remington model 7600P 'Police' carbines are fitted with protected front sight and receiver-mounted adjustable rear sight of ghost-ring (diopter) type. Depending on the version of the gun, furniture can be made either from wood or synthetics.

Remington model 7600 pump-action rifle with wood furniture

Remington model 7600P 'Police' pump-action rifle / carbine

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Remington model 7615 rifle (USA)

Remington model

7615 rifle Remington model 7615 Ranch / Patrol carbine

Remington model 7615 Tatctical carbine

Type / action manually operated, pump action rifle

Caliber(s) .223 Remington / 5.56x45

Weight unloaded

3.23 kg / 7.12 lbs 3.18 kg / 7lbs 3.12 kg / 6.9 lbs

Length 1067 mm / 42" 978 mm / 38.5" 927 mm / 36.5"

Barrel length 559 mm / 22" 470 mm / 18.5" 420 mm / 16.5"

Magazine capacity

10, 20 or 30 rounds

Remington model 7615 pump-action rifle was in 2007 as an updated small-bore, high-capacity version of the successful Remington model 7600 rifle.Remington model 7615 rifles are offered in a number of versions, optimized for hunting, home defense of security / police applications . Key selling points for this family of weapons are their 'politically correct, non-military' appearance, combined with good accuracy, rapid fire capability, well-established and widely available caliber (.223 Remington / 5.56mm) and, at last but not at least, great flexibility in magazine capacities, thanks to compatibility with a wide array of M16 / AR-15-type magazines already on the market.

Remington model 7615 rifle in hunting configuration, with camouflaged finish

Remington model 7615 'Ranch' rifle / carbine; note the lack of iron sights and short barrel

Remington model 7615 rifle is a manually operated weapon which uses sliding forend to operate its action. Barrel is locked by rotary bolt with four radial lugs, and the bolt carrier is connected to the sliding forend by dual action bars. Feed is from detachable box

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magazines; magazine housing is compatible with most M16 / AR-15-type magazines of any capacity, although guns are sold with 10-round magazines. Standard sights are of open type, with both rear (adjustable) and front sight blades being mounted on the barrel. The top of receiver is drilled and tapped for installation of various telescope sight mounts. Depending on the version of the gun, furniture can be made either from wood or synthetics, with variety of buttstock profiles.

Remington model 7615 Police / Patrol carbine, with 30-round AR-15 type magazine

Remington model 7615 Police / Patrol carbine, with 10-round magazine, pistol-grip stock, ghost-ring rear sight and optional red-dot sight

Remington model 7615 Tactical carbine with adjustable telescopic stock and pistol grip

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Ruger Mini-14 and Mini-30 rifle (USA)

Type / action gas operated, semi-automatic rifle

Caliber(s) 5.56x45 / .223 Remington; also 7,62x39 M43 in Mini-30 and 6,8x43 Remington

SPC

Weight unloaded 3,1 kg / 6,8 lbs empty

Length 943 mm / 37,2"

Barrel length 470 mm / 18,5"

Magazine capacity 5 or 10 rounds

Bill Ruger, one of leading US arms designers of post-WW2 period, began development of a new semi-automatic rifle circa 1970. The rifle was intended for civilian, police and para-military use; it was patterned after then-current US issue military rifle, the M14, and was chambered for relatively new 5,56x45mm (.223 Remington) ammunition. Since its commercial introduction in 1973 the Ruger Mini-14 rifle found wide acceptance among both civilian shooters and a variety of police and security forces around the world. For government users, Ruger produced two specialized versions of the basic rifle - the Mini-14GB semi-automatic and AC-556 assault (select-fire) rifles. All weapons in the Mini-14 family share same basic design, although there are differences in certain parts; for example, AC-556 rifles had slightly longer receiver, which hosts the fire mode switch at its rear part.

Ruger Mini-14 rifle, original version (1980's production) with aftermarket 30-round magazine

Ruger Mini-14 Tactical rifle with fixed polymer stock

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The first major modification to the Mini-14 family appeared in 1978, when Ruger introduced an all-stainless version of the basic rifle. Until now, all Ruger Mini-14 rifles are available either in carbon or stainless steel versions. In around 1982 Ruger introduced its next civilian modification of the Mini-14, known as the "Ranch" rifle. This version was optimized for use with telescope sight, and thus was produced with integral scope bases on receiver. Ejection mechanism was changed to eject spent cases to the right side, clear of the scope, and rear sight was fitted on the folding base. In 1986, Ruger introduced a Mini-30 rifle, which was same basic weapon but adapted to 7,62x39 M43 ammunition of Russian origin. Next change in the Mini-14 line-up appeared as late as in 2005, when Ruger company introduced a new version of the Mini-14, which incorporated integral scope bases of the earlier "Ranch" rifles with protected front sight and non-folding diopter rear sight, which has smaller mount that of previous rifles. Recent additions to the Mini-14 rifle family are the Mini-14 Target rifle, which is optimized for accuracy and use of optical sights, and the all-stainless Mini-14 in the new 6,8x43 Remington SPC caliber which has less recoil than 7,62x39 but offers better terminal effectiveness than 5,56 / .223. The 'Tactical" line, which was introduced by Ruger in 2009, features factory-standard 20-round magazines, improved stocks and slightly shorthened barrels.

Ruger Mini-14 "Ranch" rifle of pre-2005 production. Note receiver with integral scope mounts and folding rear sight

In general, Mini-14 rifles are known for their good reliability and durability. Accuracy is usually quoted as somewhat inferior to AR-15 (M16)-type weapons, which are very popular in USA, but this may change with recent introduction of Mini-14 Target model. Despite some claims, Ruger Mini-14 rifles are accurate enough for most purposes, and quite reliable and durable, being excellent weapons for hunting, home defense, certain police and security applications as well as for general plinking and practice.

Ruger Mini-14 rifle, current version (as made since 2005). Note different front and rear sights and polymer handguard which covers most of the operating rod.

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Ruger Mini-14 is gas operated, semi-automatic only weapon which uses Garand-type rotary bolt with two lugs. Action is operated by the long-stroke gas piston, which is located below the barrel and is concealed within forend of the stock. The gas piston has cup-shaped head, and is linked to the bolt via Garand-type operating rod which runs at the right side of the weapon. Manual safety also patterned after M1 Garand or M14 rifle, and is located at the front of the triggerguard. Standard stock of the Mini-14 is of single-piece type, with semi-pistol grip and separate heatshiled above the barrel. Early Mini-14 rifles had wooden heatshileds which exposed operating rod; current production civilian guns feature polymer heatshields which cover most of the operating rod. Over the time, Ruger also produced a folding-stock versions with wooden stock, plastic pistol grip and side-folding metallic shoulder stock. Ruger also makes "all-weather" polymer stocks for Mini-14 and Mini-30 rifles. It also must be noted that there are many aftermarket stocks for Mini-14 rifles.

Ruger Mini-30 "Ranch" rifle of current manufacture, with polymer stock

Standard sights consist of a blade-type front and adjustable diopter-type rear sight; "Ranch" type rifles also had integral scope mounts on the receiver, which will accept proprietary Ruger scope rings

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Ruger Mini-14 Tactical rifle with side-folding telescoping buttstock and factory-installed rail interface

Original magazine capacities for Mini-14 rifles were 10 or 20 rounds, but since infamous American "Assault weapons ban" of 1994 Ruger offered civilian Mini-14 rifles with magazines containing only 5 rounds; however, some magazine makers produced aftermarket magazines for Mini-14 and Mini-30 in capacities of up to 40 (box) and 90 (snail-drum) rounds.

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Ruger Mini-14 Target rifle, with no iron sights and laminated wood stock. Heavy barrel is fitted with adjustable harmonic dampener

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Ruger PC-4 and PC-9 carbine (USA)

Type / action semi-automatic, blowback operated carbine

Caliber(s) 9x19 Luger/Parabellum and .40SW

Weight unloaded 2,9 kg / 6,4 lbs

Length 873 mm / 34,4"

Barrel length 413 mm / 16,3"

Magazine capacity 10 (.40) or 15 (9mm) rounds

American company Sturm, Ruger & Co introduced its line of pistol-caliber carbines in 1996. These handy guns were based on highly successful Ruger 10/22 small-bore carbine design, appropriately strengthened to take more powerful centerfire pistol ammunition using Ruger's P-series pistol magazines. Ruger PC (Pistol Carbine) weapons are available in two major calibers, 9mm and .40SW. As with any other gun from this company, Ruger PC carbines are very strong and durable designs, providing good reliability for intensive every-day use.

Ruger PC-9 carbine, right side. Note pistol magazine protruding below from the stock

Ruger PC-9 carbine, left side

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Ruger PC4 (.40SW) and PC9 (9mm) carbines are blowback operated, semi-automatic rifles which fire from closed bolt. Receiver, barrel and all bolt and triger group parts are made from quality stainless steel, stock is made from impact-resistant polymer. Feed is using Ruger's pistol magazines, which are inserted into the magazine housing in front of trigger guard and protrude below the gun. Ruger PC carbines are equipped with automated drop and firing pin safeties; manual safety is of cross-bolt, push button type,, and is located at the rear of the trigger guard, behind the trigger. tandard sights include protected front blade on the barrel and fully adjustable rear sight, either of open (U-notch) or diopter (aperture) type. All Ruger PC carbines also feature proprietary integral scope mounts at the top of receiver.

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle (USA)

Type / action gas operated, semi-automatic

Caliber(s) .223 Remington / 5.56x45 mm

Weight unloaded 3.6 kg / 7.92 lbs

Length 832 - 914 mm / 32.75" - 36"

Barrel length 410 mm / 16.125"


Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle is the most recent product of the famous American arms-making company Sturm, Ruger & Co. Ruger company previously manufactured 5.56mm / .223 caliber semi-automatic Mini-14 rifles, which were known for excellent durability and reliability, but the SR-556 is the first step of this company into the one of most lucrative segments of American rifle market, the "Ar-15 niche". Following the general trend, Ruger, however, developed an improved version of the basic weapon that has many factory-standard features which, otherwise, are considered as expensive aftermarket options. Most important of these features are short-stroke piston-operated gas action (as opposed to original direct impingement gas action of the classic Ar-15 rifles), cold-hammer forged barrel with flash hider, as well as quad-rail forend, folding detachable iron sights and quality 30-round magazines. This rifle is obviously intended for civilian and law enforcement markets.

Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle

Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle utilizes gas-operated action with short-stroke gas piston, located in the gas block above the barrel. The piston is linked to the bolt group through the separate push rod that runs inside the handguards and has its own return spring. Gas system features manual gas regulator with 4 positions, from "0" (gas system shut off for manual cycling) through "3" (for firing when rifle is heavily fouled up or when using relatively low-power ammunition). Normal gas regulator position is "2". Gas piston and gas regulator plug are chrome-lined. Bolt group is similar in design to the standard Ar-15 bolt group except that instead of the gas key it has a lug which interacts

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with the pusher rod. The bolt, bolt carrier ad barrel bore are chrome lined as well. Combined with gas-piston system that keeps powder residue out of the bolt group and receiver, this will result in enhanced reliability over prolonged firing sessions. The upper and lower receivers are made from aluminum alloy and connected via traditional cross-pins. All controls (manual safety, bolt stop release, magazine release, cocking handle, bolt forward assist) are of typical Ar-15 pattern. Feed is from standard M16 / Ar-15 type magazines, and as of now each rifle is shipped from factory with three 30-round polymer PMag magazines. Standard furniture includes quad-rail forend (supplied by Troy Industries), Hogue pistol grip and M4-type collapsible buttstock with 6 positions. Standard sights, as shipped by factory, include Troy industries iron sights on folding bases, with flip-up diopter type rear sight, adjustable for windage, and protected front sight, adjustable for height. Top of receiver features integral Picatinny rail, so any type of red-dot or telescopic sight can be fitted using appropriate mountings.

Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Safir arms T15 rifle and carbine (Turkey)

Data for T15 'Classic' rifle

Type / action gas operated, direct impingement, rotating bolt

Caliber(s) 5.56x45 mm / .223 Remington


Length 1000 mm

Barrel length 500 mm


The T15 rifle, as made in Turkey by Safir arms company, is a copy of the famous American Ar-15 rifle in its semi-automatic version. The T15 is intended for civilian and police use, but Safir arms also makes selective-fire version of the same design, known as T16, which is intended for military use. For countries that prohibit civilian ownership of semi-automatic firearms, a manually-operated version of T15 is also manufactured. Both T15 and T16 rifles are available in different configurations, with fixed or telescoping buttstock, and with fixed "M16A2-style" carrying handle or flat-top "M16A3-style" upper receivers. Carbine versions of both rifles also available with same modifications, and with any reasonable barrel lengths according to customer preferences. Another interesting feature of the T15 is that it can be easily converted to 36 gauge semi-automatic shotgun with installation of the T14 shotgun upper receiver, made by the same company.

T15 'Classic' semi-automatic rifle

The T15 rifle is gas-operated weapon that uses Stoner direct impingement gas system, in which hot powder gases are fed from the barrel and via steel tube into the bolt carrier body, where they expand to operate the action. The bolt group is also of Stoner design, with 8-lug rotary bolt that engages the barrel extension. Receiver is made from two halves, upper and lower, both manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and connected by two cross-pins. Barrels are manufactured using cold hammer forging

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process, which ensures long service life and good accuracy, yet maintaining affordable price of the entire gun. Manual safety (which also works as a fire mode selector in T16 rifle) is located on the left side of the receiver. Overall, controls and design of the trigger unit are similar to that of Ar-15 rifle, and include bolt stop release button and T-shaped cocking handle above the buttstock. In standard configuration, T15 and T16 rifles feature M16A2-style adjustable sights, with diopter-type rear sight built into the carrying handle, although 'flat-top' models with Picatinny rail instead of the carrying handle can be produced upon request. Standard furniture is black polymer, with fixed or telescoping buttstock (the latter also features no-slip rubber buttplate). Magazines are same as used in Ar-15 / M16 rifles, and a number of other accessories, compatible with Ar-15 / M16 rifles also can be fitted to T-15 and T-16 rifles.

T16 'Classic' selective-fire rifle

T15 'Classic S' rifle

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T15 'Compact' carbine

T15 'Compact S' carbine

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Saiga self-loading rifle / carbine (Russia)

Saiga Saiga MK Saiga 308 Saiga M100

Type / action gas operated, semi-automatic rifle

Caliber(s) 5,56x45 / .223 Rem, 5,6x39,

7,62x39

5,56x45 / .223 Rem, 7,62x39

7,62x51 / .308 Win

7,62x51 / .308 Win and 7,62x63 / .30-06

Weight unloaded

3,8 kg / 8,4 lbs 3,4 kg / 7,5 lbs 3,86 kg / 8,5

lbs 3,77 kg / 8,3 lbs

Length 1066 mm / 42"

943 mm / 37,1" (butt opened) 710 mm / 28" (butt folded)

1100 mm / 43,3"

1100 mm / 43,3"

Barrel length 520 mm / 20,5" 336 mm / 13,2" 554 mm /

21,8" 554 mm / 21,8"

Magazine capacity

5 or 10 rounds 5, 10 or 30

rounds 8 rounds 3 rounds

Saiga hunting rifle with polymer furniture, in 7,62x39 caliber

Saiga (sort of antelope) is a name of a whole line of shotguns and rifles / carbines, based on proven and tried Kalashnikov AK assault rifle design. these were developed and are produced by IZHMASH factory in Izhevsk, Russia, which also makes current Kalashnikov assault rifles. Story of this rifle began during late 1970s, when IZHMASH factory designed a semi-automatic carbine in 5,6x39 Russian caliber for controlling the population of the saiga in Kazakhstan. About 300 carbines were produced and project was all but forgotten until early 1990s, when IZHMASH brought back the idea of AK-based semi-automatic hunting carbine in .223 Rem and 7,62x39. During late 1990s IZHMASH also introduced a strengthened version of the same rifle, initially chambered for moe powerful .308 Win ammunition, and later on for 9x53R. Saiga rifles are very popular in Russia and elsewhere, mostly because they follow one of the most popular assault rifles in the world, and also because of competitive price and good reliability. Produced in a number of calibers and versions, Saiga rifles can be used for hunting small or medium game (depending on caliber), as well as for training, practical sport shooting and self-defense.

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A special note must be made on short-barreled Saiga MK carbines. Legality of such short-barreled rifles in various countries may vary. In Russia, for example, such carbines have additional firing block, which is actuated automatically once butt is folded, so gun can be fired only with butt extended. With this limitation, Saiga MK carbines are quite popular fir home defense duties, private security and practical shooting sport. In other countries same guns can be either legal, legal with certain limitations or illegal completely. Same applies to magazine capacity - as issued, Saiga rifles will accept only proprietary magazines with capacity of 10 rounds or less. However in some countries where there are no limits on magazine capacity for civilian guns, same rifles can be had with modified magazine housings which will accept 30-round AKM (7,62x39) or AK-101 (5,56x45 / .223) magazines.

Saiga 308 rifle with "hunting type" wooden furniture

Saiga self-loading rifles are gas operated, and use extremely reliable long-stroke gas system and two-lug rotary bolt system borrowed from Kalashnikov AK assault rifle. Receivers are made from stamped steel, furniture can be made either from wood or polymer. Charging handle is integral to bolt carrier, manual safety is also copy of Kalashnikov AK one, but it has only two positions - safe (top) and fire (bottom) instead of three. Short-barreled Saiga MK carbines feature modified gas system and flash hider borrowed from AK-102 short assault rifle. On hunting models, stock has a semi-pistol grip integral to the shoulder stock; defensive / practical shooting models feature separate pistol grip and fixed or side-folding stock. Side-folding stocks can be of solid plastic or skeletonized steel design, but all fold to the left side. Feed is using detachable box magazines, either 10-round single stack or 30-round double stack (in .223 or 7,62x39 only, using AK-101 or AKM magazines). Standard sights include front post, installed on protected base on the barrel or gas block, and tangent-type open U-notch type rear, adjustable between 100 and 300 meters. Telescope or red-dot sights cam be installed using special mounts which are attached to the proprietary side rail on the left side of receiver.

Saiga 100-series hunting rifle (available in .308 Win and .30-06), with improved design and ergonomics (it has different magazine release and a cross-bolt button-type safety)

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Saiga 308 rifle with "military type" polymer furniture and optional telescope sight

Saiga MK-01 carbine in .223 Remington, with 10-round magazine, side-folding AKS-74-type skeletonized stock and short barrel.

Saiga MK-03 carbine in 7,62x39, with AK-74M-type side-folding polymer butt and 30-round magazine

SPO-JGAS 2010

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SIG 556 semi-automatic rifle (Switzerland - USA)

Type / action semi-automatic rifle, gas-operated

Caliber(s) .223 Remington (5.56x45)

Weight unloaded 3.54 kg/ 7.8 lbs

Length 940 mm / 37"

Barrel length 406 mm / 16"


The SIG 556 semi-automatic rifle was announced in 2006 as a rifle for civilian and law-enforcement use. It is produced by international SIGARMS (now SIG Sauer) arms corporation and intended primary for US market. SIG 556 is based on SIG SG 550 assault rifle, which is in use by Swiss army, and is limited to semi-automatic fire only, thus being legal in most countries that permit civilians to own rifles. SIG Sauer also produces a SIG 556 SWAT semi-automatic rifle which has a different buttstock and a 4-rail forend.

SIG 556 semi-automatic rifle, left side; buttstock collapsed

The SIG 556 semi-automatic rifle is gas operated, using short-stroke gas piston located above the barrel. Gas system has manual gas regulator with two settings for normal and harsh conditions. The barrel is locked using rotary bolt with two massive lugs. Receiver is redesigned from original SIG SG 550 rifle, and features stamped steel upper part mated to aluminum alloy lower part which houses a trigger unit and a redesigned magazine housing which accepts all M16 / Ar-15 type magazines.A bolt stop device is incorportaed into design. Manual safety is ambidextrous and located above the pistol grip. As a standard, rifle is shipped with 30-round magazine. In basic configuration SIG 556 has no iron sights (adjustable folding iron sights are optional). Top of receiver is fitted with Picatinny rail for easy installation of various optical or red-dot sights; additional rails are installed on the forend, at 3-, 6- and 9-o'clock positions. Buttstock is of non-folding, telescoped adjustable type.

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SIG 556 semi-automatic rifle, right side

SPO-JGAS 2010

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TPD AXR rifle (USA)


Caliber(s) 5.56x45 mm / .223 Rem, also 6.8x43 mm

Rem SPC


Length 667 mm / 26.25" (with 406 mm / 16" barrel)

Barrel length 406 mm / 16" or 457 mm / 18"

Magazine capacity 30 rounds standard, any M16/Ar15

compatible magazine will fit

The AXR (Advanced eXtensible Rifle) weapon was developed by US-based company Tactical Product Design (TPD) Inc. The AXR is based on the famous Austrian Steyr AUG assault rifle. Manufacture of this clone became possible because original patents for Steyr AUG have expired, and the demand for civilian version of this weapon in USA was not covered by import of original Austrian-made rifles. TPD designers created a faithful copy of Steyr AUG, so most parts are interchangeable between the AXR and AUG.Prime differences between AXR and its prototype are in materials (TPD claims to use most modern metals and polymers in its design, which are superior to those available 30 years ago in original Steyr rifle) and use of STANAG / M16 type magazines rather than proprietary magazines. Optional caliber conversion kit allows to upgrade the AXR from 5.56mm / .223 to more potent 6.8mm Rem SPC caliber. At the present time AXR is offered only in semi-automatic version, for civilian and police use.

TPD Inc. AXR rifle, left side

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TPD AXR rifle is gas-operated semi-automatic weapon of bullpup configuration. The receiver is made from aluminum alloy, the stock / housing is made from impact-resistant polymer. Barrels are quick-detachable, with barrel lock incorporated into the gas block / forward grip base. Adjustable gas system features short-stroke gas piston, located to the right of the barrel. Bolt group rides on dual guide rods, and different user-replaceable multi-lug rotary bolts are available for right- or left-hand ejection. It must be noted that current polymer stocks of AXR rifle does not permit easy change of the ejection direction, as ejection port is made only on one side of the stock. AXR is equipped with bolt hold-open device; bolt catch can be deactivated by pulling the charging handle. The original Steyr AUG-type bolt closure device is incorporated into the design, in the form of the button on the charging handle. Normally non-reciprocating charging handle is located also on the left side, in front of the receiver; push on the button locks the handle to the bolt group, allowing to use it for manual bolt closing. AXR rifle accepts any M16 / Ar15-type magazines; magazine release buttons are located below the stock, behind the magazine housing, and on the left side of the stock, above the magazine. Manual safety is of cross-bolt button style, located above the pistol grip. No sights are installed by default on AXR rifle; instated, each rifle is equipped with Picatinny-type rail on the top of receiver, which permits installation of any type of sighting equipment using appropriate mountings.

TPD Inc. AXR rifle, right side

SPO-JGAS 2010

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Documents

Civilian Rifles - Vol.2