VIDEO: Kalashnikov KSZ-223 pump-action rifle
The Kalashnikov Group announced the Saiga KSZ-223 pump-action rifle – a manually-operated variant of the world-famous semi-automatic Saiga MK series of rifles, conceived to for IPSC Manual Rifle division competitions
The Saiga KSZ-223 pump-action rifle manufactured by the Kalashnikov Concern
The Saiga KSZ-223 slide-action rifle was developed by the Kalashnikov Group upon request from the Russian national IPSC shooting team
On April 18th, the Russian Kalashnikov Group(link is external) officially announced the Saiga KSZ-223 pump-action rifle(link is external), a manually-operated, slide-action variant of the semi-automatic Saiga MK line of rifles so popular among sport shooters and civilian gun collectors worldwide.
Contrary to persisting rumors, the Saiga KSZ-223 was not conceived to anticipate possible restrictions on the civilian ownership of semi-automatic centerfire rifles and carbines: rather, it was developed upon request from the Russian national IPSC shooting team , to be fielded at the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot(link is external) that's set to take place at the Patriot shooting range in Kubinka (Moscow region) from May 25th to June 11th.
The KSZ-223 seen from the left side: note the ambidextrous cocking handle, easier to operate when firing from the prone position
The sliding forend on the Saiga KSZ-223 rifle
The Saiga KSZ-223 was built to suit the requirements of the IPSC “Manual Rifle” division; only after the 2017 IPSC World Shoot will the Kalashnikov Group consider mass production.
Kalashnikov Group's Saiga KSZ-223 rifle is essentially a semi-automatic, 5,56x45mm/.223 Remington caliber Saiga MK rifle lacking its gas piston system, replaced by a manual repeating system that can be operated through the sliding forend ("pump-action") or through the ambidextrous bolt handles which are attached to the bolt carrier group – this feature having been conceived to speed up cycling when the Saiga KSZ-223 is fired from the prone position.
The Saiga KSZ-223 rifle was conceived for the IPSC "Manual Rifle" competitions
Among other features of the Saiga KSZ-223 is a stabilized top cover with a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for optics; an M4-style adjustable buttstock; and a redesigned safety switch, with a side notch that allows operation with a single finger.
The Kalashnikov Group's Saiga KSZ-223 slide-action rifle weighs in at 4,2 kilograms (9 lbs 4 oz), sports a 415 mm / 16.3″ barrel, and its overall length of KSZ-223 varies from 920 mm (36.2 inches) to 1025 mm (40.3") depending from the position of the buttstock. The magazine well accepts standard Saiga 5.56mm/.223 magazines of any capacity and is generously flared for quick reloading.
Enjoy the video!
The Saiga KSZ-223 slide-action rifle will debut at the 2017 IPSC Rifle World Shoot in Moscow, in late May