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 officially announced the Saiga KSZ-223 pump-action rifle, 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 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
