Izhmash: IZH
About IZH (Izhmash)
IZH or the Izhevsk Machinebuilding plant (also known as IZHMASH) has the responsibility of building both the most popular and longest lasting single battle rifle in continuous usage (the AK-47) and cars. Yes…Cars. I guess that’s how it works with state run organizations started under the Tsar Alexander the First’s regime. Ok, maybe that’s not the most accurate representation of IZH, they make motorcycles secondarily to Kalashnikov’s.
IZHMASH does a good job at creating multipurpose and long lasting products on the cheap. They have taken what was once a military surplus product in the United States and turned it on its head, marketing rifles more suited to the progressive gun owner. They also have a habit of outfitting the Russian Military very well.
The IZH Saiga has become one of the most popular platforms of any mass produced firearm in the United States and has spawned a legion of offspring (covered more fully below).
IZH Firearms
IZHMASH Saiga
IZHMASH calls the Saiga Rifle a “self-loading hunting carbine”; it’s a rifle based on the AK/Kalashnikov design. The carbines vary little between models and are designated below.
Saiga
The IZH Saiga comes in either 7.62×39 or .223 with a 5 or 10 round magazine and a weight of 8.3 lbs. AS a brand the Saiga has many configurations and options; essentially it’s a milled receiver version of the AK/Kalashnikov design with less obvious parts (cleaned up a bit for outward appearance to look less “assault rifle-like”).
Saiga M
The IZH Saiga M is the “modernized version of the rifle with upgrades to the receiver (heavier) and the bolt (addition of locking lug to make three) and a 25 ¾” barrel. The Saiga M is available in 223 or 7.62×39. It features a hunting style straight stock like the Saiga (original variant).
Saiga 5.6
The Saiga 5.6 is chambered in the 5.6×39 cartridge and has a variety of buttstock configurations.
Saiga 308
The Saiga 308 is chambered for the NATO 7.62×51 cartridge and is available with a variety of buttstock configurations.
Saiga 9
The Saiga 9 is a 9x53R chambered carbine available with a variety of buttstock variations.
Saiga M3
The Saiga M3 is like the Saiga and Saiga M, but has a separate AK style stock with a separate pistol grip and buttstock; it also is available in 7.62×39 and .223.
Saiga M3 EXP01
The Saiga M3 EXP01 is a law enforcement version of the Saiga which is actually much more like the AK style with a plastic stock and flashhider. It does not allow selective fire, rather it shoots semi-auto and safe only. The interesting feature of this Saiga carbine is that it can fire with its folding stock folded down. It utilizes a separate pistol grip and buttstock like the AK.
Saiga Shotguns
Saiga Shotguns are self loading magazine fed style (as opposed to direct tube-loaded magazines like found on most American style shotguns) shotguns.
Saiga 12
The Saiga 12 is a 12 gauge (it can also handle magnum loads) non-rifled shotgun that loads with a below action magazine. It is available in a variety of configurations. The Saiga 12-S is a Saiga 12 with a different operating handle and a folding buttstock. The Saiga 12-K is a shortened version of the Saiga 12 with a folding stock and a locking system to disallow firing with stock in the folded position. The Saiga 12-S EXP01 is the Law Enforcement export version made for American Law Enforcement which allows for firing of the shotgun with a folded stock; other than that feature and the shortened barrel, it is identical otherwise to the Saiga 12-S. The Saiga 12 and Saiga 12-S have a barrel length of 22 ¾”; the Saiga 12-K and Saiga 12-S EXP01 have a barrel length of 17”; the former two Saiga 12’s weigh 7.92lbs. and the latter two Saiga 12’s weigh 7.7lbs.
Saiga 20
The Saiga 20 is a 20 gauge (also capable of firing the magnum loads) non-rifled shotgun which utilizes a magazine fed loading scheme and is made in four variants. The Saiga 20 is a straight stock hunting variant. The Saiga 20 S is the same shotgun with a folding buttstock which cannot be fired while folded. The Saiga 20K is a shortened version of the Saiga 20 with a barrel length of 16.9” and a folding stock. The Saiga 20K cannot be fired with the buttstock folded. The Saiga 20 S EXP01 is a LE export model made to fire in the folded stock position and also utilizes a shortened barrel length of 16.9”. The Saiga 20 and Saiga 20S weigh 7.7lbs. The Saiga 12K and 12-S EXP01 weigh 7lbs.
Saiga 410
The Saiga 410 is a self-loading shotgun with a smooth bore utilizing a stick magazine fed loading scheme to deliver a higher number of rounds on target. It has a straight hunting-style buttstock and small profile sights.
Saiga 410S
The Saiga 410S is a folding buttstock and pistol grip model of the Saiga 410 with polymer stock material.
Saiga 410K
The Saiga 410K is a shortened barrel version of the Saiga 410S which does not allow firing with the buttstock folded, like the 410S’ limitation. The barrel length is 13”.
Saiga 410K 01
The variant 1 of the Saiga 410K is modeled like the AK/Kalashnikov style, with a separate buttstock and pistol grip and a shortened barrel (15.9”)
Saiga 410K 02
Variant 2 of the Saiga 410K features an AK/Kalashnikov style stock configuration like the variant one, except that the variant two has a metal and polymer buttstock option with a wooden forend.
IZH Assault Rifles and Military Sniper Rifles
IZH AKM
The IZH AKM is about as close to the original Kalashnikov design as possible even retaining the original wooden stocks. There are some modernization improvements to the firearm, but the rifle remains vastly unchanged. This version of the IZHMASH Kalashnikov is the Mil-spec version.
IZH AKMS
The IZH AKMS is the same as the above IZH AKM, with the exception that is has a top-folding stock and weighs a bit less when loaded. It is another “mil-spec” version.
IZH AN-94
The Nikonov is the “battle rifle of the New Generation” according to IZHMASH and the Russian Military. It has a three stage firing capability to allow from 1 round per minute fired to 1800 with a middle range of 600 rounds per minute. It has an enhanced recoil reduction technology and is capable of two shot bursts. The rifle is considered the heir apparent of the “aging” Kalashnikov. It shoots the 5.45x39mm Russian Military round
IZH AK-74M
The IZH AK-74M is the original Kalashnikov design chambered for the 5.45x39mm Russian Military round and with updated hi impact plastic furniture. The buttstock folds and the rifle weighs approximately 8.6 lbs loaded with a 30 round magazine. The barrel is 16.3” and the OAL is 37” with stock fully extended; 27.75” with stock folded.
IZH AK105
The IZH AK105 is a near carbon copy of the above IZH AK74M with some minor differences including a flash hider instead of a muzzle brake and a shortened barrel. The Rifle weighs 7.7 lbs. with a loaded 30 round magazine and is 32.5” OAL with extended stock; 23” with folded stock; it employs a 12.4” barrel.
IZH AK101
The IZH AK 101 is an exact copy of the above IZH AK-74M with the exception that the chambering is for the NATO round 5.45x45. The other dimensions and weights are identical.
IZH AK102
The IZH AK102 is an exact copy of the above IZH AK105 with the exception that the chambering is for the NATO cartridge of 5.45x45. All other dimensions are identical.
IZH AK103
The IZH AK 101 is an exact copy of the above IZH AK-74M with the exception that the chambering is for the Russian Military round 7.62x39. The other dimensions are identical; the weight of the loaded gun with magazine is 9lbs.
IZH AK104
The IZH AK102 is an exact copy of the above IZH AK105 with the exception that the chambering is for the Russian Military cartridge of 7.62x39. All other dimensions are identical with the exception of weight, which is 8.15lbs. The IZH AK 104 also has the flashhider and shortened barrel of the IZH AK102 and IZH AK105.
IZH Sniper Rifles
IZHMASH SVD
The IZH SVD is essentially an accurized and adjustable version of a Kalashnikov with a bigger barrel. The SVD has a history of its own, serving a long time as the Russian Military’s long range engagement rifle. It incorporates optics; and an adjustable gas regulator system. The IZHMASH factory claims it is accurate to 1200 meters, though that seems to be stretching the actual precision output of the rifle, which is probably MUCH more effective at 600-700 Meters or less, perhaps topping around 800m. The rifle uses the 7.62x54 cartridge.
IZHMASH SVDS
The IZH SVDS is the original Dragunov Sniper rifle, modernized. The Folding buttstock and optics are signatures of this rifle. It uses a 7.62x54 Russian Military cartridge and has a purported range of 1300 meters, which, again may be pushing it on the round’s ballistics. Likely the round is much more well suited to 800-900 meters as a MAX. With night vision optics the IZH SVDS weighs 13.5lbs. and has a maximum length of 44.75 inches.
IZHMASH SV-98
The IZH SV-98 is a fully adjustable sniper rifle built on a 7.62 x 54 platform good to 1k meters. The green laminate stock is made for wet weather and has a carrying handle on the top. It incorporates a front bipod and rear monopod as well as the option for a suppressor to limit flash, sound and blowback. The IZH SV-98 weighs in at 17.15 lbs. and has a barrel length of 25.5” with an overall length of 54.13”.
IZHMASH SV-99
The IZH SV-99 is set up for usage with the rimmed 5.6 Russian cartridge. It is a special operations fast firing anti-personnel rifle with a detachable buttstock, which folds and a bipod/monopod integral to the unit. The buttstock, when removed allows for a single pistol grip handle for mounting to a station or position or for easier carry. The stock when affixed, is fully adjustable and has a cheek rest as well. The IZH SV-99 comes with a suppressor and has the option for optics. It’s lighterweight than its counterparts at 9.9lbs with a barrel of 13.75” and an OAL of 40.5”.
IZH Sub-Machine Guns
Bizon
The IZH Bizon is a 64 shot (Makarov) or 53 shot (Parabellum) 9mm submachinegun used by special forces and Law Enforcement it uses a linearly aligned magazine parallel with the underside of the barrel and is based on the AK/Kalashnikov style of carbine. It utilizes a folding metal buttstock and includes a sound suppression system as well as an optic/accessory mounting rail. It can be had in 9x18 or 9x19 and weighs 5.94lbs. (9x18) and 6.38lbs. (9x19) and has an overall length of 27” unfolded and 18” folded. The barrel length is just over 8.8”.
Vityaz SM
The IZH Vityaz is a 9x19mm submachine gun very similar to the AK/Kalashnikov style. It has features similar to the HK Mp5, but maintains the AK system and looks. The IZH Vityaz has stick mags matched in pairs for easy and fast reloading and can hold 30 rounds (60 for the block). It has a side folding metal stock and a suppressor as well as a picatinney rail system. It can be fired as a semi auto single shot; or in full auto. The barrel is 9.35 inches and the total size is 27 ¾” unfolded/fully extended and 18.9” folded. The submachinegun is capable of a firing rate of 700RPM.
IZH Sporting Rifles
IZH Korshun
A .22LR auto-loading rifle with a 5 or 10 round magazine, used for sport shooting.
IZH Tigr
The IZH Tigr is a Dragunov style Sporting rifle with a slim profile and a thumbhole stock. It is available in the following calibers: 9.3x64; 7.62x51/.308; 7.62x54R. Other variants allow for different buttstocks, optics and muzzle brake options/
SM-2
The IZH SM-2 is a heavy barrel, special stock version of the bolt action biathlon sty;e rifle in .22LR with high adjustability and peephole sights (diopter sights).
Biathlon 7-3
Anschutz barreled biathlon style .22LR rifles with high end sights and heavy adjustability in the stock and trigger. This particular model is made specifically for women and children.
Biathlon 7-4
The Male version of the 7-3 noted above.
IZH Bolt Action Rifles
Bars 4-1
A standard bolt action hunting rifle. Available in 5.6x39; 7.62x39 and .223Remington.
Los 7-1
The IZH Los 7-1 is a medium game bolt action rifle which uses a .308 Winchester chambering.
Los 9-1
The IZH Los 9-1 is a detachable box magazine big game hunting rifle chambered in the 9.3x64 cartridge.
Sobol
Crank (as opposed to a bolt) loaded manual rifle in .22LR.
SM2k0
Bolt action .22LR.
BI72k0
Adjustable, crank style manually loaded .22LR rifle with a 5 round magazine.
Other IZH firearms
IZH Military Shotgun
The IZH Military shotgun is an AK/Kalashnikov style shotgun with a high capacity magazine fed action.
IZH (Izhmash) in the United States
As a state run facility the IZHMASH factory offers quite a lot of firearms to suit the needs of Russian Military and citizens, running the gamut of styles and purposes for firearms from law enforcement and military special operations to sporting needs. OF late IZH (IZHMASH) has been a major player in the United States civilian market, though they have yet to really penetrate the Law Enforcement market, and will never be a player in the Military sector of the United States.
