A Few Aspects Of Combat Application Of Shotguns In Russia

dZ · January 9, 2002, 04:37 PM

A FEW ASPECTS OF COMBAT APPLICATION OF SHOTGUNS IN RUSSIA

As regards combat use of shotguns, a considerable amount of experience has been accumulated by the US forces of special designation, law enforcement and also in South Africa.

In Russia this class of firearms as combat weapons has been accepted for service only recently. Shotguns have been in use mostly by SPETSNAZ - Russian Forces of Special Deployment. The police still prefer the PM Makarov pistol and the AK assault rifles. However, thanks to the promotional and educational efforts of Russian developers and manufacturers shotguns gain more attention.

However, a combat shotgun, as a definition does not exist in the Russian Law.In the United States, for example, there are several main parameters that define a semi-automatic weapon as an assault arm. These are as follows:
1. folding or telescopic stock;
2. a pistol grip that conspicuously protrudes under receiver;
3. a possibility of attaching a bayonet;
4. flash suppressor or threaded part of the muzzle that makes it possible to attach a suppressor or a grenade launcher.

Any two of the above features in combination with the auto-loading capability make the weapon an assault arm. In addition to the main parameters, there are additional features that are characteristic of a military firearm: ventilation holes on the handguard, adjustable gas regulator, etc.

In the UK, as specified by Section 1 of the Firearms Act of 1968 (as amended), a civilian auto-loading shotgun should have a barrel of 24 inches (610 mm) long, while the length of the weapon with folded butt-stock should never be less than 40 inches (1000 mm). If a shotgun fails to meet such requirements, it falls within Section 5 of the above Act, and is treated as Munitions of War.

In Russia things are different. A shotgun that features a short barrel, folding stock, a pistol grip, flashhider and a detachable magazine are legal and can be made available for commercial markets. There are, however, certain limits. A magazine can hold a maximum of 10 rounds, and the length of barrel-receiver assembly, with stock retracted, should not be under 800 mm. At any time, a sporting firearms should not have a bayonet lug.

So, according to the US and West European Law the SAIGA-12K semi-auto civilian shotgun is clearly defined as an assault weapon.

In fact, a shotgun deserves greater attention as a means of warfare at short ranges.

Statistically, in 100% of fire exchanges, lethal are 95% of the targets defeated with a shotgun, compared to 47-50% hit with an automatic weapon and 3-4% hit with a handgun.

There are types of operations that can be best performed with a shotgun. "Dynamic entry" and "Close Quarters" are just a few to mention.

continues:
http://club.guns.ru/eng/symposium.html

interesting tactical wear:

striderteen · January 9, 2002, 07:29 PM

Hmmm...I may move to Russia now. The Saiga 12K is one sweet gun, although I prefer the Benelli M4 Super 90 and the Franchi SPAS-12.

Dave R · January 9, 2002, 10:45 PM

Hmmmm, that tactical arm cuff looks like it would have application for bird hunting, too. Just the thing for fast reloads or load selection for a double...

kotengu · January 9, 2002, 11:14 PM

I saw a couple of guys at a 3-gun match that used a similar forearm cuff on their support arm - it made reloads VERY fast!

January 9, 2002, 04:37 PM	#1
dZ Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: Exiled, Fetid Swamp, DC Posts: 7,548	A Few Aspects Of Combat Application Of Shotguns In Russia A FEW ASPECTS OF COMBAT APPLICATION OF SHOTGUNS IN RUSSIA As regards combat use of shotguns, a considerable amount of experience has been accumulated by the US forces of special designation, law enforcement and also in South Africa. In Russia this class of firearms as combat weapons has been accepted for service only recently. Shotguns have been in use mostly by SPETSNAZ - Russian Forces of Special Deployment. The police still prefer the PM Makarov pistol and the AK assault rifles. However, thanks to the promotional and educational efforts of Russian developers and manufacturers shotguns gain more attention. However, a combat shotgun, as a definition does not exist in the Russian Law.In the United States, for example, there are several main parameters that define a semi-automatic weapon as an assault arm. These are as follows: 1. folding or telescopic stock; 2. a pistol grip that conspicuously protrudes under receiver; 3. a possibility of attaching a bayonet; 4. flash suppressor or threaded part of the muzzle that makes it possible to attach a suppressor or a grenade launcher. Any two of the above features in combination with the auto-loading capability make the weapon an assault arm. In addition to the main parameters, there are additional features that are characteristic of a military firearm: ventilation holes on the handguard, adjustable gas regulator, etc. In the UK, as specified by Section 1 of the Firearms Act of 1968 (as amended), a civilian auto-loading shotgun should have a barrel of 24 inches (610 mm) long, while the length of the weapon with folded butt-stock should never be less than 40 inches (1000 mm). If a shotgun fails to meet such requirements, it falls within Section 5 of the above Act, and is treated as Munitions of War. In Russia things are different. A shotgun that features a short barrel, folding stock, a pistol grip, flashhider and a detachable magazine are legal and can be made available for commercial markets. There are, however, certain limits. A magazine can hold a maximum of 10 rounds, and the length of barrel-receiver assembly, with stock retracted, should not be under 800 mm. At any time, a sporting firearms should not have a bayonet lug. So, according to the US and West European Law the SAIGA-12K semi-auto civilian shotgun is clearly defined as an assault weapon. In fact, a shotgun deserves greater attention as a means of warfare at short ranges. Statistically, in 100% of fire exchanges, lethal are 95% of the targets defeated with a shotgun, compared to 47-50% hit with an automatic weapon and 3-4% hit with a handgun. There are types of operations that can be best performed with a shotgun. "Dynamic entry" and "Close Quarters" are just a few to mention. continues: http://club.guns.ru/eng/symposium.html interesting tactical wear: __________________ "O tell the Lacedomecians to damn the torpedoes." BOTR, Chapter V: Some Monsters

January 9, 2002, 10:45 PM	#3
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	Hmmmm, that tactical arm cuff looks like it would have application for bird hunting, too. Just the thing for fast reloads or load selection for a double... __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

January 9, 2002, 11:14 PM	#4
kotengu Member Join Date: November 21, 2001 Location: Cookeville, TN Posts: 71	I saw a couple of guys at a 3-gun match that used a similar forearm cuff on their support arm - it made reloads VERY fast! __________________ "The way is in training" - Miyamoto Musashi

January 9, 2002, 07:29 PM	#2
striderteen Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2001 Location: Pasadena, California Posts: 590	Hmmm...I may move to Russia now. The Saiga 12K is one sweet gun, although I prefer the Benelli M4 Super 90 and the Franchi SPAS-12.