Protective Bag For Saiga 12K

So, i have chosen to start writing articles on this Blog. It's a great platform for presenting more "in-depth" material and a great addition to my Survival-Russia YouTube channel. Some topics are just better presented in written form compared to video. On to today's article!

 

This article is about making and modifying your own gear/kit/equipment. I have chosen this path for several reasons. One is that i live in an area with forests and marshland the size of some European countries. I have 250 km and 450 km to the closest larger cities, with only settlements and small towns in between. Gear/kit is not easily available. Another reason is, that when using a given ruck, set of clothing or whatever, it becomes apparent that they can be improved or made more "task specific". It's of course hard to impossible to buy such customized items. Lastly i will give credit to my friend Ivarr Bergmann for putting me on to this. Check out his site Never Quit

So me and my wife got two sewing machines. One can do the job but an over lock machine is a good thing. The first project was a protective bag for the Saiga 12K. I will explain later the purpose of the bag.

 

 I chose to make the Protective bag from one of my "Plash Palatka's". These are heavy duty canvas poncho's and shelter halves. They measure 180x180cm. 

                                Soviet/Russian Plash Palatka from the 1980's

 

The fabric is not 100% waterproof but close to. Anyway, waterproof is not that important. The bag is for keeping out dirt and crud, if and when crossing rivers, swamps which are plentiful here. Even it's an AK platform, a clean firearm is always nice! The cover will also be useful when the Saiga 12K is strapped to the ruck. A more low key way of transporting it. I am sure it will be useful in many a situation.

The finished bag with carry loops. The bag will be closed with cordage and can be carried with the sling if needed. Very simple!

 A very rewarding first project. Fun and interesting to do. That being said i will have to give credit to my wife. She is a professional tailor and designer and can talk about sewing like a soldier about soldiering. I learned quite a lot on this first project. Making a modifying my own kit also adds to my self reliance. I will of course still need to buy stuff now and then. Kit is an essential part of survival!

Thank you and see until next time. Get out and train and get it done! Out!