Specifications
semi-automatic shotgun
3.5 kg
12 Gauge
150 ft (46 m; 50 yds)
1990s
Izhmash Russia
Izhmash Russia
Gas-operated, rotating bolt
5 or 8 shots in detachable box magazine
The Saiga 12 is a 12-gauge shotgun available in a wide range of configurations, visually patterned after the Kalashnikov series of assault rifles. In Russia, homecountry of Saiga 12, this shotgun can be relatively easily obtained, requiring only a "smoothbore-gun license". In other countries it's classified as an "assault weapon" as it is a semiautomatic shotgun. This shotgun has earned a high level of respect for both its lethality and its reliability. The Saiga 12 was produced in a handful of variants and can fire a wide variety of calibers, ammunition types and magazines. It can work in any climate. Russian special forces are primary users of the fabulous Saiga-12 series.