"Saiga 12K": description, device, range, photos and reviews

• November 18, 2018
• Weapons and ammunition
• Natali Michaelis

Modern models of hunting weapons meet most of the requirements of Russian hunters. The best example is the Saiga 12K carbine, which was created on the basis of the reliable Kalashnikov assault rifle. Today, there are many modifications of this smooth-bore weapon, which are produced in various designs and for various purposes. The arsenal of the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant is famous for its reliability and ease of operation. We'll talk about this in more detail in our article.

Brief history and description

The Saiga smoothbore carbine was first released in 1990. Its development was carried out by the IZHMASH plant, which by that time had already become famous for the large number of machine guns, rifles and carbines produced. Despite the fact that quite a lot of time has passed since the release of Saiga, the 12K sample does not lose its popularity. Moreover, the plant annually replenishes its model range, producing more and more new models of this hunting rifle. In addition to the model described, it is worth paying attention to such carbines as Saiga 20 and Saiga 20c, produced in 20 gauge.

Visually, the Saiga 12K is very similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifle, however, this smoothbore carbine is designed to fire 12-gauge cartridges. The peculiarity of this type of weapon is that, despite the years of development of the weapons industry, no one has yet managed to surpass a semi-automatic carbine in terms of technical characteristics (thanks to AK). The weapon is highly reliable, unpretentious to operating conditions, has a fairly simple design and does not require frequent lubrication, which is quite nice.

12K and 12C - what is the difference

The Saiga 12K shotgun has fundamental differences from the no less popular Saiga 12C smoothbore carbine. The main one is the length of the barrel, since the 12K model had a specially shortened barrel in order to increase the technical characteristics of the weapon.

Also, another distinctive feature is the presence of a locking mechanism (Saiga 12C does not have one). Saiga 12K has a very short barrel, so the length of the weapon with the butt folded is less than 800 millimeters. According to federal law, such parameters are unacceptable, therefore, before firing a shot, it is necessary to unfold the butt and then remove the weapon from the safety catch.

In all other respects the models are similar. Both weapons are designed for hunting fur and feathered game and both can be upgraded with a variety of accessories and attachments.

Saiga shotgun 12 gauge specifications

Specifications

The 12 gauge Saiga smoothbore carbine has a number of positive features. He absorbed most of them from his prototype, the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but one should not think that the weapon does not have unique features. In order to verify this, it will be enough to look at the weapons passport, which is mandatory with the weapon set, and look at its technical characteristics. They will look something like this:

• type – self-loading smoothbore carbine;
• caliber - 12 millimeters;
• weapon height - 190 millimeters;
• barrel length - 430 millimeters;
• unloaded weight – 3.5 kilograms;
• operating principle – gas engine;
• number of cartridges in the clip – 10+1;
• sighting devices - rear sight and front sight;
• possibility of installing additional sights – available;
• butt is folding.

Based on these technical characteristics, we can say that the weapon is ideal for hunting medium and large animals. The sighting range of a smoothbore carbine loaded with a 12-gauge cartridge is about 50 meters. The accuracy of the shot remains within 50% up to a distance of 65 meters. At longer distances, the weapon is considered practically useless.

Ammo for Saiga 12

The 12 gauge Saiga smoothbore shotgun uses two types of cartridges. Regular 12x70 and reinforced Magnum type. To use this ammunition, the gas release mechanism must be adjusted correctly. It has a regulator with two positions used when firing one of the two ammunition.

It is necessary to take into account that if cartridge cases have even slight deviations from the standard ones, this creates problems when removing them from the magazine.

Advantages

The 12-gauge smoothbore Saiga has a number of advantages over other carbines, thanks to which it is so loved not only by Russian hunters, but also abroad.

• The ability to install additional sighting devices of almost any type: from a collimator and diopter to an optical sight with a thermal imager or night vision device.
• Quite a convenient design of the gun with a relatively light weight. This feature allows the Saiga to be used by almost any hunter of any size.
• Possibility of purchasing a magazine for 4, 8 and 10 rounds. You can also load one round into the receiver, so the maximum amount of loaded ammunition is 11 rounds. Convenient for hunting game birds, where reload speed is important.
• Resistance to various adverse external factors. Like the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the Saiga is quite unpretentious. It will continue to shoot in the cold, in the rain, and even in the mud.
• A simple design, similar to a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Due to this feature, assembling and disassembling the saiga will not be difficult for anyone who listened carefully to the teacher during life safety lessons.

These are not all the advantages of a hunting rifle. The 12-gauge Saiga has excellent technical characteristics and fighting qualities, so you don’t have to worry that the lethal force of the weapon is not enough to kill an elk or a wild boar. The most important thing is to make a well-aimed shot.

General information

"Saiga-12" is a self-loading hunting rifle developed by the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant in 1997 on the basis of the AK-47. For firing, the weapon uses 12-gauge ammunition (18.3 mm), located in a plastic magazine, the capacity of which ranges from 2 to 8 rounds. The weapon is intended for catching small fur-bearing animals, shooting medium-sized predators, as well as hunting game birds. At the same time, Saiga-12 can be used in any climatic conditions, since its main advantage is reliability and high build quality (inherited from the Kalashnikov assault rifle).

It is not difficult to guess that the gun’s automatic operation is based on a gas exhaust mechanism, which was also present in the AK. The weapon also has a three-stage barrel locking system, which makes the process of its use as safe as possible for the hunter and those around him. However, unlike the legendary machine gun, Saiga-12 lost its self-timer, and a gas regulator appeared in the gas release mechanism. The gun effectively uses both conventional and reinforced ammunition (magnum) for shooting. The trigger mechanism is almost completely identical to that of the AK-47.

Flaws

Compared to the list of advantages, the disadvantages of the 12-gauge Saiga are quite few. Some of them seem less significant, others more, but they are still worth mentioning so that the future owner knows what he will have to face.

• The weapon is relatively heavy with a fully loaded 10-round magazine. If there is no point in having so much ammunition, then it is better to purchase an additional magazine that can hold 4 ballistic charges.
• The fuse is designed in such a way that shooting offhand becomes simply impossible. Therefore, most hunters prefer to remove the safety lock immediately after entering the forest. Unfortunately, such non-compliance with safety measures often ended very tragically.

Despite these two disadvantages, the weapon is very popular not only for commercial hunting, but also for self-defense purposes. This is explained quite simply - a huge number of advantages, along with the fact that the prototype of the carbine was a Kalashnikov assault rifle, inspires confidence in buyers. In addition, the price for one set of Saiga 12K is not as high as that of the same American Remington.

Design features of the Saiga-12 smoothbore shotgun

The difference between the Saiga 12 smoothbore shotgun and military weapons is that it was originally intended to fire single shots. It does not have a self-timer mechanism, and there is also no retarder in the trigger mechanism of the carbine. The trigger, sear, and safety switch have been modified; cartridges are fed differently from the magazine to the chamber.

In order to exclude the possibility of using a machine gun magazine with live ammunition in the carbine, the assembly of its attachment to the weapon has been changed. The butt and fore-end of the carbine are like those of hunting rifles, but may be the same as those of a Kalashnikov assault rifle. There are also options for a frame stock, like the AKS-74.

12K isp. 043

It is a classic smooth-bore carbine with a plastic fore-end and butt. The short rail is an analogue of the standard sighting device for a Kalashnikov assault rifle. There is a receiving neck that allows you to install a magazine with cartridges. Intended only for commercial or amateur hunting. It is practically useless for sport shooting or self-defense.

Performances

In addition to the models described, Saiga-12 also has several versions. Why is such a weapon not called a full modification? Yes, simply because the design changes in it are not so significant. Here is a list of the most common versions:

1. "Saiga-12 Spanish" 75" is a self-loading carbine with a quick-release wooden stock. A non-adjustable bar is used as a sighting device. The barrel length is fixed - 580 mm. The carbine is currently out of production.
2. “Saiga-12K-040” is a version of “Saiga-12K”, differing from the original version by an ergonomic handle, as well as a folding butt taken from the Dragunov sniper rifle. The weapon is currently out of production.

1. "Saiga-12 Spanish" 261" is a self-loading shotgun that has a wooden butt with a rotating cheekpiece (SVD type), as well as a magazine receiver. The carbine can also be equipped with a plastic butt. The model has been discontinued.
2. "Saiga-12S isp. 10" - a gun with an "automatic" stock and a fixed barrel length of 580 mm. It is distinguished by the absence of a trigger blocker - the shooter has the opportunity to fire with the butt folded.

1. "Saiga-12K isp. 278" - this self-loading gun has a magazine receiver called the "mine", as well as a plastic butt and pistol grip taken from a Kalashnikov assault rifle. The version is also equipped with various choke tubes.
2. "Saiga-12 Spanish" 340" is an improved self-loading shotgun that uses low-impulse cartridges for firing. It is also possible to quickly release the magazine without taking your hand off the handle.
3. "Saiga-12K isp. 043" is a smooth-bore carbine equipped with a magazine receiver, an adjustable aiming rib (11 millimeters), and a folding buttstock (with locking). Currently out of production.
4. “Saiga-12K isp.030”, “Saiga-12S isp. 031", "Saiga-12-EXP-01 isp. 030" - these three carbines are a service smoothbore carbine designed for the needs of civil servants. Equipped with a Picatinny sighting rail (22 mm) for attaching a body kit.

The Saiga-12C-EXP-01 carbine is actively used by government services

1. "Saiga-12K isp. 033" is a shortened version of the Saiga-12K 030 carbine, the barrel length of which is only 330 mm. Positioned as the best all-around weapon for short-range shooting.
2. “Saiga-12K “Tactics” version 040” is one of the most sophisticated modifications, equipped with a collimator, a folding stock, a choke and three different magazines included.

These are just the versions that are in greatest demand. New versions of Saiga-12 continue to appear on the market every year. Moreover, each subsequent one is, as a rule, much better than the previous one. So if you decide to buy yourself an automatic rifle, you will definitely not feel the lack of variety in the model range.

12K isp. 340

The 340 model was specially made for sport shooting. The 212-caliber carbine does not have any sighting devices. On the receiver there is a rail for mounting optical and collimator sights of the “Weaver” type. To quickly change the magazine, a special release button is used, located under the shooter’s thumb. There is also a bolt handle on both sides, so that both right- and left-handed people can boast of quick reloading. To the left of the bolt is a push-button safety.

12K isp. 030

This model differs from the previous analogue in its folding stock with a rubber butt plate, similar to a Kalashnikov assault rifle. The presence of a receiving neck allows the use of magazines for 10, 8 and 4 rounds of 12 gauge. The receiver cover has a Weaver sighting bar and is attached to the gas chamber using an earring.

But the Saiga of this modification is distinguished by the absence of a blocker, which is found in model 043. Weapons are produced, as a rule, for export to other countries. It is actively used in special forces in Israel and other countries. However, this does not mean that this Saiga cannot be used for hunting wild animals.

Saiga-12K - video

Layout

Saiga smoothbore shotguns inherited the general layout and design of the AK, with a gas release mechanism and locking by turning the bolt. The bolt group and receiver were redesigned to accommodate the use of hunting cartridges, the trigger mechanism lost its self-timer, and a gas regulator appeared in the gas release mechanism to ensure reliable fire with both conventional cartridges and reinforced magnum cartridges.

Main modifications

— “Saiga 12” without a letter index is a self-loading smooth-bore shotgun with a hunting plastic (or wooden) butt and fore-end. Barrel length 580 or 680 mm. Sighting devices - front sight and rear sight (or an adjustable sighting bar on special order) are located above the gas outlet tube.

— “Saiga-12S” is a version of the gun with a folding plastic stock, a fire control handle (similar to an AK assault rifle) and a hunting-type forend. Barrel length 580 or 680 mm. Sighting devices - front sight and rear sight (or an adjustable sighting bar on special order) are located above the gas outlet tube.

- “Saiga-12K”, a shortened self-loading gun - “smoothbore carbine”. The butt and pistol grip (and in some versions, the fore-end) are borrowed from the Kalashnikov assault rifle. A locking mechanism has been introduced into the design, which does not allow the weapon to be removed from the safety until the butt is folded back. Barrel length 430 mm. Sights of the hunting or “automatic” type.

- “Saiga-12S EXP-01” - export version of “Saiga-12K” (without a trigger mechanism locking device).

Saiga-12S version 10

Saiga-12S version 10, right view

Saiga-12S version 10, left view

Self-loading shotgun Saiga-12S version 10 with a folding machine gun stock and a plastic fore-end, a 680 mm long barrel with interchangeable choke tubes, and an adjustable aiming rib (RAR).

Saiga-12K version 30

Saiga-12K version 030, right view

Saiga-12K version 030, left view

The Saiga-12K shotgun, version 030, is equipped with a folding plastic stock with a rubber shock-absorbing butt plate and a special lock that prevents the gun from being fired with the stock folded. The hinged receiver cover has an integrated Picatinny rail for convenient installation of a variety of sighting devices, primarily red dot sights. The gun is standardly equipped with adjustable open sights similar to an AK assault rifle. Additional Picatinny rails at the bottom of the plastic forend and under the gas block on the barrel allow for easy installation of various accessories, such as a foregrip or under-barrel light. To speed up reloading, the gun has an enlarged magazine receptacle.

Saiga-12K version 33

Saiga-12K isp.033, right view

Saiga-12K isp.033, left view

A shortened version of the Saiga-12k 030 smoothbore carbine, with a barrel length of 330. It went on sale in 2016. The developers position it as a weapon for a “universal” shooter - equally well suited for self-defense, practical or recreational shooting, and hunting at short distances. Military origins and the desire for universalization predetermined the main pros and cons of the model. The automatic system of the gun is so well developed that it ensures reliable operation of the automatic even with “inedible” traumatic cartridges with a double rubber bullet, which are “inedible” for almost all semi-automatic devices. The gun is well suited for mounting a wide range of sighting equipment, and is the first in the Saiga series to be standardly equipped with Picatinny mounting rails. In addition, already in the basic configuration, the carbine is equipped with a specially designed muzzle attachment, which allows the use of “knockout” ammunition (to destroy door locks, hinges, etc.) and at the same time works as an effective flash suppressor. It is also possible to use the entire range of 12-gauge Saiga choke tubes. The price to pay for the compactness and ease of transportation of the weapon was a rather low sighting range, associated with an insufficient (by hunting standards) barrel length and a short sighting line. Even with a choke attachment, at distances over 40 meters the declared accuracy is still about 40%, in contrast to the hunting, long-barreled Saiga, which has this figure of at least 60%.

Saiga-12K version 10

Saiga-12K version 010, right view

Saiga-12K version 010, left view

The Saiga-12K self-loading shotgun, version 010, is intended for recreational shooting, hunting and home defense. These shotguns can accommodate a wide variety of 12 gauge cartridges with 70mm or 76mm plastic case lengths. The design of the gun uses reliable gas-operated automatics based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle; cartridges are fed from detachable box magazines, which ensures a high practical rate of fire and a quick change of cartridge type if necessary.

The Saiga-12K shotgun, version 010, is equipped with a folding plastic butt and a “hunting” type plastic forend. The gun has a locking mechanism when the stock is folded.

Saiga 12K “Tactics” version 40

Saiga 12K “Tactics” version 040, right view. With a collimator sight mounted on a piccatini rail on the receiver.

Saiga 12K “Tactics” version 040, left view

One of the most interesting modifications produced by the Izhevsk Legion studio. When developing this model, Legion specialists followed approximately the same path as the IOZ engineers who developed the Saiga isp. 030". It differs from the standard “Saiga 12K” in the installed neck of the magazine receiver, similar to the foreign M16 rifle, which is not present on the original Kalashnikov assault rifle. Because the 12-gauge cartridge is larger than the intermediate cartridge and protrudes more from the magazine jaws, when installed, the magazine rests against the bottom of the bolt, providing resistance to the magazine snapping. If there is a neck, the magazine cannot be “twisted” to the side when trying to insert it with force. The receiver cover is made non-removable; it tilts up on an axis fixed under the block of the gas release mechanism (similar to the AKS-74U type). This solution increases the rigidity of the structure, allowing you to install a universal piccatini rail on the cover for mounting sights. The weapon can be equipped with either a manual or an automatic (rarely lately) bolt stop. Magazines from this version do not fit other variants of Saiga-12 except the Spanish version. 030", but are interchangeable with the magazines of the Vepr-12 shotgun, also based on the AK design and having a magazine neck. There are several variants of this design, differing in the type of forearm and butt.

Saiga-12 version 61

A carbine with a hunting stationary stock and a plastic forend.

Saiga-12 version 65

A carbine with a detachable butt and a plastic fore-end, a barrel 580 or 680 mm long with interchangeable choke tubes, and an adjustable rib. By special order, the carbine can be equipped with a replaceable pistol grip.

Saiga-12 version 71

A carbine with a permanent hunting stock and a wooden fore-end. The barrel is 580 mm long with interchangeable muzzle tubes, the sighting device is a rear sight.

Saiga-12 version 75

A carbine with a detachable stock and a wooden fore-end. Equipped with a handle and replaceable muzzle nozzles. The photo shows a version with an extended sighting bar.

Saiga-12 version 78

A carbine with a permanent AK-type stock, a handle and a hunting forend made of plastic.

Saiga-12 version 85

A carbine with a quick-release stock and a hunting forend made of wood.

Saiga-12 version 102

Carbine series 100: the receiver is closed with a plastic casing, to which the butt, forearm and plastic receiver cover are smoothly connected. The carbine is equipped with a push-button safety. There is a version with a detachable rail - the carbine is equipped with a front sight base with a front sight at the end of the barrel and a detachable rail, which increases the length of the aiming line and increases the convenience of shooting “offhand”.

Saiga-12 version 103

A carbine with a hunting fore-end and a plastic butt.

Saiga-12 version 261

A carbine with a magazine receiver, a butt with a rotating cheekpiece like SVD, and a plastic forend. The carbine can be equipped with a hunting plastic butt. Equipped with replaceable choke tubes. The receiver has a rail for mounting a sight.

Saiga-12 version 265

A carbine with a magazine receiver, a detachable butt and a plastic forend.

Saiga-12 version 271

A carbine with a magazine receiver, a permanent hunting stock and a wooden forend.

Saiga-12 version 275

A carbine with a magazine receiver, a detachable butt and a wooden forend. On special order, the carbine can be equipped with a replaceable handle.

Saiga-12 version 278

A carbine with a magazine receiver, a permanent AK-type stock, a hunting fore-end and a plastic pistol grip. Equipped with replaceable choke tubes.

12s isp. 261

A distinctive feature of this series is that the butt is equipped with a special rotating cheekpiece. Such devices are used for ease of shooting with an optical sight. A striking example of the convenience of a rotating cheekpiece is the Dragunov sniper rifle. Also, this Saiga (photo of the weapon is presented below) has a magazine opening, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of ammunition during the hunt.

12C isp. 76

The carbine differs from the previous ones in its rather long barrel (580 millimeters) and the presence of several muzzle attachments that come with it. This allows you to adjust the spread of the shot flying out of the barrel channel. The Saiga also has a folding stock, which greatly simplifies the process of transporting it. The chamber length for 10 rounds is 76 millimeters. Accordingly, the weapon is designed for 12 gauge.

Reviews

Judging by the reviews of owners on various thematic forums, as well as video reviews of this weapon, we can safely say that the Saiga 12K is one of the best hunting smoothbore carbines for both a novice hunter and a professional. Ease of use, reliability and relatively low price are the most sought-after qualities of modern weapons. Saiga cartridges are quite cheap compared to imported branded analogues for foreign weapons.

Hunters can also do almost anything about Saiga, but we still do not recommend using homemade cartridges or ballistic projectiles of dubious quality. Misfires occur quite rarely, but you should still follow certain safety measures, and then hunting with a smoothbore carbine will bring you only positive emotions and good prey. Happy hunting, dear readers!