Who needs “a semi-automatic shotgun that wants to be an AK-47 when it grows up?” Sometimes it’s not about need.
Coming in at #4 on our list of the Top 10 Tactical Shotguns is the famous (infamous?) Saiga 12–a semi-automatic shotgun that wants to be an AK-47 when it grows up. Built on an AK-47 body, the Saiga, made by Izhmash, is immediately recognizable as a Russian weapon. The Saiga 12’s greatest advantage is the ability to accept detachable magazines, giving it unmatched capacity.
Official Description:
The “Saiga-12” self-loading smooth bored shotgun is intended for professional and sport hunting of small-and medium-size game under any climatic conditions.
The shotgun comes with 12-ga. smooth bored barrel and the chamber which accepts the ammo equipped with shot or slugs including “Magnum” cartridges with 70 and 76 mm cartridge case.
The shotgun is used to deliver single shots. It is reloaded automatically due to the energy of powder combustion gases bled from the barrel bore through the barrel port. The shotgun may be equipped with a sight leaf adjustable for windage and elevation, which makes zeroing and firing at moving targets more convenient. The gas motive unit is adjustable to match the parameters of internal ballistics inherent to the standard cartridges and “Magnum” cartridges, as well. For the purpose of diversifying operational capabilities the shotgun may be equipped with muzzle adapters of different chokes, including the muzzle adapter “Paradox”.
The shotgun may be produced with a quick-detachable butt and quick-detachable pistol grip to make storage and transportation more convenient and to enhance its maneuverability. The “Saiga-12” shotgun is manufactured in four versions: “Saiga-12”, “Saiga-12S”, “Saiga-12K”, “Saiga-12S ЕХР-01”.
The “Saiga-12S” differs from the “Saiga-12” in the availability of a special folded butt and an operating handle. The folded butt makes carrying and storing the shotgun more comfortable. The “Saiga-12K” has a short barrel and a trigger/firing mechanism locking device to prevent the shotgun from firing when the butt is folded. Being an export version of the “Saiga-12K”, the “Saiga-12S ЕХР-01” is not equipped with a trigger/firing mechanism locking device. Atop the receiver is a rail for the optical-sight mount accommodation.
Specifications:
| Gauge | 12 |
| Cartridge | 12×70 or 12×76 |
| Trigger pull, kfg | 1.5-3.7 (3.3lbs – 8.16lbs) |
| Barrel Length, mm | 580 (22.8″) |
| Overall Length, mm | 1145 (45 inches) |
| Weight, kg | 3.6 (7.9lbs) |
| Magazine Capacity | 2, 5, or 8 |
| Drum Magazine Capacity | 12, 20, 100 |
Top 10 Tactical Shotguns
1-Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Tri-Rail
2-Remington 870 Express Tactical with Blackhawk
4-Saiga 12–a semi-automatic shotgun
6-Mossberg 930 SPX Pistol Grip
7-Winchester SXP Extreme Marine Defender
8-FN Herstal SLP MK I Tactical
Originally posted on June 11, 2013.
