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Saiga 12ga. w/ Tapco SAW Style Pistol Grip and Adjustable Stock and 12rd. MagazineModel: Saiga-12
Proving once again that the Kalashnikov series can be adapted to any purpose, the Saiga series of shotguns is heavily based on the AK-47 rifle, effectively an AK converted to shotgun shells. It has the same action and controls, allowing for easy cross-training among weapons.

The Saiga-12, a roughly 20-year-old design, has some minor changes from the AK; the gun is sealed against dirt when the bolt is forward due to a redesigned extraction port, a non-rotating extractor to simplify construction, and an adjustable two-position gas system to change the amount of gas flow in the mechanism so that high-power loads (like slugs and buckshot) don't damage the mechanism.

Along with guns chambered in 20 gauge and .410 bore, there are rifles in various calibers using the same mechanism. The Saiga-12 can be found in various configurations with different barrel lengths, pistol grips, traditional rifle stocks, folding stocks, etc. The Saiga Taktika mod 040 is a modernized version with a Picatinny rail, hinged dust cover, straight magazine insertion (instead of the "rock-and-****" of the AK), and a proprietary 8-round magazine.



Specifications:
Weight:
 3.6kg (7lb15oz) (Saiga-12, Saiga-12S)
3.5kg (7lb11oz) (Saiga-12K, Saiga-12S EXP-01)
Length:
 1,145mm (3ft9.1in) (Saiga-12)
1,060mm (3ft6in) stock extended / 820mm (2ft8in) stock folded (Saiga-12S)
910mm (3ft0in) stock extended / 670mm (2ft2in) stock folded (Saiga-12K, Saiga-12S EXP-01)
Barrel Length:
 580mm (1ft11in) (Saiga-12, Saiga-12S)
430mm (1ft5in) (Saiga-12K, Saiga-12S EXP-01)
Cartridge:
 12 gauge
20 gauge
.410 bore
Action:
 Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Muzzle Velocity:
 1760 fps (536 m/s)
Effective Range:
 50 yd (45 m) with buckshot
100 yd (90 m) with slugs
Feed System:
 Detachable box magazine. 2, 5, 8, 10
Detachable drum. 20
Sights: Iron sights
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Where to find

The Saiga-12 is a popular semi-automatic shotgun due to its reliability.While not especially common in firearms shops (outside of Russia, where it's a very popular firearm in general), it can be found for about $500.


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Complexity

Much like the AK it's based on, the Saiga is extremely reliable due to the loose tolerances in the weapon. This doesn't make it as accurate as, say, a competition gun, but it probably won't fall apart on you.
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Controls

List all controls in a bullet point format, with their location and how to manipulate them; what does what, basically. Example below.
  • Safety: Located on the right side of the receiver; down for FIRE, up for SAFE.
  • Magazine release: Located in front of the trigger guard; push forward.
  • Bolt catch (not all models): Located on the trigger guard; pull the bolt back and push to hold the bolt back.
  • Charging handle: Located on the right side of the upper receiver.

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Loading

Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
  1. Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
  2. Take a loaded magazine and engage the front of the magazine in the magazine well, then rock it back into place until it clicks.
  3. Ensure the safety is OFF.
  4. Pull the charging handle back and let it snap forward to chamber a round.
  5. Push the safety up to activate it.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

    Cannot be done.

Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
  1. Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
  2. Take a loaded magazine and engage the front of the magazine in the magazine well, then rock it back into place until it clicks.

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Unloading

How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
  1. Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
  2. Push the safety up to activate it.
  3. Push the magazine release forward and remove the magazine by rocking it forward, then pulling it down.
  4. Push the safety down to deactivate it.
  5. Pull the charging handle back and examine the chamber for ammunition.
  6. Release the charging handle.
  7. Pull the trigger.

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Field Stripping

How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.
  1. Point in a safe direction. Critical step in case the gun accidentally discharges!
  2. Unload the weapon as described above.
  3. Ensure that the bolt is forward and safety is on.
  4. Depress the upper receiver release latch button and depress the latch.
  5. Pull the dust shroud away from the receiver body.
  6. Push the upper receiver latch forward until it is free from the latch rails and remove the latch.
  7. Disengage the safety and pull the bolt assembly to the rear and remove.
  8. Move the bolt backward, turn it half a turn counter-clockwise, and remove it from the bolt support.
Reverse to reassemble


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