Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the combat shotguns category.
01 / Overview
Saiga-12
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1997–
Quantity
12
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
COMBAT SHOTGUNS · POST-COLD WAR
19
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
87
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the combat shotguns category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General3MOD.3
- First Production Year1997
- DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
- Weight (Empty)3.6 kg
◈Cartridge & Calibre5MOD.5
- Cartridge12-gauge
- Calibre12 mm
- Calibre Classshotgun gauge
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation9MOD.9
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modessemi-automatic, automatic (if converted)
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity10
- Drum / Belt Capacity30
- Cyclic Rate of Fire20
- Practical Rate of Fire20
- Safety Typelever safety
◇Ballistics2MOD.2
- Effective Range (point)70 m
- Effective Range (area)70 m
◆Barrel & Sights4MOD.4
- Barrel Length580 mm
- Sight TypeIron sights
- Optic RailYes
- Iron SightsYes
▤Construction3MOD.3
- Folding / Collapsing StockYes
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Modularityvertical insertion system, interchangeable muzzle attachments, Picatinny rail
⬢Features3MOD.3
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Production Start1997
- Variants6
◎Additional Dimensions1MOD.1
- Height190 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1997Production started
- 2014First deployment: Russo-Ukrainian War
29
years in service
12
units produced
9
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
05 / Operators
Operator Countries9country
06 / MASS Score
COMBAT SHOTGUNS RANKING Combat Shotguns · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
47COMBAT SHOTGUNS19POST-COLD WAR · COMBAT SHOTGUNS404RUSSIA · ALL WEAPONS12PERFORMANCE/PRICE · COMBAT SHOTGUNS
ⓘ Rankings are within theCombat Shotgunscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources