LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
Saiga-12
Photo: SpetsnazAlpha · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
REC // INTEL FEED

Saiga-12

Combat Shotguns · Russia · 1997
ADD TO COMPARE

Saiga-12

Saiga-12
Saiga-12 Photo: SpetsnazAlpha · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Close-Range Lethality
75
Ammunition Versatility
60
Capacity
70
Reliability
85
Handling
70
Breaching Capability
65
Pattern Control
55
Ergonomics
60
Technology
50
Cost-Effectiveness
90
Origin Russia
ManufacturerKalashnikov Concern
CategoryCombat Shotguns
EraPost-Cold War
In service1997
Operators9 countries
Quantity12
Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
69
Combat Shotguns MASS Rating
19/35
Post-Cold War
47/107
All-Time
Combat Shotguns · 10 axes scored
Close-Range Lethality
75
Ammunition Versatility
60
Capacity
70
Reliability
85
Handling
70
Breaching Capability
65
Pattern Control
55
Ergonomics
60
Technology
50
Cost-Effectiveness
90
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the combat shotguns category.
01 / Overview
Saiga-12
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)
—
69
combat shotguns category
ⓘ 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
▣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
▤Construction3MOD.3
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
  • Production Start1997
  • Variants6
◎Additional Dimensions1MOD.1
  • Height190 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1997Production started
  2. 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
Saiga-12 1997
// DERIVATIVES
Saiga-20 2005
05 / Operators
📖 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
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Combat Shotguns entry →