Once a common and inexpensive shotgun choice in America, Saiga 12s have surged in value since they were banned from importation in 2014. Are they still worth it?
What Are Saiga Shotguns?
- Made At Izhmash Factory (Now Kalashnikov Concern) In Russia
- Semi-Auto AK-Style Action
- Made In 12-Gauge, 20-Gauge, And .410 Bore
- Several Different Models Imported
- Currently Only Available Secondhand
The American firearms market in the early 2000s was very different from what it is today. While there are a plethora of magazine-fed shotgun options available now, the shotgun world back then was still mostly dominated by tube-fed traditional designs. So, when Russia began exporting reliable, semi-automatic, magazine-fed shotguns based on the AK’s long-stroke piston system, it definitely turned a few heads.
Now that almost seven years have passed since their importation was banned, are Saiga shotguns still worth looking at?
History
Saiga shotguns began their life shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Designed originally as a sporting and hunting shotgun for the Russian commercial market, its popularity quickly surged as people realized its potential for tactical applications. Shortly after, Izhmash began modifying the design to optimize it for police and military use. These changes included moving the trigger assembly forward to allow for the installation of standard AK furniture, including a folding stock. They also began making larger magazines for them and shortening their barrels. These tricked-out variants were mostly employed by Russian SWAT-style police units, like those attached to the MVD (Ministry of Internal Affairs).
Police agencies from several countries outside of Russia have procured Saiga shotguns as well, even including some French counter-terrorism units.
What To Look For
Over the years there were a plethora of Saiga shotgun models imported into the U.S. The most significant distinction between all of them, however, is the location of the trigger assembly. On the original hunting variants, which is the most common variant stateside, the trigger is at the bottommost part of the receiver, compatible with the hunting-style rifle stock. The other models have the trigger in the normal AK location, allowing for the use of standard furniture. Some of the hunting models in the U.S. have been converted, however, so if you are inspecting a Saiga with a standard AK pistol grip check for weld marks where the original pin holes may have been covered up. If done professionally, this is not a problem and generally raises their value and desirability.
When Saiga 12s were first imported and still relatively unknown, they would sell for about $350. By 2009, the price had gone up by about $200 and people were discussing whether they were still a good buy or not. Now after almost seven years since the last one entered the country, they sell for closer to $1,000 for even a basic, unconverted model.
Right Choice For You?
Saiga shotguns in any chambering are great, reliable guns. Their design left a serious impact on the tactical shotgun world and inspired many copies. So, if you want a semi-auto, magazine-fed shotgun, are Saigas still worth considering? At their current price, unfortunately, probably not due to the abundance of similar designs on the market today. Buying a Saiga today is very much an investment. With no more Russian guns to likely ever be imported again, all Russian AK variants have begun demanding a premium for their collectability. If that’s what you’re interested in doing, no problem, but for those looking for a shooter in the current year, it's probably best to look at some similarly designed guns that were not made in Russia.
For more information on Saiga shotguns, please visit kalashnikovconcern.com. Note that the manufacturer's site lists their current Saiga model offerings, many of which were never imported to the U.S.
More On AK Shotguns And Similar Designs
- The Molot Vepr-12 AK Shotgun
- Are AK Shotguns
The Best Combat 12-Gauge? - The Escort DF12 AR Shotgun
- The Armscor VR82 20-Gauge AR Shotgun
- The Escort BTS Bullpup Shotgun
Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack
Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.
Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.
