This modern Russian semi-automatic shotgun has been based on the famous and time-proven Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle design.
The “K” version was intended as a security, police and self-defense weapon, and is widely used by Russian special forces (Spetsnaz) and private security services. The Saiga 12K has proven to be both a versatile and effective weapon for close range situations, such as counter-terrorist operations inside buildings.
One of the significant superiorities of semi-auto shotguns in comparison to pump-action weapons is the high possible rate of fire. Even an average shooter firing the ‘Saiga-12′ can shoot a series of five targets in a bit more than two seconds; a difficult task for any pump-action shotgun regardless of the skill of an operator.