Baikal MP-153

     Notes: This is a semiautomatic gas-operated shotgun built for magnum loads.  The MP-153’s parts are made from high-strength steel, and the gun is equipped with a gas regulator to ensure trouble-free firing despite the load used.  To further ensure reliability, the chamber, inside of the barrel, and some other parts are chrome-plated.  The MP-153 is fed from a tubular magazine; this magazine’s feed can be blocked with a catch so that special loads can be fed into the chamber manually.  As with most Baikal shotguns, there are several automatic safeties and a manual safety catch. 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

MP-153 (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.6 kg

6 Tubular

$714

MP-153 (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.64 kg

6 Tubular

$724

MP-153 (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.68 kg

6 Tubular

$734

MP-153 (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.76 kg

5 Tubular

$796

MP-153 (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.8 kg

5 Tubular

$806

MP-153 (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.87 kg

5 Tubular

$816

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

MP-153 (24”, 3”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

4

Nil

59

MP-153 (26”, 3”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

MP-153 (28”, 3”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

70

MP-153 (24”, 3.5”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

62

MP-153 (26”, 3.5”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

68

MP-153 (28”, 3.5”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

73

 

Izhmash Saiga Series

     Notes: The Saiga series of shotguns are derived from the Kalashnikov design and use the basic Kalashnikov method of operation.  Externally, the Saigas look very similar to the Kalashnikov series of assault rifles; however (mostly to accommodate the ammunition), the Saigas are internally quite different from the Kalashnikov assault rifles. 

     The primary differences, of course, are in the size of the receiver and operating parts.  The internal guide rails for the bolt carrier group have been moved, and a gas regulator has been added (the Saigas are able to use 2.75” or 3” shells, but this gas regulator must be adjusted in order to change between shell sizes).  This gas regulator also has the secondary effect of helping to mitigate felt recoil.  The magazines and the magazine well are necessarily of different dimensions, and of course the barrels are entirely different; they are smoothbore and wider in width.  Most versions of the Saiga series come in fixed-stock and folding-stock versions, and in varying barrel lengths depending upon the version.  Most of the furniture is of polymer, while the metalwork is steel.  (Wood furniture is also available.) The Saiga series may be finished in virtually any color or pattern the buyer wishes.  Saigas may digest virtually any sort of standard 12-gauge ammunition, including shot, slugs, custom loads, and those with cases made from cardboard, plastic, and brass.  The standard barrel is 19 inches, and screw-in choke tubes are available from Izhmash.  Construction is largely of stamped steel, except for some of the internal parts.  Finish is a non-reflective matte black, with polymer parts also matte black.  A First, the Saiga was available only with a standard “sporting” stock, though now the Saiga is available with a stock with a pistol grip.  The safety/selector appears to be a standard AK-type lever, but the safe position blocks the trigger, sear, and rearward travel of the bolt.  The Saiga has a two stage trigger; many say the first takeup is a bit long and creepy, and suddenly breaks into the second takeup.

     The Saiga-12 series is designed for 12-gauge ammunition, and feeds from 5, 8, or 10-round magazines.  (The 10-round magazines are rather rare, as they proved to be clumsy.)  The basic Saiga-12 uses a 22.8 or 26.8-inch barrel; most of the length of this barrel is exposed and it can be damaged if roughly treated.  The Saiga-12 uses only a fixed stock.  The Saiga-12S is basically the same, but is equipped only with a 22.8-inch barrel and has a shorter stock.  The Saiga-12K is a short variant with a 16.9-inch barrel and a side-folding stock. (The Saiga-12K cannot be fired with a folded stock; the mechanism will not allow this; however, it is known that this interlock can be disabled, using an Average: Gunsmith roll.)  The barrels of the Saiga-12 series are made exclusively with Cylindrical chokes. Saiga-12s seen the hands of Russian police and military forces are often seen with barrels tipped with flash suppressors and MIL-STD-1913 rails added to the tops of the receivers and/or the handguards.  These versions cost 1% more than standard Saiga-12s.

     The Saiga-20 and Saiga-410 are quite similar to the Saiga-12 series, but fire 20-gauge and .410-gauge ammunition respectively.  They appear to be simply Saiga-12-series shotguns scaled down to a smaller size.  However, the Saiga-20, Saiga-20S, Saiga-410, and Saiga-410S use a 26.4-inch barrel, while the Saiga-20K and Saiga-410K use a 22.4-inch barrel.  In addition, the Saiga-20 series may be had with barrels which have Cylindrical or Improved Cylindrical choke, while the Saiga-410 series may be had with barrels which have Cylindrical or Modified Choke.

     In 2009, MD Arms in the US introduced a 20-round drum magazine for the Saiga-12 series.  These drums may had with interchangeable rear covers in black, smoked gray, or clear.  These drums fit only in the Saiga-12 series, and do not fit other shotguns.

     In 2010, Tromix Lead Delivery Systems in the US began producing their version of the Saiga-12: The Tromix S-17.  The S-17 is designed for home defense and close-quarters battle; it’s 8-inch barrel is so short that owning one requires special licenses in the US, and if it didn’t have a stock, it could be considered a pistol.  (Tromix also sells versions with 10, 12, and 14 inch barrels.) Tromix essentially rebuilt the Saiga, using not only the abbreviated barrel tipped with a Shark muzzle brake, but tweaking and custom-building many parts of the Saiga to greatly increase reliability.  A great improvement is the S-17’s ability to digest just about any 12-Gauge ammunition with ease; stock Saigas are notoriously finicky about the ammo they can fire reliably.  Another problem that domestic production of Saiga parts (they have a license from Izhmash) is that they have been able to standardize and greatly improve manufacturing quality; stock Saigas can greatly vary in quality and even part measurement, leading to some Saiga parts not actually being interchangeable.  (This is one of the root causes of the Saiga being so finicky about ammo; the gas system, and particularly the gas ports, can vary in construction greatly in stock Saigas, and there is actually a lively industry in improved aftermarket Saiga parts in the US).  The pistol grip of the S-17 is taken from the M-249 SAW, the trigger pack is designed by Tromix, but is interchangeable with a standard Saiga trigger pack, the charging handle is the same as that of the Galil assault rifle, and the sights are Heckler & Koch designs, with night inserts. The folding stock has a hefty recoil pad. The handguards have been replaced with more ergonomic Kross Hellion handguards. Tromix deliberately limits orders for the S-17; they are a relatively small (though growing) firearms firm and in the past have had problems fulfilling orders (something that partially led to the demise of the Sledgehammer line of rifles).

     Tromix will also rebuild your existing Saiga shotgun, improving most of the defects of the original Saiga shotgun.

     Arsenal of Bulgaria also builds a version of the Saiga-410; in fact, the receivers are mostly imported from Russia.  Arsenal’s SGL-41 uses a 19-inch barrel, standard AKM sights, and the barrel is tipped by a muzzle brake.  The brake is designed to allow the SGL-41 to use screw-in choke tubes. It is otherwise similar to the Saiga-410, though the stock does not fold.  They also build the 12-Gauge model, calling it the SGL-12; like the SGL-410, it does not have a folding stock.  In both cases, the shotguns have a chromed bore.  They have screw-in choke tubes that allow for Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes.

     R&R Targets also produces a rebuild kit for the Saiga-12. This primarily involves refinishing the parts to make them more reliable, a shortened 19-inch barrel designed to take Remington choke tubes, the installation of an sliding stock, the use of an AR-type magazine release, and a beefy, ventilated barrel jacket with a saw-toothed muzzle which extends beyond the muzzle of the shotgun barrel.  The saw-toothed stand-off muzzle of the jacket allows it to be used as a door-breaching implement as well as to blast rebar.  The rebuilds make the R&R Targets’ version unable to use 3” Magnum ammunition. The rebuild is beefy and heavy, and well put-together.

     Another rebuild of the Saiga is more dramatic; this is the Kushnapup Bullpup Saiga. This involves not merely dropping the Saiga into a bullpup stock; due to the operation of the Saiga, cocking levers, magazine releases, and selector levers had to be moved and modified, with extensions placed to actuate the internal machinery behind those levers.  It’s not considered to be too difficult, but a modicum of gunsmithing experience is recommended.  The modification does require work that makes it difficult (ie, find the right parts all over again) to return the Saiga-12 to its original configuration. The bullpup shell is of modern polymer, and is strong, light, and impervious to most chemicals. It includes the pistol grip, trigger housing, and foregrip.  The Kushnapup is long enough to pass US regulations without having to get an SBR license. Atop the weapon, just behind the barrel root, is a short length of MIL-STD-1913 rail for optics.  A foregrip is built in with the foregrip connected to the pistol grip by a polymer spar. The trigger is not enclosed inside a trigger guard, though the design does allow for the installation of one or one of many other trigger packs. The internal works are for the most part the internal workings of the original Saiga-12. The barrel which comes with the Kushnapup kit is 18 inches long and tipped with a flash suppressor that also has a standoff for shooting locks or rebar, but any Saiga barrel can be used.

 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: MD Arms’ drum magazines do not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline, nor does Tromix’s S-17, the SGL-41, or the R&R Targets version, or the Kushnapup.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Saiga-12 (22.8” Barrel)

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.81 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$714

Saiga-12 (26.8” Barrel)

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.9 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$734

Saiga-12S

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.58 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$714

Saiga-12K

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.49 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$704

Saiga-20

20 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.22 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$590

Saiga-20S

20 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.03 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$590

Saiga-20K

20 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

2.95 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$590

Saiga-410

.410 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

2.81 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$395

Saiga-410S

.410 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

2.64 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$395

Saiga-410K

.410 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

2.57 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$395

Tromix S-17 (8” Barrel)

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.37 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$709

Tromix S-17 (10” Barrel)

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.42 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$719

Tromix S-17 (12” Barrel)

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.47 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$729

Tromix S-17 (14” Barrel)

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.52 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$739

SGL-41

.410 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.11 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$333

R&R Targets Saiga-12

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.35 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$612

Kushnapup-12

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.63 kg

5, 8, 10, 20D

$616

Kushnapup-20

20 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.31 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$469

Kushnapup-410

.410 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

3.12 kg

2, 5, 8, 10

$265

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Saiga-12 (22.8”, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

3

Nil

49

Saiga-12 (22.8”, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

3

Nil

56

Saiga-12 (26.8”, 2.75”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

8

3

Nil

59

Saiga-12 (26.8”, 3”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

3

Nil

67

Saiga-12S (2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

3

Nil

49

Saiga-12S (3”)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

3

Nil

56

Saiga-12K (2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6*

4

Nil

36

Saiga-12K (3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6*

4

Nil

39

Saiga-20 (2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

3

Nil

49

Saiga-20 (3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

3

Nil

55

Saiga-20S (2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

4

Nil

49

Saiga-20S (3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

4

Nil

55

Saiga-20K (2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6*

4

Nil

41

Saiga-20K (3”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6*

4

Nil

46

Saiga-410 (2.75”)

SA

3/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

7

2

Nil

33

Saiga-410 (3”)

SA

3/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

7

2

Nil

37

Saiga-410S (2.75”)

SA

3/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

7

2

Nil

33

Saiga-410S (3”)

SA

3/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

7

2

Nil

37

Saiga-410K (2.75”)

SA

3/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

3/5*

3

Nil

27

Saiga-410K (3”)

SA

3/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

3/5*

3

Nil

31

Tromix S-17 (8”, 2.75”)

SA

3/1d6x16 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

3/5

3

Nil

11

Tromix S-17 (8”, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

3/5

2

Nil

12

Tromix S-17 (10”, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/5

2

Nil

16

Tromix S-17 (10”, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/5

2

Nil

18

Tromix S-17 (12”, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/5

3

Nil

22

Tromix S-17 (12”, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/5

3

Nil

24

Tromix S-17 (14”, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6

3

Nil

27

Tromix S-17 (14”, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6

3

Nil

30

SGL-41 (2.75”)

SA

2/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

6

2

Nil

23

SGL-41 (3”)

SA

2/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

6

2

Nil

26

R&R Targets Saiga-12

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6/7

4

Nil

41

Kushnapup-12 (2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5

4

Nil

35

Kushnapup-12 (3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5

4

Nil

39

Kushnapup-20 (2.75”)

SA

3/1d6x16 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5

4

Nil

29

Kushnapup-20 (3”)

SA

3/1d6x16 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5

4

Nil

33

Kushnapup-410 (2.75”)

SA

2/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

5

2

Nil

19

Kushnapup-410 (3”)

SA

2/1d6x8

1-Nil/Nil

5

2

Nil

22

*Though the Saiga series will fold to a smaller bulk, it cannot normally be fired with the stock folded. Of course, the Kushnapup cannot be folded.

 

Molot Vepr-12

     Notes: Based on the Vepr rifles (which are themselves based on the RPK-74), the Vepr-12 is a semiautomatic shotgun which is meant for a broad range of applications, from military and police work to sport shooting (they actually meet IPSC regulations).  In addition, the Vepr-12 was designed specifically to compete with the Saiga-12 shotgun, and in Russian police, military, and security market the Vepr-12 is apparently doing quite well in this regard.

     Though the operation of the Vepr rifles and Vepr-12 are quite similar, there are also a number of changes, mostly to accommodate the different ammunition. In addition, there is a small selector switch on the left side of the receiver in addition to the large AK/RPK-type paddle lever on the right.  The gas system is self-regulating, primarily to cope with varying loads and types of 12-gauge ammunition.  The magazine housing has been redesigned to allow the magazine to be inserted quickly, straight in, without the need to put the front of the magazine in first and rock it back like Vepr rifles or other weapons based on the AK/RPK series.  Construction is largely of stamped steel, but the fore-end, pistol grip, and magazines are of high-strength polymer.  (In addition, the Vepr-12 can use all Saiga-12 magazines, but not vice-versa.)  All Vepr-12s also have a side-folding skeletonized steel stock which is coated with polymer and has a butt with a ventilated rubber recoil pad.  The top of the receiver is fitted with a true MIL-STD-1913 rail; under the fore-end is another short MIL-STD-1913 rail (Vepr-12s are normally sold with a folding foregrip to attach to this rail, but it can also take any other accessory).  A further very short MIL-STD-1913 rail (long enough for tactical lights or laser aiming modules or suchlike) is under the gas block. 

     There are three versions of the Vepr-12.  The standard Vepr-12 has a 16.9-inch barrel tipped with a removable flash suppressor/standoff attachment; the Vepr-12-01 has a 20.5-inch barrel and the same muzzle attachment, but it is non-removable; and the Vepr-12-02 (designed primarily for sporting use), has a 26.8-inch barrel, but with no muzzle attachment; instead, it comes with a complete set of interchangeable chokes.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Vepr-12

12 Gauge 3”

3.9 kg

5, 8, 10

$725

Vepr-12-01

12 Gauge 3”

4 kg

5, 8, 10

$736

Vepr-12-02

12 Gauge 3”

4.2 kg

5, 8, 10

$762

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Vepr-12

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5/7

3

Nil

40

Vepr-12-01

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6/7

4

Nil

50

Vepr-12-02

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6/8

4

Nil

67

 

TOZ-87

     Notes: This semiautomatic shotgun is gas operated and fed by a tubular magazine; it is basically similar in appearance and operation of most shotguns of its type in the West.  The TOZ-87 has been available since 1986, but only recently in the West.  The TOZ-87 has a magazine cutoff button; when pressed, the feed from the magazine is stopped, but the chamber may still be manually loaded, so that different or special ammunition may be used.  The standard tubular magazine holds four rounds, but an extended magazine is available which allows seven rounds.  There is only one gauge (12 gauge), but there are several versions.  The standard TOZ-87 has a simple smoothbore barrel with no barrel rib and a fixed Full choke.  The TOZ-87-01 is the same, but it has a ventilated sighting rib above the barrel.  The TOZ-87-02 has a shorter 26-inch barrel, and comes with interchangeable chokes of Cylindrical, 1/2, and Full.  The TOZ-87-03 is basically a TOZ-87-02 with a ventilated sighting rib above the barrel.  The TOZ-87-04 is designed for slug shooting (though it can also fire shot, since it has a smoothbore barrel); it has rifle-style sights and a short 21.25-inch barrel with no choke.  The TOZ-87-05 is the same weapon with interchangeable chokes of Cylindrical, 1/2, or Full.  The stock and fore-end of all these weapons are made from walnut root, and have steel metalwork.  In all cases, deluxe models are available with finer woods and engraving with inlays of various materials.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

TOZ-87/87-01

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.2 kg

4 Tubular

$617

TOZ-87/87-01 (Extended Mag)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.3 kg

7 Tubular

$618

TOZ-87-02/03

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.2 kg

4 Tubular

$607

TOZ-82-02/03 (Extended Mag)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.3 kg

7 Tubular

$608

TOZ-87-04/05

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.1 kg

4 Tubular

$583

TOZ-87-04/05 (Extended Mag)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.2 kg

7 Tubular

$584

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

TOZ-87/87-01

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

62

TOZ-87-02/03

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

57

TOZ-87-04/05

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

46

TOZ-87-04/05 (Ext Mag)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

4

Nil

46

 

TOZ-112

     Notes: This interesting weapon is sort of a cross between a single-barreled shotgun and a magazine-fed semiautomatic rimfire rifle.  The weapon may be breeched like a conventional single-barreled shotgun; this allows one to insert a 20 gauge shotgun shell of any type in the bottom barrel.  When the weapon is breeched in such a manner, the entire breech block/receiver hinges downward, instead of a simple breech block.  The magazine feeds the top barrel, which is rifled and chambered for .22 Long Rifle rounds.  On the neck of the weapon is a barrel selector to allow the shooter to fire from the shotgun barrel or the rifle barrel – both cannot be done simultaneously.  As with many of TOZ’s weapons, there is also a deluxe model, with better woods, engraving, and inlays of silver.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

TOZ-112

20 Gauge 2.75” + .22 Long Rifle

3 kg

1 Internal + 8

$489

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

TOZ-112 (20 GA)

SS

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6

5

Nil

46

TOZ-112 (.22)

SA

1

Nil

6

1

Nil

50