• Reading time:9 mins read
  • Post category:Gun Magazines
  • Post last modified:April 23, 2023
  • Post published:July 27, 2021

Saiga 12 is a Russian gas-operated shotgun, which is not easy to buy on the US market. These semi-automatic shotguns and parts for them are increasingly rare, because of the import ban from Russia in 2014.

Best Saiga 12 Magazines - Editor's Choice

Accurate firing is the main purpose for any shooter. A good shooting performance completely depends on a reliable magazine. If you notice bent feed lips, cracked spines, or wonky followers, retire old magazines to prevent malfunctions.

Why Do We Need Saiga 12 Magazine?

The magazine is a shooting gear for the rounds loading (unloading), consisting of its housing, a follower, a floor plate, and a spring. Everyone wants the best magazines to ensure accuracy hitting the target. Good magazines should function after being in dirt and sand, being dropped many times during reloads, firing thousands of rounds.

Best Saiga 12 Magazine | Saiga 12 Magazines Reviews

ImageProductProductBrand
Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Box MagazinePro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Box MagazinePro MagBUY
SGM Tactical Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun MagazineSGM Tactical Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun MagazineSGM TacticalBUY
Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Drum Magazine SAI 05Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Drum Magazine SAI 05Pro MagBUY
AGP Arms- Saiga-12 10rd MagazineAGP Arms- Saiga-12 10rd MagazineAGP ArmsBUY
Kalashnikov USA - KS 12 magazine 12 GAKalashnikov USA - KS 12 magazine 12 GAKalashnikov USABUY

#1 Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Box Magazine

Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Box Magazine

Specification

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Magazine Capacity: 5 and10 Round

The ProMag offers Saiga 12 Ga 2.75in Shell Shotgun Box Magazines for dependable shooting in the field and spare ammunition. A heat-treated chrome silicon wire magazine spring integrated with a rigid injection-molded magazine follower delivers flawless feeding into the shotgun mags. These Magazines are designed from proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer construction to make their housing tough, but lightweight.

Pros:
  • Sturdy injection-molded magazine follower;
  • Fits rounds;
  • Durable design;
  • Metal feed lips;
  • Possible to leave them loaded for an unlimited period;
  • Tough polymer construction;
  • Convenient for grip sides;
  • Holds 10 rounds.
Cons:
  • Needs to fix cooling sag;
  • Spring is weak to push on the shells;
  • The magazine build design doesn’t fit all Saigas;
  • Needs to trim to fit: it may be necessary to dremel a little off the part that the latch locks to make the mags slide into the magwell easier;
  • Heavy until you fire 5 times;
  • Does not fit Magwell of SDS Imports Lynx-12;
  • Not for someone with zero smithing abilities.

#2 SGM Tactical Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Magazine

SGM Tactical Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Magazine

Specification

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Magazine Capacity: 2, 5, 8 and10 Round

SGM Tactical Magazines are crafted from a proprietary glass-filled polymer (a Dupont composite) to ensure sturdy, long-lasting external construction and a slick inside surface for fast rounds feeding. A bit longer spring delivers more even pressure, being especially covered for smoother action and better moisture resistance. According to the SGM Tactical recommendations, heavy loads should be used only in 8 round magazines, light loads – regardless of capacity. The low-capacity mags are great for areas with strict gun laws.

Video review

Pros:
  • Durable shell;
  • No play or wiggle;
  • Wide choice of magazine capacity from 2 to 10 Rounds;
  • Three polymer components are 922r compliant;
  • Operates flawlessly in SDS Lynx;
  • Lightweight;
  • Excellent fit and lockup with Academy’s JTS AK12 style shotgun;
  • Outstanding product molding and finish.
Cons:
  • Doesn’t fit an Academy’s JTS 12 gauge;
  • Warps shotgun shells: doesn’t even feed the ammo, gets caught up in the lower receiver;
  • Jams almost every round or every other because of tight fitment;
  • Low capacity: unavailable in the 12-round version.

#3 Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Drum Magazine

Pro Mag Saiga 12 Gauge Shotgun Drum Magazine SAI 05

Specification

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Magazine Capacity: 10 Round

This 12-rds drum magazine with a 5-inch diameter holds only 2-3/4 in ammunition for the semi-automatic shotguns (Saiga 12-gauge). The mags are crafted of a high-impact black polymer with steel reinforcement inserts for extra sturdiness. These units should be compatible with Kalashnikov USA Komrad 12.

Pros:
  • Gun and magazine operate well;
  • 10 rounds take 3″ 3″ kicks like a mule.
Cons:
  • Needs hand fitting.

#4 AGP Arms Saiga-12 10rd Magazine

AGP Arms- Saiga-12 10rd Magazine

Specification

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Magazine Capacity: 10 Round
Weight: 12oz

AGP designed magazines from injection-molded glass-filled Nylon with Stainless Steel Spring. These mags provide high capacity due to a little extra space to simplify it to seat in a shotgun when full. This Saiga-12 magazine consists of the body, follower, and floorplate, which are marked “USA” on.

Pros:
  • The main three parts are made in the USA;
  • High impact polymer.
Cons:
  • None yet.

#5 Kalashnikov USA – KS 12 magazine 12 GA

Kalashnikov USA - KS 12 magazine 12 GA

Specification

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Magazine Capacity: 5 and 10 Round

These OEM magazines are compatible with Saiga 12-gauge, Vepr12 shotguns, and Kalashnikov USA KS1; and they are available in 5 round or 10 round capacities. The mags are milled from rigid, lightweight, and dependable polymers.

Video review

Pros:
  • Ensures accuracy;
  • Reliable construction;
  • Easy to adjust;
  • Lightweight, but durable.
Cons:
  • None yet.

FAQ

Why is Shotgun best for home defense?
The 12-gauge pump shotgun with the due setup is considered the best home defender. Shotguns cast a wider shot pattern and can take down an intruder even in the most inexperienced hands.
Will a Saiga 12 shoot 3 shells?
The Saiga 12 can run well in 3-inches and 2 3/4-inches. It’s better to adjust the gas system to 2 for the buckshot and slugs. You can change it to 1 for using lighter rounds.
Is it OK to keep gun magazines loaded?
The main issue is in the spring wearing-out, which may happen in both cases: leaving the loaded mags to full capacity for a long time or often loading-unloading. It’s not recommended to store the loaded magazine for more than 4 months, as it may give a slow loss of spring tension some amount over time.
Will VEPR mags fit Saiga?
It is possible to use any reliable Saiga 12 stick duly done magazine in the VEPR 12.
Is a Saiga 12 legal?
Despite the import ban on Izhmash products, including Saiga, there is no prohibition to own magazine-fed shotguns in the federal law.
Why is the Saiga 12 banned in the USA?
Saiga shotguns and rifles are produced by Izhmash, the Russian Federation (RF). These products’ importation was blocked by Barack Obama in 2014 (Executive Order 13662) as a result of the Crimea annexation by the RF.
Is the Saiga 12 a good shotgun?
As any AK pattern weapon, Saiga 12 features a bit rough square trigger and its pull, the action feels like oiled sandpaper.
Which is better: Saiga or VEPR?
A well-performed Saiga delivers 2 MOA, it features a better trigger and some custom loads. The VEPR is heavier but more suitable for shooters, who are getting used to longer shots with heavier rounds and don’t mind carrying the extra weight.
Both the Saiga and the VEPR in 21-in are not so accurate, because of the additional weight.

Conclusion

There is not a big choice of Saiga 12 mags in the US market because of their import ban. While purchasing the magazine, check the follower quality, as it ensures flawless feeding performance. The best spring material should be stainless steel to resist corrosion, dirt, and debris. Polymer or metal bodies are the most durable materials. The sturdy magazine construction delivers its flawless work without dent. If you live in the states, where the magazine capacity is limited, you can choose models chambered for 5 or 10 rounds cartridges.

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