The Saiga-12, a Russian-made autoloading shotgun, faces restrictions in several countries and jurisdictions due to its design characteristics and potential for misuse. Its classification and legality often hinge on interpretations of laws regarding assault weapons and high-capacity firearms.
Factors contributing to these restrictions include its AK-pattern design, magazine capacity, and perceived military-style appearance. Some regulatory bodies consider these attributes as contributing to the firearm’s suitability for criminal activity, leading to import bans or specific restrictions on ownership.
