The highly anticipated SAIGA-12K Gas Blowback Shotgun from Tokyo Marui finally gets to be released on the 2nd of June 2023. First announced in 2021,  the SAIGA-12K presents the newest category in airsoft guns, the “Gas Blowback Shotgun” category which follows also the other new category that Tokyo Marui also introduced, the “Automatic Electric Shotgun” or AES in the form of the AA-12 AES several years back.

There were setbacks in its development as it was first anticipated to be released in late 2021 but with technical issue encountered during its development, Tokyo Marui delayed its release. During the 61st Shizuoka Hobby Show early this month, the SAIGA-12K GBBS got is own shooting booth wherein visitors were able to try and gave their feedback, and also as testing ground for the company to ensure that it is ready for primetime.

Videos below show to prominent Japanese airsoft blogger, Hyperdouraku testing it during the trade show:

The Saiga-12 is a semi-automatic shotgun based on the AK mechanism and designed for civilian use. The Saiga-12K is a variant model for law enforcement agencies and the first in this gas blowback shotgun series. The Saiga-12 originated from the AK series that was developed in the former Soviet era. It was initially intended for hunting, but later the Saiga-12K with a shorter barrel was also introduced for law enforcement purposes. It can be fired like an assault rifle and it uses a box magazine, which makes reloading easy. It is a popular shotgun in markets outside of Russia.

A new dedicated blowback engine has been developed to enable simultaneous firing of 3 shots and blowback action. Moreover, by measuring the real weapon, the accuracy of each part has been improved. It features a Saiga-specific blowback engine that uses a large piston with a diameter of about 19mm. The bolt also moves along with the firing, creating a strong recoil effect.

It reproduces the same functions as the real weapon, such as loading the first round by operating the bolt handle and locking the bolt back when the magazine is empty. Additionally, takedown (normal disassembly for maintenance) can be done in a similar way to the real weapon.

The Saiga-12 is equipped with an auto-stop system that detects when the magazine is empty and stops firing. In addition, by turning off the auto stop cancel switch on the top of the magazine, you can enjoy dry firing without any BBs in the magazine.

By reflecting the data that measured the real thing, the reproducibility of each part shape is improved. In addition, the receiver cover and selector lever are made of steel press just like the real thing. The front sight can be adjusted up and down with a special adjustment tool. In addition, various optical sights can be mounted by attaching the separately sold "Side Lock Mount Rail for AK74" to the side rail equipped on the receiver.

The Saiga-12 comes with a resin case magazine with 45 BBs and a temperature measurement seal on the internal gas tank’s surface.

If you have been eyeing this airsoft gun to be your major purchase in 2023, better place your pre-orders at your favorite retailer.  It is expected that initial stocks will be a snapped up by the Japanese domestic airsoft market with overseas buyers to follow through third party sellers.