Double Bell Saiga-12K AEG

If you're into the Saiga-12 look but want an affordable alternative to the TM GBB, the Double Bell Saiga-12K AEG is the next best thing! This Saiga-12K replica is a Saiga on the outside and an AK AEG inside, meaning it isn't really a shotgun but does benefit from the vast AK AEG upgrade aftermarket. The set also includes 2 magazines, one styled after the real steel Saiga-12K short magazine and one a standard AKM-style mid-cap, meaning AK AEG magazines are a go with this unique shotgun/rifle hybrid!

Starting at the front, we can find the intimidatingly large shotgun-like bore, appropriately simulating the real Saiga-12K despite this being an AK AEG under the skin! The barrel is 16 inches in length, just like the real Saiga-12K. The inner barrel is slightly recessed inside the outer, concealing any telltale signs that this is an AEG, ideal for photoshoots and looking the part. 

Moving rearwards, we come to the handguard, a perfect match for the real Saiga-12K. On either side, we have grippy diamond checkering for optimal traction, a great match for the checkering on either flank of the pistol grip. The front sling point is located on the bottom of the handguard, ready to be paired with the rear sling point on the stock and a two-point rifle sling. 

Above the handguard, we can take note of the massive gas tube and gas block, matching the real Saiga-12K proportions perfectly. Running along the top of the gas tube, we have a shotgun-style sighting system, known as a "bead sight". The bead sight is great for instinct aiming and ideal for Airsoft where very few skirmishers actually use their sights! The bead sight is located at the front of the heat mirage-reducing shroud and has an adjustment dial just below, though this appears to be non-functional. 

As we reach the receiver we can take note of its stamped steel construction, giving the Saiga-12K a substantial and realistic feel in the hands. The receiver has standard AK-style controls on the right side, with a fire selector lever which doubles as a dust cover when in safe mode, and a charging handle attached to an authentic black dummy bolt carrier.

Matching the control layout of the real AK rifle, the first position on the fire selector is fully auto and the lowermost position is semi-automatic. Each fire mode is denoted by a crispy engraved authentic Russian Cyrillic marking, adding some realism to this already very realistic AK. 

The receiver also features several rivets in all the right places, as well as the receiver strengthening dimples present on all Russian stamped AK receivers. The top cover is also stamped from steel and is the correct smooth design without reinforcement ribs, just like the real Saiga-12K.

To access the adjustable HOP-up unit of the Saiga-12K, simply hold the charging handle to the rear to reveal the slider adjustable HOP-up unit. The slider unit is known as one of the best designs out there, and that is the reason this unit has not changed in design since the original Tokyo Marui AK-47 AEG. To increase the HOP effect, simply move the slider rearwards. Returning the slider to the front will reduce the HOP to its lowest setting. 

Being a top-wired design, the battery compartment of the Saiga-12K is beneath the top cover. To access the battery compartment, simply press the button at the rear of the top cover and it should come straight off, revealing the Deans battery connector. We recommend a 7.4V LiPo battery in AK stick configuration for the Saiga-12K but you can just about squeeze in certain stick batteries designed for AR buffer tubes if you are very careful when reinstalling the top cover. With the battery connected and installed, you can place the top cover back into the Saiga-12K, align the button with the hole in the rear of the top cover, and pull the charging handle to lock the cover down if necessary.

The pistol grip is a standard AKM/AK-74 type pistol grip, with diamond checkering on either side to ensure the Saiga-12K stays firmly in your grasp in any weather conditions. The trigger guard and magazine release can be found just ahead of the pistol grip, and are constructed from steel to provide solid magazine locking and ample rigidity. The magazine release is placed in the centre of the receiver and is accessible from either side of the AEG. The magazine retention system of the AK platform is a "rock and lock" motion, requiring you to first index the front "hook" on the magazine inside the receiver, then rock the magazine to engage the catch.

The stock of the Saiga-12K is a side folding polymer stock, matching that of the real AK-74M and allowing for easy storage in smaller gun bags as well as allowing for greater utility in tight quarters. The stock makes use of the same mechanism found on the AKS-74, the early AK-74 variant issued to paratroopers and vehicle mounted infantry, the difference being that the Saiga-12K stock is polymer, reducing weight and increasing comfort over the older steel skeleton stock.

Folding the stock requires that you press the button on the rear left of the receiver, and to unfold it again you will need to press the protruding button on the butt plate of the stock to disengage the hook on the side of the receiver and release the stock from its locked position. This folding mechanism is excellent and it is no surprise the Russians chose to only change it minimally; once the stock is locked in either position it is there to stay, with no chance of inadvertent folding or unfolding of the stock when working under pressure.

Inside this affordable Saiga, we are surprisingly well-equipped! The alloy version 3 gearbox is rocking 18:1 ratio steel gears running on 8mm slide bearings and a quick change spring system for easy power tuning. The inner barrel is a 6.05mm tightbore example, giving you a slight bump in FPS and improvements in accuracy potential when compared to the standard 6.08mm bore. 

If you want the Saiga look but don't want to part with big money, the Double Bell Saiga-12K AEG is the one to go for. With most of the iconic Saiga details externally and reliable, upgradable AK AEG internals inside, this is a fantastic economical alternative to the Tokyo Marui version!

Features

• Full metal construction
• 6.05mm Tightbore inner barrel
• Shotgun-sized outer barrel - Chunky!
• Saiga-12 style gas block & gas tube - Considerably sized up compared to an AK
• Saiga-12K style handguard - Mimics the real Saiga-12K perfectly
• Ambidextrous magazine release - Centrally positioned, just like an AK
• 3 Position fire selector - SAFE - FULL AUTO - SEMI AUTO
• Shotgun-style bead sights - Great for fast target acquisition
• Textured pistol grip - AK style, diamond checkering on each side
• Slider adjustable HOP-up unit - Great design, very effective
• Version 3 gearbox - Steel gears running on 8mm ball bearing bushings
• Quick change system - Change the main spring without disassembling the gearbox
• Sling points front and rear - Front sling point on the handguard, rear on the stock
• Top wired: Mini-Tamiya battery connector - Recommended battery: 7.4V 1450mAh LiPo
• Two magazines included - One Saiga style high-cap, one AKM style mid-cap
• Compatible with AK47/74 AEG magazines - Ideally 7.62x39mm style but most will work fine

Package Includes

• Double Bell Saiga-12K AEG
• 300rnd Saiga-12 style High-cap magazine
• 120rnd AKM style Mid-cap magazine