KS-12 SERIES

OWNER’S MANUAL

KS-12 SERIES

SEMI AUTOMATIC 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS

MANUAL CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND THEM BEFORE

USING THIS FIREARM. IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU DO

NOT UNDERSTAND, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SEEK

ADVICE FROM A CERTIFIED FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR OR

COMPETENT GUNSMITH.

Version 4.1

WARNING

WARNINGS

ICONS IN OWNER’S MANUAL

HAZARDS

ILLUSTRATIONS IN OWNER’S MANUAL

DANGEROUS PROCEDURES

GENERAL SAFETY RULES & PROCEDURES

FIREARMS SAFE HOME STORAGE CHECKLIST

1. DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

1.1 MODELS

1.2 FEATURES

1.3 SPECIFICATIONS

1.4 COMPLETE SET OF COMPONENTS

1.5 DESIGN

2. DESIGNATED USE

2.1 LIMITATION IN SERVICE

2.2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2.3 BEFORE USE

2.4 OPERATING PROCEDURE

3. MAINTENANCE

3.1 GENERAL

3.2 FIELD STRIPPING

3.3 REASSEMBLY AFTER FIELD STRIPPING

3.4 CLEANING AND LUBRICATION

4. TRANSPORTATION

5. STORAGE

SCHEMATICS & PARTS LIST

WARRANTY

INDEX

KS-12 SERIES

SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN

OWNER’S MANUAL

KS-12

KS-12T

PRIOR TO REMOVING THIS GUN FROM ITS PACKAGING, AND

PRIOR TO HANDLING, LOADING AND FIRING, CAREFULLY AND

THOROUGHLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS ENTIRE OWNER’S

MANUAL WHICH GIVES ADVICE ON THE FIREARM‘S PROPER

HANDLING, FUNCTIONING AND SAFE USE. YOUR SAFETY AND

THAT OF OTHERS (INCLUDING YOUR FAMILY) DEPENDS ON

YOUR RESPONSIBLE COMPLIANCE WITH THAT ADVICE, GOOD

JUDGMENT AND COMMON SENSE. FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS

ON YOU. YOU CANNOT FORGET, YOU CANNOT OVERLOOK, YOU

CANNOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE DISTRACTED, YOU CANNOT

BECOME COMPLACENT OR CASUAL WITH FIREARMS. THERE ARE

NO “FOOLPROOF” FIREARMS. ONCE A SHOT IS FIRED, IT CANNOT

BE CALLED BACK. A FIREARM IN YOUR HANDS CAN CAUSE

UNINTENDED DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY HARM IF YOU FAIL TO

FOLLOW SAFE GUN HANDLING RULES AND PRACTICES SUCH AS

THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL.

REMEMBER, FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU! IF YOU ARE

UNFAMILIAR WITH FIREARMS, SEEK SUPERVISED INSTRUCTION

FROM A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR.

Important WARNINGS and SAFETY PRECAUTIONS must be read and

understood before using this ﬁrearm. SAFE GUN HANDLING IS YOUR

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL TIMES. Disregarding the warnings

and safety precautions in this manual can result in injury or death to you

and others, as well as damage to property.

• Directions and procedures for handling, loading, ﬁring, unloading,

disassembling and assembling this ﬁrearm.

• Instructions for care, cleaning and repair of this ﬁrearm. This OWNER’S

MANUAL is designed to help you in learning how to properly and

safely use and care for your Kalashnikov USA shotgun. Only when you

are certain you have fully familiarized yourself with the function of your

ﬁrearm, should you practice loading, unloading, and ﬁring with live

rounds of ammunition at a ﬁring range or other safe location.

WARNING!

This OWNER’S MANUAL should always accompany the ﬁrearm and

be transferred with the ﬁrearm on change of ownership or possession.

Should you ever need to replace it, this manual is available FREE upon

request from Kalashnikov USA or on the Kalashnikov USA website at

www.kalashnikov-usa.com.

DANGER—indicates an imminently hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious

injury.

WARNING—indicates a potentially hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious

injury.

CAUTION—indicates a potentially hazardous situation

or an unsafe practice, which, if not avoided, could

result in minor or moderate injury or property damage.

ICONS IN OWNER’S MANUAL

HAZARDS

Before you start, familiarize yourself with the icons you will see in the

manual.

ILLUSTRATIONS IN OWNER’S

MANUAL

The illustrations in this manual may differ slightly from the actual product.

The illustrations in this manual relate to the right hand shooter

conﬁguration.

CAUTION

WARNING

DANGER

DANGEROUS PROCEDURES

WARNING! Always have the headspace checked by a

competent gunsmith with “Go” and “No-Go” gauges after

replacing the bolt or barrel assembly. Failure to check the

headspace may result in personal injury or death to you and

others and could cause severe damage to the ﬁrearm.

WARNING! If your gun misﬁres with a live round in the

chamber of a hot barrel, immediately remove the round

while keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction and

the ejection port turned away from your face. If unable

to remove the live round within 10 seconds, remove the

magazine, keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, and

wait 15 minutes for the barrel to cool. Then remove the

round.

Continuous or rapid ﬁring of your gun can cause the barrel

temperature to reach a “COOK OFF POINT”, where the

heat of the barrel can cause a live round to ﬁre from

remaining in contact with a hot chamber. If you have been

ﬁring continuously or rapidly, do not allow a live round

to remain in the chamber when you ﬁnish ﬁring, as it may

“COOK OFF” (FIRE). Always keep your face, hands, and

other body parts away from the ejection port when clearing

a hot chamber.

WARNING! Never ﬁre your gun with any obstruction in the

barrel as this could cause the gun to explode! Be sure the

barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.

WARNING! While ﬁring, if you experience a noticeable

difference in sound or recoil, STOP FIRING! The cause

for either condition could be incomplete powder burn, a

cartridge with a primer but no powder (“SQUIB LOAD”)

or too little powder, and/or a bullet stuck in the bore.

Immediately unload the gun and check for unburned

powder residue in the bore and the receiver or a bullet

stuck in the bore. Remove the unburned powder before

resuming ﬁring. If a bullet is stuck in the bore, have a

qualiﬁed gunsmith take care of the problem. Never try to

WARNING

GENERAL SAFETY RULES AND

PROCEDURES

WARNING! Careless and improper handling of this gun

could result in unintended discharge, causing injury, death

or property damage. Safety must be the ﬁrst and constant

consideration when handling a ﬁrearm and ammunition.

SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU.

CAUTION! This ﬁrearm was designed to function properly

in its original condition. Do not alter any parts. Do not

replace any parts unless you are factory-trained to do so

and then use only original factory parts from Kalashnikov

USA. Any alterations or changes made to a ﬁrearm after

its manufacture can make the gun unsafe and will void its

warranty.

WARNING! This ﬁrearm should always be carried with the

chamber empty and with the safety on “SAFE” to prevent

accidental discharge.

“SHOOT OUT” a bullet stuck in the bore. Firing with

unburned powder in the barrel or a bullet stuck in the bore

could cause the barrel to explode causing serious injury or

death.

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION! The manufacturer of this ﬁrearm disclaims

any liability for the use of re-manufactured, reloaded or

hand-loaded ammunition. Use only factory new, quality

ammunition. The use of improper caliber or low quality

ammunition could result in injury, death and/or property

damage upon ﬁring. Remember, ﬁrearms safety depends

on you!

WARNING! Always handle and treat your ﬁrearm as if it

were loaded so you will never ﬁre it accidentally when you

mistakenly think it is unloaded. Never take anyone’s word

that it is unloaded. Always check it yourself with your ﬁngers

off the trigger and the gun pointed in a safe direction.

Even after you have conﬁrmed that the gun is unloaded,

continue to treat it as if it were loaded. Never look down a

barrel.

WARNING! Keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe

direction at all times. A safe direction is one in which an

unintentionally ﬁred shot will not cause any physical injury

or property damage. Never let the muzzle of a ﬁrearm

point at any part of your body or another person, or in

any direction where an injury may result if the gun were to

ﬁre. Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond and

around it before ﬁring.

WARNING! Do not pull the trigger or attempt to ﬁre until

the safety selector has been moved to the FIRE position.

DANGER! DO NOT allow any ﬁngers of your non-shooting

hand to enter the trigger guard at any time. If you do so,

there is a chance your non-shooting hand or ﬁngers could

touch the trigger, unintentionally ﬁring the ﬁrearm and

resulting in death or serious injury.

DANGER! Always keep the safety on “SAFE” and your

ﬁnger outside the trigger area, wrapped around the grip or

braced on the gun’s receiver, until you intend to ﬁre.

WARNING! All persons present must wear suitable eye and

ear protection, and must stand clear of the case ejection

area.

WARNING

DANGER

WARNING

WARNING! UNLOAD ALL FIREARMS WHEN NOT IN

USE. NEVER STORE A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms and

ammunition should be stored separately under lock and

key so that they are inaccessible to children or unauthorized

WARNING! Always make sure your ﬁrearm is not loaded

before cleaning, storing, transporting or handing it to

another person. Firearms should be transported unloaded

and in a protective gun case.

users. Never leave a loaded ﬁrearm, or any ﬁrearm or

ammunition, unattended where an unauthorized user might

have access to it. At the range, any ﬁrearm you lay down

on the shooting bench should be unloaded, and if possible

with its action locked open.

Never let the muzzle of a ﬁrearm touch the ground, mud,

sand or snow, which might obstruct the bore, causing the

barrel to burst when you ﬁre. If you drop a ﬁrearm, pick

it up carefully with it pointed in a safe direction (have all

other people move out of the direction of the muzzle), with

your ﬁnger outside the trigger area and the safety in the

“SAFE” position. Then unload the ﬁrearm and check to

be sure there are no obstructions in the bore. This can be

done safely with a cleaning rod, or by disassembling the

ﬁrearm and looking down the bore from the chamber (rear)

end. If there is any possibility of damage to your ﬁrearm,

have it inspected by a qualiﬁed gunsmith, or return it to

Kalashnikov USA for inspection, before you load or ﬁre it

again.

WARNING

WARNING! Whenever you pick up any ﬁrearm that, even

for an instant, has been out of your direct, continuous

control, the ﬁrst thing you must do, while keeping the

muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your ﬁngers out of

the trigger area, is to open the ﬁrearm’s action (mechanism)

to determine whether or not it is loaded.

WARNING

WARNING! Always wear and require others to wear

commercially manufactured ear protection when shooting.

Without ear protection, the noise from your gun, and other

guns close to you, could leave a “ringing” in the ears for

some time after ﬁring, and could result in your permanent

hearing loss.

WARNING

WARNING! Do not shoot at a hard surface, such as rock,

masonry, metal, water or ice. The projectile may ricochet

and travel in unpredictable directions to strike you or

another unintended person or object, or even an object

that you cannot see.

WARNING! A bullet ﬁred into the air can travel over one

mile, and can kill or seriously injure someone when it comes

down. Never ﬁre into the air.

CAUTION! Before hunting with this or any other ﬁrearm,

take an approved Hunter Safety Course, taught in all states

by the state game commission or by the National Riﬂe

Association (NRA). Follow your state’s game laws at all

times while hunting.

CAUTION! Learn the mechanical and handling

characteristics of the ﬁrearm you are using. Not all ﬁrearms

are the same, and your Kalashnikov USA ﬁrearm has some

unique features. Do not assume that just because you have

experience with other ﬁrearms, you know how to use the

Kalashnikov USA ﬁrearm properly. Read and understand

this manual. If there is anything you do not understand,

contact your ﬁrearms retailer or Kalashnikov USA at

csﬁ[email protected] or telephone 754-222-

1407.

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION! If you have not received formal ﬁrearms

instruction or if you have any doubts about your ability to

handle or use this ﬁrearm safely, seek supervised instruction

from a certiﬁed instructor. Information about sources of

ﬁrearms instruction can often be obtained from your local

police department, ﬁrearms retailer, gun club, shooting

range, state game commission, or from the National Riﬂe

Association (NRA), 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia

22030, telephone 1-703-267-1000 or 1-800-672-3888.

CAUTION

WARNING! If at any time you notice something about

the appearance or functioning of your Kalashnikov USA

ﬁrearm that does not seem proper or that causes you

concern, STOP, unload your ﬁrearm immediately, and do

not load or ﬁre your ﬁrearm until you have it inspected and,

if necessary, repaired by a factory-trained armorer, or by

Kalashnikov USA. If you ﬁre your Kalashnikov USA ﬁrearm

extensively, have it professionally inspected and serviced

periodically (annually is a good average interval) by a

factory-trained armorer or by Kalashnikov USA.

WARNING! Firearms and alcohol do not mix. Never

drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs before or during

shooting. This constitutes criminal disregard for your

safety and that of others. Some medications can impair

your vision, balance, reﬂexes, coordination, alertness

or judgment. Never use a ﬁrearm while you are taking

medication unless you have checked with your doctor

to ensure you’re ﬁt to handle your ﬁrearm safely. Do

not handle your ﬁrearm when you are ill, tired, upset or

distracted.

CAUTION! Horseplay has no place around ﬁrearms. Guns

can’t think – you can! SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!

WARNING

CAUTION

CAUTION! Remember, safety is your responsibility. Be a

safe shooter. SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!

CAUTION! FOLLOW THE LAW. Obey all local, state and

federal laws regarding possessing, storage, shooting and

transporting of your ﬁrearm.

CAUTION

WARNING! Discharging ﬁrearms in poorly ventilated areas,

cleaning or handling ﬁrearms, or handling ammunition may

result in exposure to lead and other substances that may

cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious

physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash

your hands and face thoroughly after exposure, and before

eating or drinking. Shooting, handling or cleaning ﬁrearms

may expose you to lead, which is a toxic substance.

WARNING

WARNING! Firearms must be handled responsibly and

securely store to prevent access by children and other

unauthorized users. California has strict laws pertaining to

ﬁrearms, and you may be ﬁned or imprisoned if you fail to

comply with them.

Visit the website of the California Attorney General at

https://oag.ca.gov/ﬁrearms for information on ﬁrearm laws

applicable to you and how you can comply.

Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away

and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded ﬁrearm

where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be

ﬁne or sent to prison.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide

please call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-

273-TALK (8255).

¡ADVERTENICA! Las armas de fuego deben manejarse de

manera responsable y ser almacenada de manera segura

para evitar el acceso a los niños y usuarios no autorizados.

California tiene leyes estrictas relativas a las armas de

fuego, y usted puede ser multado o encarcelado si no

cumple con ellas.

Visite el sitio web del Procurador General de California

https://oag.ca.gov/ﬁrearms para obtener más información

sobre las leyes de armas de fuego aplicables a usted y

cómo puede cumplirlas.

Evite el acceso de las armad a los niños, manteniedo

siempre las armas cerradas y descargadas cuando no

estén en uso. Si usted mantiene un arma de fuego cargada

donde un niño la obtiene y la usa incorrectamente, usted

puede ser multado y enviado a la prisón.

REMEMBER, FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!

A SINGLE MOMENT OF INATTENTION OR A SINGLE

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUN SAFETY RULES

AND WARNINGS CAN RESULT IN TRAGEDY. YOU

ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GUN THAT IS IN YOUR

HANDS, IN YOUR POSSESSION, OR UNDER YOUR

CONTROL. FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!

WARNING

FIREARMS SAFE HOME STORAGE

CHECKLIST

• Firearms naturally attract the attention of children, teenagers and

adults alike. Accordingly, it is your responsibility to ensure that your

ﬁrearms, when unattended, stored, or not in use, are secured under

lock and key, safely out of the access of all unauthorized users. This

is your responsibility, and any mistake or laziness on your part can

result in death or serious injury to your loved ones or others.

• Firearms must be securely stored under lock and key in a location

inaccessible to children and other unauthorized persons.

• One of the safest ways to store your ﬁrearms is in a locking metal

gun safe or lock box. Many models, including ones permitting quick

access to the ﬁrearm if needed for self-defense, are now available

at ﬁrearms retailers or via the Internet. Firearms should be unloaded

before they are brought into the home and never loaded while in the

home.

• Sporting ﬁrearms should be immediately cleaned and placed in

secure locked storage when they are returned from hunting or target

shooting.

• When ﬁrearms are removed from storage, they must always

immediately be carefully checked to conﬁrm that they are unloaded.

• Ammunition should be stored under lock and key, in a separate

location from ﬁrearms.

• The OWNER’S MANUAL that came with your ﬁrearm must be read,

understood and followed.

For more information on safe storage and use, refer to the NSSF

pamphlets “Firearms Safety Depends on You” and “Firearms

Responsibility in the Home”, available for download from the NSSF

website at http://nssf.org

Si usted o alguien que conoce está contemplando el

suicidio, llame a la línea de vida nacional de prevención del

suicidio al 1-800-273-TALK (8225).

1.1 MODELS

The various models of Kalashnikov USA semi-automatic shotguns with

detachable magazine are available in 12 gauge (hereinafter referred to as

the shotgun). Models and speciﬁcations are subject to change.

1. DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The KS-12 is a US manufactured 12 GA semi-automatic shotgun based

on the Russian Saiga series. It is designed to accept 2.75” and 3”

shells and includes a 5 round magazine. The KS-12 has a standard side

mounted optics rail, a ﬁxed buttstock and a standard pistol grip with

a total length of 38”. Most of the currently available Saiga accessories

will work on the KS-12 including magazines, drums, muzzle devices and

chokes.

The KS-12T shotgun is a US manufactured 12 GA semi-automatic

shotgun based on the Russian Saiga series. It is designed to accept

2.75” and 3” shells and includes a 10 round magazine. The KS-12T has a

6-position collapsible buttstock, pistol grip, tri-rail forend, standard side

mounted optics rail and a ﬂash suppressor. Total length comes to 42.5”

with the buttstock fully extended and 38.5” when collapsed. Most of the

currently available Saiga accessories will work on the KS-12T including

magazines, drums, muzzle devices and chokes.

1.2 FEATURES

Kalashnikov USA shotgun features include:

• Reliable and rugged design of Mikhail Kalashnikov

• US innovation utilizing state of the art manufacturing processes

• Two position safety lever: Fire and Safe

• Front Bead Sight

• Gas piston with rotating bolt lock up design

• Detachable magazine

1.3 SPECIFICATIONS

1.4 COMPLETE SET OF COMPONENTS

The shotgun consists of the following main components:

• Barrel With The Receiver

• Bolt & Bolt Carrier

• Gas Piston System

• Trigger And Firing Mechanism

• Gas Tube

• Buttstock

• Handguard

• Pistol Grip

• Magazine

• Receiver Cover

The shotgun components are shown in Schematics. (Pages 30-31)

GAUGE LENGTH OPERATION FIRE MODE BARREL LENGTH SIGHTS

12 GA

2 ¾

“ or 3”

Magnum

Gas Piston Semi-Automatic 18 ¼“ Rear Notch/Front Bead

• No special tools required for ﬁeld stripping

• Gas Regulation System for heavy and light loads

• Rear V Notch Sight. Windage is adjustable by tapping the rear sight

with a rubber mallet

• Threaded muzzle for use with chokes. The muzzle threads are

covered by a muzzle nut or ﬂash suppressor depending on model.

Thread is M22 x 0.75 6H (Right Hand)

WARNING! Make sure you read and understand the operation and

adjustment of the gas regulator. Firing high velocity, high pressure

rounds in position “2” may damage your ﬁrearm.

WARNING

Buttstock

Trigger

Pistol Grip

Magazine

Ejection Port

Hand Guard

Receiver Cover

Recoil Spring

Selector Lever

(Safety)

Gas Regulator

Flash Suppressor

Front Sight

Rear Sight

1.5 DESIGN

When the ﬁrst round is ﬁred, the shotgun automatically reloads using the

energy of the gases of the ﬁred round passing from the barrel port into

the gas block and then into the gas cylinder forcing the gas piston and

then the bolt carrier to the rear, ejecting the spent shell casing. As the

bolt carrier returns to the forward position using the energy of the recoil

spring, the next shell is picked up from the magazine and is positioned

into the breach of the barrel, ready to be ﬁred when the trigger is pulled

again.

In addition, the ﬁrearm can be cycled by hand (with a magazine in the

magazine well) by retracting the bolt carrier to the rearmost position by

hand and utilizing the energy of the recoil spring to pick up the shell

from the magazine and position it in the breach of the barrel.

The bolt rotates around its axis as the bolt carrier moves along the

receiver rails. When in battery, the bolt is locked in place with two locking

lugs.

The trigger and ﬁring mechanism utilizes a hammer type design to

ensure single-shot ﬁring and a trigger blocking device when the safety

lever is set at the safe position to prevent ﬁring.

The magazine is released by the force of gravity while pressing the

magazine latch forward.

1.5.2 Gas Management System

Your KS-12 Shotgun is equipped with a manual gas regulation system.

Your gas regulation system allows your KS-12 to accommodate a wider

variety of loads such as Lower Recoiling Target and Small Game loads,

or Higher Recoiling loads such as Magnum loads or Slug and Buckshot

depending on gas setting. You MUST adjust the regulator to match the

ammunition or you will experience functional issues and risk premature

component failure.

1.5.3 How to use your Gas Management System

Located in the front of your gas block is your gas regulator (Part #9). As

outlined in Section 3.2.2 use your supplied tool as instructed to depress

gas regulator detent and to adjust regulator. Be sure your regulator is

as fully threaded into the gas block as possible without being tightened

into the gas block. Once the regulator is bottomed out on the gas block,

release the regulator detent and reverse regulator until it locks into the

setting you wish to use. Depress detent and adjust as needed keeping

the regulator as threaded into the gas block as possible. (Sometimes

the regulator will stop on the desired setting. If so, it is not needed to

back it off).

SETTING H:

HIGH RECOIL ROUNDS

SETTING L:

LOW RECOIL ROUNDS

1.5.4 Understanding your Gas Management Settings

Your KS-12 shotgun’s gas regulator serves to control ﬂow of gas into the

action of your shotgun. Permitting full gas or restricting gas. (Suggestion:

Test all new loads under Setting H. If they do not cycle, use Setting L.)

• Gas Setting H: Restricts gas into the action. Ideal for heavier

recoiling loads such as Magnum loads or Slug and Buckshot. Setting

H will limit the amount of gas into the system and avoid wear and

tear on your shotgun from the energy of heavier loads.

• Gas Setting L: Permits full gas into the action. Ideal for lower

recoiling loads such as light birdshot or target loads. This setting

permits the full ﬂow of gas into the action to aid in cycling of the

system for weaker loads. DO NOT use Setting L for heavy loads!

Never shoot 3” Magnum shells in Setting L. Never shoot any high

velocity or magnum loads in Setting L.

1.5.5 Gas System Maintenance

Due to the wide verity of loads available in shotshells the use of some

loads require more frequent cleaning. Neglecting to maintain your gas

system may cause premature failure to your KS-12 as pressures in your

gas system can increase if they system is not cleaned. It is advised to

keep your gas system clean as often as you can. When using slug rounds

its advised to practice cleaning every 40 rounds, as slugs foul the system

with buildup faster. Other loads such as target/small game loads can

permit more time in between cleaning periods.

1.5.6 Cleaning your Gas System

Make sure your ﬁrearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine and check

the action to make sure there is no round in the chamber. Then ﬁeld strip

your KS-12 as shown in section 3.2 of the owner’s manual. Next, using the

supplied tool, depress gas regular detent on the gas block and unscrew

the regulator to remove. Once removed, insert a cleaning rod from the

opposite side and push the gas puck (Part #8) until it is free from the gas

block.

Once disassembled, use a brass bristle brush or 12ga brass bristle

bore brush to break up fouling build-up in gas block. For stubborn

buildup, use a conservative amount of cleaning solvent and a brass

brush. Perform the same cleaning procedure to the puck (Part #8), gas

regulator (Part #9), as well as the gas piston on the bolt carrier (Part #13).

Once cleaning is complete, remove any solvents from the surfaces and

components. Be sure not to lube any component in your gas system.

• (Recommendation: To aid in removal of the gas regulator, maintain a

light coat of anti-seize only on the threaded portion of the regulator.

1.5.7 Reassembly

Simply reverse take-down process: Insert the puck (Part #8) into the

gas block and thread the regulator (Part #9) into the gas block while

keeping the plunger depressed. Thread the regulator all the way down

until it stops, then back off to the setting for the shot shells you will use.

(Sometimes the regulator will stop on the desired setting, if so it is not

needed to back it off).

2. DESIGNATED USE

2.1 LIMITATIONS IN SERVICE

2.1.1 WARNING! Before using the shotgun, read and understand all of

the warnings in this manual.

2.1.2 Read and understand this OWNER’S MANUAL completely.

2.1.3 CAUTION! Study the shotgun design. Paying special attention to

all the safety precautions.

2.1.4 CAUTION! Use only new, unexpired, factory ammunition in the

shotgun. The use of reloaded or expired ammunition will void the

warranty.

2.1.5 WARNING! Always use protective shooting glasses and hearing

protection.

WARNING

CAUTION

2.2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION! The KS-12 design ensures its safe functioning providing

proper rules of operation are adhered to and the correct gas regulation

setting is used for your chosen ammo.

To ensure safe handling of the shotgun follow all safety precautions listed

in this manual:

• ALWAYS treat all ﬁrearms as if it is loaded.

• ALWAYS keep all ﬁrearms pointed in a safe direction.

• ALWAYS keep your ﬁnger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

• Know your target and what is beyond it.

• Keep the safety lever engaged when not ﬁring to prevent an

accidental discharge.

• In a safe direction, verify the magazine and the chamber are empty,

disengaging the safety, retracting the bolt carrier and inspection the

magazine and chamber.

• Before loading the shotgun, inspect the barrel bore and the chamber

to be certain they are free of any obstruction.

• In case of a misﬁre, don’t open the bolt for 3 (three) minutes to

prevent the possibility of hangﬁre.

• Always keep the safety lever engaged to prevent an accidental

discharge.

• Empty the magazine and chamber before leaving the shooting area

and before entering an inhabited area, before entering a vehicle,

and when crossing forests, rough terrain, water, etc.

• Store the shotgun and ammunition separately and beyond the reach

of children and strangers.

• Only use new, unexpired, factory loaded ammunition. Do not use

reloaded ammunition or any ammunition with traces of corrosion.

2.3 BEFORE USE

2.3.1 CAUTION! Before operating the shotgun you must familiarize

yourself with all the warnings in this manual.

2.3.2 Verify the ﬁrearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine. Inspect the

magazine well and chamber to make sure there is no ammunition in the

ﬁrearm.

Before using or loading ammunition in the shotgun always:

• Wipe the barrel bore and chamber, muzzle chokes and gas chamber

dry to remove any grease or fouling.

• Verify the hand guard screw is secured to the forend.

• Check the trigger mechanism and safety for proper functioning.

• Verify the attached magazine is securely held in place by the

magazine release.

• Pull the bolt carrier handle fully to the rear and release it to check the

shotgun for proper functioning.

• Make sure the gas regulator is property set to the ammunition you

are going to use.

2.4 OPERATING PROCEDURE

2.4.1 Engaging and Disengaging the safety

2.4.1.1 Engage the safety – move the safety upwards to the “S” (Safe)

position.

2.4.1.2 Disengage the safety – move the safety downwards to the “F”

(Fire) position. The shotgun will now ﬁre if the trigger is depressed.

2.4.1.3 There is a notch in the safety lever that is used to hold the bolt

carrier handle in the bolt open position. The bolt hold open feature aids

in magazine changes and to show the action is open and safe.

2.4.2 Loading and ﬁring procedure:

• Pull the bolt carrier handle rearward and engage the handle into

the notch in the safety lever. This will hold the bolt in the rearward

position.

• The shotgun is designed to ﬁre both 12 gauge 2 ¾” and 3”

“Magnum” shotgun shells with proper gas regulator adjustment.

• Press the magazine release and detach the magazine from the

shotgun by rotating bottom portion forward.

• Load the magazine with the correct ammunition, feeding them one

by one from the front of the magazine and under the magazine lips

and moving each of them rearward till the rounds stop against the

rear wall of the magazine.

• With the bolt hold open by means of the safety lever of manually

holding bolt open, attach the loaded magazine to the shotgun by

ﬁrst positioning the lip on the front edge of the magazine into the

magazine well and then swing the magazine back and upwards until

the magazine latch catches under the lip at the rear of the magazine.

• When ready to ﬁre, disengage the safety; Always keeping your

ﬁngers or any object away from the trigger and outside the trigger

guard.

• The bolt will move forward under spring tension, pick up a cartridge

and load it into the chamber. Move the safety lever to “S” until ready

to ready to ﬁre.

CAUTION

DANGER

To ﬁre, move the safety lever to “F”.

The shotgun is loaded and is ready for ﬁring.

Aim, pull the trigger and the shotgun will ﬁre.

To ﬁre the next shot from the auto-loading shotgun release the trigger

and depress it again.

NOTE: When the magazine is depleted, the bolt carrier and bolt will

return to the forward position. You may pull the carrier handle rearward

and engage the handle with the notch in the safety lever to keep the bolt

carrier rearward and ensure the chamber is empty.

2.4.3 Unloading procedure:

• Make sure the muzzle of the barrel is pointed in a safe direction.

• Engage the safety.

• Detach the magazine.

• Disengage the safety.

• Move the bolt carrier rearward. Engage the safety and make sure the

bolt carrier handle is inside the notch in the selector lever to lock it in

the rearward position.

• Visually inspect the magazine well and chamber for ammunition.

• Extract ammo from the chamber and magazine well (if necessary).

• Empty the cartridges from the magazine.

3. MAINTENANCE

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 Maintenance consists of inspection, cleaning and lubrication of the

shotgun during ﬁeld stripping or disassembly. The ﬁeld stripping of the

shotgun is carried out for its inspection, cleaning and lubrication after

ﬁring.

3.1.2 DANGER! BEFORE BEGINNING DISASSEMBLY, MAKE SURE

THAT THE SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED. With the shotgun pointed in a

safe direction, detach the magazine, disengage the safety, retract the

bolt carrier & bolt using the bolt-carrier handle, examine the chamber

and magazine well to make sure that it is empty, and ﬁnally move the bolt

carrier and bolt into battery (forward position).

3.1.3 Disassemble and assemble the shotgun on a table or clean canvas.

When placing the parts and components down arrange them in the

sequence of removal, handle the detached parts with care, do not put

one part on another, and when removing them, avoid excessive effort

and sharp blows.

Figure 3.1 — Detaching The Magazine

• Make sure the ﬁrearm is unloaded and there are no rounds in the

magazine or chamber. Move the safety lever to “S” or safe position.

• Detach the magazine as shown in Figure 3.1. Hold the shotgun by

the forend with one hand, grip the magazine with the other hand

and depress the magazine latch with a thumb in the direction of the

magazine, push the lower portion of the magazine forwards and

detach it.

Figure 3.2 — Detaching The Receiver Cover

• Remove the receiver cover, as shown in Figure 3.2. Hold the rear

portion of receiver cover with one hand, and hold the buttstock with

your other hand. Using the hand holding the rear of the receiver

CAUTION

Figure 3.1

Figure 3.2

3.1.4 CAUTION! ONLY USE RECOMMENDED OR KNOWN CHEMICAL

AGENTS FOR CLEANING AND LUBRICATION OF THE SHOTGUN.

UNKNOWN OR NON-RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL AGENTS MAY BE

DANGEROUS FOR YOU AND DAMAGE THE SHOTGUN PARTS AND

COMPONENTS.

3.2 FIELD STRIPPING

Figure 3.3

push the exposed plunger of the recoil spring guide down and push

forward the recoil spring guide into the receiver as you pull the cover

up to separate the cover from the recoil spring guide.

3.2.2 Removing Gas Regulator & Gas Piston Puck

Using the handle (rear portion) of your supplied tool, in a perpendicular

angle to the shotgun (As seen in Figure 3.3 & 3.4) depress gas regulator

(Part #9) detent with tool at the same time using the tool in the notches

in the regulator to begin the unscrewing process going in a counter-

clockwise rotation. (While trying not to make contact with tool to barrel

as this will scratch the ﬁnish). Continue until the regulator is past the

reach of the detent. After which, simply unscrew until free from gas

block. Once removed, insert a cleaning rod from the opposite side of gas

tube/block and push the gas piston puck (Part #8) until it is free from the

gas block. Light tapping of puck may be necessary at times.

Figure 3.4

Use to change gas management

system setting

Use to remove/

tighten muzzle

device

Figure 3.6 — Detaching The Bolt Carrier And The Bolt

• Remove the bolt carrier and the bolt as shown in Figure 3.6. Move

the safety lever to the “F” (Fire) position, keeping your ﬁngers away

from the trigger area. Retract the bolt carrier until it is at the rear of

the receiver, lift it up until it is just out of the receiver and then to the

rear to allow the gas piston to come out of the gas tube and remove

the bolt carrier and bolt as one unit.

Figure 3.5 — Detaching The Recoil Spring Guide Assembly

• Detach the recoil spring guide assembly from the receiver as shown

in Figure 3.5. Push the recoil spring guide forward 1” until the guide

is out of the receiver end slot of the rear trunnion and extract the

recoil spring assembly from the receiver and the bolt carrier channel,

moving it up and to the rear.

Figure 3.5

Figure 3.6

Figure 3.7 -— Detaching The Bolt From The Bolt Carrier

• Separate the bolt from the bolt carrier. Hold the bolt and the bolt

carrier with one hand, as shown in Figure 3.7, turn the bolt head

counterclockwise with your other hand. As the bolt turns counter-

clockwise it will also move to the rear of the bolt carrier. After the

bolt travels about 1” rearward (and while the bolt rotates counter-

clockwise) you will be able to continue to rotate the bolt counter-

clockwise without it moving any further rearward as the bolt lug

is now disengaged from the shaped slot in the bolt carrier and

by moving the bolt forwards (without turning it) the bolt can be

removed from the bolt-carrier channel.

3.2.3 Detach the Gas Regulator

• Push in the spring loaded gas regulator plunger using included tool

and unscrew the gas regulator counter-clockwise.

• Remove the gas puck per instructions in Section 1.5.6.

Figure 3.7

Figure 3.9

Figure 3.10

Figure 3.8

Reassemble in the reverse order as follows:

• Insert the gas puck into the gas chamber.

• Push in the gas regulator detent using a supplied tool and insert

3.3 REASSEMBLY AFTER FIELD STRIPPING

the gas regulator into the gas chamber and screw it in until it rests

against the gas block face. Then unscrew the gas regulator until the

ﬁrst ﬁxed position for the mode of ﬁring determined by the type of

ammunition you have selected. See Section 1.5.4 for further details

regarding your gas management system.

• Attach the bolt to the bolt carrier. Insert the bolt into the bolt carrier

channel and turn it so that it’s guiding lug enters the groove slot of

the bolt carrier, then move the bolt forward until it stops.

• Before putting the bolt carrier with bolt into the receiver make sure

that the hammer is engaged with the trigger-mechanism (trigger

hook). If the hammer is not engaged, using your ﬁnger, push the

hammer to the rear and down until it engages the hook.

• Insert the bolt carrier guide lugs into the receiver guides, and move

the bolt carrier assembly forward.

WARNING! WHEN ATTACHING THE BOLT CARRIER ASSEMBLY TO

THE RECEIVER VERIFY THE SLOTS FOR THE EJECTOR ON THE BOLT

AND THE BOLT HEAD ARE ALIGNED.

• Insert the recoil spring guide assembly into the bolt carrier slot and

insert the recoil spring guide base into the rear trunnion grooves.

Insert the cover by its front face into the semicircular notch on the

front trunnion and press the rear of the cover down so the lug of

the recoil spring guide assembly enters the rectangular hole in the

receiver cover.

• Return safety lever to “S” (Safe) position.

3.4 CLEANING AND LUBRICATION

WARNING

Figure 3.11

3.4.1 Cleaning and Lubrication

Your ﬁrearm should be cleaned after each use.

The cleaning process follows:

Make sure your ﬁrearm is unloaded before cleaning. In a well ventilated

area, use a cleaning rod with a 12 gauge bore-brush attached. Apply

bore cleaner to the brush and run it through the barrel a few times to

remove fouling. Next, remove the brush and attach a patch holder to

the rod. Thread a patch through the slot in the holder and apply bore

cleaner. Run the patch through the barrel, replacing the patches until

they come out clean. With a new patch, apply a few drops of quality gun

oil and run through barrel one more time.

Clean the other components as needed to remove carbon deposits and

ﬁnish with a light coat of oil. Pay special attention to keeping the gas

system clean. See section 1.5.6 for detailed instructions.

Minimal cleaning areas:

Wipe the clean area where the bolt carrier and bolt interface with each

other along with the receiver. Paying extra attention to the rails of the

receiver, front trunnion bolt lug slots, receiver rail slots in the bolt carrier

and all of the bolt assembly.

3.4.2 Lubing

It is recommended to only use a small drop of oil in these 5 key locations

(See Figure 3.11). With the bolt in the carrier, lube both rail slots, back

of locking lugs of the bolt, and ﬁnally the hammer ridding surface of the

bolt carrier. (NOTE: Be sure not to lube components in the gas block).

4. TRANSPORTATION

4.1 Transport the unloaded, locked shotgun in a carrying case to protect

it from shocks and drops.

4.2 You may use a sling to carry the shotgun while hunting. The shotgun

is carried with the magazine attached and the safety selector lever on

safe, or action locked open.

5. STORAGE

5.1 Store the shotgun for no longer than 12 months without re-

preservation (shorter periods in damp, cold or humid environments).

5.2 Store the shotgun in dry premises without sharp temperature

ﬂuctuations, away from heating devices. The shotgun should be always

unloaded, the magazine detached, and the safety should be in the “S“

(Safe) position. The shotgun should be cleaned and lubricated before

storage. Store in an appropriate gun safe or with a cable lock inserted

through the magazine well and out of the ejection port.

CAUTION

SCHEMATICS

8 9

2220

25 26

BARREL WITH RECEIVER

1 — RECEIVER

2 — BARREL

3 — GAS BLOCK

4 — GAS TUBE

5 — REAR TRUNNION

6 — MAGAZINE CATCH

7 — SAFETY SELECTOR LEVER

8 — GAS PISTON PUCK

9 — GAS REGULATOR

10 — GAS REGULATOR PLUNGER

11 — MUZZLE NUT

12 — RECEIVER COVER

BOLT CARRIER WITH BOLT

13 — BOLT CARRIER

14 — BOLT

15 — BOLT HEAD

16 — EXTRACTOR

17 — EXTRACTOR SPRING

18 — EXTRACTOR PIN

19 — BOLT HEAD PIN

20 — FIRING PIN ROD

21 — FIRING-PIN SPRING

22 — FIRING PIN

RECOIL SPRING GUIDE

ASSEMBLY

23 — RECOIL GUIDE ASSEMBLY

24 — RECOIL SPRING

25 — EJECTION PORT COVER

26 — FRONT RECOIL SPRING GUIDE

TRIGGER AND FIRING

MECHANISM

27 — TRIGGER GROUP

28 — HAMMER SPRING

29 — HAMMER

30 — TRIGGER AXIS PIN LOCK

IRON SIGHTING DEVICE

31 — FRONT SIGHT

32 — REAR SIGHT

FURNITURE

33 — BUTTSTOCK

34 — BUTTSTOCK SCREWS

35 — LOWER HANDGUARD

36 — PISTOL GRIP

37 — PISTOL GRIP NUT

38 — PISTOL GRIP SCREW

39 — MAGAZINE

40 — HANDGUARD BASE

41 — HANDGUARD SCREW

MAGAZINE

42 — FEED LIPS

43 — FOLLOWER

44 — SPRING

45 — BASE PLATE LOCK

46 — COVER

TOOLS

47 — WRENCH

PARTS LIST

WARRANTY

KALASHNIKOV USA LIMITED WARRANTY:

Kalashnikov USA ﬁrearms are manufactured to the highest quality

standards. Each ﬁrearm is tested and the quality is assured before the

ﬁrearm leaves the factory.

This limited warranty has been drafted in compliance with Magnuson-

Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, which is

effective for goods manufactured on or after December 31, 1975.

All ﬁrearms manufactured by Kalashnikov USA have a limited 2 year

warranty to the original purchaser. Original retail purchase date is veriﬁed

by your sales receipt and ATF Form 4473. An optional 5 year warranty is

also available, please see the included form or visit the online form at

kalashnikov-usa.com/extended-warranty-form/

This warranty does not cover:

• DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM CAUSED BY FAILURE TO PROVIDE

PROPER CARE, STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE.

• ACCIDENTS, MISUSE, NEGLIGENCE, ABUSE OR

UNREASONABLE USE.

• USE OF THE FIREARM WITH HAND LOADED, RELOADED,

DEFECTIVE OR IMPROPER AMMUNITION.

• DAMAGE CAUSED BY BARREL OBSTRUCTION.

• UNAUTHORIZED ADJUSTMENT, DISASSEMBLY, REPAIRS, OR

MODIFICATIONS.

• NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, INCLUDING BARREL BORE WEAR

OR CORROSION.

• FINISH OR SURFACE COATINGS.

• PHYSICAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGES RESULTING IN

WHOLE OR IN PART FROM CRIMINAL USE OR NEGLIGENT,

IMPROPER USE OR CARELESS HANDLING.

• LOSS OR DAMAGE OCCURRING DURING RETURN SHIPMENT.

• THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER SECOND AND

SUBSEQUENT OWNERS OF THIS FIREARM.

If you discover a defect during the warranty period, Kalashnikov USA

will, at its option, repair or replace the ﬁrearm with a comparable ﬁrearm

at no charge. A service or handling charge may be required for non

warranty repairs.

Kalashnikov USA excludes and will not pay incidental or consequential

damages with respect to economic loss, injury or property damage

resulting from the breach of either the express or implied warranty. No

implied warranties extend beyond the term of this written warranty.

Please note: Some jurisdictions do not allow exclusion of incidental or

consequential damages, or limitation on how long an implied warranty

lasts. Thus the above exclusion and limitations may not apply to you. This

warranty gives speciﬁc legal rights to the original retail purchaser only.

Other rights may apply and vary from state to state. The terms of this

warranty can only be changed by an authorized ofﬁcer of Kalashnikov

USA.

If you have any questions, concerns or service or warranty issues please

contact our customer service department at 754-222-1407 or e-mail

csﬁ[email protected]. Customer service will provide shipping

instructions.

All returns require a RMA # and must follow the shipping instructions. Do

not ship ﬁrearms without a RMA #. FIREARMS MUST BE UNLOADED.

AMMUNITION MUST NOT BE SHIPPED WITH THE FIREARM. PACK THE

FIREARM SECURELY. The sender must prepay freight. We will not accept

C.O.D. shipments.

If you do not have an owner’s manual, please download it from our

website.

This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known

to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

productive harm. For more information go to www.p65Warnings.ca.gov

Este producto puede exponerlo a productos químicos como el

plomo, que el estado de California sabe que causan cáncer y defectos

congénitos u otros daños productivos. Para más información ir a

www.p65Warnings.ca.gov

Your Kalashnikov USA ﬁrearm comes standard (USA only) with a cable

lock (Figure 6.1). The cable must be placed through the ejection port and

out of the magazine well. Insert the end of the cable into the lock and

make sure it is locked into place.

Figure 6.1

NOTES

Kalashnikov USA | kalashnikov-usa.com | (754) 222-1407