MY IMPRESSIONS
At first, the Komrad appears to be a strange-looking AK-47, but closer inspection tells me this is no rifle. Although the action resembles the famed Russian rifle, this is a different firearm. For a shotgun, it is short and light, with a combination of steel stampings, rivets, and polymer. The SB Tactical pistol brace is easily adjustable, allowing me to shoot from the hip or bring the gun to shoulder.
Based on the Russian Saiga series of shotguns, this gun is different. It is well-made and has a solid feel that I like. Unlike the Saiga, it was made and designed in America by Kalashnikov USA. Its features are an accumulation of improvements that make it effective for home defense, practical shooting, and 3-Gun competition. It is a homegrown gun.
Related: Affordable to Expensive – 5 Home Defense Shotguns that Fit the Bill
The Komrad feels good. Its pistol grip gives me a sense of control as I aim or simply point the shotgun. Although technically a pistol, it is a bit nose-heavy to be fired with one hand. One must hold the pistol grip and the vertical forward grip to balance the weight of the firearm.
Sighting reminds me more of a rifle than a shotgun. The low-profile peep and post sights allow for precise shot placement, and collapsing the stock to its minimum length allows me to point and shoot without aiming. This versatility, combined with high-capacity magazines and the short barrel, achieves controlled firepower that rivals any submachine gun.
This certified used firearm from Guns.com came to me with some extra features. In addition to the two five-round magazines shipped with the gun, this deal added two eight-round steel magazines, a 10-round drum, top Picatinny rail, and a TWS MOB cocking knob. These valuable and useful accessories make this Komrad more effective and useful.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall length: 30.5-32.5 inches
- Length of Pull: 11.5-13 inches
- Weight: 7.75 pounds, empty
- Trigger: 5 pounds, 5 ounces
- Barrel: 12.5 inches with threaded muzzle
- Chambering: 12 gauge, 2.75 or 3-inch shells
- Operation: Gas piston with rotating bolt
- Gas regulation: Light and Heavy
- Threaded Muzzle: Yes
- Stock: Adjustable tactical pistol brace
-
Magazines: Five-round polymer, two supplied. Will accept other high-capacity magazines or drums.
SHOOTING TEST
The Kalashnikov Komrad’s user manual says that ammunition must attain 1,350 FPS. This high-velocity requirement rules out light target loads, which average 1,200 FPS. The Komrad is equipped with an adjustable gas port on the forward upper receiver. It has two settings: low and high. I used the low setting for my testing, and my test ammunition was Remington 2.75-inch Pheasant Loads. They move 1.25 ounces of shot at 1,330 FPS.
I tested the five-round polymer magazines first. Even with the stock fully extended, this is a short shotgun. Fortunately, it is gas-operated, and the recoil spring absorbs much of the kick generated by heavy shells. Recoil to my shoulder was not bad, and the vertical grip and pistol grip helped to control the short barrel. This gun would meet my needs for self-defense under any condition. Both the five-round and eight-round magazines locked into place solidly and performed flawlessly.
There is no hold-open, which I found annoying, as the bolt must be manually locked open to load a new magazine. This is slow and tedious, and in a stressful situation, it could be disastrous. It is difficult to count rounds and know when the gun is empty, but I can reliably hit all targets with confidence. Even the ProMag 10-round drum feeds as fast as the trigger is pulled. Fired with the stock collapsed from the hip, it does not jam. The gun is reliable with all three magazines supplied.
The Texas Weapon Systems cocking knob is oversized and makes cocking and locking the bolt back much easier. The TWS upper forearm Picatinny rail with low-profile peep sights aids in aiming and allows custom optics to be added if desired. Both are good add-on features that I like. This gun is set up for competition. I would use it to shoot 3-Gun matches, as its firepower and close-range accuracy would benefit my score.
PROS & CONS
