[Matt304]

When will this shotgun become a civilian model? Ever?

I want one right now!!!

[Deer Hunter]

You could always play with a Saiga 12 while you await the impossible.

[Matt304]

Well, if it helps me to keep my dream alive, the P90 released as a PS90, and the M16... I think you see where I'm going. I guess the better question is: With a design like that, why not release a civilian model?

[Gord]

Because the Saiga does the exact same thing, while being (almost certainly) much cheaper, (almost certainly) much more reliable and (almost certainly) weighing a lot less.

[Quiet]

Get a Saiga-12 you'll be better off.

Or you can look around and get a Gilbert Arms USAS-12, since the AA-12 is just an updated version of the Dae Woo USAS-12 which was an updated version of the Attchisson Assault-12.

[GunTech]

Because the Saiga does the exact same thing, while being (almost certainly) much cheaper, (almost certainly) much more reliable and (almost certainly) weighing a lot less.

You know this because....?

The AA-12 is a direct descendent of Atchisson's Assault 12 and fires from an open bolt. It's about as simple as it gets. Thanks to API, it has very low recoil.

[Matt304]

The Saiga 12 just comes off to me as a cheap piece of crap. Sort of the way I view an SKS, even though I own one.

The Auto Assault appears to me as new technology should - it's very sleek looking for an assault-style of shotgun.

The Daewoo looks interesting, can someone tell me how much a semi auto version should run me? I can't seem to find one anywhere, though.

[Deer Hunter]

Well if you think Saigas are crap, that's fine. More for us.

[silverlance]

Looks over cost and effect, anyone?

[Owen Sparks]

I doubt civilians will be able to own anymore modern military weapons. And depending on who wins the next rounds of elections, the Saiga importation will probably be stopped.

[.45Guy]

I'd really like a new Stryker 12 as well... But can anyone say DD? Never gonna happen...

[Contactual]

I've personally nicknamed the AA12 the "Doom Box." To me, it's not a "pretty-looking" shotgun, but it seems to do the job moreover than anything I've ever witnessed...

I'd definitely get one.

[gcrookston]

I think the auto 12's are interesting, but I'm quite happy with my Super 90

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6433/dsc00086wx6.jpg
Shot with CYBERSHOT (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=CYBERSHOT&make=SONY) at 2007-03-16

[rocinante]

You don't have a saiga 12 I take it mr matt. It is rugged, dependable and effective. Maybe inexpensive but if cheap means flimsy no no no NO. Given its gas system recoil is light compared to other shotguns too. I will never get my hands on an AA12 to do a comparison and I could have two tricked out S12s for the price if I could find them. They are in short supply. I love my **** shotgun. I do not think anybody that has ever handled one would worry about it going BOOM when needed to.

[Matt304]

Wait a second here. What is with current Saiga 12 prices? I remember looking at them in Shotgun News and they were some low amount, like $300 or $400 dollars. Now the same gun I see on Gunsamerica listed at around $900. What the heck is going on here? I was thinking about buying one since they are only $400, like today. There's no way I'll pay that much now for the same damned thing. That's a bubble burster.

[Quiet]

As imported Saiga-12 are around $400.
Modded Saiga-12 are usually around $800-900.

The Dae Woo/Gilbert USAS-12 are no longer imported into the USA. You have to look around for them, usually sell in the $800-1200 range depending on condition.

[Roswell 1847]

Saw a drum feed conversion for tube feed shotguns recently, but forget which gun it was for.
I've seen box magazine conversions for pump guns and autos several times.
Controlability would be the major factor of course. Just slapping a hi cap mag on a sporter weight bird gun won't do the job as well as intended.

[GunTech]

Keep in mind that the USAS-12 and many other shotguns of this type are now 'destructive devices' and require a tax stamp. I'll stick with my 10.5 inch Benelli

http://guntech.com/shotgun/m1s90.jpg

[skud_dusty]

Doesn't the 10.5 inch barrel on your Benelli also require a tax stamp?

Just googled the AA12...I'm sorry guys but that thing is HIDEOUS :barf:

[Matt304]

Why are those considered destructive devices? It's a semi-auto shotgun. Full-auto I can see it happening.

Was the USAS ever made semi-auto? I found one on Gunbroker that says it is class 3, maybe it is semi-auto with what you say, I'm not sure. Anyways they are asking $2000+ which is simply ridiculous for that thing.

Yeah, and does that 10.5 incher require a stamp?

I'm basically just trying to buy every gun they are going to try to ban next year, and they won't be getting any back.

[VirgilCaine]

It has no sporting purpose, so it's a DD.

Stock Saigas have a conventional stock and come with 5 round mags. So they're okay.

[Matt304]

Ah, that makes more sense.

Is it legal to modify them at will? Folding stock, high-cap mag etc? They don't become a DD do they?

[skud_dusty]

To be legal with the Saigas you have to convert them using USA made parts just like you would an SKS or an AK.

[rocinante]

mr matt if you are curious go to saiga12.com. It is the one gun I own that makes me feel almost cultish. Most S12 owners LOVE them. If you only have two thumbs and basic tools (dremel very useful) you can convert it and it is legal. The S12 is in VERY short supply and the prices are all over the place. I got mine in Feb for 400 but most are selling 450 to 500 from decent dealers like gilberts or stanley pro shop. But there are not many and then disappear fast.