Converting a SAIGA 12 - whats different than a 7.62 conversion?

[GWARGHOUL]

What all is different?

I'm thinking about picking up a SAIGA 12 next month. I did a good conversion on a SAIGA 7.62...

Just wanting some input.. as to what might be different in the process and what parts might need to be different?

I don't want to mess with the gas tube, as I'm not THAT interested in having a 100% proper AK look.. I used a TAPCO intrafuse handguard on my 7.62

Same trigger groups... same FCG retainer..?

Can I re-use the trigger gaurd.. etc?

Also, I've seen several vendors say that some SAIGA 12's require some minor filing to work with the 20 round drums out there?

Will it be any good for hunting? I am going to get one of the variable chokes.

Thanks!

 

[chris in va]

Saiga-12.com.

 

[Mike1234567]

I've seen several vendors say that some SAIGA 12's require some minor filing to work with the 20 round drums out there?

NO!! Don't file or bend the magazine tab unless it doesn't work properly with your FACTORY mags. Modify nonfactory mags to work with the firearm... not the other way around. The company that manufactures the CNC machine aluminum drums may still recommend modifying the rifle, but DON'T!! If you modify the tab to fit specific aftermarket mags/drums then your rifle may be out of spec and have trouble with factory or other mags. Just assure the firearm is up to FACTORY specs then adjust the mags/drums to fit your RIFLE so they lock in tightly.

 

[Roan]

For the Saiga community, Alliance Armament and their Wraithmaker are bad words. Without going into the gory details (go to the Saiga 12 forums if you want those), there is a lot of friction between the community and that vendor. As Mike one through seven inclusive indicated, you should never alter your Saiga in order to work with non-standard magazines. The more reputable third-party magazine makers usually have instructions on how to fit magazines for the weapon.

 

[GWARGHOUL]

Thanks for the input guys.

I looked around over there, it seems like the exact same conversion?

Do you know of a 20 round drum magazine manufacturer that is "reputable"?

 

[Mike1234567]

The MD Arms MD-20 has an excellent reputation as does the ProMag 12 round drum. That stated, I don't think there's anything "wrong" with the Alliance Armament offerings, which also include S-12 30 round drums plus S-20 23 round drums, but don't fall into their trap of modifying your firearm to fit their drums... that's just silly.

 

[GWARGHOUL]

So.. the MD or Promag will fit with no probs?

 

[Mike1234567]

From all I've read, yes, they fit and function just fine. You may need to file a bit of material off the front or back of the part that locks into the tab but that's it... but don't file too much or it'll be loose. I can't be specific because I have no practical experience. The Saiga-12 forum has a wealth of information.

 

[wally]

My MDArms drum needed a fair amount of fitting, but so far its functioned 100%. None of the aftermarket 10 or 12 rounder stick mags needed any fitting.

I'd bet against any ProMag actually working.

 

[Mike1234567]

@ wally... Yes, the ProMag stick mags had some issues for awhile ("may" be resolved now) but the drums have been very reliable especially the 12 round variety. I read somewhere that one person broke a retaining tab off the cover of their 20 round ProMag but it still functions fine.