Saiga 12 Modifications

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tacstar

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I've become interested in purchasing a Saiga 12 & I've noticed that there are several "conversion kits"available. All of these "conversion kits" include kits to move the trigger assembly forward. What benefits are associated with moving the trigger assembly forward?
 
It's less awkward to shoulder, it points better for a lot of people, it has those classic AK ergonomics, and it's just plain cool!
 
I just converted my S-12 and it's a much faster and crisp trigger! if you take the bolt out and move the trigger you will see how much crap needs to move to make the gun fire... I converted mine because at the shooting range, the bolt hold open spring popped off the bolt hold open lever and the bolt stuck open rendering the s-12 useless... I had to gut it to make it work again... so, I just converted it... they are also much funner to shoot with pistol grip vs original configuration!
 
While there is nothing wrong with the "sporter" configuration required by our Government to allow the import of Saiga rifles and shotguns, people do the conversions for 922r compliance reasons. It's an AK based weapon, so the natural design of the AK ergonomics (pistol grip and separate butt stock) looks and feels much better.

It also allows for the use of high cap mags and drums which would otherwise violate 922r (provided of course, all the conversion parts are made in the USA.)
 
You really should convert it, i.e. move the FCG forward and install a pistol grip.
Why you ask...

Upside:
~Removes the unnecessary linkage from your fire control group.
~Improves every aspect of trigger pull. You get lighter pull, less friction, better feel, less slack, etc etc etc. Pulling a trigger rather than pulling a lever that tilts a bar that pulls the real trigger isn't the best setup.
~Puts the gun in the configuration that was intended.
~Improves ergonomics.
~Cuts the length of your gun by 4-5 inches. You also get to pick your Length of Pull by choosing from all the AK stocks in the world, which vary from American use (long) to Asian use (short).
~Puts the center of gravity closer to your body, making the gun more controllable.
~It will point better.
~It will aim faster.
~Recoil will be handled better.
~Some find a pistol grip makes getting back on target much easier and faster. I am one of those. So is every military on the planet.
~You get to use high capacity magazines such as the MD-20 20 round drum with no legality issues from the Federal government.
~If you do it yourself, you'll get some pride and a detailed knowledge of how everything works.
~You get in the secret club. We'll teach you the handshake later.
~And finally, chicks dig it.


Downside:
~The parts do cost money.
~The labor either costs money or your own time.
~There are only two downsides.
~Stop looking for a downside.
.........................................
 
The conversion as mentioned here already improves the trigger pull which on mine is currently horrendous. 50% of good shooting is a decent trigger pull and 9+lbs is not good in my stock non-converted S12. The other reason is that I am switching as much as possible to just one system for shoulder arms and it is Kalashnikov. So my intermediate & full power semiauto rifles as well as my shotgun are all operated the same requiring only one manual of arms to use them.
 
This is full of win.. How much did it run ya?
Too much,
it has been a steady progression of parts upgrades and changes.
For instance, since this pic was taken, it now has a Hogue pistol grip, a vented gas tube cover, ladder type rail covers.
And I'm shopping for a new VFG, since this one doesn't match the Hogue like it did the SAW style.

Probably have 2K +/- wrapped up in'er total.
 
@barnetmill 9lb trigger pull? are you serious??? I've never seen a S-12 with a trigger half that heavy... there must be something seriously wrong with a Saiga 12 if it has a trigger pull that heavy... take out the bolt, check the spring and the rest of the guts... they were not meant to be that heavy...
 
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