Saiga 12K

[fvf]

I found out that there is a dealer here selling Russian made (Izmash) Saiga 12K shotguns. From what I saw it had a 19 inch barrel, folding stock which also acts as a safety and comes w/ 5 & 7 round magazines.

Can you please give me your comments on this model ? Also how does it compare to a Benelli M1S90 ?

The magazine feed intrigues me because I can have it on standby and have the ability for quick reloads. Magazines are quite expensive tho, $89 for a 7-rounder.

Thanks for your comments

 

[JA]

I have had my Saiga 12 for over a year and it will fire everthing from dove loads to 3" slugs with 100% reliability.
Check out http://forum.saiga-12.com/ for more info and ask some more Saiga 12 owners about them.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Search the Archives here for some input. Moderator Corriea has used one in 3 gun and thinks highly of it.

 

[fvf]

JA

thanks for the info. The Saiga 12K model I saw did not have the removable choke tubes and had a 17 or 18 inch barrel. Magazines are expensive but you have to stock on them because they are the cartridge storage.

The thing that bothers me is the safety built into the folding stock which renders the 12K on safe when the stock is folded. Do you know of a mod to remove this feature. There are no laws here that require it in the first place.

 

[fvf]

DAVE

How does the Saiga 12K compare to the Benelli M1s90?

Over here I can get 2 12Ks for the price of the M1S90 but the magazines about $90 each are another thing altogher.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Sorry, I've little experience with Benellis. Both shotguns seem reliable.

In an either/or situation, money no object, I'd go with the Benelli. That's just an opinion.

 

[fvf]

DAVE

Thanks for you opinion on the matter. Yup I went to the archives and saw some comments on the Saiga.

Was comparing it to a cousins SPAS-15 which is also magazine fed. I read they used to cost only $200 last year. Right now over here its about $720 and $90 for an 8-round magazine. Might consider this w/ the benelli m1s90 I have on order because I like the compact size and external storage of rounds. I probably will try to remove the safety attached to the folding of the stock. I like to have the ability to shot even w/ the stock folded. I have to say the Russians are making better and better firearms both in design and quality.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Russian arms have always been ugly and durable. The AK fell right into the pattern.

Considering the situation on France, I predict prices on arms in Europe will rise sharply. Fear does that. You may want to get something soon.

Good luck....

 

[JA]

Checking the Izhmash website it says:
" The "Saiga-12K" has a short barrel and a trigger/firing mechanism locking device to prevent the shotgun from firing when the butt is folded. Being an export version of the "Saiga-12K", the "Saiga-12S ЕХР-01" is not equipped with a trigger/firing mechanism locking device. "
http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga12.shtml

With reading so many reports of how people have converted their Saiga's to use pistol grips by using standard AK trigger group parts. I assume that it shouldn't take any more work than what is done converting to a pistol grip to remove the safety parts,modifly them,or replace trigger group parts to deactivate the safety device.

 

[fvf]

JA

Thanks for the update. I asked the dealer here if they would bring in the export model but they said that the 12K model is the one they bring in. I also saw the new export model also having a magazine well beside not having the folded stock safety. It also has a rail system on top of the gas tube for attachments.

My only concern w/ magazine fed shotguns is the condition of the rounds in the mag since shot shells are soft plastic not like bullets w/ a brass casing. They might deform under pressure from within the magazine.

 

[JA]

Soft plastic shells is the reason that the Russians make the zinc plated steel shells.
http://www.ab.ru/~stanok/eng/index1.htm

 

[Correia]

The standard fixed stock Saiga does not have the button. So when you convert it to PG, there is no safety to disable.

They are overpriced right now, but a new importer should be bringing in the first Saigas around Thanksgiving. My company (www.fbmginc.com) has signed up as a distributor. No 8 round mags though. The importer is not bringing any in.

 

[fvf]

The model being sold here in the Philippines is the Saiga 12K. It has a folding stock, 430mm barrel, bolt hold open lever, rifle sights and comes w/ 5 & 8 round magazine.

I had preferred the newer model w/ the magazine well and empty magazine bolt hold open feature. I was informed that the new model also has the receiver bolted to the body.

One feature I would like to mod in the 12K is the safety on when the stock is folded. I understand this was a local requirement in Russia but is not required here in my country. Does someone know how to remove this safety on feature when the stock is folded?

Thanks

 

[JustSomeDude]

Saiga Forum

All the info you'll ever need about Saigas.

http://forum.saiga-12.com

 

[fvf]

Yes I have been to the Saiga-12 forum also. Thanks for the tip.

Does anyone know how to mod the Saiga12K to remove the folding stock safety so that it can fire with the stock folded?

Thanks