Saiga .410

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GETxSOME

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I found a used Saiga .410 in excellent condition at a very reasonable price at a LGS yesterday, so the question is what practical use would this gun have? I guess my thought is that it is kind of like having a "tactical" .22, where it is more of a training aid/fun plinker than anything else... but I'm just having a little trouble justifying buying it. Any thoughts on it? Or anyone here own one and have some knowledge to share?

-Travis
 
I guess my thought is that it is kind of like having a "tactical" .22, where it is more of a training aid/fun plinker than anything else...
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I have one along with a S12 and AKM rifles. I don't see it as being a great trainer because ammo is relatively expensive. Honestly I have mine just because I think a .410 AKM platform gun is pretty cool. It can be used for small game and the like. Just because I like it is a good enough reason for me though.
 
My relatively low gun budget has always made me over-analyze any gun related purchase to make sure it's the best value and also has multiple practical uses... but for some reason I just REALLY like this gun and am seriously considering putting off a new CC pistol for a few weeks to purchase it. I spend a lot of time in the warmer months plinking .22s and shooting clays and think this would be a fun gun to throw in the mix.
 
The .410 Saiga has lotsa potential for sporting use and (as evidenced by the .410 Mossberg home defense shotgun) the .410 has potential for defensive use also.

I have read that the .410 Saiga Kalashnikov and the aluminum case 410 ammo were used in the Russian prison system as guard weapons (although as a "less lethal" option).

Plus .410 is below the .50 bore diameter for NFA Destructive Device designation of a "non-sporting" shotgun, given the rumors that some (military/police style) models of the 12ga Saiga might be barred from import as "non-sporting" shotguns.
 
I have one; and "restored" it, and it is a lot of fun and a challenge for shooting clays. I've taken it bird hunting too. It is definitely fun.

The gun itself is great, and is reliable, etc...my only reservations about it come with the chambering...410 doesn't fill a niche for me.

I've listed mine for sale on THR in the past, trying to make room in the safe, but haven't been too pro-active in getting it sold; mainly because i now have more loot tied up in it than i could sell it for, and it is fun when i do take it out.

So overall, yeah, pick it up..but i wouldn't have it as a primary gun if you are only going to have one or two... and there are also many other options for home defense i'd choose before a .410 too.
 
Plus .410 is below the .50 bore diameter for NFA Destructive Device designation of a "non-sporting" shotgun, given the rumors that some (military/police style) models of the 12ga Saiga might be barred from import as "non-sporting" shotguns.
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If you are going to spread rumors at least try to get them right. The military and police versions are already barred from being imported. That is why people preform pistol grip conversions and why Russian 8 round mags cost a mint.
 
If I was going to get a Saiga I'd want the 12 or 20 ga. .410 costs more to shoot and isn't good for much.
 
A .410 works well for rabbits, grouse, squirrels, woodcock, and similar small game. If used for hunting, the extra cost of the shells isn't that bad since you'd likely only go through 8-10 boxes a year at most for that pupose.

It would be a lot of fun for general plinking and would likely get a bit of attention if you took it to a range for shooting clays. If you're going to do a lot of those things you're going to want to get a reloader.
 
I bought mine when they first hit the shores. The guy just about gave it away ($150 NIB)as it was drawing little interest. It is one of my most shot 410's. I use the 3" rounds for hunting small game, dove and quail. The 2.5 shells are just for busting clays but still very fun. I chose to modify the 20ga version as it has no practical use in my collection other than looking cool. The 12ga makes a fantastic waterfowl gun although it is now relegated to back up use for this purpose.
 
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