saiga goes hunting?

[Bhi curamach]

I'm going to ask this even though I suspect I 'll take a wee bit of flak. Hopefully it will be minimal as THR members are mostly humane, but if not, well... I'm a big boy.
Okay so I'm not at all experienced with hunting using the shotgun.
I'm not saying I'm a shot gun newbie (far from an expert but I have a decent grasp on the platform) just that Ive only hunted deer with a rifle.
I own a S12. Primarily because I for no reason I can articulate, am utterly fascinated by Soviet firearms.
Hey, AK AND 12 guage?!?! Yes please.
This is my only shotgun, Ive had fairly unlimited access to a family members "traditional" shotguns that met my scatter gunning needs. Mostly shooting random objects and lots of clays.
I don't anticapate being able to purchase a hunting only gun anytime soon and the family member in question has moved. Away, far away.
Some friends and I have decided to take up shooting the delicious pheasant and quail that said family member used to provide.
I anticipate some birdless trips in our immediate futures but practice may make perfect.
Any reason my Saiga would be a bad choice?
Ive converted it and it wears an AK stock with kvar s rpk style handguard. I really like this configuration for aesthetics and function.
The traditional style stocks have all caused discomfort(from mild to quite severe depending on caliber/typeof weapon, rifle, shotgun and the amount of time shooting) were as the pistol gripped weapons cause my apparently wimpy wrists no issues.
Also I'm becoming quite found of the idea that I will actually be using an "assault style weapon" to hunt with. Something the delightful woman in California claims neither happens nor is "needed". Bollocks to her indeed.
Thoughts?
Its the shortest barrel length sold, 18 I believe.
If this is a terrible idea, do please be kind...

 

[klyph]

Get yourself a polychoke and a magazine with capacity legal to hunt with (everything from 2-30 rounders are available). If you're worried about the lower velocity of the 18" barrel, use 3" magnum shells. The semi auto action and pistol grip make the recoil much more manageable than most semis, and is worlds better than a pump. I also prefer the rifle sights over a bead.

 

[WardenWolf]

A Saiga 12 can make an excellent hunting shotgun once you add a PolyChoke II. Go for it!

 

[Kymasabe]

I can see no reason why you can't hunt with the Saiga. The only things I can see that you'd need to address is choke pattern and capacity allowed in your jurisdiction. It seems that the Polychoke will solve your choke issue, and as it's mag fed, shouldn't be too hard to find a low capacity mag for hunting for it. I say go for it.

I mean, really, at the end of the day, your just using a semi-automatic shotgun. If someone gives you a problem because of how it looks, tell them to get lost. Tell them it's Darth Vaders Rem. 1100.

 

[JohnnyK]

I shoot clays with my S12... why not real birds??? go for it!

 

[TreeDoc]

Lots of practice, it can be done. Shotguns are very versatile. Swinging and and point shooting would seem to be difficult. I never 'aim' a shotgun on upland birds, takes to much time and the bird whistles on by. I will 'aim' on a turkey as they are being called into a blind and walking.

 

[Dr. Sandman]

Do it!

 

[desidog]

I use my S410 for clays, grouse and squirrels with a 2-shot magazine and a full choke. Go for it!