Thinking of getting a Saiga-12

[Prince Yamato]

A local gun shop has Saiga-12s for about $400. Since I love all things Kalashnikov, I was thinking of purchasing one. Since I love all things politically incorrect, I intend to convert this to pistol grip form. I am an adherent to the WECSOG and a kitchen gunsmith by financial necessity; my tools consist of a hammer (rubber and metal), screwdrivers, and a dremel. With these tools, is it possible to do a Saiga conversion? I am familiar with trigger group disassembly. I know all about 922(r). It would be going about it the hard way, but I like to explore things and from what I've seen online, the drill presses seem to be an added expense. Should I take the plunge or am I just going to wind up with a ruined Kalashnikov?

 

[cajun47]

will they shoot steel shot? do they have 2 round mags for hunting? can you change the chokes?

i may get one if its alright for duck hunting.

 

[tsanford405]

I have a Saiga-12 and love it. I have mulled over the idea of using it for hunting, however I don't think I will use it for migratory birds of any sort. They have 2-round magazines, but it just doesn't seem to be very effective to me. I didn't convert mine, I just purchased an imported "sportster" stock which gives me the pistol grip if I want it. I would recommend picking one up, they are awesome!

Just my .02

 

[REOIV]

All you need to convert a Saiga is a dremel, but I would seriously suggest a electric drill as that will make certain parts easier. Besides every guy should have a drill.

They are so worth the 400 bucks, in fact you could buy one for 400 and turn around and most likely sell it for 500 people want them so bad.

Polychoke makes a choke for them, though they come threaded and there are a range of chokes and attachments made for them.

They have chrome lined barrels and will shoot anything and everything you can put in them. Think AK reliability and tolerances meets a shotgun....

Plus how can you beat a semi-auto shottie for under 500 bucks?

Thing is, the S12 can be used for hunting and clay shooting but the barrel is kinda too short, so if that is your reason for buying it, skip the S12.

As for home defense and blowing stuff up, nothing beats it.

It has mags that range from 2 rounds to a 20 round drum coming out.

It takes pretty much most AK parts except hand guards, those you'll need to fit yourself or buy the adapters people make. Check out Saiga12.com for more information on that.

 

[Navy87Guy]

The Saiga is a WECSOG dream! I've done a 7.62x39 and the S12 - it's easy. You'll definitely need the Dremel for the S12 to cut the hole for the pistol grip nut. A power drill would be very handy, too.

Here's a link to a series of videos a guy just shot documenting his conversion: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=113D4D0386C4C639

I've also got some hints and lessons learned on my website: http://home.comcast.net/~navy87guy/home/saigaconversion.html

It's easy to do in a weekend -- a single afternoon if you don't have any problems.

Go for it!

Jim