You clearly have not shot exemplars of each. The configuration we get exists solely for legal reasons. A converted saiga has better balance, the safety can be reached without moving ones hand from the grip or having ET fingers, the trigger is vastly better, and the conversion makes higher capacity mags legal (this could be done with the factory stock though). These are a few reasons that come to mind immediately. For some cosmetics is a big reason but that is personal preference.
Why NOT a Saiga-12?
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You clearly have not shot exemplars of each. The configuration we get exists solely for legal reasons. A converted saiga has better balance, the safety can be reached without moving ones hand from the grip or having ET fingers, the trigger is vastly better, and the conversion makes higher capacity mags legal (this could be done with the factory stock though). These are a few reasons that come to mind immediately. For some cosmetics is a big reason but that is personal preference.
Frank4711
Member
I like all my Saiga's, the 12 is fun to shoot. For me it's function over form, %100 all the time. My other shotguns are mossberg
They are more traditional and have been around a lot longer. Plus I am not sure they are superior or anyone is claiming that. They are good in there own ways and offer things that other shotguns cannot. But there are definitely shortcomings and unfortunately we don't get the next generation Saigas or other Russian military shotguns that fix many of these problems..
MCgunner
Member
When the game warden checks you, he won't write you a ticket....if you've properly plugged the magazine. I'm not sure how you'd plug a Saiga or if maybe you could get a 2 round magazine. But, I like normal guns, anyway.
Yeah, I'm a "fudd". Live with it. 
The mag is easy to plug (I plugged one of mine) and you can theoretically get plugged mags from the factory. But as I mentioned earlier, if you have a pump, a fish cop's probably not going to give you a second look. You have an AK? Yeah, he's gonna hassle you.
They make a 2 round magazine but you can permanently plug a Saiga magazine like any other removable magazine. I don't hunt on public property anymore so my chances of running into a DEC officer is nil but if I were to hunt on public land I would take my 870..
chris in va
Member
Going out on a limb here, but...
Considering that it's an AK action, I would think you could fire hundreds of shells and not need a cleaning compared to the 'normal' semiauto types like the 1100.
But I don't have first hand experience with the 12, just my Saiga in x39.
Considering that it's an AK action, I would think you could fire hundreds of shells and not need a cleaning compared to the 'normal' semiauto types like the 1100.
But I don't have first hand experience with the 12, just my Saiga in x39.
Ben Shepherd
Member
Chris- True. I've seen well over 1,000 rounds down the bore of a certain s-12 I know of(NOT mine) without a good cleaning.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
SO, it's O.K. to break the Federal game laws as long as you don't get caught?
rc
MCgunner
Member
I think he's referring to the comment that you'll get hassled with an AK action shotgun., not to the 3 round requirement. I'm just giving him the benefit of the doubt, but that's how I read it.
With the Winchester 1400, the GWs smile and don't bother checkin'. It only holds two in the mag in the first place. It is also the most natural pointing shotgun I've ever picked up that was right out of the box. I'm not real sure how Saiga's balance, either, not ever having shouldered one. They are interesting guns and might be fun to own and don't break the bank, or didn't last I looked at 'em before the election, so I've warmed a little to them. They, like the Winchester, don't have very good ergos either from what I can tell, though, for a lefty. Is the safety on the side of the thing like an AK? I'd think that'd be really stupid to use in the field. I'd rather have a crossbolt than that. I prefer tang safeties like my Mossberg, though.
With the Winchester 1400, the GWs smile and don't bother checkin'. It only holds two in the mag in the first place. It is also the most natural pointing shotgun I've ever picked up that was right out of the box. I'm not real sure how Saiga's balance, either, not ever having shouldered one. They are interesting guns and might be fun to own and don't break the bank, or didn't last I looked at 'em before the election
, so I've warmed a little to them. They, like the Winchester, don't have very good ergos either from what I can tell, though, for a lefty. Is the safety on the side of the thing like an AK? I'd think that'd be really stupid to use in the field. I'd rather have a crossbolt than that. I prefer tang safeties like my Mossberg, though.Funny I traded my 1400 for the Saiga. My 1400 must be the only one in existence that took 3 shells in the magazine, always wondered about that. Anyhow I did not like the 1400 for a number of reasons so I was glad to get rid of it. That said I never had a problem with it, I did not like the alloy receiver and it was a bit clunky when compared to other similar auto loaders.
waterhouse
Member
This may be the case, but it means you have to carry a lot of mags or spend time reloading them.
For example, in a duck blind, I can fire twice, and quickly stuff 2 shells in the tube, and I'm back to the three I started at, all with my firing hand still ready to go if another bird comes in.
To do the same with a Saiga, I'd have to have a stack of 2 round magazines set up, or I'd have to drop the mag, put a new one in, and probably use both hands to reload the mag I just took out. Plus I'd have to keep up with a magazine in a duck blind, which seems like it would quickly end up in the water or the mud. I've fumbled shells into the water and mud as well, but even at today's shell prices it's a cheaper loss than a Saiga mag.
Hunting and clay games, or at least those are a couple reasons. Saigas have a lot going for them in the tactical world and in many gun games, but high capacity detachable magazines are far less important in hitting flying birds or clays than how the gun fits, swings, and balances, especially since laws and rules tend to limit the number of shells you can use.
Different tools for different jobs.
MCgunner
Member
Yup, why I don't own one. Too narrow focused and i really have no interest in tactical shotguns. I hunt birds, 'tis what I do. The OP should specify the USE of the gun. Seems someone has already mentioned that tac reloads (topping off) during a fight is a lot easier with the tube magazine. And, how many of us get up and put on our tactical vest with magazines when we go check out that bump in the night. Of course, I usually have a handgun to check for bumps, but I'm just sayin'.
Still, I don't think the Saiga would be a bad hunting shotgun, even a wing shooting gun, if it weren't for the ergos of the safety and if it balances okay and ain't too heavy. I've really not looked in to that. I don't need a deer gun, hunt with handguns or rifles. I don't need a turkey gun. If I get a chance to hunt turkey, it'll be with my 10 gauge. 1 shot equals 3 from a Saiga....
Still, I don't think the Saiga would be a bad hunting shotgun, even a wing shooting gun, if it weren't for the ergos of the safety and if it balances okay and ain't too heavy. I've really not looked in to that. I don't need a deer gun, hunt with handguns or rifles. I don't need a turkey gun. If I get a chance to hunt turkey, it'll be with my 10 gauge. 1 shot equals 3 from a Saiga....
ByAnyMeans
Member
I would say a Pump is best but that's because I was able to get two Winchester 1300 speed pumps in 18in 7+1 and 26in. 5+1 with multi choke. I also got a beat-up Mossberg 500 in 18in 7+1 with a pistol grip folding stock and barrel shroud. These were picked up on sale and used for the Mossberg for about 750. It's just a matter of money to me.
_JT_
Member
I've been looking at the Saiga 12 for deer and just for fun. The price is nice, and i'm a fan of AK reliability. I do have a question in regards to the setup
-And if i were to take this out for Goose, is a 19" barrel too short?
-What does the Removable thread protector mean? Is it already threaded?
-And if i were to take this out for Goose, is a 19" barrel too short?
MCgunner
Member
The only shotguns I'm interested in are sporting arms. Therefore, I'd rather have a pump, auto, side by side, O/U, or single shot to a Saiga. I think maybe I'd get a Saiga before a lever action shotgun, but that's about it.
If I needed a 12 gauge slug gun for brown bear country, I might like a Saiga. They're not bad guns, I'm just not needing such a gun and my guns balance well, fit well, and swing well for me.
If I needed a 12 gauge slug gun for brown bear country, I might like a Saiga. They're not bad guns, I'm just not needing such a gun and my guns balance well, fit well, and swing well for me.
It is threaded on the outside of the barrel for chokes and whatnot unlike sporting shotguns where the choke threading is on the inside of the barrel. They make a polychoke for the Saiga which is a must have if you plan on using it for turkey or duck hunting.
While the 24" would obviously be better with a polychoke and 3" shells it would be an OK duck and goose gun and a really good turkey gun. I am going to use mine for turkey and deer.
_JT_
Member
I have a Browing Auto-5 for Goose/Duck, but will probably take the Saiga down to the farm just as a backup or if its a good day to give it a whirl. The Saiga is mainly going to be a Deer gun. Thanks for the quick replies guys.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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There ya go, right there. The proof is in the pudding. There must be something to them thar inferior ergos; else the top competitors would be choosing (and winning with) Saigas.
Hunters are a funny bunch. People make fun of women because they have so many shoes or are so inflexible about fashion and what is "in" and "out" of style. IMO hunters are worse, got forbid it has a polychoke or has a synthetic stock or is not blued properly. I say anyone who gives a Saiga a chance would get to be as proficient with it as any other firearm. I have a feeling Saiga's will rule 3 gun competitions soon. Skeet and Trap? They were not meant for that. They make a mean turkey and deer gun though.
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