Saiga 12 ???

[Gem1950]

Maybe you Saiga fans can enlighten me - What's the story on the Saiga 12 ?

Quality, Reliability, Functionality, Features/Models, Legal issues, Price range, Availability ???

Is this a Mag. lock required weapon?

[BroncoBob]

Let's just say they are bad ***. Non converted should go for $600 with converted ones going for around $900. Use full load ammo only and issues should not be a problem.

[Gem1950]

Let's just say they are bad ***. Non converted should go for $600 with converted ones going for around $900. Use full load ammo only and issues should not be a problem.

Definition of non-converted please?

[jben]

I got one a little while back. Now it's one of my favorite guns.

They're imported with sporter stocks (unconverted) and many people like to convert them to pistol grip.

In California you do need a magazine lock because it's a semi-auto shotgun.

I've shot around a hundred rounds each of target loads, buck and slugs. No issues with the gun.

Felt recoil is next to nothing. I couldn't believe it the first time I was shooting slugs out of it. The action absorbs almost all of it. It holds very tight patterns and is pretty accurate with slugs at 60-70 yards (haven't tried farther).

I got mine (mag lock installed) from Atlantic Firearms. They had a deal for CalGuns members. Purchase, shipping, transfer and CA tax was around 700 out the door.

[TZL]

once it gotten broken in, on gas setting #2 it should cycle lighter loads just fine

You can add an easily adjustable gas knob

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-190/MD-ARMS-SAIGA-12/Detail

...Use full load ammo only and issues should not be a problem.

[Gem1950]

I got one a little while back. Now it's one of my favorite guns.

They're imported with sporter stocks (unconverted) and many people like to convert them to pistol grip.

In California you do need a magazine lock because it's a semi-auto shotgun.

I've shot around a hundred rounds each of target loads, buck and slugs. No issues with the gun.

Felt recoil is next to nothing. I couldn't believe it the first time I was shooting slugs out of it. The action absorbs almost all of it. It holds very tight patterns and is pretty accurate with slugs at 60-70 yards (haven't tried farther).

I got mine (mag lock installed) from Atlantic Firearms. They had a deal for CalGuns members. Purchase, shipping, transfer and CA tax was around 700 out the door.

Is the mag. lock still required if there is no pistol grip?

[BVamp]

yes it is still required in the stock configuration in california

[Gem1950]

Ok, so how does it compare (function/reliability) to a Remington or Mossberg semi-auto H.D. shotgun?

[skscj]

1st, its basically an AK-47 shotgun, real high on the "cool factor", 2nd its a mag. fed weapon, 3rd you can have a 10 rnd. mag. Put a pistol grip and a 10 round mag. and go shoot it, then you will understand. Its a S-12 thing.

[peepshowal]

Is the mag. lock still required if there is no pistol grip?

Yes because without the mag lock it still is a semiauto shotgun with a detachable magazine (number (7) below).

12276.1. (a) Notwithstanding Section 12276, "assault weapon" shall also mean any of the following:
(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
(A) A folding or telescoping stock.
(B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
(7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.
(8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

[Massappeal]

Man I want one of these!

[Gem1950]

Yes because without the mag lock it still is a semiauto shotgun with a detachable magazine (number (7) below).

12276.1. (a) Notwithstanding Section 12276, "assault weapon" shall also mean any of the following:
(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
(A) A folding or telescoping stock.
(B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
(7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.
(8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

That's a shame. Thanks for the info.

J

[eccvets]

I though they were some times jammomatics... is this not the case? I know ak47's will shoot full auto with no problem. IDK how well it shoots shot shells in semi.

[hill billy]

Mine shoots fine. I got it new, took the whole thing apart, enlarged the three holes and converted it. Never had any issues. It shoots Wal Mart junk and slugs, no problem.

[Twinkies]

Maybe you Saiga fans can enlighten me - What's the story on the Saiga 12 ?

Quality, Reliability, Functionality, Features/Models, Legal issues, Price range, Availability ???

Is this a Mag. lock required weapon?

Quality, Reliability, Functionality
It's an AK... check to make sure you have at least 3 healthy gas ports drilled and youre good to go. All the guys claiming these things jam all the time are running weak bird shot loads with no break in period. They (should) cycle high brass 2 3/4" and 3" loads 100%. After some use, it should cycle some lighter loads.. mine runs Federal bulk packs great with the improved gas plug.
The Winchester bulk stuff is weak and will likely give you problems.

Features/Models
Available in 12ga, 20ga, and .410 for shotguns. These guns have great aftermarket support for parts.

Legal issues
Must have a mag lock. Period. Pistol grip and forward grip are generally considered one feature. Must have fixed stock with a PG. Also must be 922r compliant if youre using larger magazines. 10rd mags max.

Price range, Availability
$500-600.. $900+ converted.. and they are obtainable from Atlantic, Peach State, etc if you cant find one locally. Expect to pay top dollar for one already in CA.

spend some time on http://www.saiga-12.com for 922r compliance and conversion info.