School Me on Saiga 12s

[MasterYong]

So I'm thinking about getting one. Got a guy that tells me he can sell me one NIB (with the sporting stock) for under $400.

So I searched around CG and I'm having trouble making sense of this. I knew Saiga 12s were semi-auto shotguns, but knew very little otherwise. Now I see thread after thread if folks showing off their "converted" Saigas but I can't seem to find a thread that explains just what the hell they're being converted FOR. Does "converted" just mean it's had the PG and such added? Is more being done? I also see a lot about 922r compliance...

These need a maglock as well, yes?

Are there any important questions I need to ask about this gun before I buy? I know it's not unheard of for some FFLs to inadvertanty sell improperly configured weapons (essentially AWs... WHOOPS!) and I want to be sure I'm playing by the rules and get a good deal.

Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be provided. It's been a while since I felt like I was asking such a NOOB question on this site but I haven't really educated myself
much on CA SG laws.

[novabrian]

A converted one refers to one as having the trigger group moved forward so there then is room for a pistol grip.Yes you need a BB.I say buy it.

[ChrisO]

Converting it triggers 922r compliance. Just search 922r compliance. I'm not 100% sure if you need a mag lock if you keep it in sporting configuration with the regular stock someone correct me if I'm wrong fellas? I'm not 100% sure because it's a shotgun. Converting it means moving the trigger guard forward and adding a AK pistol grip and stock basically converting it from sporting to AK configuration.

[karl9422]

you need a mag lock no matter what since it is a semi auto with detachable magazine.

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/StoreFront?cart_id=31536148&sfs=d4be8afc

this link is to a place that sells the hole kits and if you buy one of there kits you will be 922r. also check out

http://forum.saiga-12.com/

they have so much info on there for when i did my conversion. it is a night and day the trigger on a converted one hope this helps you out and just to give you can idea i paid 600 for mine before any taxes so that is a great deal. just take it out and run 50 or so 3 in buck shot to break it in on number one.

[Twinkies]

yes, it needs a mag lock even in the original "sporting" config as its a
semi auto shotgun.

yep, I agree, the improved feel of the Tapco single hook trigger is worth doing the "conversion" for just by itself. Converting basically means moving the FCG forward and adding a pistol grip, the way the gun was originally designed.
I know the search function on here isnt great...Lots of other S12 info if you look in my thread history in my profile..

$400 is a steal in todays market.. jump all over it and figure it out later.

[Quiet]

The Saiga shotgun requires a magazine lock, no matter what configuration it is in.

Converting refers to modifying the shotgun into it's intended form.
Converting requires Federal 922r parts compliance.

It also can not have both a pistol grip and a folding/extending stock.

[hlcarbine]

GET IT!
I paid 800 for mine out the door.
I converted and I absolutely love it.

[1988]

$400 for a S12 is a steal. If you don't want it let me have it.

Following is an example for your motivation; All conversion was done in my kitchen:

[MasterYong]

Thanks for the input, fellas- I thought I was getting one helluva deal.

So, to be clear, 922r compliance is only a concern when you're converting it, yes? No need to check to see if it's compliant if it has the sporting stock and factory trigger position?

1988: what's up with the rubber band in your pic? Do you have your BB tool inserted and use the band as a landyard?

...think I'll pick mine up this afternoon...

[1988]

Thanks for the input, fellas- I thought I was getting one helluva deal.

So, to be clear, 922r compliance is only a concern when you're converting it, yes? No need to check to see if it's compliant if it has the sporting stock and factory trigger position?

1988: what's up with the rubber band in your pic? Do you have your BB tool inserted and use the band as a landyard?

...think I'll pick mine up this afternoon...

You only have to do the 922r compliance conversion if you plan to use mags those can hold more than 5 rounds (10 or Less in CA).

I use the cotter pin mod to prevent deformation of the first shell in the magazine. The cotter pin is also the mag lock release tool. When I need to load, I simply pull the pin to feed the shells and put it on my wrist for mag release.

Who could ever thought that the rubber band can be so useful.