MKA1919 vs Saiga12, Please discuss!

[Shrubmaster]

Selling my tactical 1187 for something different, leaning to the 12 based on past experience, but the 1919 seems to be on sale everywhere for $669.

[alfred1222]

the 1919 is a POS in my opinion, and the saiga isnt much better, but meh, to each his own

[Ubermcoupe]

Because both must be maglocked for CAAW laws, any use for 3 gun or the like is limited.

You’re better off w. a tube-fed benelli/Versmax/et al.

Is this a fun gun or a practical gun or...?

That being said, I bought a VEPR 12

[The Gleam]

I picked up the 1919 in the store, and couldn't believe the hokey build of that thing; it felt like a big Super-soaker shell wrapped around a Browning Auto-5 receiver. Clunky and "tinny". The receiver and grip are a single piece, only made to look AR-based and did not feel like a solid firearm. It felt flimsy, hollow, and cheap. Didn't even feel real, and the mags are inherent only to the gun. I would pass.

The Saiga is much better built, is more versatile, and the mags are more plentiful to find with variations. It's relatively no different than most other AK-derivatives, so if you must, between only these two, I would select the Saiga.

But, since the cost of both of these are now elevated well beyond what either are worth, up to the $1,000 range, I would spend an extra $300 or so to get a Benelli M1 Super 90 if looking for a REAL good, MUCH better-quality built, all around semi-auto. Other than the M4, I've never owned a better more reliable plain-Jane semi-auto shotgun than the M1 Super 90.

[Josh3239]

Damn, I remember when the S12s first came out people were going crazy over them. It seemed like they were loved and the 3 gunners and such were doing extremely good on the shotgun stages. Now there seems to be some dislike for them. I've got mine on its way to Addax, I hope I didn't make a mistake.

The MKA1919, only thing I know about it was we had it in the store for a short time. It felt junky, quite unimpressive. Just sayin.

[TZL]

Search my other posts on the Akdal 1919

I think I'm pretty qualified to give my opinion as maybe the only fully converted Akdal 1919 in CA

I have two Akdals and 4 S12, plus a couple Benellis, Berettas and Moss JM Pro

[TZL]

If you are prepared to spend 10 hours on the bench and $1-1.5k, try the Akdal

Otherwise look into a nice Moss JM Pro, Versamax etc

Both the S12 and Akdal suck in CA with BB's

[Sicarius]

Have not handled the 1919 yet but the S12 is pretty awesome when you get it running good. The BB really does kill the appeal but it is still a fun gun. Definitely not my go to but one of those nice to haves. I have no regrets and converting it was simple and fun.
Kevin

[762shooter]

Vepr 12 if it is in your budget. I have one on preorder.

S12s are running around $7-800 now, once you throw in the cost of converting (with parts you want, not tapco junk), you might be able to justify the extra cost.

[hcbr]

if you must go the route of having one that looks like the AR or AK, then get the Saiga, still love those things. But IMHO, i'd just go for an FN SLP or something and stick with the good ol shotty style boom stick

[Sicarius]

Conversion will cost you roughly 250. That is with a Ace stock and internal block without folding mechanism, FCG and pistol grip. You can go cheaper if you get a solid plastic stock.
Kevin

[vintagedude88]

The Saiga is just a cool gun to have. However, its not dialed out of the box. You'll spend quite a bit afterwards in conversion, reliability mods and mags. Could you get a Benelli M1 Super 90 for less? Yes, but it wouldn't be as cool as the Saiga. Is the Saiga my go to gun? Certainly not but neither would be the Benelli. My go to gun is a Mossberg 500 pump.