School me in a Saiga 12r

[robfromsc]

I've been toying with the idea of picking one up.... Anyone with any pointers? Not sure if I want to buy a converted one or have it done...or even try it myself.

I checked the saiga forum, but info didn't jump out at me, thought I'd pick some brains.

Final version won't be that decked put, simple, but I do want a pistol grip...don't really care about folding stocks and a bunch of rails.

[TacticalDefense1911]

I just sold my Saiga 12 but was planning on doing the conversion myself. I dont believe that it would be too difficult to do yourself and would be quite a bit cheaper than buying an already converted gun. Here is a link to a company that has everything you will need for the conversion...and then some.

http://www.mississippiautoarms.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=25_31

Here is a link to the conversion itself...

http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/Step_1.htm

[Technosavant]

Conversion is easy enough. The actual work took me all of two hours, but I also refinished the thing while I was at it- you'll end up with some bare metal under the trigger guard if you don't. I used the Tromix DIY trigger guard and it was indeed a piece of cake.

[Sasquatch in MN]

Having sold several , I have had customers come back stating that it is an incredible platform. Couple have used them in three-gun matches. They appear to be exceptionally well made. The 18" version would be the way to go.

[Crosshair]

Don't own one, but the bet advice one owner gave me was that it is a good idea to start loading 12 gauge shells before you get one. Buying factory ammo gets expensive.

Other advice is don't bother with the 20 round drum for anything other than the range. It's cool, but not too practical. Very heavy and awkward to change. (I'm going from what the owners tell me here.) Good idea to have both 5-round and 10-round mags. Some people like the more compact nature of the 5 or 8 round mags vs the 10 round mags. Get some of each and see what you like.

[TacticalDefense1911]

Along the same lines, the 12 round mags are huge. I bought my Saiga because I was going to use it for a home defense gun but found it too impractical to hide anywhere within quick grasp and out of the hands of anyone else. Everyone has their own situations and I'm sure it would work for some but anything over the 5 round mags gets pretty long.

It is a heck of a gun though and is worth the price just in fun factor with practicality set aside.

[robfromsc]

Thanks for all the info. Is there anything to avoid? I'm pretty much set on the 18" and I don't mind doing the conversion, the more I read the easier it sounds.

[Technosavant]

I can't really speak of any particular items to avoid.

The only other thing I might mention would be the trigger group installation, trying to get everything put in without problems from the bolt hold open. This video makes everything clear. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yek8AfLlu-s&feature=player_embedded)