Tell me of problems with the Saiga shotgun!

[AmesJainchill]

Considering that nothing is perfect, and all I've ever heard about Saiga is good things...there have to be some flaws...?

Anyway. Just wondering.

[john1911]

The main flaw...prices are going nuts. :D

I'm not too fond of the "rock and lock" magazine system. Magwells are available that let you insert magazines straight in.

Some mags need to be modified to work with some guns.

Some need some internal polishing to function properly.

Magazines can be pricey.

I bought my Saiga 12 in January. I haven't had any problems. Runs 100% with every type of ammo I've tried. I originally planned to send it somewhere to have the conversion performed but have decided to leave it stock. Still a great gun.

All things Saiga:
http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?

[Boris Bush]

I have shot them in every gauge and they are fast cycling, reliable shotguns. One nice thing about them is the fixed barrel. They throw slugs better than any rack grade slug gun I ever fired.

[Double Naught Spy]

Don't leave mags loaded for extended periods. The mags will be fine, but some ammo compresses to be slightly out of round and then does not feed or not feed well.

Otherwise, seems good.

[chris in va]

I wouldn't mind having a 20ga Saiga. Recoils less, easier to find.

[predator86]

they are hard to find....

[Rustynuts]

The mag loaded thing is only when it's in the gun AND with the bolt closed. For SD you can keep the mag loaded in the gun and just use the bolt hold back. Then a simple pull on the bolt and you charge a round when you need it.

Or to keep one in the chamber and the bolt closed, some people have devised a pull-pin system were you drill a hole through the mag and the pin holds the next shell away from the bolt. I assume the pin would deform the shell a little, but in a smaller area and not making the front oval for better feeding. Grab the gun, pull the pin and you're ready to rock.

[B. Lahey]

I have not had any problems with mine. I wish there was an American-made seven or eight round mag available, the ten round AGP mags are enormous and the Russian eight rounders put you in violation of 922r unless you get all fancy building it up with US parts (I have a bare-bones 13-part Saiga 12).