coyotewillie
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Posts posted by coyotewillie
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I need to do this to mine too! For those of you that did drill your detents, what paint did you use that best matches the original Saiga color? So far I haven't found a match for my rifles or shotgun.
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High prices are a possibility, but he hasn't had them priced near as high or even close to the AR's normally. He's not the type to do it, but if he raised the prices on them, he surely would have on the AR's too. But they're gone! In this area most people don't know what I'm talking about when I start telling them about my Saiga's.
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Went to my local gunshop Saturday morning to watch the feeding frenzy. No AR's left, one thumbhole AK of some kind on the wall, no AR upper's of any kind, no ammo, and no magazines! Wall to wall people. What was surprising was that they still had 6-7 Saiga's. They had a couple of 20" bbl'd rifles, the rest were 16's. I don't know what calibers they had, I couldn't get close enough to ask, and since I wasn't interested in anything at the time, didn't bother to find out. I found it interesting that no one seems to know what a Saiga is and what can be done with them as far as converting. I had him order a shotgun a month ago for me and he got 2 others to sell in the shop. Both of those were gone but not any rifles. Odd that no one is interested in these yet.
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Yea, I need to clarify that....I DO mean the "D" modification to the gas block opening. Either that or just drill out the opening slightly larger. I wasn't clear on that. I did do the bolt drop test, and mine drops freely as in the video. It shucked so much harder than I'm used to, I thought it could stand polishing. Now, maybe not.
I can only see 2 of the 4 gas holes. I can find the other two holes with a bent paper clip. I can move the clip around in one and it feels like there's about as much open space as the two I can see. On the fourth hole, I can get the clip in the hole, but it doesn't seem to wiggle around as much as the others. So, it feels like that one may be slightly covered. I thought maybe drilling out the gas block hole just a bit, or the "D" mod, might fully uncover all the ports. But, with 4 holes, with only one "slightly" covered, maybe there isn't a need to work on the gas block. Sounds like mine is pretty normal then?
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Obviously no one buys any thing not expecting it to be reliable.....unless you've read up on the Saiga shotguns, LOL. Seriously, I'd like it to be 100% reliable on everything, but I know/knew that's not real probable without some work. I really have no idea what kind of ammo I will normally run through it. I've buckshot for predator calling and I've got the Federal 7 1/2's here for blue rock. That's the only reason I used the Federal yesterday. So I can't say specifically what I'll use. Of course I've got the 5 rd mag that came with it, and I'll probably get a couple 10's and 12's. And of course, you can't have a Saiga 12 without a 20 rd drum!!
While some may consider port work as a last resort, I didn't feel I had much choice if some were blocked. Since this seems to be a manufacturing/quality defect, I thought that should be taken care of first. Otherwise you're treating the symptoms before the disease. Now that I've found 4 ports, only 1 maybe minimally blocked, it doesn't look like there's anything here, this section anyway, to be worried about. Thanks. Greg
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As I posted in another thread I tried my new S12 yesterday for the first time. Had to run everything on position 2. Still had some FTE with some low brass Federals(3dram/1 1/2oz shot/7 1/2). I know that's not what the gun was intended to shoot, but it would be nice to pop some blue rocks at times. Thinking I might have some blocked gas ports, I started to tear it down to check. On my first inspection, I thought I had 3 holes with 1 partially blocked. You can only see 2 holes easily in the gas block opening. And last nite I could feel a third hole but couldn't get a bent paper clip in it. However, this morning after rebending the clip, I can get it into the third hole AND found the fourth! So, I have 4 gas ports and even though I can't see two in the opening, they're open enough to get a paper clip to fit through. Is this be enough? Is there really any reason to mess with this under the circumstances? I know one port is partially covered since there's not as much wiggle room for the clip. Not perfect, but I've still got most of the 4th port.
I do know I was very surprised by how rough the action feels compared to my 2 rifles. When you shuck this one, feels like rubbing two bricks together. I've only put 15 rounds through it so I know it's still pretty stiff. Under the circumstances should I just keep shooting to wear everything in? Seems like this would be a good candidate for a polish job from Pauly. Since I've got it disassembled enough to take the gas block off, should I go ahead, take it off, and open up the gas block opening? Thanks. Greg
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Wow, that was EASY! Once again I was following the instructions explicitly and it bit me on the ass. I see now that the handguard is notched to fit over the screw block. Never would have gotten it off just sliding straight down like the video showed. Unfortunately I've probably trashed the threads on the thread protector. I've used everything but a pipe wrench and it won't budge. Yesterday I ordered a conversion kit from CSS, I'll try to add a steel thread protector to the order. Thanks for the help.
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OK, I've watched the videos, read the tutorials, simple right? Well, I can't get mine to come loose. Simply pulling forward won't work. Smacked it down on the carpet while pulling on the handguard. The guy in the one video says I don't have to take the thread protector off when I do this. Right. Now I can't unscrew the protector, so I have to work on that now. What am I missing here? Just wanted to ask before I start prying on things. Looks like I have to work on one of the gas holes so I'm just starting to take it apart. Looks like there's 3 holes on mine, one seems to be partially covered. Anyway, new S12, shot it this afternoon. Have to run everything on position 2, still have some FTE with low brass. If it's not one thing it's another, LOL! Thanks. Greg
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I get so mixed up on front site bases. Should be a diagram on which is which!! So, easiest just to ask. Which front site block will fit a .591 barrel? Preferably a threaded one. I'd like a combo gas/site block, but that seems even worse for finding the correct combo (size/vent angle). I'll probably just go this way instead of the combo idea. Shorten my 20" bbl down to 18" and put a new threaded site block on with a flash hider and hope it looks good. Greg
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That's too bad. I'd really like to shorten the 20" to an 18" and combo up the gas block/front site. Without a lot of work that is. I never seem to find the right combo block in stock anywhere. Looks like it'll be easier to shorten the thing down to a 16". Of course the easiest thing is to just sell it! That's probably what I'll end up doing. Greg
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Has anyone used the Bolton gas block? I've got a 16" and a 20" in .223 and was considering doing the 20", then threading the bbl and putting a fake can on, or cutting it down to 18". Thanks. Greg
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I know it's a lot better with a longer sight radius. But, I really like the looks of the front sight w/the gas block combination. Right now I have a TWS rail on it with the peep sight. What I'd like to do is put a gas block/front sight on it, thread the bbl, and put a fake can on it. I think that would look pretty decent! If I thought it would look alright I'd put a standard sight block on next to the gas block, but not sure if that would look good at all. I envy you having the Krebs, I think that would be perfect. I see a lot of custom setups, but nothing seems to show up for diy. If I can't find a combo block I'll probably just sell the 20". I've got a 16" too, can't see having both. Greg
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Could you tell me more about your sight/gas block combo? This is something I'd like to put on my 20".
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I've got a new Saiga 12 ordered, should be in late this week. I've got 2 .223's, both converted, but know little about the shottie. I've been reading some here about them, so I know a little bit about them when it comes in. Sounds like there's a lot of variation out there. Quite honestly, it really sounds like a crap shoot with what you get! So, what are the latest ones like these days? Are they still making "vodka specials"? Or have they evened out quality wise? I'm starting to quesion whether I'm making the right move by getting one. Thanks. Greg
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I've got a 16" and a 20" .223. Some time ago (months!), I put a windage adjustable rear site on the 16" since the front had to be moved over off center to be on target where I wanted it. Hadn't sighted it in yet. I also converted it over to run Weiger mags, bought 5 from Apex, filed and fitted them to the rifle, and installed a bullet guide. If anyone has qualms about the bullet guide installation, don't worry about it! I was a little worried after reading some of the posts here, but, I had absolutely no problems with the installation. Finally took it out today to test out the Weigers and set the rear sight. No hiccups on the Weigers whatsoever. And, I completely lucked out, the sight was spot on! I've got steel gongs at 100/200 yards. Hit the 100 with the first shot, so went to the 200. Hit 3 out 4!! Had a 30 round mag but quit at those 5 rounds. Pretty good for 58 year old eyes, figured I'd quit while I was ahead! REALLY impressed with the way this thing shoots. So...now on to the 20"....I've put a Texas Weapon System dogleg on it and have the windage adj rear sight for it. I want to get that sighted in first, then pick up a scope for it and see what it will do with glass. I'm very satisfied with the 16"...now I'm really hoping for good things out of the 20". I paid top dollar for these AFTER Obama got in, but this kind of accuracy helps make up for it. Greg
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Josey: I agree, my Surefires work great. But...everyone HAS to have a SHTF rifle that use's "mil spec mags"! (LOL, my apologies everyone, just couldn't resist) I just got 3 new Weiger mags today in the mail, and I have to admit.........NICE mags!! OK, I see why everyone likes them. So, I've got 2 Saiga's, one 16" and one 20". I'll dedicate one to the Surefires, and one to the Weiger's. On the one with the Weiger's, I'll have to put a bullet guide, but I guess that won't really be a problem. I looked at Jim Digriz's post on fitting the Weiger's, doesn't look like it will take much. That and a bullet guide and I'm done. Anyway, nice call on the Weiger's, guess I might order a couple more while I'm at it (and while they're available). Greg
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Having 2 AR's, it would be nice to go with the AR15 adapter, but I just really don't to modify the rifle any more. So if I had a choice between Orlites or Weigers, which mag seems to be the top choice? I sometimes leave a mag loaded, so that would suggest the Weiger's, no? As far as Orlites, would it be better to buy new over used? Thanks. Greg
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I've got 2 converted Saiga .223's. I bought a couple of the Surefire 30rd mags to try, and they seem to work great. But everyone disses them because they aren't "mil spec". OK, I can understand that, and even tho I don't think we're going to war tomorrow, I thought maybe I'd get some of the "mil spec" type to try. Bad thing is, it's hard to make the choice. Some people swear by the Orlite mags, some didn't have good luck with them. Same with the E. German Weigers, same with the Circle 10's, and so on. Just when I think I can see more favorable posts for one, someone else has had better luck with another. It looks like right now, I can get the Orlites, the Weigers, and the IMI steel Galil's(not sure of these), but haven't really searched for the Circle 10's yet. I'm going to order something this week, but it's hard to make a definitive choice given all of the variables of fit for each rifle. It shouldn't have to be this hard. Greg
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I was looking into the TWS sight package at one time. But when I went to order, they had dropped the windage adjustable rear peep. Since my front posts are off slightly, I wanted the windage adjustable rear so I could pull the front post back onto center a bit. I felt that would help the sight picture somewhat. I emailed them about it, and was told they'd have a new adjustable one available last spring. But, nothing yet. I think this setup would be perfect for a dot setup tho. Greg
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I've got both a 16" and a 20" .223 Saiga that I've converted. Altho I like my AR's, I've always considered the AK the most reliable/efficient "battle" rifle ever. So I realize that the Saiga/AK isn't a tack driving machine. That said, I reload virtually every cartridge/caliber for every rifle/handgun I own to try for the best accuracy I can get. I even reload for my milsurps including my .303 #4 Enfield! So, I've been considering getting a Texas Weapons System dog leg rail for one of my Saigas, (try one, then switch) and scoping them to see just what they'll do. Just wondering who's scoped their rifle, with a solid setup, and tried to get serious about their accuracy? Have you had good luck or not? I see the posts with the "tacticool" add ons (no offense ment!) but I'm wondering about honest to God, work at it accuracy? At the very least, figured I'd get the dog leg mount and get the rear sight at least to get a longer sight radius. Been considering the mount for some time, but I seem to put it off enough that I'm thinking that deep down I know it's going to be a waste of time. Thanks. Greg
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Now THAT'S customer service! I've considered putting in a bullet guide and going with a "mil spec" military mag. But why? Surefires work great (not ONE of yours maybe, but!), need no mods, are US made, and have (obviously) great customer service! Greg
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The Saiga's will handle either (.223/5.56) cartridge. As far as "sighting" the scope in, use whatever type you have on hand. AFTER you get it sighted in is when you need to decide what cartridge shoots best in your rifle. Normally each rifle will "like" a certain load/bullet combination. So if you don't reload, you'll just have to pick up a box of different brands and bullet weights to find which one your rifle likes. Or if you're going to just use it for plinking and want to get the cheapest ammo, then later adjust the scope to that ammo. But for initial sighting in use anything you've got then fine tune later. Greg
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I want to replace my gas piston on my .223. I understand that I have to drill out the indentions on my carrier to remove the old piston. But, how do I install the new piston? Do I have to drill a larger hole through the carrier and piston and rivet it? Or, can I peen the carrier again at 90 degrees to the old peening? I did a search but couldn’t find anything on this. Thanks. Greg
By the way, how in the world do I get the option bar out of my post window?? It’s sitting right over where I need to type so I can’t see what I’m typing. I wrote this up in Word and transfered it! Thanks again. Greg
Mags/mag adapters?
in Saiga .223
Posted
I've got a 16'' Saiga .223 that I converted years ago. Back then there weren't a lot of 30 rd magazine choices available. I ended up putting in a bullet guide and went with German Weiger mags. Steel, and didn't take much fitting. Great mags. However, now that there's a lot more choices and availability out there I'd like to get something a little more mainstream. CSS has poly mags and there's a lot of SGM's out there. What's everybody running these days for 30 rounders? I also looked at mag adapters for AR15 mags but really don't find much/any information on them that's current. Who's got a good adapter? Thanks. Greg