Tokarev

Any updates???

Bump to ask for additional pics!

I emailed him a few days ago about making my Saiga-12 into the same thing that's pictured on ACE's website. He replied that he wasn't taking any more work for probably all of 2005. Who will step up and fill the void???

Derek refinished a FAL for me and did a friend's Galil. He does nice work. He doesn't reblue, he uses bake-on paint and has several colors available. IIRC, he gets $200 for a refinish job.

I had mine loaded with S&B 3" mag loads and left it that way for about a month. I did notice some squashing on the first shell in the magazine but didn't think too much about it. After a time, I decided to try to chamber the first shell only to find that the shell was squashed so much it wouldn't feed. I have since replaced the S&B buckshot with some Russian steel cased shells. These haven't deformed at all but I can only seat the magazine with the bolt closed if I load with four shells. That's not too big a deal to me and I'm happy to have the gun by the bed again.

Kiesler's Wholesale has some steel (not brass as I had originally thought) buckshot shells for sale. I think they're $3.50-$4.00 for a box of 10. I'll order some and see how they work.

Someone here recently asked about leaving a loaded magazine in the gun only to find that the shells get flatten out and then won't feed. I, too, have found this to be a problem. I haven't bought any of them yet, but I've seen brass shotgun shells for sale. These are made in Russia so they should be right at home in the Saiga. Being all brass, they shouldn't get deformed like a plastic hull. If and when I get a box I'll leave a magzine loaded and see what happens.

Salt Peter, The last post of yours I read was about a failure to feed you were getting with your Saiga. Did you get that figured out?

There's a 10-round Saiga mag for sale on Ebay right now.

I don't think a US gas piston is needed in the Saiga. The Saiga uses a tappet similar to the M-1 Carbine and that tappet is what pushes the gas piston and bolt carrier. The dirt grooves on the Saiga are machined into the tappet and a grooved gas piston would be unnecessary on the shotgun. On the other hand, I see no reason why a rifle gas piston wouldn't work as long as it has the same OAL and threads.

I spoke with ACE stocks earlier in the week about stock options for the Saiga line of rifles and shotguns. They told me they have several projects in the works. They're planning on making some sight options and a flash light rail and some other "classified" stuff. Drop them an email and tell them to hurry up! I, for one, would really like to see some more stuff available for this excellent shotgun! http://www.riflestocks.com

A bunch of the guys over at AK-47.net have had troubles with Kalinka also. They are all suggesting we use Freedom Optics or Tantal. Tantal's out of stock on a bunch of stuff though. I also hear that Night Vision Web is okay. Please note that I personally haven't bought from any of these guys and am not giving a personal recommendation.

I have the "deluxe" 19 inch model with the ventilated rib and choke tube. Mine came with a cylinder choke installed, which is mainly for slugs and riot-type stuff where a large spread is needed for close up stuff. I think ideally a modified choke would be fine for most shotgunning activities and a full choke will keep the pattern tighter for longer range stuff. When I get around to it, I'll order a modified choke from EAA and then try the clays game with some #7 1/2 shot and see how I do. I think a cylinder bore is a handicap on trap and skeet, etc. because you really can't let the bird

I emailed EAA about this. Here's the reply and the email. Too bad, as I'd really like a -12C. the only way we would sell this gun is directly to the department and paid for by the department Andrew wrote: Dear EAA, I am a law enforcement officer and am looking for price and availability for the Saiga-12 shotgun. I am interested in the Saiga-12C, as I believe it's called. Also I would like to buy 8-round magazines for the above. Thanks for your time.

I believe that since the Saiga-12C is a foriegn weapon an officer cannot buy one. Imported stuff is only for sale to departments. At least that's what I was told by SIGARMS when I tried to buy a Sig 550 for use as a patrol rifle. I had to get a US made AR-15 LEO instead.

I bought a Saiga-12 at the Crossroads Gunshow in Denver and finally got it to the range today. I did shoot a box of slugs and a box of buckshot through the gun right after I bought it but that was just to make sure it'd function. Anyway, I shot a round of sporting clays with it this morning and had a great time. I've never shot sporting clays before and have had very little time on the trap and skeet range so I was pleased with my 50/50 score on clays. The Saiga shot fine and busted birds when I did my part. I fed the gun two boxes of cheap Winchester #8's and two boxes of Estate #8's tha

I attended a carbine/patrol rifle course put on by a retired SF'er while I was living in Texas. What did he recommend for firearms lube? Good qualilty synthetic motor oil! 20-50w was what he was using. I don't remember the brand. Plus this stuff works well in automobile engines, if you're inclined to use it that way.

Thank you. It looks like this topic would make a good FAQ.

Hi. I just bought a Saiga-12 at the Crossroads show and have found that it came with no owner's manual. That's no big deal since it's just a big AK. Anyway, I see that the gas plug has a setting "1" and setting "2". Which one should I be using for 2 3/4 shells? Is this an adjustment for standard and magnum shells or to step up the gas when the gun gets dirty? Thanks!