[Again We See Violence ...Anytime, Anywhere]

Again We See Violence ...Anytime, Anywhere

 

See the video in this link. 

 

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/11/16/potentially-fatal-knockout-game-targeting-strangers-may-be-spreading-to-d-c/ 

 

When people see violence on movies and TV, they don't understand the difference between reality and fantasy.  Our society is not only desensitized to violence, they revel in it.  For example, in this video, these people do not understand that a person struck in the head may be left with permanent brain injuries  ...or die.  The victims do not go on to have normal lives as depicted in the movies.  They have seizures, learning disorders, speech disorders, mood disorders, relationship problems, job problems ...and the list goes on.

 

Here is another example that any of us, including our precious loved ones, might be a victim of violent crime anytime, anywhere ...including a mall, restaurant, bank, theater, school, parking lot, parking garage, poor/affluent neighborhood, daytime/nighttime, with numerous people around, hiking/fishing/hunting location, our job ...and in our own home. 

 

But of course, we know that crime only happens to those other kinds of people, not us normal people; and we can put the criminal on hold while we call 911 and wait for the police to arrive 20-120 minutes later, or longer sometimes ...to take a report.  And besides, we know that all criminals can always be easily spotted and avoided. Criminals are never attractive, well-mannered, soft-spoken, well-groomed, well-dressed, or females; they're always males of another skin color that look and behave that certain way with the label on their forehead "criminal".  And the "crazy" ones?  We all know they don't think or feel like us, have the same emotions, or follow the "rules" of normal societal behavior; but we don't have to prepare or plan for them either.  They're all taking their meds and locked up somewhere ...I think.  Well, I'm pretty sure about all that. 

 

Nonetheless, you and I will have to get out of our “happy place” ...our comfort zone ...if we take specific and thorough steps to prepare for the possibility (eventuality) of being a victim.  It's like putting on a car seatbelt.  Why do that?  We know for certain that you and I will never have a car accident because we're always perfect drivers and we can always avoid that drunk or “stoned” driver or the person zoned out on their phone or radio.  And having a fire extinguisher is another example; but you get the idea.  I'm charmed with wisdom and good looks ...I mean good luck, so I don't need to be prepared for ...whatever.  I’m happy, happy, happy.  How about you?

 

[Information Overload! Where do I start?]

SgtMac20, I am a 'newbie' as well. This is my first payback post to help out someone else.

 

I recently got the Saiga-12 and am in the process of deciding how to proceed to convert it. It is not a matter of whether I will convert it, but how. I've been reviewing the comments by the experts on this site. Many of these folks are very knowledgable and passionate about these guns. I've been shooting mine to determine reliability (and for fun), and I believe it is a solid gun. It will be for home defense ...and lots of fun.

 

I have other firearms for self-defense (with which I train/practice) and I have other firearms for hunting, and I did not originally consider the Saiga-12 to be a hunting gun. I've learned that to some it is a hunting gun, particularly (I assume?) if you get one with a longer barrel. If hunting with it is your PRIMARY goal, and you do not want to spend much money on a high-end autoloader, then the Saiga will probably be OK, but I would not recommend that you convert it. It will still do well as a self-defense gun ...if you train.

 

If, however, you PRIMARILY want it for SELF-DEFENSE and to have FUN shooting it, then I HIGHLY recommend that you convert it. I'm finding half the fun is in deciding the configuration that suits me best ...there are nearly endless possibilities. I can easily see myself buying another ...then another ...probably get a high $ gun from one of the pro's.

 

I recently purchased and thoroughly reviewed the video Saiga Shotgun Gunfighting by Gabe Suarez. See onesourcetactical.com. He does an excellent job explaining why the Saiga is the best fighting shotgun, and he teaches a solid foundation on how to effectively use it.

 

At my age (I won't dwell too much on that), I am now reluctant to train for CQB with a pump gun (e.g., the Rem 870). With magnum loads, the softer recoil of an autoloader is a requirement for me. More importantly, I am now convinced that Gabe Suarez is correct about the effectiveness of the converted Saiga shotgun.

 

For me, the converted Saiga is a no-brainer. For you, as stated above, you must decide your primary purpose. In any case, go out and get one ASAP, and then decide. After you get it, I'm fairly confident what your decision will be.

[Art of the Dynamic Shotgun]

I REALLY love Gabe's Saiga Shotgun Gunfighting DVD, looks like I need to pick up the other DVD as I have to use a pump at work!

 

What he said. I have nothing to compare it against, but I thought the DVD was thorough as an intoductory training tool. The Saiga Shotgun Gunfighting DVD takes you from the basics up to practical drills in a logical manner. It is not filled with a lot of theatrical stuff. I took extraordinary notes and am practicing in a serious way.

[New rear sight required with Krebs front sight?]

Paulyski, the front sight on Gabe Suarez' Saiga-1 does not have the window (or whatever you call it) as does the first two examples you show. The front sight in a close-up shot in the video looks IDENTICAL to the Krebs. Here is a so-so photo of the front and rear sights on the video cover: http://www.onesourcetactical.com/images/view.aspx?productId=15070

 

Are you guys saying that the Krebs sight is probably too tall?

 

If so, would the rear sight that comes with the Krebs set put the sights in proper alignment?

[New rear sight required with Krebs front sight?]

I have the Gabe Suarez training video "Saiga Shotgun Gunfighting" (I thought it was quite good by the way) and it appears to me that he has the Krebs front sight and the original notched rear sight. Is there an alignment advantage/disadvantage to Gabe's configuration? In other words, by keeping the factory rear sight, could there be a sight alignment problem? For example, might the original rear notch sight be too low to properly align with the front sight?

 

Note that Krebs front and rear sights are sold as a set from Carolina Shooters Supply. See the link.

http://store.carolin...2-Custom/Detail

 

I've observed comments here that removing the rear sight is a pain in the ___. Therefore, I do not want to do so unless you guys/gals really believe I should.

 

Thanks in advance for your comments/advice.

[Shorten and Thread Barrel On A "Real Gun"?]

I have a Saiga-12 with a 24" barrel, and I've decided to have a gunsmith cut the barrel down to 18.5" and thread it externally (same as on your 19" guns from the factory). I want to add a Poly Choke as some of you guys/gals have done. I have other hunting and self-defense guns, but I think the Saiga is extremely versatile and fun to shoot. None of the 3 gunsmiths where I live in Southern Oregon have experience with Saigas. Their experience is principally related to 'sporting' (hunting) guns. Once this is done, I plan to take the plunge as you have done and attempt my first conversion.

 

Each of the gunsmiths I spoke with was unsure how to remove the barrel so that it would go onto their lathe. They said that to ensure straight/accurate threads, a lathe is necessary. They assumed that the barrel is attached at the gas block.

Is this correct?

Is it necessary to remove the barrel to have a straight cut and straight threads?

One gunsmith suggested that he simply use a power hacksaw and crown the barrel (square it off), and that I NOT attach a choke or brake device. In other words, it would only be a home defense gun.

 

Each gunsmith stated an assumption that the external barrel threads were probably metric, and if so, they are not equiped to cut metric threads and would not be able to use a Poly Choke threaded for Saigas.

Are the threads metric?

 

Is there an alternative solution (other than permanently soldering on a choke or brake)?

 

I left the gun with someone I know, like and trust for him to ponder the situation for awhile.

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful comments and advice.

 

 

P.S. - I hope to receive some sound advice as requested above, and I hope my following comments do not detract from that objective. However, I share the following for your enjoyment: One of the gunsmiths basically threw me out of his shop. He had no experience with AKs, Saigas or guns of similar 'heritage', but he was quick to dismiss them as "RATTLE TRAP" guns, and that they were "NOT REAL GUNS", and that he would welcome my business if I ever brought in a "REAL GUN." He immediately turned on his heels and went back to the REAL GUN he was working on when I walked in. At that moment, I didn't know whether to laugh at him or flip him off with some choice words of my own. I do know this: I will NEVER give him any of my business to work on any of my REAL GUNS. LOL

[What to do with Saiga 12 gift?]

Good advice so far. I was not in the market for a Saiga, but my wife is very loving and thoughtful. I should be and am grateful.

 

Regarding whether she made a mistake, I should have asked that question differently. Since I know almost nothing about Saiga shotguns, and didn't even know that they had a 24" version, I did not know if the 'experts' here would have negative comments about it. I guess not.

 

I already have a shotgun for turkey and other game bird bird hunting. The Saiga 12 will probably be just for fun. As a self-defense gun, it is probably too long. I plan to shoot it and lurk here to learn about the best mods.

 

THANKS.

 

 

 

[What to do with Saiga 12 gift?]

This is my first post.

 

A local radio station had a charity auction today (Saturday 8/14/10). To my surprise, and without me knowing, my wife bought me a new Saiga-12 shotgun with 24" barrel for $500. i will pick it up on Monday at a local gun shop.

 

1. Did she make a mistake on the gun or on price or on anything else?

2. Is the 24" barrel length too long to be practical/useful?

3. If so, is it legal to have a gunsmith cut down the barrel to just over 18"?

4. Here is the fun part: what should I do to the gun to accessorize and/or improve performance?

 

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL RESPONSES.