Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 Hi, Has anyone on the forum here installed one of those bolt buffers (made by Buffer Technologies for AK style firearms) into a Saiga-12? If so, could you please tell me how you did it (I'm assuming you have to punch out that little bottom retaining pin that's on the back of the recoil spring guide to get it on, right?). Thanks for any help/info! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack 1 Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 I produce a recoil buffer for the AK also (Saiga included) by the name of BlackJack Buffers, all you have to do is pull the spring off the coupler, slide on the buffer and then put the spring back on the coupler. I use the green(softer) BlackJack buffer on my Saiga-12. If you have any questions about them you can e-mail me at Rsloan1@comcast.net. www.BlackJackbuffers.com My buffers are guaranteed for life, I can do that because they don't wear out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bvamp 604 Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 (edited) are they made in USA or overseas? Edited June 7, 2003 by Bvamp Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SteveS 0 Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 Blackjacks are made in the USA and very highly thought of over on the AK-47 Forum. Wish I had known about them when I bought my buffer a couple of weeks ago, would have given Blackjack the business. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack 1 Posted June 7, 2003 Report Share Posted June 7, 2003 I have several AK buffers that are the wrong shade of green that I am selling as blems for $8.00ea. shipped. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 8, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Hi BlackJack, Thanks, that's very kind of you. The problem I'm having with the Saiga-12's recoil spring (coupler?) guide is that it appears to be made up of two parts, segmented in the middle (collapsable) with a fat ring in the middle of the rod that the hole in the buffer won't fit over, and I can't seem to figure out how to get the second recoil spring off of the back rod short of removing the locking latch that's on the back of it. The directions that came with the Buffer Tech buffer basically mirror what you are saying (remove the spring, slide on the buffer), but apparently it's not that easy. Has anyone on the forum here actually had any luck installing a Buffer Tech brand recoil buffer on a Saiga-12 recoil spring rod (and if so, would you please tell me *exactly* how you accomplished it?). Thanks! I produce a recoil buffer for the AK also (Saiga included) by the name of BlackJack Buffers, all you have to do is pull the spring off the coupler, slide on the buffer and then put the spring back on the coupler. I use the green(softer) BlackJack buffer on my Saiga-12. If you have any questions about them you can e-mail me at Rsloan1@comcast.net. www.BlackJackbuffers.com My buffers are guaranteed for life, I can do that because they don't wear out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack 1 Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Sorry..my buffer just slid over the rear spring section, I didn't have to remove the spring from the spring base. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigpond73 0 Posted June 8, 2003 Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 On my AK, my blackjack buffer just slid over the spring. On my Saiga, the blackjack buffer actually had to go on from the back, over the sping guide button. It took a little force, but I wasn't worried about either breaking the spring guide, or the buffer, and once on, it won't slip off. Hope that helps. Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 8, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2003 Thanks for the help, guys! Looks like putting a bolt buffer on the Saiga-12 isn't that easy of a proposition, and that the BlackJack buffer is superior to the Buffer Tech one when it comes to ease of installation. Ah well, it probably doesn't really need one as beefy as the springs seem to be, and if I ever get the itch to install one in the future, BlackJack is the name to remember. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mickporno 0 Posted June 9, 2003 Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 i put a buffertech in mine **$14.95** and all i had to do was slide it over the spring....easy as pie..took about 30 seconds and i was putting the saiga back together.....works good too.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 9, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2003 Hi Mickporno (love the name BTW!) :-), Is this a Saiga-12 we are talking about here? Mine has a big metal ring about halfway down the recoil spring guide (it's apparently made in two parts) that the little hole in the buffertech buffer won't fit over. Maybe they made different recoil spring guides throughout the years? i put a buffertech in mine **$14.95** and all i had to do was slide it over the spring....easy as pie..took about 30 seconds and i was putting the saiga back together.....works good too.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jackhammer 0 Posted June 10, 2003 Report Share Posted June 10, 2003 Well I just ordered a blackjack(black) I'll let you know if I have prob's when I get it,If it works well Ill buy another for my 7.62!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 Hi jackhammer, Cool beans! I'd appreciate if you let me know how it goes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 Aaah, I must be dumb here (maybe I just don't read well?), but looking back, I see some of you guys are slipping your bolt buffers over the *BACK* of the recoil spring guide. I'll have to try that with the Buffer Tech one (although I still don't have much hope of it working out!). Well, if I end up breaking it (or the Saiga (more likely!)), that just means I can check into the BlackJack one all the sooner. Thanks all for the great suggestion! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack 1 Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 (edited) I REALLY urge you all NOT to try to install the buffer over the spring base, I guess it's possible but you risk ripping or tearing the buffer (maybe), just separate the two springs, slide on the buffer and put the spring back on the connector piece. Edited June 11, 2003 by Blackjack Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 11, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 Hi Blackjack, Easier said than done (and impossible with my Saiga apparently). I *DID* manage to finally get the Buffer Tech buffer on mine, it was a tough struggle there for awhile trying to get it over that recoil rod rig (like deflowering a virgin! ), but I finally managed (sliding it over springs and everything). Now the only thing left is the testfire (probably sometime next month when I get to the range). Still might have to order the BlackJack buffer though if the BT one proves unreliable, it does seem kind of thick. Anyway, thanks everybody here for the help again, I really did appreciate it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mickporno 0 Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 glad you got it on...mine is siaga 12 also....the buffer if pliable enuff to push over that sleeve...and yes it does make a difference....i think you'll like it...i love mine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 13, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 Hi mickporno, Thanks! Even though having one on probably doesn't make all that much of a difference, I still feel better knowing it's there (I only hope it functions correctly now). I wonder why the companies that make the kind of firearms that they offer bolt buffers for just don't include one (even a factory made one) when you purchase their firearm? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mickporno 0 Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 Gaddis Thanks! Even though having one on probably doesn't make all that much of a difference, I still feel better knowing it's there (I only hope it functions correctly now). *************************************** actually it does make a difference....we took 2 identical saigas....installed a buffer in mine....and test shot the same ammo in both.....big difference.....and the buffer keeps you from beating up the internals from metal to metal contact..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SaltPeter 6 Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 I have a question. I have cut a notch in the safety on mine so I can lock the bolt open. If I put a buffer in my gun, would the bolt not come back as far? Would I have to take more metal off at the front end of the notch so it would still engage and hold the bolt back? Okay, so maybe that was two questions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stevem 0 Posted June 13, 2003 Report Share Posted June 13, 2003 Hey SaltPeter, I was thinking about grinding on the top of my safety lever to hold the bolt open too. How well does that work for you?Do you have any pics of your modification so we can all see how you did it?I really buggs the hell out of me that I can't lock the bolt open on my Saiga 12! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gaddis 1,689 Posted June 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2003 Hi mickporno , actually it does make a difference....we took 2 identical saigas....installed a buffer in mine....and test shot the same ammo in both.....big difference.....and the buffer keeps you from beating up the internals from metal to metal contact..... Well, hopefully we'll see. I can't believe much battering goes on sticking to low recoil 2-3/4" shells though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack 1 Posted June 14, 2003 Report Share Posted June 14, 2003 I made one of those ground safety levers to keep the bolt open and depending on how far back the bolt needs to be pulled back to lock it will determine whether you will be able to install a buffer. If you haven't ground the lever yet you will need to install the buffer before you mark the lever for cutting. BT's buffer is 1/2" thick and the one I make is 1/4" thick for what ever it's worth. I am using the internal bolt hold open lever on my Saiga-12 and Saiga-.308(both came with it), I put the original safety lever back on my SAR-3 that I had ground a lever for after I learned I could lock the bolt back by pulling the trigger while the bolt was held back....Just my opinion but I thought the ground safety lever looked sorta cheesy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SaltPeter 6 Posted June 14, 2003 Report Share Posted June 14, 2003 stevem, As Blackjack just said, the modified safety looks kinda cheesy. If you have the civilian version of the gun, I recommend buying the hold open button device that is for sale on this website (although it looks like Makc is out of stock at the moment). Keep in mind, cutting or grinding on the gun or its parts is an irreversable process. If you take off too much, you're screwed and you'll need to replace your safety. It looks like installing the button sold on this sight requires cutting on the receiver, something I wouldn't recommend unless you're confident. To do it, you must use a rotary tool (such as a Dremel; mine is a Black & Decker) with a flexible shaft attachment, and a vise. While doing it, you must have steady hands. If you so much as sneeze, you could cut an ugly gouge or an unsightly scratch in a place where you didn't want one. If you want to buy a safety that has already been modified, you can get one here: http://www.deltaforce.com/ Look about halfway down the page on page 53 of the online catalog. The only thing with that is, I think it might be hard replacing the safety on the Saiga 12 because of the optics mount on the left side of the receiver. When I get access to a digital camera sometime, I will take photos of my gun and the mods I have made on it. At that time I will detail exactly what steps I took in the modification of my safety lever. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stevem 0 Posted June 14, 2003 Report Share Posted June 14, 2003 Yeah , I figured it wouldn't look pretty, but it seems as though it would be easier and cheaper than getting the kit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jackhammer 0 Posted June 15, 2003 Report Share Posted June 15, 2003 Well my blackjack (black) came in 4 days! from when I placed my order!It took all of 30 seconds to put it on the saiga 12(From behind) Fits good not to thick(IM off to blast some shell's off today to try it out) I Will order Another for my 7.62!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mickporno 0 Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 hey gaddis... Well, hopefully we'll see. I can't believe much battering goes on sticking to low recoil 2-3/4" shells though. ****************************************************** my friends saiga had been thru several 3 gun matches and mine was new....we opened them up and you could tell there was some battering of parts going on on there...we both shoot mostly slugs and buckshot or at least high brass 4's in our 3 gun matches....**the high brass 4's kick harder than anything elase i've fired in it**.....low brass 2 3/4" prolly won't do much damage...after adding the buffer, my friend has been singing it's praises and swears he will be getting one for himself soon..... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jackhammer 0 Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 Good job blackjack on a great product!!!!! Im buying another for my 7.62 One concern tho, how do they handle the cold? What are they made of? ect ect Install was a breeze tho took all of 30 seconds to put in my saiga 12. NO jams or prob's at all I took the saiga out today worked great When do they need replaced? rds? I got a black one!thank you again for a great product!!!!!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack 1 Posted June 17, 2003 Report Share Posted June 17, 2003 [i would say sustained exssive heat ( 300* and up) would be more a problem than the cold, I do recommend warming them up first when installing them in the winter...ESPECIALLY if you strech them OVER the spring base. These are made from industrial grade urethane, same stuff the wheels on roller coasters and coal mining carts are made from. When / if it ever starts to tear and rip it's time to change it. Presently I am not charging shipping on any of my products but probably will start to charge for shipping some time in July. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stevem 0 Posted June 20, 2003 Report Share Posted June 20, 2003 yeah, those Blackjack buffers work like a charm.I got one for each of my Saigas.I think it will do alot of good to keep my cheap scope from being rattled to death too.Thanks again Blackjack! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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