parts count

[nvme 0]

i'm a little confused on the parts count for a saiga-12 that's being converted. when the saiga-12 is imported does it come with all the original parts making it still a non nativite gun or are us parts put in them by the importer to make them native? also, if i want to convert a saiga-12 by adding a folding stock (us made), a pistol gip (us made) and a new fire control group (us made).. will this be enought parts to make the gun be considered native?

[USMC_LB 4]

Saigas are imported right now into this country in a "sporting configuration".

 

Since they meet the "sporting purposes" clause they are ok to import. There are NO parts in the Saiga that are US made.

 

The parts count on those shotguns is 13 out of a possible 20.

 

Here is a the BATFs list of the possible 20:

 

(1) Receiver

(2) Barrels

(3) Barrel extensions

(4) Mounting blocks, trunion

(5) Muzzle attachments

(6) Bolts

(7) Bolt carriers

(8) Operating rods

(9) Gas pistons

(10) Trigger housings

(11) Triggers

(12) Hammers

(13) Sears

(14) Disconnectors

(15) Buttstock

(16) Pistol grips

(17) Forearms, handguards

(18) Magazine bodies

(19) Followers

(20)Floorplates

 

I found a website that has a letter from the BATF dated 1997 that has the parts count for several models of semi-auto firearms. One of the last styles listed is the Saiga shotgun.

 

Here is the link: Saiga shotgun parts count from the BATF

 

The letter states that the parts count is 13.

 

BUT some Saiga shotguns come with REMOVABLE chokes which would be considered another imported part [ i.e. (5) muzzle attachment ].

 

If you have a removable choke on your Saiga then your parts count is 14.

 

The law ( 922r ) states that you cannot assemble a firearm from imported parts unless you use 10 or less imported parts.

 

This means, on a Saiga that has a removable choke we will need to replace 4 of the Russian parts with parts made here in the United States.

 

Like for instance, we can currently purchase:

 

1) Hammer

2) Disconnect

3) Trigger

4) Buttstock

 

By installing these items we are now in compliance with the 1989 import ban specifically called 922r.

 

Now on to the Pistol Grip.

 

Saigas imported for the civilian market are not equipped with a pistol grip, hence they are not listed in the parts count.

 

If you want to perform the PG conversion you will need to install a US made Pistol Grip and not a Russian, Romanian, etc.

 

If you added a Russian PG you would have increased your parts count to 11. This would put you into violation of 922r.

 

If you use a US made pistol grip then it does not count against your imported parts count and you are still in compliance.

 

Here is the final parts count for a Saiga shotgun with a removable choke and a pistol grip:

 

(1) Receiver-----------------------------------------Russian

(2) Barrels-------------------------------------------Russian

(3) Barrel extensions >>>DOES NOT EXIST ON SAIGA<

(4) Mounting blocks, trunion >DOES NOT EXIST ON SAIGA<

(5) Muzzle attachments-----------------------------Russian

(6) Bolts----------------------------------------------Russian

(7) Bolt carriers--------------------------------------Russian

(8) Operating rods >>>>>>>DOES NOT EXIST ON SAIGA<

(9) Gas pistons---------------------------------------Russian

(10) Trigger housings >>>>>DOES NOT EXIST ON SAIGA<

(11) Triggers==================== US COMPLIANT

(12) Hammers=================== US COMPLIANT

(13) Sears >>>>>>>>>>>>DOES NOT EXIST ON SAIGA<

(14) Disconnectors================ US COMPLIANT

(15) Buttstock=================== US COMPLIANT

(16) Pistol grips================== US COMPLIANT

(17) Forearms, handguards----------------------------Russian

(18) Magazine bodies-----------------------------------Russian

(19) Followers-------------------------------------------Russian

(20)Floorplates -----------------------------------------Russian

 

If you install this amount of US parts your shotgun will be considered "domestic" per BATFs instruction.

 

If you have anymore questions please ask

[beerslurpy 1]

Excellent post, best explanation yet of the US parts count issue.

 

My FAL style PG and G2 single hook are on the way as we speak. I wish we werent limited to 18 inches for barrel on the saiga. I would love a 15 inch barrel, if only for aesthetic reasons.

[nvme 0]

thanks a lot USMC_LB. you've really cleared this up for me. you did mention that "Mounting blocks, trunion" was non existant on the saiga but doenst it use a front trunnion just like a normal ak does.. just larger for the bolt?

[Rich 3]

Jesus Christ, has the world gone mad?

[Control3 3]

you did mention that "Mounting blocks, trunion" was non existant on the saiga but doenst it use a front trunnion just like a normal ak does..

Yes, don't all stamped AKs use a trunnion to mount the barrel to the frame?

[USMC_LB 4]

Please go back up and click on the link in my original post labeled: Saiga shotgun parts count from the BATF

 

That is a copy of a letter from the BATF which specifically states the parts count for the Saiga shotgun. If you take the time and study it you will see that the BATF says that the mounting block/trunion is not a existing part on a Saiga.

[G O B 3,516]

"Trunion" is a generic engineering term. It can be applied to almost any supporting fixture. Lets let BATF have their way on this one,OK? If BATF says it is not a trunion, IT IS NOT A TRUNION!

 

G O B