Blackjack_21 0 Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Hey all. The title pretty much sums it up. I've never fired a rifle, let alone one in 7.62, and I wondered if I should get to know the rifle I'm going to buy before I decide to convert it. Anything I should do to prepare, other than put some rounds downrange? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motopilot1 37 Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 i did the conversion on my 223. after 10 rounds just to make sture all was well before i tore it down to make sure if it didnt fire it was something i did rather than the factory i have other saigas so i know the rifle pretty well so there was no need for me to shoot it too much before conversion if you havent shot much i would say to shoot the hell out of it before you convert just to make sure you want to put $ into it but i guarantee you will end up doing the conversion Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bvamp 604 Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 ...I've never fired a rifle, let alone one in 7.62, and I wondered if I should get to know the rifle I'm going to buy before... YES. DEFINATELY. Do the same when you have it in hand, as well, too. That is far more important than doing a conversion before you do anything else. Be sure that if you are a handgun guy, that you test the effectiveness and penetration of the centerfire rifle round compared to your pistols and shotguns. there is a HUGE difference Quote Link to post Share on other sites
22_Shooter 1,560 Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 (edited) I would definitely shoot it first, also I would get familiar with it as well. Seeing as how you're gonna have to strip it all down be removing parts and whatnot during a conversion, you're gonna wanna know what's what. Good luck and have fun with it . Edited January 10, 2008 by 22_Shooter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
taurussvt 0 Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 Before you void your warranty(conversion) I'd shoot at least 60 rounds through it. Make sure the thing shoots straight, nothing breaks, everything is functioning properly, etc. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
micah360 6 Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 I've had 4 Saiga's converted without shooting them first. They all functioned perfect afterward. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
reoiv 1 Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 I pulled the 308 out of the box and just converted it. Never fired it before hand. Took the Saiga 12 out to shoot before the conversion just cause I wanted to try it out and compare. Post conversion is better by far. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paladin 37 Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I converted the S12 without ever firing it, I became very familiar with it by the time I finished it. Knew it inside and out, literally! The x39 I pulled out of the box at the dealer and walked over to range and put 60 rounds through it, then converted it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
quinci956 1 Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I think you will appreciate the converted version a lot more if you shoot it before doing the work. The unconverted trigger sucks. Shoot it first and then feel the differance after it is done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jbremount 0 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I bought mine and converted it about 2-3 days later. Never a moments problem! Guns runs great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack_21 0 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 Looks like I'm gonna be breaking it in before I convert it, then. Now to find an FFL locally that won't screw me on the transfer fee. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bvamp 604 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 (edited) I've never fired a rifle, let alone one in 7.62 go and shoot it first. the conversion will be all the better, if thats what you really want. I told you already, that rifle round really zings out of there. when your pistols and 22lr goes a few inches into the soil, this round goes a foot or better. An FYI, as you are a new shooter for this type of firearm, is that the 7.62x39 round is very similar in many respects to a 30/30 round. Therefore, an old timer with an american levergun (edit: read : winchester 94) can tell you what to expect, for precautions with backstops and other fun crap like that, that you really need to obey with a centerfire rifle catridge, albeit an old one..... You are new? be CAREFUL with what you shoot at with it. I dont think oyu are stupid, but it may surprise you. Edited January 16, 2008 by Bvamp Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack_21 0 Posted January 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I'm not entirely new to guns, and I'm aware that the 7.62x39 isn't a .22. I've shot pistols from .22 up to .50AE, but never got into the long gun game. I also go over the 4 Rules on a regular basis, even though I don't own any guns at the moment. This is going to be whole new world for me, and I'm looking forward to it. The big challenge right now, though, is trying to get a rifle at a decent price. With prices going up, I need to make up my mind regarding the best purchasing method (buy local vs. buy online). After that, I just need to save up and make sure I've got enough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wileyx 0 Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 I've built Ak's from part kits and as soon as I got my Saiga12, I converted it before shooting it because I don't care much for the "odd" look of my S12 YMMV. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack_21 0 Posted February 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Well, I got around to putting some lead downrange with my Saiga today. The stock trigger is a complete DOG...It's gotta go, pure and simple. Take-up from here to infinity, not very smooth at all. The sights? Lousy is an understatement. I was shooting at a max range of 60-65 yards (should have been holding low, maybe?), and wasn't having much luck with Wolf 122gr FMJ. Not the most accurate, but I didn't have a single malfunction out of 100 rounds fired. Only problem was I should have bought more ammo! Couldn't get a good feel out of the standard stock, either. Felt like it was too high for some reason. it's gotta go, too. Although, it was pretty cool to be able to feel the bolt carrier moving back and forth with each shot. All in all, I'm happy with my decision to buy the -132 instead of getting the longer-barreled version. Once I get the parts together and convert it, I think I'll be even happier with it. Now, as for that stimulus package check from the gov't... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
22_Shooter 1,560 Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 Once I get the parts together and convert it, I think I'll be even happier with it. Now, as for that stimulus package check from the gov't... You definitely will, it will feel like you have a whole new gun . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vultite 57 Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 give us an update when your done =D Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BobAsh 582 Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I've never shot an unconverted Saiga of any caliber or gauge. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dullbert 0 Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 LOL, I was wondering the exact same thing myself, the only rifle I've fired was an ar15 I've never shot an ak in my life...yet...almost done! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wlnt 2 Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 I have converted two 7.62 rifles and did not shoot either one before converting. Guess I got lucky with no problems. louielouie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gunfixr 76 Posted March 11, 2008 Report Share Posted March 11, 2008 I converted, added a Polychoke, and Duracoated my S12 before ever firing it. In fact, I have yet to actually use the 5 round mag that came with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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