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Problems cycling with factory S12


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Hi everybody.

My name is Paul. Im an enthusiastic noob who just got his S12.

I have been doing some reading on here too... in the hopes to "learn before you burn."

Today I took the gun out for the first time with three different types of ammo in order to test my gas setting:

 

Winchester AA Xtra-Lite target load

Winchester AA Light target load

Winchester AA Heavy target load

 

Here is what I learned.

 

Winchester AA Xtra-Lite target load-------> negative cycle on any setting

Winchester AA Light target load------------>negative cycle on 1, positive cycle on 2, but I get a stovepipe... every... single...time

Winchester AA Heavy target load---------->positive cycle on 1 with no problems, and 2 (because I made a mistake and cycled five rounds on this setting, probably not a big deal)

 

I opened the gas port system to further investigate and thought you guys might like to know that I have a three hole port system arranged in a triangle, apparently this varies from gun to gun.

 

Thats all I know.

 

Q: What year do you guys think my gun is and what do I need to do to fix this problem?

 

-Paul

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Your three port gun sounds fine. As with most of the S-12 models , you will usually need a short breakin period. 50 to 100 rounds of a pretty stout 2 3/4 load , on number 2 setting, will usually do it. After the break in period the guns will usually run the mart mart loads from Federal that are sold by the 100 pack for about $24. If the gun will not cycle after the break in period, then contact me, or RAAC to start the warranty process.............................Tom(VK)

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Your three port gun sounds fine. As with most of the S-12 models , you will usually need a short breakin period. 50 to 100 rounds of a pretty stout 2 3/4 load , on number 2 setting, will usually do it. After the break in period the guns will usually run the mart mart loads from Federal that are sold by the 100 pack for about $24. If the gun will not cycle after the break in period, then contact me, or RAAC to start the warranty process.............................Tom(VK)

 

Thanks for the info Tom. I have continued my snooping around on the forum and am pleased to find such awesome knowledge as well as support from people like yourself. Thanks a bunch. -P.

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3 port S12s seem to be the norm these days. 3 or 4 ports are fine. The 2 port or less S12s are the Vodka Specials and need repair. Mine is a 3 port and converted. After about 100 rounds of low brass on #2 setting, it all smoothed out. I also did alot of the mods featured here before taking it out, (grinding & polishing). Once you do the mods, your action will be nice and smooth and makes the break in all the better and faster.

 

 

Welcome to your new obsession. :big_smile:

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It should be noted that Winchester AA is about the worst ammo you can run through an S12. The shape and quality of the shells make it prone to hang up on the barrel when chambering. Quite a few S12s that perform flawlessly with other ammos won't run a single shell of Winchester AA. Do a search to learn more. I'd recommend a Federal value pack, its only a couple of bucks more and will let you know for sure if its your gun or the shells,

 

And yes, you should run a good number of hi-brass loads to break it in well before trying the light loads.

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Hi everybody.

My name is Paul. Im an enthusiastic noob who just got his S12.

I have been doing some reading on here too... in the hopes to "learn before you burn."

Today I took the gun out for the first time with three different types of ammo in order to test my gas setting:

 

Winchester AA Xtra-Lite target load

Winchester AA Light target load

Winchester AA Heavy target load

 

Here is what I learned.

 

Winchester AA Xtra-Lite target load-------> negative cycle on any setting

Winchester AA Light target load------------>negative cycle on 1, positive cycle on 2, but I get a stovepipe... every... single...time

Winchester AA Heavy target load---------->positive cycle on 1 with no problems, and 2 (because I made a mistake and cycled five rounds on this setting, probably not a big deal)

 

I opened the gas port system to further investigate and thought you guys might like to know that I have a three hole port system arranged in a triangle, apparently this varies from gun to gun.

 

Thats all I know.

 

Q: What year do you guys think my gun is and what do I need to do to fix this problem?

 

-Paul

 

Try 1-1/8 oz Winchester AA Super Handi-cap. They have muzzle velocity close to 1300fps with a psi of around 11,200. They work well with my s12 on setting 1 and they are fairly cheap.

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get yourself a kingarmory.com gas tappet.My 3 hole s12 wouldnt cycle any bulk birdshot.With 65 rounds throught the gun total,I put the tappet in and havent had any issue's with the bulk stuff since.Highly recommend it.

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Welcome to the forum.

Ditto on breaking it in. Ditto on not using Win AAs. Ditto on polishing bottom of carrier, hammer and bolt.

 

MEGA DITTO ON WELCOME TO YOUR NEW OBSESSION!

 

The collective wisdom of "all things Saiga" on this forum is definitely the best in the World. Read everything you can. To say this forum is a wealth of knowledge is a gross understatement. Leaders in the Saiga community routinely comment, give suggestions and generally help people out.

 

 

Again, welcome.

 

 

 

Corbin

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