smilingbob 3 Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Hello All, I recently became the proud owner of a Saiga 12, and am looking forward to enjoying my new shotgun! I bought the factory stock model from classicfirearms.com, and picked up an MD Arms V-Plug and Booster Piston. I first got my hands on a converted Saiga 12 about 2 or 3 years ago, and have wanted on ever since! I've been looking at after-market stock/grip/fore-end options, and am strongly leaning toward a CBRPS Spike bullpup kit (anodized black). Here are my thoughts/intentions: I wanted a pistol grip, but I'm not keen on making permanent alterations to the shotgun I'd like to have mounting rails for sights, a flashlight, possibly a vertical fore-grip...may get a combination grip/flashlight...will have to give some more thought I'm looking at some muzzle brakes, and am strongly leaning toward the JT Engineering Competition Brake I would enjoy having a bullpup style weapon in my arsenal! After looking around on the forums here, I saw that a few people have ordered them seemed to have pretty good luck with them, so I'm looking forward to getting mine! Keep your fingers cross for me, I'm waiting to see if CBRPS will have my kit in their next round, Bernie's very helpful and responsible, and should have an answer next week. Will post pictures and a video when I get it put together! Thanks all Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted March 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 (edited) Quick update, I ended up having to cancel my order with ClassicFirearms, they over sold the factory Saiga 12's and can't say when they'll have them again ...It's a real shame because they're always friendly and helpful, very pleasant to work with! Unfortunately, that's the second order I've placed with them that I've had to cancel due to unavailability on an item advertised as "in stock" ... Still I would do business with them again, and appreciate that they did call me to let me know.Between the two orders, I would have given them about $1,000 worth of business ... I was able to find one on GunBroker for about the same price, so it all worked out! Edited March 29, 2012 by smilingbob 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guns Are Great 140 Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 (edited) Just so you know the US Govt made the permanent alterations to the gun. If you "convert it" your are only returning it to the originally intended design and functionality! Hope you enjoy your new addiction. Welcome to the Disease! Edited March 29, 2012 by Guns Are Great Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted March 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 (edited) Hi GAG, I can't wait, shooting my friend's Saiga was an absolute joy, and so I'm looking forward to getting mine! Thankfully, I live in Missouri, so I'm not limited to low capacity magazines ...I've learned a lot from this forum, and hope to continue to hear be able to enjoy this great community! Edited March 29, 2012 by smilingbob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted March 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Wow, that's fast! I wasn't expecting it, but it looks like my Saiga 12 has shipped and the seller overnighted it, so I'll be swinging by my FFL's place on the way home tonight to pick it up ...I look forward to giving it a try this weekend! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guns Are Great 140 Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 (edited) Fantastic! Enoy. Good luck and Good shooting. I have also had to cancel orders with Classic Arms b/c of ads stating instock and they weren't. I only order backorder stuff with definite shipdates. Or with no money sent and they send you a notice that products are in, come and get it! Too many scammers out there to risk hard earned money so they can collect interest on your money when you could be. Also, that is unusual and expensive shipping, But Good For You. Edited March 29, 2012 by Guns Are Great Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The_Caged_Bird 474 Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Let us know what brand of birdshot the weapon cycles so we can help you get it running properly if needed. Enjoy it man, very few people in this world can say that they have been through 20 shells of 12 guage in 4 seconds... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guns Are Great 140 Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 (edited) Let us know what brand of birdshot the weapon cycles so we can help you get it running properly if needed. Enjoy it man, very few people in this world can say that they have been through 20 shells of 12 guage in 4 seconds... I do believe I've seen the video of this somewhere. I can empty a drum plenty fast but I have never timed it. Edited March 29, 2012 by Guns Are Great Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gunfun 3,931 Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Welcome. Please don't be confused though. Missouri is still part of the USA, and that means you have to play 922® if you want naughty features. Please look at the updated rules. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted March 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 (edited) @GAG ClassicFirearms.com didn't process payment for either order, so no harm, no foul there, but I agree that if I pay for something, I should know when I'm going to get it! @Caged Will do! @GunFun Thank you, that's a very valid concern! I did take a look at the sticky on this forum for Saiga's and reviewed the checklist.From what I understood, the only parts remaining after the conversion and installing the booster piston should be: Receiver Barrel Bolt Bolt Carrier Trigger Hammer Disconnector magazine body Magazine follower Magazine floor plate I plan on using after-market US-made magazines, so I should be ok? My only other experience with 922r is on the AK47 platform. Thanks again, and I appreciate all of the tips and suggestions! Edited March 30, 2012 by smilingbob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Getoff Mylawn 4 Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Very excited to get my conversion completed...any day now. This beast cycled everything I fed it right from the box, just a few DNE's the first few mags. After she warmed up no problems....other than tricky getting the mags in fully loaded. I wonder how much better it would run with updated plug, spring, etc...So many mod options....so little time. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted March 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 @Getoff Mylawn I look forward to seeing pictures of it, and I'll post mine as well! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted April 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 (edited) I picked up the Saiga 12 at my FFL's place Friday night, it was still light out so we decided to see how it performed out of the box! Considered it only had a little oil on it from the factory and the internals weren't worn it, it didn't quite cycle low brass 2 3/4" rounds, but did great with 3" turkey loads! I took it home, cleaned it up, oiled it and worked the action a couple hundred times while watching TV, tried it out yesterday with Federal bulk and 3" Winchester steel shot both shot great! The other good news is that CBRPS is currently taking orders on their Saiga 12 Spike Bullpup stocks, I went ahead and ordered mine and got my confirmation from Bernie this morning. From what I can tell, he'll be taking orders on these until April 15, then they'll go into production/send out invoices the second half of the month and ship when completed. Hopefully, that should place it out for delivery sometime early May! Can't wait! Edited April 2, 2012 by smilingbob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gunfun 3,931 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 (edited) @GAG ClassicFirearms.com didn't process payment for either order, so no harm, no foul there, but I agree that if I pay for something, I should know when I'm going to get it! @Caged Will do! @GunFun Thank you, that's a very valid concern! I did take a look at the sticky on this forum for Saiga's and reviewed the checklist.From what I understood, the only parts remaining after the conversion and installing the booster piston should be: Receiver Barrel Bolt Bolt Carrier Trigger Hammer Disconnector magazine body Magazine follower Magazine floor plate I plan on using after-market US-made magazines, so I should be ok? My only other experience with 922r is on the AK47 platform. Thanks again, and I appreciate all of the tips and suggestions! Sorry i didn't notice earlier. There has been an update. you are using an outdated checklist: This one is current. http://gunwiki.net/G...erifyCompliance The "operating rod" is the portion threaded into the front of the bolt carrier. (on a normal AK this would be the piston) Because of that, you would be one part over with the imported factory magazine. It is very easy to make a floorplate out of scrap metal. Just find a piece of metal thinner than the rim of the floor plate, trace the floor plate, cut, and drill or punch a hole for the spring guide detente to click into. . Edited April 4, 2012 by GunFun Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kylsix 2 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 (edited) They're not kidding when they say welcome to the addiction... Modding these things and personalizing them is one of the most fun and addicting things I have done. Let us know what brand of birdshot the weapon cycles so we can help you get it running properly if needed. Enjoy it man, very few people in this world can say that they have been through 20 shells of 12 guage in 4 seconds... I have a video on my phone of me dumping a Pro-mag 20 in 3.2 (rough guess) seconds, I'm in the process of uploading the video now. It was the same day I bought it, imported sporter config, federal low brass. I'll put some higher quality videos up soon, probably after the NRA convention. Edited April 4, 2012 by Kylsix Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted April 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 @GunFun Thank you for posting the updated checklist, I'll see what I can do about rigging up a replacement floor-plate, but I don't really have the tools on-hand for that. Are there any US manufacturers that make a replacement floor plate? I know you can find those for the steel AK mags, but haven't seen any for a Saiga 12. Worst case scenario, I can always stick with US-made mags to ensure compliance, or maybe replace the operating rod with a US-made one? http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-803/CGW-SAIGA-12-HEAVY/Detail Thanks again Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gunfun 3,931 Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 The operating rod is replaceable. However it costs the same $30 and is at least as much of a hassle as replacing the trigger group (3) parts. Cobra 762 sells them. A hacksaw costs $3 at most places like home depot. They sell scrap metal directly. That is all you need to make a floor plate. I made one of mine out of a worn out skill saw blade. The part you linked is the operating rod you want. However making floor plates is easier. There is a video on CSS for replacing an AK piston that will show you how that is done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted April 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Thanks again, GunFun, your advice is always appreciated! Being new to the platform, I really appreciate those who have a lot more experience with these shotguns chiming in and offering guidance to a newbie like me! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
renegade331 31 Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 (edited) Such a great feeling making your s12 run like a striped ass ape! Too good not to share! Edited April 5, 2012 by renegade331 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gunfun 3,931 Posted April 6, 2012 Report Share Posted April 6, 2012 No probs. After you get a good working knowledge be patient enough to point the next newbie towards the right tech threads. Most guys here get tired of answering the same 5 questions all the time. Especially when the answer is usually, " thanks for the advise. I completely ignored it and decided instead to get a tapco stock and promag magazines and a bunch of gimicky parts, and burn through a bunch of high brass trying to "break it in" rather than taking your advice." 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dayofruin 425 Posted April 6, 2012 Report Share Posted April 6, 2012 Welcome to the forum! If you haven't already, be sure to check out the pictures thread. There are tons of great ideas there and I think you'll end up wanting the full conversion, as most seem to do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BOB A. BOOEY 45 Posted April 7, 2012 Report Share Posted April 7, 2012 Just so you know the US Govt made the permanent alterations to the gun. If you "convert it" your are only returning it to the originally intended design and functionality! Hope you enjoy your new addiction. Welcome to the Disease! Fuckin government bastards Such a great feeling making your s12 run like a striped ass ape! Too good not to share! Striped ass ape? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nitukamots 19 Posted April 8, 2012 Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) I'm new to the AK platform and a Saiga 12 owner too...I have friends who have owned AK-47's, but I'm the sole one to have a saiga 12. Have read and learned much from this site!!! I'm still running ammo in my box stock gun before doing ANY mods. To my supprise this gun does pretty good with low brass even in new condition (less than 200 rounds now). The only FTE has been the test of shooting off-hip with low brass, she doesn't like that at this point. As a Aircraft builder/meachanic/electronics specialist, performing alterations to the Saiga is going to be a blast, and I have plans for several from buttstock all the way to the threaded barrel. Glass bolt...oh yeah. Great thing about this forum is, if you read and study, you will become very saiga 12 wise and avoid costly mistakes when doing mods or purchasing parts. Thanks to all the group! As to the 922R issue, I like this site for the compliance check on saiga 12's http://www.thegunwik...erifyCompliance as GUNFUN pointed out, this is a great one to use Edited April 8, 2012 by nitukamots 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted April 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2012 @renegade331 LOL I don't know what that means ... @dayofruin Thank you for your warm welcome! I have my order in for the CBRPS bullpup stock for this one, I saw that Sian had posted pictures of his here, and it looks like it turned out pretty nice! I'll post some videos when it comes in, but I'm probably looking at a good 3-4 months out yet on production. I've been in communication with Bernie the owner, and he's been very responsive and helpful. Although this is my first Saiga 12, I'm absolutely certain this won't be my last, and I will likely buy another one at some point and do a proper conversion (read: restoration to it's original glory ...) on it! @BOB A. BOOEY LOL government bastards indeed ...ah well, look at it like this: if they imported them military-style, it would take the fun out of converting them ourselves hehe... @GunFun I can appreciate where you're coming from! I'm sure it can be frustrating when a person insists on learning something the hard way! All you can do is smile and know that at least you tried . For what it's worth, thank you and the other senior forum members for doing a thankless job, I appreciate you keeping me safe on the 922r compliance advice! On another note, I did get a chance the watch the video you posted in your signature! Impressive stuff, not just on the closed bolt loading technique, but the work on your converted Saigas! That first one with the wood furniture (at least I think it's wood?) and what looks like an AK-74 style muzzle break is BEAUTIFUL! The other one with the mag well looks really impressive (and very practical) also! @Nitukamots I had a similar experience with mine out of the box. I did pick up an MD Arms V-Plug, booster piston and 20-round drum mag. I got rained out on Saturday and had family obligations on Sunday, so didn't get a chance to try it, but from what I understand, I should be able to shoot Federal bulk from the hip if the plug is tuned to the right settings. Otherwise, it fed fine with the factory mag, plug and piston when shouldered. I look forward to seeing what you'll end up doing with yours! I've been very impressed with some of the builds others have put together and posted in the galleries, and it's already giving me ideas for my next one (after all, where is it written that I can only own one? hehe...) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Getoff Mylawn 4 Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Here she is all done.....for now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gunfun 3,931 Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 (edited) @GunFun I can appreciate where you're coming from! I'm sure it can be frustrating when a person insists on learning something the hard way! All you can do is smile and know that at least you tried . For what it's worth, thank you and the other senior forum members for doing a thankless job, I appreciate you keeping me safe on the 922r compliance advice! On another note, I did get a chance the watch the video you posted in your signature! Impressive stuff, not just on the closed bolt loading technique, but the work on your converted Saigas! That first one with the wood furniture (at least I think it's wood?) and what looks like an AK-74 style muzzle break is BEAUTIFUL! The other one with the mag well looks really impressive (and very practical) also! Thanks for the compliment on the IZ-108 believe it or not, that one is my budget build. I believe I have the whole shopping list for it on its gallery album. I put that whole thing together well under $400. That is part of why I recommend a proper conversion. They are actually both sporting the same wood: Bulgarian AK 74 A.K.A. AKM wood. Just different finishes. The one with the redish brown finish is sporting the MD Arms copy of the russian 10 slot flash hider. ($30 @ MAA) I would like it to be sporting a 74 brake, but I am not prepared to shell out the $85 Dinzag charges for one unless it takes chokes too. Cobra may make just such a toy. When he does, I'll sell the attachments I have and pick one up. I am glad the video helped. If you practice, you will get much better at that than I am. I really only practice with the magwell gun, because it is a better setup. I am not personally cranky about it, but a lot of the actual senior members have gotten that way. I am just a casual fan who is excited about a great platform and innovation, and I post too much. People who I would consider to be the real senior members are the moderators like Nailbomb, IndyARms..., and a few people who have built hundreds of builds and figured out how to do the stuff the rest of us are copying. i.e. Cobra762, Jack Travers, Tony Rumore, Gunfixxer, Bob Ash, MD, Dinzag, etc. I am sure I left out 10 or so important names, but those guys give you an idea of what I mean. Most other people are riding on their innovations, that were developed with their time and expense. There are lots of people building quality guns, but these guys made it possible. Edited April 13, 2012 by GunFun 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nitukamots 19 Posted April 15, 2012 Report Share Posted April 15, 2012 @smilingbob As I've read, Low brass FTE's are common, so I'm not too worried. have already inspected the gass ports, 3 hole and aligned ok with no oblong or part closed holes.i used a borescope with 45 degree mirror to inspect the holes. (luckly I have one of these I use for my work) I now have a TAC-47 autopulg and MD arms gass piston with the extended nipple that moves the piston/puc/plug (what ever you want to cal it) closer to the gass ports and basically adds a little more stroke under pressure. Plan to give her a set-up run tomorrrow!!! I have already begun the conversion parts purchasing and waiting for all to show up. MAGPUL CTR stock and CAA aluminum tube MAGPUL MOE grip CHAOS extended rail TAC-47 magwell/trigger guard Surefire magazine G-2 trigger Funiture is Flat Dark Earth I have welding equipment, so I'll be closing the unused holes in the receiver Not sure if I will use duracoat or ceracoat yet, leaning to ceracoat, but will have to fabricate baking oven. NEVER USE THE WIFES OVEN, unless you are looking to get her a new one ha ha. Like you I'm sure there is more than one in the works for me....I started with AR15's then AR-10's now is the year of the AK......... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Quick update, from CBRPS: 08/03/2012 "Saiga 12 Production Update - The batch for customers who ordered anodized units in April is supposed to get back from the anodizer in about a week or so. We'll start invoicing when we can put them together." Hopefully, I get my invoiced in the next couple of weeks or so. Wish me luck! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted August 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2012 (edited) Got my invoice tonight and the stock ships out tomorrow, so my S12 will be running like a Striped Ass Ape in no time ...Pictures to come Edited August 16, 2012 by smilingbob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smilingbob 3 Posted August 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 It arrived today! I was really surprised how small the box was, but everything came together nice! So here are some pictures Enjoy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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