USAS 12 Mag Conversion

[300RUM 0]

Did anyone ever post how to retrofit USAS 12 stick mags to fit the Saiga 12?

[hardcorps1775 1]

not yet. just seen pix of them on the piece...

[Full Metal Jacket 0]

I want to hear from someone who actually did the conversion and get their feedback on function/reliability before I go and screw up a $$$ mag. There has got to be someone here who has done it .

[300RUM 0]

I found a USAS 12 stick mag for $150.00

I guess its my turn to contribute something to the forum, so I will cut this mag up and post pictures on how I did it. (if it works!)

[300RUM 0]

OK, Tried to upload pics, but having problems, if anyone wants to see'm reply and I'll try again.

 

Anyway, here's some of the problems you'll encounter.

1. The S12 mag is 3.150" long from front to back at mag catch areas.

The USAS12 mag is 2.760" long from front to back at mag catch areas.

--- This basically leaves a gap of .390" that has to be built up with a large front mag lip to engage the front of the receiver. The pictures make this gap look pretty dramatic.

 

2. The USAS12 rear mag catch is pretty robust, but located too low for S12 purposes. It has 3 rivets that would have to be drilled out, the catch would have to milled/ground down, a new catch notch would have to be milled, and then the assembly would have to be reattached. It would probably be as time consuming to make one from scratch, but it might be stronger.

 

3. The S12 mag is 1.110" wide @ the feed lip area

The USAS12 mag is 1.230" wide@the feed lip area.

So .060" would have to be milled off each side of the mag to fit in the well.

The USAS12 feed lip area would need to be cut to match the S12 profile.

The USAS12 feed lips are plastic, probably wear out quickly.

 

4. USAS12 mags cost anywhere from $75 to $175, (that was the range of prices I came across)

 

I could'nt bring myself to chop up the USAS12 mag, so I think the Knoxx NLFD is more compact, readily available, cheaper and easier to modify with an S12 mag top.