SAIGA-12 "AK" Shotgun

[TMan]

Conversation went something like this, where SM is the salesman and Me is, well, I'm sure you figured that out by yourself.

SM, holding up very large magazine: "Hey, ever see one of these?"

Me: "What the heck is that?"

SM: "A 12 round magazine for the Saiga 12GA shotgun".

Me: "What's a Saiga 12?"

SM: "Here I'll show you one - it is basically an AK that is built to shoot 12 GA shotgun shells. It comes with a 5 round magazine, but these 12 round ones are available."

Me: "Wow - that is so cool".

SM: "I can add it on to the same form as the PSA 25."

[MLB]

Those two firearms shouldn't even be in the same room let alone on the same form.

Having fond memories of sighting in my 870 with three boxes of 3" magnum slug shells, I don't imagine a full auto version would sell well. ;D

On the plus side, if it can tame the recoil as well as the AR tames the .223, it might just be fun to shoot!

[5ontarget]

Seen but not shot the 12Ga, but have the 20ga, they also make a .410. (the 12Ga being the most expensive) I've considered a .410 or 20ga with 10rd mag as a home defence gun for quite a while.
If you are so inclined you can do some reworking/desporterizing to make it like a tactical shotgun or like a traditional AK.
A few friends have done that to the saiga ak's...essentially converting them to a traditional AK config. Now they have a Russian made AK. (with the appropriate modifications and US compliance parts to make it legal in the US)

one of many good custom shops for ak's...
www.krebscustom.com/

has some pretty cool, and pricy, mods to AKs. I like the mag releases and safety lever mods. they do have some shotgun customization as well. They have a few examples on their webpage, but will build to suit.

My list of others seems to be MIA.

[5ontarget]

I realize you probably aren't up to shooting lots of 12ga right now, but there is a fairly new larger capacity magazine available. Certainly is a bit more compact than the straight mag. I bet it will be/is popular with some of the 3 gun competitions.
www.centerfiresystems.com/drum-sai12-12rd.aspx

(can you tell I got a new centerfire catalog recently)

[TMan]

Actually, the magazine I have for mine does hold 12 rounds, but has the standard shape. Also, I shot the Scattergun Technologies (Wilson Combat) modified Remington 870 yesterday and was quite pleased with the 12 rounds I shot through it. It rocked me back a little, but I was using 9 shot, reduced power loads.

I also have that Chinese single-shot that I paid $70 for brand new. I don't think I'll shoot it even witht he reduced power loads for awhile.

In addition to realizing that I lost my Mastercard this week, I also realized that I'd lost the Remington 1100 in 16GA. Loosing a handgun isn't difficult, but a long gun? Gee whiz. I did find a lot of crap in my safes that is taking up valuable space, and it needs to get moved to storage.

After a considerable amount of time looking and cursing myself, I finally gave up. Then as I was walking through the study, something caught my eye sticking out from behind a bookcase. It was a soft carry case for a rifle. You are smart, you know what was inside.

While out buying more plants this afternoon, I stopped at Academy and they had some 16GA ammo so I bought 4 boxes. They also had the Benelli Vinci, but this time it was in black vs camo. I didn't want the one that was camo.

Then tonight I was walking through the garden and noticed that in one of the beds was a big hole. At the bottom of the hole was a white pipe. &^%#@*( I won't be going to the range tomorrow.

Modified to add: I only put two boxes of shells through the Saiga, but they were flawless. However, I don't keep it loaded in the house as a defensive weapon. When you bet you wife, you had better make sure it is on something that is completely reliable without a shadow of a doubt. I just noticed that I typed "wife" when I meant to type "life", but I left it because I think the meaning is even greater.

[Callahan]

I bought a Saiga yesterday. Here's a video of me shooting it at the range:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sk98ACokjE&NR=1

[TMan]

Callahan, I had no idea you were so young. Considering your youth, I'm impressed with your typing and grammar skills as well.

Since they wouldn't sell it to someone so young, who did you have make the purchase on your behalf? Did DoubleAction do it for you?

If you can get someone to drive you over here, come on over and bring your Saiga. I'll let you shoot my new Vinci.

[Callahan]

Thanks, but I'll need a few weeks for the bruising to heal, and I'll have to ask my mom if it's OK. ;D