Saiga 12 Conversion Question?

**RONNIE77** · December 21st, 2008, 12:31 PM

I am going to pick up Saiga 12, and I had a question?

I wanted to take off the original buttstock and make a tactical conversion.
But I saw some converted models online, and compared them to the factory model, and the trigger guard on the factory model looks like it is too far back on the lower receiver to even be able to put a pistol grip on..

So my question is:

Will a collapsable stock and pistol grip go right on?
-or-
Does the lower receiver have to be modified or changed?

**Pa. Patriot** · December 21st, 2008, 01:44 PM

Tapco makes a but-stock/pistol grip unit that fits the factory config gun.

Otherwise, yes, the receiver needs to be modified t move the fire control parts and trigger guard back to where they belong to add a conventional separate PG and stock and then further modification will be needed to accommodate most folding stocks.

**RONNIE77** · December 21st, 2008, 06:32 PM

Thank you Pa Patriot...
That is all I needed to know.

**scoutjoe** · December 23rd, 2008, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by RONNIE77

So my question is:

Will a collapsable stock and pistol grip go right on?

There is the stock that Pa Patriot suggested, but that particular combination is harder to get 922R compliance. Also the balance of the gun is thrown off.

Originally Posted by RONNIE77

Does the lower receiver have to be modified or changed?

Knocking off the lower plate, cutting a pistol grip hole and re-attaching the triggerguard. Or you can get the Tromix part and save some work

The second way is the way that I did it, I think it would handle better (does over the stock model) that and it seems to be the preferred way to do it(at least in Saiga-12 forum land), put her back the way the Russians build em

**RONNIE77** · December 23rd, 2008, 11:20 PM

Thanks scoutjoe,

I know the prices went up on a lot of things recently, but I never really noticed what they were going for before now.

My dealer has one on his shelf (with a 10rd mag) for $650.
Is that a reasonable price for them right now?

I was really thinking about getting it.

Are there any feeding issues with the 10rd mags?
Do you really like yours?

If I got it, I would definitely make some modifications to it.
And probably make it an SBS...

**scoutjoe** · December 24th, 2008, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by RONNIE77

Thanks scoutjoe,

I know the prices went up on a lot of things recently, but I never really noticed what they were going for before now.

My dealer has one on his shelf (with a 10rd mag) for $650.
Is that a reasonable price for them right now?

I was really thinking about getting it.

Are there any feeding issues with the 10rd mags?
Do you really like yours?

If I got it, I would definitely make some modifications to it.
And probably make it an SBS...

The 10 rd mag should be a AGP mag, probably will have "GEN 2" on it. If it doesn't have "GEN 2" its not a big deal, I have four originals, 2 GEN 2s...I personally can't really tell the difference. The difference is in the follower, GEN 2s are easier to get to lock in loaded on a closed bolt.

Ok now about the gun, things to look for: Threaded barrel? barrel length? rib sights or "rifle" sights? importer (if its new it should be Russian American Armory), bolt hold open?

Those are the main things off the top my head. The gun at the shop is probably an IZ-109 (19" barrel, threaded, rifle sights). That seems to be the most popular base model around. If its that model I'd go for it if you want it, price seems good to me.