I have never fired one so don't take my advice to heart...but I have handled a couple and Im not sure how well I would like it for skeet
Im not nocking it, just saying they dont feel to me like it would swing well...I need to shoot one and seeThey do quite well actually. Yes, you will get some looks and you'll get even more looks when you go 10 for 10 without reloading
So if we are mechanically inept who would you reccommend doing the conversion? Or what are our options.
Skip the rail system, grab a conversion package from Carolina Shooters Supply and your good to go for just about anything you'd want to use a 12ga to do.
I really wanted a Saiga until I touched one. The idea really appealed to me: the AK platform shooting shotshells. Who could ask for more destruction? When I handled a Saiga in a store, however, I started having second thoughts. The craftsmanship, or perhaps more properly speaking, the functionality, was the first thing to strike me. It was the opposite of those Beretta fine guns. It wasn't made to feel nice, to make you stroke its finely machined parts on those cold winter nights. It was made to work, and no more. It seemed like it would be clunky to operate. The gun also felt clumsy to maneuver. I didn't shoot it, so maybe that will make me fall in love with it. However, I did become hesitant about investing $600 + perhaps almost as much money for conversion work.
I am no expert, but from my experience, it seems like a good idea for you to handle and shoot a Saiga 12 before buying one. Something you like in internet photos may not engender the same feelings in your hands.
There is a shotgun built on the AR platform. You might want to consider that as well.
Da Bing
Have to agree with you sir big +1. Ordered 2 saiga 12's handled them and didn't like the feel. Converted them and still felt like a retarded AK. Just not my cup of tea. Excellent weapon if you appreciate it, but I stuck with the AR's. Best advice yet handle one. Bradis has them in stock regularly in the 24 and 19 lengths if you get a chance handle one either you love them or hate them.
Thanks, Sigasaurus. Let me send you +1 to you, too! I do have to say I still think about getting a Saiga 12 weekly, if not daily. At the end, I suspect it's will be just a pipe dream. Like a previous poster said, most shotgun training is for non-Saiga varieties, and training matters.
Da Bing
Honestly I wrapped up 1200 in 2 saigas, plus 250 I spent a piece for conversions and stocks, and now I have nothing to show for them except 2 new AR's I built with the money I sold them for. I felt as if they were cheap and poorly constructed. Saigas are like comparing an arsenal AK to a CIA in firearm quality in my the book. I am not talking down on the saiga thunder, I just expected more with all the hype. I think they are all just a lot of hoopla. In my opinion I think somebody is better off utilizing their energy and funds on a quality AR build.