Saiga 12

[FJ540]

Just doing a little retro-modding.

First step - tear off all that compliance crap:


Since I have more than 4 plug welds, do I need any more US parts?



I just built up a little metal for the safety stop. Turned out to be exactly the same spot and width as the original. Sometimes ya get lucky.




My US made internals for the trigger relocation, and grip/stock are due in the mail today, so I'm going to wait for those to show up before dealing with the trigger guard and pistol grip mount.

I'll also probably throw a charging handle extension on it before the repaint as well.

[goda0301]

what are your plans for the barrel, sights, charging handle and furniture?

[FJ540]

Barrel is remaining 12ga, furniture is Saw grip, and boring plastic stock. I'll be making the charging handle extension.

[CarRacer]

I should have welded in the holes when I did my conversion, that will look a hundred times nicer when you're finished. You just use a mig welder? What kind of finish are you planning on using? I used the engine spray paint that one of the Saiga forums recommend and while it looked fine it wasn't a complete match.

Have fun with it.

[FJ540]

I tigged all of this. Mig is too messy.



I forgot to take a pic of the grip block, but that's tigged on as well.



And on that note - it's already got the first coat of self-etching primer...

[FJ540]

It's black again.

[CarRacer]

Looks good. I need to learn how to tig.

[FJ540]

I need to use some tarnish remover on the charging handle (it's 304 stainless), but for all intents and purposes it's done.

[Dave Timm]

Looks great! Mine is hanging letting the paint dry now. I used Brownells aluma Hyde II as its what I had in the garage. What did you use to finish yours? Also if you don't mind me asking did you have to modify anything to re install the saiga bolt hold open. I just got my parts today to convert my saiga 545 and have heard different things on the BHO. Yours looks awesome, I like the clean look of the welds as opposed to the plastic rivet plugs I ordered. In the future I may have to get them filled.
Thanks, Dave

[FJ540]

I got the tromix modified fcg, so the hammer was already shortened.

I did 2 coats of rustoleum self etching primer over the original paint (acetone wipe down first), then did a bbq paint coat which didn't even remotely match, and topped that with textured black - which is almost a dead ringer visibly, but slightly rougher than the factory paint. I left the dust cover, bolt, and safety original and I think it turned out awesome.
Only mistake was insalling the selector too soon and it gouged the paint. A quick touch up covered it, but there's still a groove. Oh well.


The charging handle cleaned up nicely too.

[American Capitalist]

Saiga gun porn? I'll chip in!

[ammosponge]

***drool***..

[FJ540]

Some better finished pics:







It's on Arms List if anyone wants it.

[American Capitalist]

It's on Arms List if anyone wants it.

But... but then people are less likely to buy mine on Armslist.

[FJ540]

Bummer