I think I have a new favorite firestick!

[nogaroheli]

I got a SZ-109 Saiga 12 on Tuesday and finally got to take it to the range today. I'd read lots about them not cycling weaker "bulk pack" loads and was ready for that, but right off the bat it ran Winchester and even Federal bulk from the shoulder 100%. It wouldn't cycle from the hip with those but I'm hopeful after some break in and polishing it'll run well like that too.
My initial impressions: It's fast! I could easily empty the 5 rd mag and see all 5 empty hulls still in the air. I don't know if my 1187 would do that because I never tried but this shotgun begs for it :) Even in it's neutered, unconverted state it still feels good. Once it's converted I think it'll be awesome- but I really enjoy it like it is right now. However, I am really anxious to pull it out after the full conversion with my FIL when we go goose hunting though and see his reaction.
I really enjoy the American stuff but am growing to like the Russian AK style rifles/shotguns more and more. I think this shotgun might just be the most enjoyable gun I have, I can't wait to go shoot it again!

[enthusiast]

Congrats! I really love mine. Wait until you get a drum on it and let 20 rounds fly through it rapidly. You will be grinning for a while. [LOL]

[nogaroheli]

I can imagine! I was having a blast with just the 5 rounder, 20 is going to be fantastic! Are you using a Promag or MD?

What have you done to yours so far? Any items you would definitely recommend doing or staying away from?

[enthusiast]

The MD arms one.

I converted it. I buy all of my parts from Carolina Shooters supply (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/StoreFront) he really has good customer service and the shipping is fast. There is a discount coupon for his site (5%) too.

I have done the following:
MD Arms Molot Style grip
Adjustable Polychoke II with the breacher tip
Vltor M4 Style aluminum tube milspec size
MD Arms V-Plug adjustable gas knob
Conversion kit (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-657/SAIGA-12-CONVERSION-KIT/Detail) from Carolina with Carolina SS trigger guard.
Magpul forearm grip
Tromix charging handle (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-266/Tromix-Saiga-Ak47-extended/Detail)
Polishing work on the bolt and some on the hammerI am sure there is more that I forgot.

I have read that some people say to stay away from the promag drums but I don't have any experience with them.

I would definitely do some reading over on the Saiga12 forums (http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?/forum/2-saiga-12/). I learned a lot over there.

[nogaroheli]

Yeah I've been spending a bunch of time over there recently, it's a great resource! Last night I got motivated and used the "How do I polish my bolt" thread as a guide and did this:

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt127/greatdainb/DSC00696.jpg

I didn't go too crazy getting all the imperfections out, just more of a recontour and smooth. But it's much easier to load a mag on a closed bolt now and it cycles a little bit smoother (I'll polish the rails and new trigger when I convert it).

I've been planning on getting my stuff from CSS as well they seem like good people. Thanks for the advice on this!

[enthusiast]

Looks good. Yeah gotta be careful how much you take off.

Here is a pic of mine from the last time I went to the south site. Don't forget to use the discount code when you order from CSS.

http://www.verticaltier.com/gallery/d/3865-2/2011-05-07_11-21-46_806.jpg