A word about Saigas

The Russian made Saiga line of firearms are essentially the civilian and politically correct version of the original Kalashinkov designed AK-47. They are manufactured side-by-side with the current military versions, with the key differences being a sporting stock, lack of a pistol grip, rearward semi-auto fire control group, low capacity magazine and one-piece front handguard. They all have their designs based on the more modern AK-74 and AK-100 series of rifles. They are currently offered in rifle calibers of .223, 7.62x39, .308 and .30-06 as well as 12 gauge, 20 gauge and 410 shotguns.

Saiga Conversions

Here's a Saiga-12 (12 gauge shotgun) - imported configuration

Here's a pistol grip converted Saiga-12, 922r compliant.

To have the ability to use high capacity magazines and pistol grips, you have to swap in U.S. made parts so that there is no more than 10 imported parts on it. The weapon then becomes a U.S. made firearm and is not subject to 922r restrictions. This shotgun has a U.S. made pistol grip, FCG, gas piston and muzzlebrake, accounting for 6 parts. I also added a raised front sight block and modified the gas system to utilize a quick detachable gas tube and AK rear sight block to mirror the design of the rifles.

Where did they get the name Saiga?

A saiga is an antelope that's native to Russia and Asia. They are now an endangered species due to poaching and overhunting. The males are highly valued for their horns in China for medicinal purposes. For a time the firearms themselves were considered endangered as the current importer (EAA) stopped importing them. Thankfully a new importer named Russian American Armory Company has stepped up to the plate for us. Click the link and check out all the products they offer.