So, I am considering buying an unconverted Saiga 12ga shotgun and converting it myself with a kushnapup stock/foregrip (counts for 2 US made parts).

Looking at the rules for converting an imported shotgun into a "non sporting" configuration has me a little confused but I think I've figured this part out.

Does any of you have a Saiga shotgun that has been converted with a pistol grip, flash hider, large magazine, etc.?

And if so, which internal parts did you change out to get compliant?

With this particular stock I'm looking at, I don't think I can change the trigger assembly unless its identical to the original, but made in the US.

I am looking at putting as many US made parts in this as possible, both to support American companies but also to be 922R compliant beyond a doubt.

It would be preferable for me to gain this compliance even without counting the 3 magazine parts towards it if possible.

I would like pointers on which internal parts like operating rods and gas pistons to get that are good quality and made in the US.

don't know myself but if I wanted the info I'd probably call these guys first.

http://www.mississippiautoarms.com/page.html?chapter=10&id=10

Thanks for the reply lazi, I will definitely consider talking to a store like this.

I was hoping to hear from fellow dogs who did something similar to this particular shotgun <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I find people here are more unbiased and always willing to help.

Hi MD...

I will add my very conservative perspective (Sorry): I wouldn't touch this project with a 10-ft pole.

1) Liability...not worth the risk involved due to an abundance of ambiguity (ie: Felony charges)
2) Available commercially...just buy the one from a manufacturer, so you are protected from the potential liability.

I hope you find an individual that you feel you can TRUST, who is knowledgeable on this topic to help you down the path.

I have several friends that build their own AK's, etc...it's just not worth it to me. For them, it is a fun project and they really enjoy what they do and they trust the information they are going by (thus reduced risk).

Ishikawa, I appreciate your perspective very much, thank you bro.

Would it be ok in your opinion to buy this already assembled from a shop with the parts I want? Or would this still be a possible problem?

I want to stay 100% within the law, I never had any problems with the law and never want to.

i thought about converting a saiga 7.62x39 or .308 (was supposed to be easier to covert .308 and 12g i think) a couple years ago. there was a couple videos online as well as a couple how to's on various forums. pretty detailed info on how to go about it. it really didn't seem all that hard to do. as for the parts and compliance there has been lots of discussions out there so i think its hard to go wrong if you find a older post and read through it all.

i hate how much the prices have jumped on these and wish i had bought back in 08'-09'. i really don't see the prices going down the way things have been. one of the pluses of buying a converted s12 is hopefully they covered any little details and maybe did a good job refinishing the conversion. With dealer pricing on parts and added labor it really should be more price effective to buy converted but I can't see the $300 there myself. I would think it should $200 or less over a unconverted S12. but of course I don't know where the converted s12's are coming or what all is done to them. i'm guessing compliance issues is a main reason these are being done this way now. they seem to be running right at $900 which is too rich for my blood and at $600 for a s12 it's hard to say if it's worth it one way or the other. my guess is if the necessary parts are at least half the cost of a converted rifle and the conversion can be done in a couple hours at home then it could be worth it to pocket the $100-$150. but i would definitely check and double check my parts against what they are using...

Thing is I believe I have the mechanical skills to do my own conversion (and yes, if they still were $199 that would be great <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> )

I am itching for a bullpup shotgun, and I was looking at the keltec ksg, but honestly even getting one at the price they go for, I could build this with really nice parts, plus I keep hearing bad things about keltec. Which is sad because I would love to buy American.

This being semi auto with short overall length (without being an sbs and still having a shoulder stock) just seems like the perfect shotgun for having around the house.

That said, I'm not going to spend any more time on it if there is a chance a project like that could land me in some kind of legal trouble. I am pretty new to gun ownership (not shooting) in general and I like to research things to death before I commit, in this case it seems to be working out as a good thing since I'm sure some people would just buy something like this and be done with it.

MD, maybe you could get a list of the firearm you want, and all the parts you want to replace or put in it and call the ATF and ask them if it would be legal, or better yet, if there is an office in your city, take the list to them and if they give the ok ask them to sign and date that they reviewed it and it will be legal!

Thats a good idea SkunkHunter, thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Better to be safe than sorry. If you miss something it could really cost you.

You're welcome! Gotta help out the family when we can.

I know what I is not "prudent" or popular, but look at how many people have ever been arrested for 922R compliance and even less, actually prosecuted for it. I understand and appreciate the "wanting" to remain legal, but the chance that it EVER comes to light is so monstrously small, it is a chance I would take.

Unless you have a FFL or CCR license. Then you are subject to inspection and open the door for Gubmint' officals to inspect your property.

Or just purchase it as you want it from someone else thereby removing your liability.