How to Put a Picatinny Rail on My Saiga 12 Forearm
The Saiga 12 is a 12-gauge combat shotgun that is built on the frame of the AK-47 assault rifle. The Saiga was made for engaging enemy combatants at close range and optimizing casualty with shotgun spread. The weapon is also highly effective at close range hunting for small- and medium-sized game in all climates. For combat purposes, a picatinny rail can be installed on the weapon in order to add accessories such as a forearm grip, flashlight or other attachments. The ideal method for installing a picatinny rail includes removing the fore-grip.
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Things You'll Need
- Mounting screws (included with the rail)
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Rotary tool with metal cutting bit
- Gunsmith bonding solution
Instructions
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1
Unload the weapon completely. Visually inspect the weapon to ensure that no live ammunition is present.
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2
Depress the plunger located at the rear of the receiver. Lift off the cover plate.
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3
Push the spring assembly forward then pull up and out towards the rear. Pull back on the charging handle as far as you can go, then lift up to remove the bolt support and bolt.
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4
Depress the gas chamber retainer pin located in front of the fore grip. Unscrew the gas chamber stopper and remove it. Let the piston drop out of the gas chamber.
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5
Flip the weapon over, exposing the bottom of the fore-grip. Unscrew the two screws at both ends of the fore grip. Lift up and slide the grip forward -- toward the muzzle -- and off the weapon.
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6
Position the rail on the bottom or side of the fore-grip. Measure to ensure that the rail placement won't interfere with your hand position on the grip. Mark drill holes using the rail base as a guide.
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7
Drill pilot holes for the screws. Screw in the rail and attach nuts. Cut the screw back as short as possible after screwing on the nut, using a rotary tool with a metal cutting bit. Apply a bonding solution to the nuts for added security. Reassemble the weapon.
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Tips & Warnings
You can purchase a picatinny style fore-grip to install instead of mounting a rail to your stock fore-grip.
Never attempt maintenance on a loaded firearm.
Never point the Saiga 12 at anything that you do not intend to shoot or kill.
