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FAQ About Saiga 12, 20 & 410 Reliability

Does the CSS Reliability Kit work in a Saiga 20 and Saiga 410?

Yes the reliability kit works in both a Saiga 20 and Saiga 410. The very first models of the 410 (until about 2002) used a different sized plug and for these weapons, the gas plug does not fit. All the guns imported since then use the same plug as the Saiga 12 gauge and it works perfectly fine in these newer models.

I am having trouble cycling my Saiga 12. I ordered the CSS Reliability kit, and it will not cycle the low brass shells just like the way it came from the factory.

Here is what we tell all of our customers who are trying to cycle low brass.
First, it is not an exact science and there are minor differences from one gun to another. Once you have taken all these steps, you should be able to use lighter loads, but not ALL cheap brass will work (see step 3). We don't mean to insult your intelligence, this is meant to be for all gun users and some are more knowledgeable than others.
1. Install the CSS Reliability Kit per the instructions. Install the JTE-Guiderod (see video). Start with the Gas Plug on setting #6 and see if the gun will recycle the Low Brass. If it does, you can turn the gas down. Shells are different from brand to brand, learn the proper setting for each shell you want to use.
2. Verify the gas block, gas tube and gas puc are clean and the ports in the gas block are cleared of any debris. Use a pic (CSS-Shotgun-Cleaning-Kit) to open up the barrel ports and a stiff brush to remove carbon build up.
3. Sometimes a cheap "walmart" load will work (1oz. or 7/8oz.), but if not, make sure you are using at least a 1 1/8oz load (usually FPS of 1250 to 1280 or more) and not Winchester Universal (Note: When purchasing shotgun ammunition, ignore the length of the brass rim - typically how high brass is distinguished from low - and only pay attention to the labeled velocity FPS and/or payload of shot stated in ounces).
4. If you are still having trouble, then try to flip the puc around and see if that makes a difference.
5. Verify that the gas plug is aligned with #6 on the detent pin. If it does not cycle, rotate out one more full counterclockwise rotation (360 degrees) back to #6 and try it here. If that does not work you may have a partially obstructed gas port and as a last resort, you may need to enlarge the ports.
6. If you have an obstructed gas port you will need to remove the 2 pins that hold the gas block in and remove the gas block. You can then open up the existing ports with a drill bit one size bigger than the existing hole (one size at a time). If boring the holes does not work, add 1 to 2 more gas ports to give you more gas pressure.