After many years of being subjected to anti-shotty tyranny here in WA, I'm moving to the great state of TX later this year. I have a Saiga 12 that I plan on making an SBS first. The question: If I get an approved form 1 and chop the bbl off myself to sub-18", I can then send it to a 'smith to complete the functional conversion to a 10" gun, correct? It's already an SBS once the bbl goes under 18 so "making" is complete even if it needs smithing to be functional as a semi auto gun, correct?

Also, what else do I need for SBSs? Does anyone make a SxS 12 ga that can take 3.5" mag shells? Thought that might be fun. Just looking for ideas. I love short shotguns and haven't been able to own them before.

The answer to your first question is yes (and it can be any FFL smith; no SOT required).

Not sure about 3.5" SxS. One could probably be reamed if you can't find one.

I would prefer a VEPR-12 to the Saiga, but that's just me.

I'm sure there have been 3.5" SxS's made but not sure if anyone makes one currently. You might find it easier to find a 10ga SxS over a 3.5" 12ga.

yeah, the 12ga is awesome, I'm just trying to limit the # of calibers I have to buy.