[WhoKnowsWho]

Is it possible (and legal) to modify the Saiga rifles and put AK-47 type furniture onto it? Mainly the pistol grip type stock. I had enough of a head ache reading about what my friend could and couldn't do with his SKS ("No!! You can't put a detatchable mag on, modify the locked folding stock to fold again, and then run around with the Bayonet on!")

[igor]

Technically obviously possible, they make all kinds of versions at the Izhmash factory (http://www.izhmash.ru/eng/product/saiga.shtml). Legal? Someone nearer to your location would know... I guess, hardly.

[gun-fucious]

if you add enough US made parts
http://www.concentric.net/~ldrennan/page11.html
it becomes a US manufactured rifle and can be built within the 1994 SAW spec:
(B) a semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine
and has at least 2 of
(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the
weapon;
(iii) a bayonet mount;
(iv) a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash
suppressor; and
(v) a grenade launcher;

[Destructo6]

It should be okay if you use no more than 10 specific imported parts in the finished configuration.

Replacing the hammer/trigger/sear and all furniture with US made versions should put you close, if not within limits.

As to how easy the conversion would be, considering the differences between typical AKs and the Saiga are fairly significant.

[Dave Markowitz]

It's legal if you add enough US-made parts, and from what I've read, not terribly difficult. Check out the forums as AK-47.net. There is a lot of info there about converting Saiga Sporters to AK-normal configuration.

AAMOF, I have one in 7.62 that I bought after it was converted. It's a sweet gun.