Convert Saiga --> AK 47... How Difficult?

[WinThePennant]

How difficult is it to convert a Saiga (leaning towards 332) to an AK 47? I hear many people extolling the virtues of this conversion, but opinions vary on the ease.

Should I choose to accept this challenge, will I end up bricking my rifle? Or, will a beautiful AK 47 come out the other end?

 

[poolingmyignorance]

.332? I think you mean either a 7.62x39 = ak47 or a .545 =ak 74.
Of course Sagia makes a .223 and 308 as well. The .308 is by far the easiet to convert, but the others aren't difficult at all if your just sticking to the "rear end conversion" which is just moving the trigger group forward to it's natural location. Many of the later rifles actually have the pistol grip nut hole already cut in the receiver making this even eaiser. Esentially, you just need a FCG, an Ak pistol grip, Butt stock, 3/16" drill bit to knock out the linkage pins, and a set of needle nose pliers, and a twist tie. A small vise or somebody to help ya hold it still will help alot too. It's not difficult by any means though. The only other thing is deciding on how you wish to plug the old linkage holes. Quality builders weld blend, and refinish, but many DIY'rs use nylon plugs or socket head cap screws.

 

[WinThePennant]

Nope. Just to make myself more clear, I am referring to the "IZ 332."

 

[Girodin]

IMHO, based on doing a number of them, you would have to try to actually break the thing. I think it is pretty easy. It is a relatively easy process. If you can drill a hole and turn a screw driver you can do it. The 332 has the front end done. All you need to do there is cut the weld on the muzzle nut.

The most challenging part will be to a find a 332 in stock somewhere.

 

[fanchisimo]

+1 to what Girodin said.

I have been looking for a 332, but have almost resigned to convert a 132. It costs more but to convert the front you need to get an actual 47 gas tube to hold the top handguard, and there are handguard retainers that you can bolt on without removing the gas block. After that, you might have to thread the barrel. Overall it would cost a fair amount more than a 332, but it just depends on whether you're willing to wait. If you want to SEE the difficulty watch fredhart's videos on youtube. He doesn't have all the fancy equipment when he does his so you can see what you can convert it with minimally. Here's a link to his first conversion video, but there are 6 I think. He doesn't do the front end, though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkNro1MUP7w

 

[JFtheGR8]

Very easy to move the trigger, add a pistol grip, bullet guide and file the mag catch. Couldn't tell you about the front end though as I have no desire to convert it on mine. Lots of hand guard options out there that don't require doing a full conversion.


Posted from Thehighroad.org App for Android

 

[Girodin]

That is my thought on the front end as well. In fact, many of the hand guards that I actually prefer to standard ones require one to remove the hand guard retainer. They also replace the top hand guard. I'm not into having the look of a certain variant though. Rather, I'm into maximizing function for MY intended uses.

If one wants a threaded barrel the IZ 332 again might be the more economical option (again if you find one). However one can thread a saiga barrel pretty easily. The tools cost $50 or so. You then have the tools and can do other guns or you can sell them and recoup some of the cost.