converting the saiga: any disadvantages?

[Fremmer]

My understanding of the conversion process for a saiga is that, among other things, the rifle is modified to accept ak mags and welding a bullet guide to use the ak mags.

By making these modifications, are we trying to make a saiga something it really isn't, an ak (or more ak-like)? Any reason other than mag cost to not simply use saiga 20 or 30 round mags in an unmodifed saiga, as long as you still comply with the parts requirement?

And are there known disadvantages (reliability or durability) caused by or associated with any of the modifications to the saiga?

I'm not trying to stir a fuss, just wanting to hear from those wih more experience with this stuff.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Other than taking your time, it's not difficult. There's many a write up on the process. It opens up furniture options you didnt exactly have before.

 

[Rob G]

My understanding of the conversion process for a saiga is that, among other things, the rifle is modified to accept ak mags and welding a bullet guide to use the ak mags.

And replacing the trigger with a much better one plus adding a pistol grip which improves the balance and ergonomics of the rifle.

By making these modifications, are we trying to make a saiga something it really isn't, an ak (or more ak-like)?

They were originally intended to be AKs but were neutered in the interest of conforming to US import laws. I would argue that the Russians made it something it wasn't intended to be, we're just restoring it to it's original form.

Any reason other than mag cost to not simply use saiga 20 or 30 round mags in an unmodifed saiga, as long as you still comply with the parts requirement?

1. There aren't any high cap saiga mags.
2. If you're going to do all that work swapping parts why not just convert it? It'd probably be easier.

And are there known disadvantages (reliability or durability) caused by or associated with any of the modifications to the saiga?

Not if you do it right, which is pretty easy overall.

 

[Girodin]

By making these modifications, are we trying to make a saiga something it really isn't, an ak (or more ak-like)?

No you are making it exactly what it is supposed to be, an AK. If it were not for import restrictions it would never be imported in the silly sporter configuration.

1. There aren't any high cap saiga mags.

Yes there are. Surefire for example makes a saiga specific 30 round magazine. Although only those who are not in the know would buy them. Surefire mags are like 30 dollars. Thermold mags are like $8 and work without a bullet guide.

And are there known disadvantages (reliability or durability) caused by or associated with any of the modifications to the saiga?

No. The closest you might come is the G2 trigger tends to have a slightly higher hammer. When it is first installed it may take the bolt carrier cycling over it a dozen times for it be real smooth. I've never known it to be enough to cause a malfunction even when first installed.

My understanding of the conversion process for a saiga is that, among other things, the rifle is modified to accept ak mags and welding a bullet guide to use the ak mags.

Yes, but the modification you are talking about is slightly filing down the mag catch, not much of a modification. Furthermore, most people drill and tap the trunion to install a bullet guide rather than welding.

The conversion process is about way more than standard capacity mags though. The primary advantages are a vastly improved trigger, vastly improved balance (imagine the gun balances much better when its configured the way it is supposed to be and not with the grip 4" to the rear), and better ergos.

 

[kayak-man]

The only drawback to the conversion is that the 10 round mag that comes with the gun will need to be modified to work correctly, and there's a good chance you'll get rid of the bolt hold open during the conversion process.

Personally, I have very little use for the 10Rounders, and the bolt hold open has been replaced with a chamber flag.

Other than that, there really isn't anything else that I can think of, unless you don't want an AK. If that's the case, then you are looking at the wrong rifle. Its my understanding that the IZMASH factory where these guns are made is the same place the Russian military gets their rifles.

Think of it like a Pistol Grip Only shotgun, an imported FAL with the thumb-hole stock, or a GLOCK with one of the New-York/Chicago 12 lb triggers:There's really nothing wrong with that, except that you're not getting the most out of the gun, because its not set up the way it was meant to be.

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[Ranger30-06]

There are no disadvantages at all. Literally every aspect of the rifle is improved as well as increasing the value of it. Do it, do it, do it!

A little encouragement for you: it's the .308 version but you get the idea!

 

[meanmrmustard]

There are no disadvantages at all. Literally every aspect of the rifle is improved as well as increasing the value of it. Do it, do it, do it!

A little encouragement for you: it's the .308 version but you get the idea!

Very cool. Looks like something elves in North pole would use as polar bear medicine, what with that evergreen n all!

 

[WardenWolf]

No disadvantage. I'm not a fan of the Tapco G2, though. I discovered that it can bumpfire unintentionally under certain conditions. I prefer the Arsenal trigger group.

Ranger30-06, that's one nice Saiga .308. They make very handy rifles. A lot of firepower in a small package that's not too heavy.

 

[Orion8472]

Do they put thinner barrels on the Saiga? I noticed how thin they are for a 30 caliber hole. I suppose it doesn't really matter in the long run, though.

 

[henschman]

Eh, they're no thinner than the barrel on an M-14, FAL, or any other rifle that is actually meant to be carried around and shot from field positions rather than shot off a bench sitting in a chair.

 

[JustinJ]

The disadvantage is that for most seeking a traditional AK it will cost more to convert than to just by an Arsenal. Another disadvantage is most trigger guard hardware will not be attached with rivets and will not be as solid and secure.

I'm not a fan of the Tapco G2, though. I discovered that it can bumpfire unintentionally under certain conditions. I prefer the Arsenal trigger group.

Agreed. The tapco trigger is lighter but also of much lower quality.

 

[adelbridge]

I converted a saiga to accept AK mags with a dremmel tool to extend the feed ramp into that "step" that was put there to prevent AK mags. Worked 100% on a late 90's gun, not sure if they changed anything since then.

 

[M1key]

Converted six so far...about to convert a 7th

No disadvantages I can think of...

M

 

[Fremmer]

All of the arsenals I see for sale on the net are converted saigas, anyone got a link to an arsenal ak 47?

 

[TanklessPro]

All of the arsenals I see for sale on the net are converted saigas, anyone got a link to an arsenal ak 47?

I don't think all Arsenals are Saiga's. I think some are Bulgy's. You can see all the Arsenal firearms at www.k-var.com. Davidson's even has them. I have a sgl-31 and I love it.

 

[Rob G]

All of the arsenals I see for sale on the net are converted saigas, anyone got a link to an arsenal ak 47?

I don't think all Arsenals are Saiga's. I think some are Bulgy's.

The Arsenal SGLs are Russian conversions (Saigas if you will) and the SLRs are Bulgarian made. However I don't think the SGLs are converted the same way that kitchen table saiga conversions are done. In a conversation on another forum someone said that the SGLs are actually just semi-auto AKs minus the furniture, fcg, and muzzle brake that are shipped over here and finished by Arsenal with US parts. Looking at my SGL 31 this actually makes a lot of sense since my receiver is missing all the holes that would have been needed in it for it to have originally been a saiga in sporting configuration.