Saiga 7.62x39 + AK-47 mags?

[Big Boy]

I've seen a few saiga's modified to take surplus AK-47 magazines. How complicated is it to do this? What parts do you need? If anyone has instructions it would be very appreciated.

 

[sv51macross]

The magwell needs to be altered slightly, as does the mag catch. But the big bugaboo is 922r compliance, which (IIRC) states you may not have more than ten foreign-made parts in a firearm capable of taking high-capacity magazines, or has a threaded muzzle/pistol grip/collapsible stock/bayonet lug.

 

[Big Boy]

Hmm, haven't heard of this. That's crazy. How do you get away with an actual AK-47 then? They have hi cap mags.

 

[Maverick223]

That's crazy. How do you get away with an actual AK-47 then? They have hi cap mags.

They are imported with 922r compliance (replaced parts with US made ones).

 

[sv51macross]

^ Yes, alot of companies make compensators, gas pistons, trigger groups, ect. Not to mention the US-made magazines and furniture available.

 

[DMK]

Seriously, try a search (Saiga Conversion). This is a really common question.

Here comes the spoon:

http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/index.htm

http://gunwiki.net/Gunwiki/LegalFederal922rParts

 

[Sam1911]

Short version: Saigas are imported in "sporter" configuration and are different enough from AKMs or AK-74s to make them importable without conforming to the UCC 18, 925(d)3 which defines what can and can't be imported as "sporting."

UCC 18, 922(r) says that you can't build a rifle out of foreign made parts if you couldn't have imported it under 925(d)3.

So, the trick is to beat the definitions of a "foreign made" rifle by having no more than 10 foreign made parts. Replacing those parts of the Saiga that make it "sporting" with "non-sporting" type parts violates 922(r) UNLESS you replace enough of them with U.S. made parts to make it a "US made" rifle. Then it can be as "non-sporting" as you want.

So, if you want your Saiga to use high-cap mags, (along with adding a bullet guide) you'll have to replace some other stuff to get below the "parts count." Stocks, gas piston, muzzle device, fire-control parts, etc. all count. Ironically, the easiest way to make a "sporter" Saiga 922(r) compliant is to do a partial "conversion" to the AKM pattern using US made parts.

Regular AKMs are generally imported as "parts kits." Foreign made machine guns that have their receivers (and now barrels) cut into unusable bits, so they can be imported as simple replacement parts. Then they are rebuilt on U.S. made receivers by one of our AK building companies and the usual "922(r) compliance" parts are installed. (There are some other options for this...but that's generally the way.)

-Sam

 

[Girodin]

The magwell needs to be altered slightly, as does the mag catch.

The magwell requires no modification. You need things to make it work mechanically and a few more to make it work legally.

First, the mag catch/ mag release lever needs to be filed down. You simply file until and check fit until the mag will lock in.

Second, a bullet guide must be installed on the trunion. Perhaps this is what was being referenced above as the mag well but it is not really the magwell. The easiest way to do this is to order one from Dinzag. It has everything you need. Then drill a hole, tap it screw in the bullet guide. Voila your saiga will function with AK mags.

I'll address 922R later but I have to run right now.

 

[nalioth]

How do you get away with an actual AK-47 then? They have hi cap mags.

Simple.

Nobody gets away with anything.

The only "actual" AK-47s live in the ATF reference vault. None exist for civilian ownership.