Saiga Conversions

[AR27]

I have been looking into doing a saiga conversion but every time I look into it they always retain the same handguards as pictured below. Is it not possible to have them take standard AK handguards? Everyone acts like they have converted their Saiga back into being an AK but they still have those STUPID handguards and nobody even mentions it. Hopefully Nailoth chimes in.

 

[aubie515]

The issue with using standard AK47 handguards is that it will cost you money. The Saiga forend is longer and does not have a retainer...in order to use standard AK74 handguards, you need to buy these parts for your Saiga...in addition to buying the handguards.

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-460/Saiga-Lower-Hand-guard/Detail
http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-405/AK47-Saiga-gas-tube/Detail

 

[AR27]

Do you know were there is a guide for doing the handguards? Every conversion guide i look at says moot about handguards. From looking at the link though it seems like it would be as easy as changing the g-tube and bolting the lower retainer on? Is there anything else to it?

 

[LKB3rd]

That's it. I did that on my .308, and it looks/works great.
The upper handguard can be tricky. Use a large adjustable wrench, hold gas tube in place, and spin the handguard into place. A little wax/lube and a lot of force are helpful. It has a diagonal cut on one side, make sure to spin it so that goes in first.
The you just replace the gas tube with it, and bolt on the lower retainer. I had to do some minor fitting to get the rear of the lower handguard to fit, but it worked out fine.

 

[nalioth]

Is it not possible to have them take standard AK handguards?

Sure it is.

but they still have those STUPID handguards

I guess some of us are stupid - we like the enhanced surface area

From looking at the link though it seems like it would be as easy as changing the g-tube and bolting the lower retainer on? Is there anything else to it?

Yes, you'll need to have a gunsmith or machine shop remove your gas block and front sight block and mill a notch in the barrel for the handguard retainer to slot into.

So yeah, there's a lot more to it (and the work ain't cheap).

 

[wally]

Its quite a lot of extra expense and work for what is only a cosmetic change. The Saiga handguards work well as they are.

As an alternative I like the Tapco Interfuse Tri-Rail Saiga handguard, install only the bottom rail and add a Magpul AFG, but still this is an extra $70-80 in parts.

The Tapco Saiga Galil style handguard is OK if you like the fat grip, but my experience is it has a hard time staying put under the recol of the 7.62x39. So I put it on a .223 and its been fine there.

 

[AR27]

Nailoth,

I just mean they look stupid.

Did you check out aubie's top link? If you had to machine the slot out whats the point of the bolt on system?

 

[nalioth]

Did you check out aubie's top link? If you had to machine the slot out whats the point of the bolt on system?

That's $50 + S&H and the onus is on you to make sure you install it so that it'll handle the day-to-day rigors of its position without coming loose or falling off.

Slotting the barrel and using milspec parts provides peace of mind (and $50'll go a long way toward paying for the work)

 

[LKB3rd]

I used a drop in gas tube for mine, I guess it was pre-modded.

 

[AR27]

That's $50 + S&H and the onus is on you to make sure you install it so that it'll handle the day-to-day rigors of its position without coming loose or falling off.

Slotting the barrel and using milspec parts provides peace of mind (and $50'll go a long way toward paying for the work)

You used to work for Red Jacket correct?

What would you have charged for that type of a job?

 

[nalioth]

That's $50 + S&H and the onus is on you to make sure you install it so that it'll handle the day-to-day rigors of its position without coming loose or falling off.

Slotting the barrel and using milspec parts provides peace of mind (and $50'll go a long way toward paying for the work)

You used to work for Red Jacket correct?

Heh, I could only wish.

What would you have charged for that type of a job?

Since I don't do this professionally, I don't charge anything.

 

[AR27]

Dont I feel dumb, I swear I could remember another member saying to ask Nalioth during an AK argument because "he worked for red jacket." Owell, cant believe everything you read on the internet.

 

[Girodin]

s it not possible to have them take standard AK handguards? Everyone acts like they have converted their Saiga back into being an AK but they still have those STUPID handguards and nobody even mentions it. Hopefully Nailoth chimes in.

I'm not sure stupid is an apt adjective for the stock saiga handguard. Looks are totally subjective. Pointing out that other people don't like the same "look" as you is hardly note worthy.

I don't have standard AK hand guards on any of my guns. The are the least functional option. I have either the the the stock hand guards or ultimak handguards (well chaos on my S12).

Personally I find an ultimak rail to be superior function wise for how I use my guns sporting them to the standard AK hand guards and I'd rather sink money into something that improves function. Others that want a particular look may feel differently.

 

[kayak-man]

As others have pointed out, you can put traditional AK handguards on a Saiga. I chose not to because 1- they cost more money than leaving the handguard stock 2- the classic AK hand guard may or may not have sling swivels set up, I don't know, but I do know that the stock forend does. 3 - The stock handguard is much longer, giving me more of a choice in where I want to hold the rifle.

Really its up to you, just so long as you post pics of the conversion afterwards.

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[wnycollector]

The Tapco Saiga Galil style handguard is OK if you like the fat grip

I have one on my 5.45x39 conversion and love it...but then again a CZ-97 feels small in my hands

 

[mshootnit]

there are several handguard options for the handguard on a saiga. You can go to dinzag and get the new gas tube with retainer and bolt on lower retainer, you can get a few different railed front assemblies which realy aren't handguards at all. Really the sky is the limit depending on whether you want to do it yourself or send it off. I like the surefire you have in that pic and I like the standard handguard because it has the shape of a saiga's nose incorporated right in it. That and it is simple and LIGHT.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

If you are looking to put standard AK handguards on a Saiga rifle, and not use "half-assed" bolt on components, follow my guide. It details fully how to convert a Saiga to AK furniture using proper Soviet parts. Linked in my guide are also my detailed guides on front sight block removal, replacement and centering, as well as a guide on pinning a muzzle brake.

https://proxify.com/p/011010A100010...52d66726f6d2d73746172742d746f2d66696e6973682f

Having done rifles using both AK and Saiga forends, bolt on and actual Soviet, I can tell you I actually prefer the factory Saiga handguard and find it more comfortable and likely just as durable. It's some insane fiberglass resin with steel reinforcement plates inside of it. Second place IMO comes to standard hardware and dead last are bolt ons.

Last year I made a little bit of money making and selling bolt on retainers made from original pressed on ones at a very reasonable price through CSS. They are OK and work good if you cut the groove for them in the barrel. However they are not as durable as originals and I (or anyone) who would tell you they hold up to as much abuse is incorrect.

 

[wally]

The bolt on retainers would seem to have the same problem as the Tapco Galil style Saiga handguard -- they are missing the recoil lug to fit the cutout in the barrel that is not there on most Saigas.

 

[True Grit]

IDK I kinda like the look of my Saiga foregrip...

 

[AR27]

If you are looking to put standard AK handguards on a Saiga rifle, and not use "half-assed" bolt on components, follow my guide. It details fully how to convert a Saiga to AK furniture using proper Soviet parts. Linked in my guide are also my detailed guides on front sight block removal, replacement and centering, as well as a guide on pinning a muzzle brake.

https://proxify.com/p/011010A100010...52d66726f6d2d73746172742d746f2d66696e6973682f

Having done rifles using both AK and Saiga forends, bolt on and actual Soviet, I can tell you I actually prefer the factory Saiga handguard and find it more comfortable and likely just as durable. It's some insane fiberglass resin with steel reinforcement plates inside of it. Second place IMO comes to standard hardware and dead last are bolt ons.

Last year I made a little bit of money making and selling bolt on retainers made from original pressed on ones at a very reasonable price through CSS. They are OK and work good if you cut the groove for them in the barrel. However they are not as durable as originals and I (or anyone) who would tell you they hold up to as much abuse is incorrect.

And THE DARK KNIGHT comes on in for the big win! Thanks man, really appreciate it.

 

[jhansman]

Sorry, no pics, but when I did my Saiga .223 conversion, the stock handguard was the only part I kept. Not tacticool or sexy, but comfortable in the hand, at least for me. By now, there is a ton of good info available on conversion options for the Saiga. Enjoy!

 

[Canon4487]

Don't want to take this thread off track, but has anyone on here done a short barrel (Krink style) Saiga 12 conversion. If so what all stamps are required to make it legal?

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

If so what all stamps are required to make it legal?

SBR

 

[Girodin]

An S12 would be an SBS, a short barreled shotgun not an SBR, a short barreled rifle. In either case it will be a $200 tax stamp.

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

Oh he said shotgun, yeah that would be SBS.