Saiga Conversions
I suggest you visit the folks over at the Saiga Forum.
http://forum.saiga-12.com/
While it may be possible to undertake the project you envision and still get the parts count right, it's an awkward path. There is a "conventional wisdom path" to doing these conversions, and it involves moving the FCG.
There are a couple places out there that have a good reputation for doing them, but it isn't cheap.
There is much confusion about 922(r). From the ATF Site, this letter describes the ramifications of doing a build (which essentially a sporting to "AK' configuration/conversion involves)
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/building_a_firearm.pdf
The net of it, you can't have MORE THAN 10 foreign parts.
Also, 27 C.F.R. § 478.39 states—
“…(a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph (c) of this section if the assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes…..
Sorry, stating an intention to use the "Converted Configuration" for 3-Gun or Carbine Matches won't get you off the hook.
It's the FOREIGN PARTS COUNT that is the determining factor. Typically, a Saiga Conversion will involve moving the FCG, & installing a pistol grip. You can buy a US Made pistol grip, but the sporting configuration didn't have one. So...you add the US part to avoid increasing your foreign parts count, but it doesn't reduce your foreign parts count.
The FCG counts as 3-parts (hammer, trigger, disconnector). The Stock and Handguards give you an opportunity to ADD two US parts and SUBTRACT two foreign parts. If you add a muzzle brake, it better be US Made because if foreign, it would ADD to your foreign parts count.
You're in a numbers game. I recently bought a Saiga .308 which appeared to be previously converted, but I had some concerns because typical compliance parts are often labeled Made in USA. There were some other functional issues with the rifle which led me to conclude that I should just make some changes with verifiable 922(r) compliant parts. I was able to replace:
FCG - 3 US parts
Pistol Grip - 1 US part
Stock - 1 US part
And I verified that the Muzzle Brake was US Made. That makes my US Part count 6, but that IS NOT the determining #.
It's the remaining foreign parts which must be 10 or less. In my case (I'll increment the #'s):
Receiver - 1
Barrel - 2
Trunnion - 3
Bolt - 4
Bolt Carrier - 5
Gas Piston - 6
Forearm/Handguard - 7
Magazine Body - 8
Magazine Follower - 9
Magazine Floorplate - 10
Different AK's/Saigas are considered to have different "incumbent" part counts. Without knowing which caliber you are considering, I can't tell you what your raw count will be. Most are in the 13-15 range IIRC.
Ironically, Domestically made 20-rd High Cap mag's are available for my .308 (I have some on order). So...I'm right at the legal limit for parts count with a foreign 8-rd Mag', but will have a net gain of 3 fewer foreign parts when my High Caps arrive.
It's an awkward law, and I've yet to find a credible accounting of a single person that has been charged with a 922(r) compliance violation. However, it is the law, and I won't encourage anyone to break it.
Other options (depending on caliber) is a pre-assembled bolt carrier assembly with a US Gas Piston to get a net 1 reduction in foreign parts, and there are front handguards that are US Made also.
If you have the tools, the time, or the ambition, you end up with a terrific gun. There are multiple 922(r) compliant offerings out there pre-configured as a completed rifle that you can spend anywhere from ~$300 - over $1000 depending on your budget.
Good luck!
CZ52'
