AK magazines in an unconverted Saiga

[jimmyraythomason]

I just purchased a Saiga carbine in 7.62x39. I also bought a side mount for a scope and 4-30 rd plastic magazines for an AK. The scope fit the rail ok but the mags wouldn't lock in. After comparing the two mags it was easy to see the difference and less than 2 minutes with a #2 mill file and the AK mags worked like a charm! Anyone else use AK mags in their unconverted Saiga?

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

No, most just convert the saigas themselves.

 

[Rail Driver]

Using those mags in an unconverted Saiga leaves you in violation of 922(r) unless you change enough counted parts to remain compliant if they're US made.

http://jobson.us/922r/

 

[CnRnut]

Your going to have feed problems unless you add a bullet guide.
Look at the factory mags,it has a built in guide,AK mags don't.
Not going to into 922r,but you should read up on it........

 

[d2wing]

+1 on feed ramp. It is worth it to buy the kit.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Not going to into 922r,but you should read up on it........

I already have...in fact I have it on video. I have enough Tapco compliant parts on order to satisfy 922(r) requirements. The point of this thread is using readily available mags in a 922(r) compliant rifle that hasn't been given the full AK treatment.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

They are easy to convert.

 

[amd6547]

I find I like my 5.45 saiga unconverted.

 

[Girodin]

If one wants to use AK mags in a saiga there are three things one needs:

1) make sure rifle will be 922r compliant

2) File down the mag latch on the rifle

3) install a bullet guide.

 

[Rob G]

It sounds like you've covered the 922(r) and the mag latch problem so I'd say your 2/3 of the way there. The bullet guide might not be strictly necessary but it will add a level of reliability to the rifle and from what I understand they're pretty easy to install. I'd go ahead and do that as well.

 

[amd6547]

In the case of the 5.45 Saiga, no alteration of the mag catch is needed, and many owners report thei rifles function using military mags without adding a bullet guide.

 

[Girodin]

from what I understand they're pretty easy to install.

Basically it involves determining if you have a round or flat trunion, ordering the proper bullet guide, marking the spot for the hole, drilling a hole, tapping the hole, and then screwing the bullet guide in place.

There are some mags that will function in 7.62x39 rifles w/o a bullet guide. However, in my experience most mags, including steel surplus and Bulgarian waffle mags (the two kinds I would be interested in using) require a bullet guide to reliably cycle all rounds.

 

[wally]

Basically it involves determining if you have a round or flat trunion, ordering the proper bullet guide, marking the spot for the hole, drilling a hole, tapping the hole, and then screwing the bullet guide in place.

I'd also strongly recommend some red loc-tite.

 

[Girodin]

Yes, that is a good point on the loc tite. I loc tite mine in after I test for function.