Buy an Arsenal SGL21 or Convert a Saiga?

[Adam123]

I am really considering the purchase of a SGL21, but have reading up on Saiga conversions. I am seriously on the fence and am still not sure if the conversion will be cost effective. I would like to hear from some of you guys on how much I would get sunk into a conversion if I were going to have a finished product similar the SGL21. I can get a SGL21 for $750.00 (maybe a little less). How much will I save by doing it myself?

To do a SGL21-type conversion, what tools would I need? I've already seen that I'll need a drill, dremel, punch, screwdrivers (obviously) - anything else?

Is there a link that you can provide that has a good, comprehensive explanation of the conversion process and all parts needed for a 100% legal rifle?

Saiga forends are clearly different (looks like the gas tube would need swapped out in the conversion process?) from a standard AKM. What modifications, if any, need to be made to the gas system for the Saigas to accept standard AK forend furniture?

I have really tried to read up on this, but information really seems to be scattered all over the place. Rather than clogging up this section with something that has probably been gone over several times, I would be happy if someone could provide few good links. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Are there any other AK-type rifles that are comparable to the SGL21? I am looking for something with a side rail for optics. The reason I am looking to mount optics is because I am shooting quite well with iron sights... a lot better that I would have ever thought. When I first got into AKs, I thought that these were just rifles to throw lead, but that is not the case. They are a LOT more accurate that I had anticipated and now, it's time to mount optics.

 

[Rob G]

The saiga12 forums would probably be your best bet for information on doing the conversion. I can tell you though that http://www.atlanticfirearms.com has a new type of saiga that comes with a standard AK forend and a threaded barrel. Buying one of those could save you a lot of work. Good luck.

 

[MD_Willington]

Buy the Saiga 100 series from Atlantic and do the work yourself, as stated above.

 

[bri]

Buy the Saiga 100 series from Atlantic and do the work yourself, as stated above.

The Saiga 100 from Atlantic would still require you to swap out the gas block and FSB, if you want to match the Arsenal SGL series. The bayonet lugs on the Saiga 100 have been modified so you can't install a bayo (requirement for import) and the gas block isn't correct for the cleaning rod.

If these things don't matter to you, it's not a bad deal. If you want everything the SGL offers, you'll have to do the front-end work in addition to the basic "conversion" or just pay up for the Arsenal straight-away.

I recently did a basic conversion on a standard Saiga 7.62x39 and finished at just over $500. I intend to leave the front-end stock. If I were in the market for a AK103 clone, I would just purchase the Arsenal as the front-end work looks like PIA to me...

 

[Adam123]

So, if I buy the Saiga 100, I'll still have to convert it for a grip, standard AK mags, or anything else involving the receiver portion of the conversion. If so, how much more would that cost?

bir, I wouldn't care if it was a perfect match to the SGL21. I just want one that will accept standard AK furniture.

... and what's with the muzzle nut on that Saiga 100 pictured above?

 

[MD_Willington]

It covers the threads, its pretty easy to get it off. One of the Atlantice firearms guys posted about it on the AK forum.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

It might save you about $100-200 dollars or so. Honestly, I would spend the extra money and get the SGL. You don't have to do any work to it and it is an amazing rifle. Plus it will hold its value better.

Also, the SGL 100 series does NOT have the dimples at the magazine well. These serve to eliminate mag wobble, I think? Maybe not, I could be wrong and it could be just a cosmetic thing.

 

[Adam123]

It might save you about $100-200 dollars or so. Honestly, I would spend the extra money and get the SGL. You don't have to do any work to it and it is an amazing rifle. Plus it will hold its value better.

Also, the SGL 100 series does NOT have the dimples at the magazine well. These serve to eliminate mag wobble, I think? Maybe not, I could be wrong and it could be just a cosmetic thing.

Thanks for the tips, guys. As far as I understand, Cal, the only reason for those dimples is to eliminate east/west wobble.

MD, I figured it was just there to preserver/protect the threads, but wasn't sure.

Are there any other AK-type rifles that are comparable to the SGL21? I am looking for something with a side rail to mount optics.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

There is the Arsenal SLR-107FR, but that might be a bit more. Basically it is the same thing as an SGL-21 but built from a Bulgarian rifle like a saiga (bulgarian receiver, barrel, etc) and has a folding stock.

The WASR 10/63s have the scope rail as do most fixed stock AKs nowadays, but none of them can really compare quality-wise to the Arsenals.