Converted Saiga, where to buy?

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I'm looking to buy a Russian Ak type rifle and all the ones that I'm running across are unconverted Saigas or the high dollar Arsenals( that cost more then most ARs). Is there a place that anyone knows of to buy a converted rifle for under $800 dollars?

I would convert one myself but I know my strengths and mechanical stuff like that is not one.

 

[Mooseman]

I think you'll be hard pressed to buy one already converted for under $800. Consider the cost of the rifle + new parts + labor and the margins start getting pretty slim. Why not just do a conversion yourself? I converted my .308 Saiga and it was quick, easy and turned out great.

sorry just read the end of your post, these really don't take a ton of mechanical ability though.

 

[M1key]

under 800 is gonna be tough...

M

 

[wally]

I would convert one myself but I know my strengths and mechanical stuff like that is not one.

True, in the words of Dirty Harry: "a man's got to know his limitations" but if you've got more free time than extra money, study some of the many on-line guides and youTube howtos. All it takes is very basic tools and the ability to take it slow and get it right following the instructions. In fact its easier than many of the howtos show as I've not seen one in a long time that didn't already have the trigger and pistol grip cutouts under the plate.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

I converted my Saiga, and I'm hardly qualified. I went to school and work in IT - no mechanical or gunsmith training whatsoever. Its really very doable, especially with the wealth of info online. Plus you dont end up buying furniture that someone else picked out - you get to pick and choose.

 

[Jackal]

May I ask why a Saiga? There are many, many good AK's available for around $800, why limit yourself?

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

You guys are tempting me to try to do it myself! Jackal I had a converted Saiga before I got married then divorced, just trying to get my old gun collection back lol. I only paid $600 for it then, so its hard for me to pay 950+ for one.

 

[Jackal]

I understand. I sold a converted .308 Saiga years ago for $600 (WHAT IT WAS WORTH THEN:banghead.

 

[Fishbed77]

I would convert one myself but I know my strengths and mechanical stuff like that is not one.

Converting a Saiga doesn't take much mechanical skill at at. I did it myself in one Saturday afternoon, and I'm not very mechanically-inclined. Aside from a dremel, a power drill, a cobalt drill bit, small tap handle (for the bullet guide kit) and a few other common tools, there's not much you need. Just work in a clean open area and take your time. There are a number of excellent videos on Youtube that show you exactly how to do the conversion. I found this 3-part series especially useful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waj8aLz-xY4&noredirect=1


Carolina Shooter's Supply has basic conversion kits available for around $150. Add another $20 or so for a bullet guide kit so you can use AK mags:

Conversion kits:
http://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/category_s/1864.htm

Bullet Guides:
http://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/category_s/1931.htm


I started with a stock Saiga IZ-132 like this:





After the basic conversion and installation of bullet guide, I had this:





I went ahead and did the forearm conversion to use a standard AK polymer forearm. This requires swapping out the Saiga gas tube for an AK gas tube ($35), installing a bolt-on handguard retainer ($50), and installing the forearm ($50 for US-made set, but cheaper foreign sets can be used as long as you maintain 922r compliance by not using a foreign-made muzzle break). This is super easy, and only requires simple hand tools. Honesty though, this project can be skipped, as it's a bit expensive (don't ask me why everyone charges so much for the handguard retainer). The stock Saiga forearm is actually quite nice. I just wanted the AK-103-ish look and side sling mount at the forearm (since this photo, I have threaded the barrel and added a muzzle break):