How much $$ to convert a Saiga

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offthepaper

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I 've been thinking about buying a Saiga, also considering getting the .223 instaed of 7.62x39 considering the present state of cheap ammo imports (just not sure of where thats heading). At some point, I'd like to have it converted to the standard AK style. My question is this: how much should I expect to pay to have it converted by a GS? Does anyone know who could do a nice, clean, professional job on this? Anyone got a photo of their conversion they could share?
thanks in advance.
 
Check and see what a quality 223 would cost before you spend money on a Saiga, would be my thoughts.
Maybe shouldn't say that as I don't wanna start a Saiga argument.
 
My Saiga Converted

Here is a pic of my Saiga, I was able to do it myself at 19 and wouldn't consider myself handy in the garage by any means. I used my brothers drill press and a dremmel to get it done within about 2 hours. no nasty marks and no ugly drill holes. The Trigger group ($40) and grip ($10) were ordered from tapco.com. The Stock I ordered from ultimak.com for $40 or $45... I know many people who also convert the mag-well to accomidate for AK style magazines but I just left mine alone. The web site I used for instructions can be found here... http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/
Wolf .223 ammo can be found for about $3.50 a box on many sites, Its all I use in my 5.56 Saiga. I woulnd't put that stuff through my AR though, just cause I treat that thing like my own kid, only give it the best.
 

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Tony is booked solid....


I'd pay $590 for an already converted S223 from Will at RedJacket...

That is only $90 more than what I've paid for mine so far, and my work has no warranty other than I get to fix it myself...

Will gives a 5 year warranty...
 
I'd love to be able to ship my gun off to someone and have them do the conversion. I called someone.. cant remember who, found the company doing a search on the saiga forums. He would do the conversion for 500 something dollars. Uh, no thanks.

I'd gladly pay 250-300 dollars or so (for parts and labor) to get my saiga converted by a reputable gunshop/gunsmith.
 
pay $590 for an already converted S223 from Will at RedJacket...

That is only $90 more than what I've paid for mine so far, and my work has no warranty other than I get to fix it myself
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Just a question guys, not a bash or jab at ya in any way but,,,,
Why would you pay this kinda moneys for a Saiga when for a few bucks more and a little shopping you can get a pretty good AR?
 
you should be able to get a rearstock, and pistol grip for a set, for about 50 to 70 bucks. then a bit other furniture, and maybe new mags, and new piston, and a few other parts, you should be able to do it all, for 100 to 150 dollars, easy.
 
I'm with eliphalet,... sort of. A stock Saiga 223 is a decent rifle with out modification, and way cheaper than an AR or a Mini-14, and the high capacity magazines are all over the place. I was finnaly able to buy a Saiga 12 after years and years, and will probably not modify it. The 10 round magazines are the best feature anyway.
 
Just a question guys, not a bash or jab at ya in any way but,,,,
Why would you pay this kinda moneys for a Saiga when for a few bucks more and a little shopping you can get a pretty good AR?
Click to expand...
Why would you pay more money for a less reliable rifle?
 
Why would you pay this kinda moneys for a Saiga when for a few bucks more and a little shopping you can get a pretty good AR?
Click to expand...

Gas piston, beefy locking lugs, and a big boy extractor and solid ejector.
 
Why would you pay this kinda moneys for a Saiga when for a few bucks more and a little shopping you can get a pretty good AR?
Click to expand...

Gotta agree with the posters on here...

I chose a Saiga 308 that I have a total cost floating somewhere near the 1K mark because:

1. Reliability-- never had a failure. Not saying I won't, but it's looking good.
2. Accuracy-- on par with M1A, FAL, and AR-10
3. Ammo choices-- It will feed anything
4. Significant aftermarket products for any customization
5. Durability-- Its an AK.


Downside of a Saiga 308 is proprietary magazines.


-- John
 
Maybe he does give a lifetime, warranty, haven't checked his site in a while.

I've considered an AR as well, last time I shot my Saiga, a buddy from Ratheon brought his M4-gery, both did pretty much the same thing, made .223 holes in the used helium tank we setup.
 
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