New CAI Converted Saiga, replacement stock

[dcarch]

Hey all! Just picked up a Classic Arms converted Saiga, like this one: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/ind...art_product_id=1615&virtuemart_category_id=23
I would like to stick a NATO length stock on it, like what the Arsenals have. I found the length and type of stock I would like on K-VAR's website, but before I go ahead and order one, what do I need to know about putting a new stock on a Saiga? Is there anything odd or out of the ordinary that I'll need to do? Or is it fairly simple and straight-forward? Thanks in advance for all the help.
-Dave

 

[LKB3rd]

Saiga uses a standard AK buttstock, and its simple and straighforward.

 

[dcarch]

Two other brief questions... What does it take to swap out the handgrips on the converted Saigas? Can I just buy one and slap it on, or do I need to do something to make it fit? And is the barrel threaded, or not? Thanks again, guys.

 

[LKB3rd]

Same deal on the pistol grip, although the bolt might be longer or shorter depending on the particular pg you get. I am not sure if there is a standard for that.
If you mean threaded for a muzzle attachment, no, although it is possible to get it threaded. This involves moving the front sight base to make room for the threads.
If you get parts other than US made, I'd google 922r and make sure you are in compliance.
eta: I guess you meant the foregrips? For standard foregrips, you need a retainer for the front of them. Dinzag and others sell bolt on retainers. With that, you can swap those out with most standard AK foregrips I believe, although some fitting might be required. You'll also need a new gas tube with the upper retainer.

 

[Girodin]

Stocks: Saigas will take any stock made for a stamped receiver.

What does it take to swap out the handgrips on the converted Saigas? Can I just buy one and slap it on, or do I need to do something to make it fit?

This depends on what hand guards you want to swap on. There are a number of universal handguard options that will go on with no modification. See for example some of the midwest industries handguards. There are also saiga specific handguards that will go on with no modification. To put standard handguards on you need to replace the gas tube and add a handguard retainer. There are various ways to add the retainer that require varying degrees of work and effort. If this is what you are after I can discuss it more.

What handguards you you want and/or what are you wanting to gain by replacing them?

And is the barrel threaded, or not?

If the gun you got is just like what you linked to the answer is maybe. As it is you cannot screw anything on. Some saigas that have come in have threads under the shroud of the front sight block that covers the barrel. Some are not threaded. Some people have been able to visually detect threads underneath the shroud. Then you just need to cut a portion of the shroud off. You may have to do a look and see, that is to say, cut the shroud off and see. If you want threads, it is not difficult to thread it, but requires about $50 worth of tools, available at CNC warrior and other places. If that is what you want I would remove the shroud in a manner to first check for threads and then if none are there I'd buy the tools and thread it. Various instructional videos can be found on youtube.

 

[dcarch]

Ok, so assuming I want to install a standard set of AK handguards, what precisely would that entail?

 

[LKB3rd]

New gas tube with the upper retainer, a lower handguard retainer.
Go check out www.dinzagarms.com . He has the stuff you'd need.

 

[JHenry]

to put a standard ak grip you need a lower retainer. you can use a surplus one but youd have to press off the FSB and GB and press them back on after installing it.

They make a bolt on one which i would recomend to save yourself alot of hasslie

 

[dcarch]

Thanks guys! I plan on writing a in-depth review of this rifle in the near future, and perhaps I'll go ahead and put some pics up, but I tend to be a little paranoid of putting firearms pictures online where anybody can see them... Especially nowadays when potential employers do full online background checks on you, I tend to be more than a little cautious of the images and information I put up online. Nothin' against y'all, but you can't be too careful.

 

[dcarch]

So, after a brief bout with the flu, I managed to make the trip up to my FFL's to pick up my Saiga. WOW is all I can say at this point. For a guy who's used to old, shot-to-slop spare parts AKs, this gun blew me out of the water. The fit on the Saiga is tight. Very, very tight. As in, I couldn't make the gas tube release budge. The finish is excellent, although I created the safety idiot mark as I wrote this. All in all, I'm very, very impressed with this gun. But the stock needs to go.

 

[Girodin]

although I created the safety idiot mark as I wrote this.

I'm not sure I'd call it an idiot mark. 1911's get "idiot marks" because they are a result of being stupid when you put it together and doing it incorrectly and scratching your gun when it easily could have been avoided. The drag mark from a safety on AK is just the natural and inevitable result of using the thing as intended. Much more like the drag mark on a cylinder of a revolver.

Glad you like your saiga. I imagine the affinity will only grow once you get it into a more usable configuration and make it your own by doing the work yourself.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I'm not sure I'd call it an idiot mark. 1911's get "idiot marks" because they are a result of being stupid when you put it together and doing it incorrectly and scratching your gun when it easily could have been avoided. The drag mark from a safety on AK is just the natural and inevitable result of using the thing as intended. Much more like the drag mark on a cylinder of a revolver.

Glad you like your saiga. I imagine the affinity will only grow once you get it into a more usable configuration and make it your own by doing the work yourself.

This.

It's the "AK Stripe" , and its near impossible to avoid unless you never use the safety. It's a badge of honor, showing you've used that thing.