New Shorty

[Flyincedar]

Was working on this last night, and figured I would share. It started as a select fire 5.45 Saiga rifle, so I figured what the heck.... Its already a MG, lets make it short!!


When I started on it.....





Cut the barrel down to 9", shortened the gas tube, replaced the piston, moved the gas block back after facing, crowning, and turning down the barrel. This is where I ended last night.....




Still have to drill the gas port, pin on gas block, thread for the muzzle brake, and cut the rails down to fit. The front sight will not be going back on, as this will get an Aimpoint T1 Micro when its all said and done.

I'll throw up a pic when its all back together. It will still get a new trunnion and triangle side folder, but not at the moment.

 

[Flyincedar]

Also, if you have one threaded, make extra sure that whoever does it indicates off the bore.... There were some spots on the outside that the cutter never touched, as the OD was not concentric to the ID. I've seen it on other rifles, but never as bad as this one.

 

[TurtlePhish]

Cool, can't wait to see how it turns out.

I'm gonna guess this is a post-'86 dealer sample?
Edit: Nevermind, just realized it would have to be a dealer sample, seeing as it's a Saiga.

 

[Flyincedar]

That is correct, it is a post sample

 

[crazy-mp]

Also, if you have one threaded, make extra sure that whoever does it indicates off the bore.... There were some spots on the outside that the cutter never touched, as the OD was not concentric to the ID. I've seen it on other rifles, but never as bad as this one.

Apparently you have not been threading barrels for very long. If you were chucking the barrel up in your lathe off the outside of the barrel you would never have straight threads cut.

 

[Flyincedar]

I dont use a lathe. Going off the outside of the barrel is a fools errand. Always. ALWAYS go off the bore. We have a set up for the vertical bridgeport that does not require pulling the barrel. We dial indicate off the center of the bore, punch in the numbers, and the bridgeport does its job.

Where are you jumping to the conclusion that I am going off the outside? I was simply letting other know that they definitely need to ensure that whoever is doing their barrel is indicating off the bore. I have heard of people going off the outside in a lathe, and though they may have gotten fine results before, this rifle is a prime example of why you should never do that. Had we used the outside, it would have been totally off. Going off the bore, there were spots that the cutter never even touched on the outside, showing just how far the OD was off from the ID

Thank you for assuming you know anything about my experience level though.

 

[tallpaul]

Flyincedar, you were clear he was clouded...


can you thread a PTR 91 without takin the barrel out?

What city in ohio are you... what is the approximate cost?


Thanks- paul

 

[newbuckeye]

Nice work, Fly. Is that for your next full auto shoot?

 

[Flyincedar]

This has been at all of our shoots, but was a full length barrel. Just decided to do something a bit different, as every shorty we seem to do is for a customer, and we dont really get to play with it.

Tallpaul.. I'm sure we could handle that for you. We are in Columbus. Normally turn down and threading costs $65, plus tax or shipping where applicable.

 

[Flyincedar]

Im gonna try to get this buttoned up tonight, but I have several things that I need to finish first

 

[Flyincedar]

Got some more done on her finally. Still have finishing work to do, but we can play with it

 

[emailforforum84]

So you can literally just take a blade and cut length of the barrel (obviously after getting the SBR approval)?

I figured that would ruin the "crowning"? Or is there some sort of special process to it?

 

[GMHAYESUSN]

That looks SWEET!

 

[Flyincedar]

No, you cannot just cut it off, and that is not what was done here. It is all outlined on the first post, if you only read it. The barrel was cut, squared, and crowned just like normal. The whole gas system had to be taken down to pistol length, which required a new piston, turning a new shoulder on the barrel, cutting down the gas tube and flaring to fit, drilling a new port, and putting everything back together. Had the gas system not been shortened, not only would the whole thing be longer, but it wouldnt run at all.... Unless of course you wanted to cycle every round by hand

We went to The Bullet Bunker today and shot the video loop that they will play at their SHOT booth. You can see this and many more of our guns running when it all gets edited and put up. I will try to post a link as soon as available.

 

[emailforforum84]

No, you cannot just cut it off, and that is not what was done here. It is all outlined on the first post, if you only read it.

My fault for not explaining myself clearly. I am aware of the fact that more than shortening the barrel was necessary. What I meant was it is possible to cut a current barrel down and reconfigure it to be accurate?

I guess where i live with the extremely limited resources for gunsmithing and altering I was under the impression a shortening could not be done and the only option would be to replace it with a pistol barrel.

definitely an awesome project with super cool results.

 

[emailforforum84]

people on this forum (and a few on this thread) seem to come to any conclusions and attack people who are less knowledgeable or not exact enough in their wording. Its pretty ridiculous and frankly obnoxious.

If I made a statement like "I got in my car today and drove to work" someone would attack me by telling me that "YOU OBVIOUSLY have to put the key in the ignition first" or "how did you drive out of your driveway without taking it out of park first?".

I wish there was a way to get rid of internet tough guys and experts.

I come to this forum seeking advice and assistance and it seems like 98% of it is unwanted opinions, sarcasm and downright erroneous info.

 

[Flyincedar]

Nothing that I posted was meant to be that way. If you took it like that, I can do nothing to affect that. As you said, you were not clear in your question.

Yes, it is very possible to cut a current barrel down and make it still be accurate. That's exactly what was done.

 

[05kas05]

1st. i would like to say that gun is really nice looks like you did an awesome job on it i would love to have something like that someday maybe when i hit the big lotto.2nd i didnt find your reply rude he asked a question and recieved a well thought out and detailed answer what more could you ask for.maybe if the question was as detailed and thought out as the answer we would not be having these communication issues just something to think about no offense inteded or implied.

 

[emailforforum84]

flyincedar - I was not referring to you.

It's the guys that resort to calling you names and questioning your ability and intelligence on a subject when they likely have never met you, spoken to you are read your biography.

Its rampant in this forum and sad. Perhaps they should redirect their focus to written their legislators.