Please Critique my Budget AK Acquisition Plan

[matsaleh]

I'm on a budget. Story of my life.

I want an AK-style rifle for target shooting, the hypothetical social situation, and the even more hypothetical SHTF scenario (zombies, JBTs, etc.). Oh, and to add my name to the list of people whose cold, dead, fingers they'll have to pry from the millions of triggers on "disarmament day".

Here is my plan to acquire one of decent quality, for minimal cost:

1) Get a Saiga 7.62x39 from CDNN for $180.
2) At the same time, get scope mount ($40), inexpensive scope ($40), two additional mags ($35), and sling ($3).

This gets me a quality rifle w/optics for right around $300, which is about the minimum I would expect to pay for an SAR-1, stock. From what I have read on these and other boards is that the Saiga has better workmanship and possibly better accuracy. Downside is lack of hi-cap mags.

So... then, sometime later:

3) Get a handful of 30 round AK mags (say $50).
4) Do the hicap mag modification on the rifle - i.e. add the "bullet guide" from K-var, and mod the mag catch.

Finally, still later:

5) Do the "trigger mod", replacing the FCG with a US-made one (RSA prolly), and moving the trigger group forward ($60 approx).
6) install AK pistol grip and stock ($40 approx).

Now, I have a tricked-out AK, with quality workmanship (assuming I do my part), optics, and hicap mags.

Projected cost: $450 total, which is roughly what you would pay for one of the lower-end Arsenal AKs. Except this way I get my rifle much sooner with smaller initial outlay. Plus, I can stop anywhere along this timeline if desired and still have something to enjoy and use.

Does this make sense, or am I on crack?

 

[jafey99xj]

Sounds good. I've been thinking of doing something along those lines recently. I will probably just be doing a pistol-grip conversion at first. Optics may come later if it proves to be a better shooter than my SAR.

Now, I have a tricked-out AK, with quality workmanship (assuming I do my part), optics, and hicap mags.

Correction: Now, you have a tricked-out Russian AK... Since they are made in Russia, you know.

Some good info: http://forum.saiga-12.com

 

[DMK]

Sounds like a plan

inexpensive scope ($40)

One suggestion though, get a red dot. You aren't going to get any magnified scope worth it's own weight for $40, but you might have some luck with a $40 or $50 red dot.

In my opinion, the red dot is much more useful on an AK type weapon anyway.

I'n not sure of the legalities of converting a Saiga to hicap mags, but I'm thinking that you may need the US trigger group and at least two other U.S. made parts( such as the pistol grop and butt stock, for a total of 5 U.S. parts) before you do the magazine conversion.

 

[OEF_VET]

Do the "trigger mod", replacing the FCG with a US-made one (RSA prolly), and moving the trigger group forward ($60 approx).

The RSA fire control group sells for about $85. Tapco sells their G2 fire control group for about $40. From what I've heard, the G2 is just as good as the RSA, and half the price. The RSA's only advantage (if it's your cup of tea) is that it can be adjusted to a lower trigger pull.

Frank

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Do the hicap mag modification on the rifle - i.e. add the "bullet guide" from K-var, and mod the mag catch.

Once you do this you need to decrease the imported parts count in order to stay compliant with 18 USC 922(r). The easiest way to do so is to replace the FCG and Russian furniture with US parts.

I have a Saiga converted to take standard AK mags and it's a great rifle. The FCG that Hesse <spit> put in was too soft, so I wound up yanking the trigger, hammer, and disconnector, and replacing them with Tapco's G2 parts. They work great and after 140 rounds show no sign of peening.

 

[benEzra]

get scope mount ($40), inexpensive scope ($40

You might consider paying $99 and getting a combined scope and mount like the POSP 4x24. I have one for my SAR-1 and it's great. Holds zero when removed and replaced, high optical quality, three aiming chevrons for zeroing at different distances, ranging scale, illuminated reticle, etc. It's probably lighter than a separate scope and mount, and it is nice to be able to slip the scope on and off with the flip of a lever.

I wrote a bit about my first range experience with mine at http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57475. I managed a 1.25" 5-shot group at 50 yards with the POSP (before the barrel heated up too much), which is darn good for a SAR-1. (Ammo was Norinco copper-washed lead-core FMJ.)

 

[Engineer]

Another option would be a WASR-10 from Ohio Rapid Fire. For $399, you would get a rifle with polymer furniture and a muzzle brake; comes with rifle, hardcase, sling and cleaning kit. These guys are pretty reputable smiths so I don't doubt that their work is good:

http://www.ohiorapidfire.com/ak.htm

 

[matsaleh]

Thanks all for the excellent feedback and suggestions! I really appreciate it. Maybe one day I, too, will have knowledge and experience to share.

Cheers!