Question about Saiga forends

[Cutter]

I just want to know if a unconverted Saiga in 7.62X39 can only accept forends specifically marketed to the Saiga rifles. Or can I buy a standard AK forend and be okay putting it on my rifle? I don't know if there are some subtle differences between the rifles regarding the gas tube or screw placements. Also, does anyone know where I can get a wooden stock for the Saiga in the hunting configuration? I don't plan on converting it...so please just leave that out of your responses. Thanks in advance!

 

[Z-Michigan]

Unconverted it will only take Saiga-specific handguards. The mounting system is different from that of an AKM, which is what most AK handguards are intended for.

A guy named "BattlerifleG3" makes and sells wooden stocks for the Saiga, including "hunting" style as it comes from the factory, but US-made of wood. Also handguards that will fit an unconverted Saiga. Find more info at Dinzag's site:

http://www.dinzagarms.com/furniture/brg3.html

In the realm of pure speculation, since TAPCO makes Saiga stuff and has recently introduced US-made AKM furniture, it's possible that they would sometime come out with US-made wood Saiga furniture. Just speculation though, I have not read anything else suggesting this.

 

[jon_in_wv]

You can't use a standard AK forearm on the Saiga as it is missing the front mount on the barrel. There are ways to convert it for the forearm but it sounds like it might be more work that you are up for. I know was a guy making some really nice Saig Wooden Furniture you might look him up. There is also factory wooden furniture if you can find it.


Z beat me to it. He even posted the link. Good job.

 

[Cutter]

Thanks guys. That's exactly what I needed.

 

[cchris]

To use any AK stock, you need an AK gas tube and AK lower handguard retainer.

Get the gas tube from Dinzag Arms, here:

http://www.dinzagarms.com/saiga_762x39/saiga_762x39.html

and the retainer from Brownells...

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=...c187_a_7c745_a_7c997000010_d_997000010_d_5001

 

[desidog]

In the realm of pure speculation, since TAPCO makes Saiga stuff and has recently introduced US-made AKM furniture, it's possible that they would sometime come out with US-made wood Saiga furniture. Just speculation though, I have not read anything else suggesting this.

Z-Michigan, you must have ESPN...I took a look in the latest www.cheaperthandirt.com catalog the other day when it came in the mail, and they had US-made AK wood stock sets on a page that only had Tapco products.

You dream it, and it becomes reality...

 

[nalioth]

To use any AK stock, you need an AK gas tube and AK lower handguard retainer.

You do not need an AK gas tube to use "any AK stock".

The AMD-65 and AMD-63 utilize the same "naked" gas tubes as the Saiga.

The Tapco AK "Galil style" hand guard works well with the Saiga gas tube, as well.

If you're going to install an Ultimak, it doesn't really matter what gas tube is on it, n'est pas?

 

[Cutter]

If there was a way for me to get the RAA wooden stock, that would be ideal. I have not been able to find it for sale anywhere though! You would think they would sell it along with their other items.

 

[Kymasabe]

All the conversion parts you need for the front handguard can be had at Dinzag Arms website.
Another really nice alternatice however is the SGM Tactical tri-rail handguard. No modifications needed, mounts exactly the same way as the stock Saiga handguard, excellent quality, comfortable hand hold with three rails if you need them. Rail mounted sling swivels work great on the SGM Tactical too. I see they're also available as quad-rail now too.
You can find them here: http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-61/SAIGA-forearm-rifle-tri-dsh-rail/Detail