Saiga 308 owners out there

[rockheadd]

I'm about to order a Saiga 308 through Gilberts Guns. After reading everything possible about this weapon, it sounds like there are some "have to" conversions to help it function at it's optimal levels. I've been to Saiga-12 forum, but they seem to be having problems at the moment. So...
It sounds like a fire control group is necessary- The Tapco G2 is available from Gilberts- is that an easy one for the layman to install?
I'll also be putting a surefire Tri-rail forearm on in- Anyone used that part?
I'd also like to put a pistol grip on it. Anyone have any favorites?
Lastly, it sounds like the POSP 6x24 is a good match with the the AK mounting bracket. Has any of you used that set-up with a Saiga? Does it require any modifications and, does it allow use of the iron sights while the optics are installed?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Magic_Man]

I have a Saiga .308. PG conversion is not needed IMO. I slapped a skeleton stock on mine & it feels perfect so I don't need to convert. I have the 6x42 POSP on mine as well & it bolts right on w/the AK mount. You might be able to use irons with it if you want to squint & look below the scope.

 

[malix]

Im currently just finishing up my .308 conversion, and what a difference it has made.

The G2 trigger is a huge improvement. The stock trigger on the .308 kind of pulls upwards and back instead of straight back and i found that to be annoying. I would recommend the Dinzag or Tromix FCG (which is really just a slightly modded G2) as they are drop in, while the standard G2 will need a bit of work to fit.

I dont have any experience with the Tri-rail forearm but i did put an Ergo pistol grip on it and a side mount POSP 6x24. Yes, you will still be able to use the iron sights with the POSP mounted.

Not only is the trigger better after the conversion but the rifle has a much better balance and feel to it now IMO. The .308 is probably the easiest of the Saigas to convert - No bullet guide is needed, and mine already had the hole cut out for the pistol grip under the trigger plate.

Im not very mechanically inclined at all but i found the conversion to be fairly easy and really enjoyable. As soon as i finish with this one Im going to start on my Saiga 12 conversion!

 

[wally]

As soon as i finish with this one Im going to start on my Saiga 12 conversion!

My Saiga 12 did not have the square cutout for the pistol grip nut.

Its not hard to drill a 3/8" hole and square it up with a triangular file, but locating the hole is the main problem. I think there are some templates in some of the "how to" pages linked on the forum.

--wally.

 

[malix]

^ Yeah i have seen some of those templates. Doesnt look like it would be too hard, but to me, the less cutting i have to do on the receiver the better.

Fortunately, the Tromix DIY trigger guard for the Saiga 12 allows you to attach the pistol grip without cutting a hole for it. So I will be using one of those for my Saiga 12 conversion.

 

[Girodin]

I advocate converting any saiga because it vastly improves function in so many ways. On the .308 it is really needed however. The S 308 has the worst trigger I have ever encountered on a rifle. It travels up and not back. It is weird and horrible. I would not keep a stock Saiga .308 because of the trigger alone. Luckily it is an easy fix and converting has many other advantages too.

+1 on the Dinzag trigger. I have been very happy in all my dealings with him and his trigger for the 308 is drop in.

I do not have a sure fire tri rail forearm but I have only seen positive reviews of the and plan to give one a try soon.

You can do the conversion. It is not hard and the improvements to your rifle are well worth it.

 

[rockheadd]

From some more searching around is sounds like this may work:
1. Dinzag, Tromix or Tapco G2 FCG to move the thing forward to allow for a pistol grip if desired and, more importantly, to give the trigger pull a more "standard" feel and a 3-4 lb pull.
2. The POSP 6x24 sounds like a go
3. The Surefire tri-rail - why not, all good reviews and gets the 922r count up (plus allows multiple attachments as wanted)
4. Kill 2 birds with one stone- get the RAA skeltonized stock (reviews are good, sounds like it may be a little short (I'm 6'1").
My guess is that this is a pretty standard conversion- anyone see any problems with this set-up for a tall southpaw?

 

[rangerruck]

all the saiga triggers are bad; that said, the 308 trigger, sucks DonkeyAQW#$%ss, even after it has dissed the 223 and x39 triggers. How does it pull you ask? all the way to the back, until you
hit the inside of the trigger guard, then it pulls 90 degrees upward, while scraping your finger
against the bottom of the trigger guard, the whole time.
so do the trigger change on the 308. As far as your scope choice goes, any of the russian posp scopes will run just fine. I prefer the 8x with the illuminated reticle, and range finder, but it is more expensive. a shorty , would be better, I think a 4x will be better for you , than a 6x. If your gonna do a 6 , you might as well do the 8, because scope size is not that much diff.
I like a nice a2 , or say type pistol grip, as opposed to the ak style, and if I were you , I would put a telescoping stock on it, and then put a rise/cheekpiece on that, to get the right line with a scope. whith the side rail, and your sight device, you will have no way at all to cheekrest , without one.
No then, proly the best ak type improvement to come along in years, is the TEXAS AK RAIL SYSTEMS, upper rail . You can then put a ton of stuff, right up top. No attaching to the sides, and of course, you can co witness with your iron sights as well, with some of the smaller sight devices.
http://www.texasweaponsystems.com/s...erpictures/TWS/.pond/3-4view.jpg.w300h225.jpg
http://www.texasweaponsystems.com/id1.html

 

[Flash!]

I don't think any Saigas NEED to be converted.... its a matter of preference..... as to me, they are just plinkers, so I'm not going to spend big bucks trying to accurize them.... I have the .308, .223. and Saiga 12. I just put the on the Tapco 6 position collapsible stock to have a pistol grip and am good to go.... I plan on adding the Surefire tri rail as funds allow..... I did spend big bucks getting plenty of hi-cap magazines and just enuff US parts to keep them compliant....

 

[CnRnut]

Saiga's might not need a conversion,but they are 100% better after one.
I've got a few,and can say it's well worth the time and cash to do it.

I'm still waiting for a Saiga in 5.45x39 and 7.62x54r. Looks like it might
be a looong wait.

 

[malix]

From some more searching around is sounds like this may work:
1. Dinzag, Tromix or Tapco G2 FCG to move the thing forward to allow for a pistol grip if desired and, more importantly, to give the trigger pull a more "standard" feel and a 3-4 lb pull.
2. The POSP 6x24 sounds like a go
3. The Surefire tri-rail - why not, all good reviews and gets the 922r count up (plus allows multiple attachments as wanted)
4. Kill 2 birds with one stone- get the RAA skeltonized stock (reviews are good, sounds like it may be a little short (I'm 6'1").
My guess is that this is a pretty standard conversion- anyone see any problems with this set-up for a tall southpaw?

That RAA skeltonized stock is nice for an unconverted Saiga, but once you move the trigger forward it isnt going to work very well - The grip part of that stock will still be way at the back of the receiver. You would probably be better off using a separate stock & pistol grip.