Saiga Conversion Question

[spartand003]

Hey guys, I've put aside the funds, gotten all my ducks in a row, and am about to pull the trigger on my first new gun purchase. It's going to be a Saiga in 5.45x39. Now I'm sure I'll be fine with the rifle as is, but I would like to convert. I've found a kit for Carolina Shooters Supply ( http://store.carolinashooterssupply...CO-SAIGA-RIFLE-CONVERSION/Detail?sfs=89ffdea7 ) and am emulating it the best I can with the individual parts so it will be cheaper. What I need to know is, if anyone here as converted before, is this all I need (aside from those silly plugs and screws to mount the original trigger guard with)?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDetail.aspx?sku=AKS-497
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDetail.aspx?sku=AKS-498
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDetail.aspx?sku=AKS-026

I'm going for cheap and efficient and these parts fit the bill. Plus, if it's all I need, I'm getting the equivalent of the Carolina kit for about 50 bucks less. Have I missed anything, or are all the basics covered for a functional black rifle? Thanks in advance guys, and I'd appreciate any conversion stories and tips from people who have done it.

 

[SN13]

You need:

Tapco Buttstock
US Pistol Grip (Recommend Tapco SAW AK)
Grip Nut (Usually between 2-4$)
G2 Trigger group (Single-hook for drop in, double hook requires fitting)
Trigger Group Retention plate, or spring, or e-clips. (I use the Tapco Plate, it works well)
Nylon hole plugs (4) for the receiver.

If you have all that, you can do a basic conversion.... Oh, and maybe some small bolts & nuts to attach the existing trigger guard if you want to re-use it. (I re-used the trigger guard on my 5.45 and 7.62x39)

 

[M1key]

You will need a cobalt drill bit to drill out rivets...

M

 

[spartand003]

Well, looks like I've got everything for around 80 bucks. Thanks guys.

 

[mod60rimfire]

can you post list I cant get under 130

 

[spartand003]

The three links in my first post are the main things you need. Other than that just get the plugs and trigger guard mounting screws from Carolina Shooters Supply.

 

[jhansman]

Got most of my initial conversion parts from Dinzag. Later, I replaced the K-VAR stock and pistol grip with the Mako grip and collapsible stock, (http://www.makosecurity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RBT-K47FK&Category_Code=_AK47Stocks) both excellent. And yes, you will want to use a cobalt bit to get those rivets out. If you have access to a drill press with a vise, the job will go much smoother. Take your time and enjoy making your Saiga into a battle rifle.

 

[GWARGHOUL]

You will need a cobalt drill bit to drill out rivets...

Ah, is that why I spent hours going through a handful of drill bits? I need to man up and get a real drill. This quick connect stuff is for the sleepers.

So cobalt bits.. will work better than hours of drilling and dremeling the "clinton plate" rivets and spot weld?

Next time its going to be a SAIGA 12, and I will use the right tools.

 

[SSN Vet]

I had no problem with the rivets (I have a drill press) but that spot weld was a stinker...

If you want to use cheap mil. surp. 30 rd mags, you'll have to install a bullet guide and then either modify you mag lock tab or the notch in the mag release lever on the rifle. If you choose to enlarge the notch in the mag release, you can no longer use the factory Saiga mags. If you skinny up the lock tab on your mags, you will not be able to swap mags with others (as if that matters). Dinzag has a pretty good write up about this on his web. site.

 

[Zach S]

You will need a cobalt drill bit to drill out rivets...

I used an end mill in my drill press.

In my experience with rivets, the small bits want to wander off, and the larger bit just bite them and start spinning them.

Some spotweld cutters are made like endmills, but have a tip in the center to keep them from walking around.

 

[spartand003]

Here's a mock up of what it will look like when I'm done if I use the parts I originally posted. I plan on getting a POSP scope for it.