Saiga Conversion

[bratch]

I'm still waiting on my email from Saiga forums to activate my account so I'll come to those here who have done the conversions.

I've got the rifle taken down and just need to cut the hole for the pistol grip. I'm planning on making my parts order soon and want to double check that I have everything and it is correct.

The rifle is 7.62x39

Stock: http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16207&cat=251&page=1
Bullet guide:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16322&cat=281&page=1
Trigger group:
http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=7e9282ab-047c-4a52-98cb-aaf3a97e4f7d
Shepards Crook replacement:
http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=a6d831d9-7032-41e7-b118-95fc4a96e9ab
Nut
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16427
Screws
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16490
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16576

Any parts I'm missing? Anything extra worth getting from TAPCO or KVAR since I'm making an order already?

 

[pmbiker]

There are a couple of things missing from your list.

You'll need a pistol grip screw and nut. Unless you saved the disconnector spring from the OEM FCG, you'll need one of those. G2 FCG does not include one.

I've done 3 saiga conversions and IMO, they make one of the best shooting ak's around. Good luck and good shooting.

 

[bratch]

You'll need a pistol grip screw and nut.

I knew that and it slipped my mind. Thanks for catching it.

 

[FMJMIKE]

I would get the bullet guide from Dinzag at the Saiga-12.com forum. His bullet guides are designed to work specifically with Saigas. My .223 Saigas already had the pistol grip cutout in the receiver. If you are lucky it will already be cut for you. Good Luck....Mike

 

[GTSteve03]

Agreed about the bullet guide. I originally bought the same bullet guide for my 7.62x39 Saiga and then found out that it has a round receiver, so the flat-based Bulgarian didn't fit.

I bought one from Dinzag and have test-fit it and it sits perfectly in the receiver. Save your money and get his instead, but make sure to check if you have a flat or round based receiver.

 

[TOU]

Hope you don't mind me asking, but how much do you figure you will be into this when done?

thx!

 

[ArmedBear]

Anyone ever do a foreend conversion to AK-style on a Saiga?

I've seen pics of a commercial one in New Zealand, but not instructions in how to do it.

Or is it better just to leave the Saiga's reont half well enough alone and just shoot it?

 

[railroader]

You can change the saiga handguard to this. http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=19d522f8-d623-4c96-b7ba-c129e3aa71e5
Mark

 

[ArmedBear]

Thanks!

Bummer they don't have a standard Saiga buttstock in olive to match.

(In CA, I wouldn't want to do a full conversion to AK configuration, to keep the gun legal, but I have a certain fondness for the shorter foreends.)

 

[MD_Willington]

I'd try E-clips before the crook replacement, locally E-clips at $0.17 a piece at ACE hardware, they do work.

Dinzag is the man for parts...

Hand Guard Retainers, these appear to be double split shaft collars with a retainer attached.

Gas Tubes

Brakes, Hiders and FSB

Bullet Guides

Personally I'd get the black or whatever is cheapest furniture and paint it with Krylon fusion or Krylon® Camouflage Paints

 

[bratch]

I finished up a week or so ago other than touch up paint but I haven't gotten a chance to shoot it yet.

Cost were:
$60 stock
$5 screws
$30 for trigger
$10 for crook plate (optional)
$20 for the bullet guide

So $115 for the parts I believe rifles are around $250 right now so you're looking a ~$400 for a converted rifle. These are order today prices it can probably be done cheaper bargain shopping.