Saiga. What Caliber?

[amd6547]

I am going to recommend all you guys stay away from the 5.45....I want the cheap surplus ammo to be around for as long as possible for my Saiga 5.45.

 

[spartand003]

Ok. I've watched several videos on conversion. Should I buy a kit? They seem like a good deal, with a Tapco stock set, new trigger guard, trigger assembly, and plugs for the drilled out rivets. Anyone used one? I'm looking at this one in particular http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-449/TAPCO-SAIGA-RIFLE-CONVERSION/Detail. Would bring my total investment to around $500-$550. Seems reasonable since Arsenal charges $850 for a glorified converted Saiga.

 

[M1key]

Do it...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=598539

M

 

[Desolo]

Carolina Shooter's supply is great, and they ship FAST! The kits they sell are pretty well setup to.

 

[bri]

Ok. I've watched several videos on conversion. Should I buy a kit? They seem like a good deal, with a Tapco stock set, new trigger guard, trigger assembly, and plugs for the drilled out rivets. Anyone used one? I'm looking at this one in particular http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-449/TAPCO-SAIGA-RIFLE-CONVERSION/Detail. Would bring my total investment to around $500-$550. Seems reasonable since Arsenal charges $850 for a glorified converted Saiga.

The CSS kits are a handy way to order everything you need but when I ran the numbers last month, the kit was actually a bit more money than ordering the parts individually (this may have changed now). Also, you can easily re-use the stock trigger guard if you're careful with the drilling/grinding.

If you go ahead with the conversion and won't be re-installing the BHO, buy a FCG with a hammer that hasn't been modified for said BHO...

You may also want to consider the Kvar stock over the Tapco. I don't have any experience with the Tapco, but guys over at saiga-12 have said it feels cheap compared to the Kvar. I used the warsaw-length Kvar and it fit nice and snug, and is very solid.

 

[M1key]

^^^agree on the KVAR stock over the Tapco

Most guys toss the BHO lever or at least cut it down some because it interferes with the trigger operation for a right hander.

M

 

[RP88]

I wouldn't bother with a 5.45 Saiga, IMO. You can still get bulgy '74s for less than what it would cost to probably just buy an original stock Saiga.

I'd go with .223, 7.62x39, or .308, depending on your needs or what you do and don't already have.

 

[M1key]

Just finished another Saiga 308 conversion today. Took about 2 hours.

M

 

[M1key]

deleted

 

[spartand003]

Wow, M1key, that's a beautiful battle rifle.

 

[whetrock]

If I were to purchase a Saiga I'd probably take a hard look at the .308 in my mind it would serve great as a " beater" battle rifle.

 

[mshootnit]

The 16 in saiga is the most accurate

 

[Maverick223]

The 16 in saiga is the most accurate

16?...16Ga.?

 

[Effigy]

16" barrel, I think. It flexes less than longer barrels so it's more accurate. Kalashnivok rifles have a fairly thin barrel.

 

[Maverick223]

Now that makes a bit of sense...don't believe they are making a 16Ga.