Saiga

[dubya450]

Well i just got into my first AK. I bought a Saiga 7.62x39 rifle made in Russia by Izhmash from my uncle for $300 with 400 rounds of ammo. He had the rifle for awhile and put it in the safe, never fired it. I want to add a nice stock, probably an ACE skeleton butt stock, pistol grip and some sort of fore grip on it. I know i have to move the trigger group forward to install a pistol grip and im wondering how hard this is to do? Also, are these decent rifles overall and was $300 a fair price? Any help would be AWESOME.

Thank you,
Cory

 

[vujade]

At this time and environment, I think you did ok if the $300 was JUST for the ammo!

 

[dubya450]

Really? Im picking up 600 more rounds for $145 tomorrow lol

 

[dubya450]

I figured the rifle was worth more than $300 but not ammo. I just sold 2 FiveseveN pistol's, one for $2350 NIB and one with mags and ammo for $3300 so i know the crazy prices! Im hoping "furniture" for my Saiga won't be a hassle to get now.

 

[Rob G]

Even before the panic buying a Saiga rifle for $300 would have been considered a good deal. Now I would consider it a great deal.

Also, are these decent rifles overall

It's built around a Kalashnikov action. Basically it doesn't get any more reliabe than that and they accuracy should be enough for most people's purposes. The only downside to them is the Saiga triggers aren't great, but if you're going to convert it to regular AK format you'll end up replacing the trigger anyway so no problems there.

 

[dubya450]

Yeah i plan on replacing the whole stock, adding a pistol grip, new trigger group and guard, adding some sort of red dot. I have a Trijicon RMR on my FNP-45 and really like it so might go in that direction. Im completely new to AK's so bear with me. Is moving the trigger forward to add a pistol grip difficult? How exactly do i mount an optic? It has the mount on the left side of the receiver but im totally in the dark on how it works.

 

[JFtheGR8]

It is very simple to move the trigger group. There are several videos on the web detailing the process. Mississippi Arms and Carolina Shooter Supply are good places to get the parts. Don't forget a bullet guide if you plan to run AK mags and I would if I were you. You also need to grind down the mag catch a little for the ak mags. There are different rail options for optics. I went with a UTG quick release side mount for mine. I have not done the front end of mine and don't plan to except for threading the barrel for a flash hider. You can rent the die, pilot and handle from someone over at the Saiga forum. The tools I used were a screw driver, cordless drill, hammer, punch, a cheap dremel type tool and some dental picks (for installing the BHO spring). A good workbench with a vice is handy too. I would get right on it if I were you. If a ban does happen you won't be able to legally convert it. I did say IF.


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[Inebriated]

The whole conversion process is very easy, as long as you have a drill. Drill out a few rivets, install new trigger group, plug holes... Drill and tap the front trunion for a bullet guide (whole kit available on CSS)... Install US-made furniture set... and file down mag catch just a little to accept those scary boxes that hold more than 7 rounds!!!!!!

For the front end, you will need a new gas tube, a lower handguard retainer (there are a few bolt-on options, that don't require you to remove the gas block and front sight), and if you so desire, thread the muzzle. Lot of options for that as well. When you're done, you'll likely need a new finish, but otherwise, you'll have a great rifle that you put some work into! Also, I'm jealous of you to have gotten a rifle AND ammo for $300...

 

[dubya450]

Thanks guys. I think im going to just call CSS and have them set me up with what i need and get to work before this ban that might happen. As long as i have the parts beforehand who knows weather i convert it before or after the ban . And BTW, my uncle said that he's had that rifle for 8-9 years and no one asked a thing about it and yesterday when i texted him asking if he'd sell it (for $500) he said I'll do $300 then had a buddy call and offer him $800 for it 10 minutes after I asked and he still sold it to me for $300! Pretty nice of him.

 

[Inebriated]

Well, what's $500 between family?

Actually, I think that's a couple beers on your part.

 

[12gaugeTim]

Moving the trigger group forward is the easy part. Doing a front end conversion is the difficult part. Unless of course, you cop out and use a bolt on handguard retainer. The bullet guide will also be necessary to use regular ak magazines.
I did a video series on mine. Not all videos have been uploaded yet.
http://youtu.be/BwYP3WylfVI
It's finished now and shoots like a dream.

 

[dubya450]

I agree on the beers! I actually don't mind the factory foregrip so im hoping with just changing the buttstock to an ACE skeleton 8.5" buttstock, and adding a pistol grip the only thing ill have to really do is install and move the trigger/trigger guard forward correct? I ordered 2 new 30 round Surefire mags fron gunbroker and from what i know these will work in the Saiga without installing a bullet guide. Im still going to buy a bullet guide to keep in the safe in case i get some AK mags but for now ill run the surefire saiga mags.

 

[Inebriated]

Yeah, you can use the Surefire mags without the BG... the point of the BG is that the Saiga mags have a little ramp at the front to guide the bullet up, where standard AK mags don't. Having a BG around in case is great. Just make sure you get the right one (round or flat trunion). And yeah, all you have to do is move the trigger group, to install a PG and stock.

Now, I'm not sure how 922r plays out when you're not adding a flash hider or higher capacity magazine, but I would still try to keep the stock, grip, and trigger group US-made. I believe that you can't have any scary features without compliance, but again, not sure.

 

[BSA1]

I would urge to not modify your rifle until all of the gun control bills are resolved by Congress. While some think a outright a "assault weapon" is unlikely there are lots of ways the antis can trim around the edges by outlawing cosmetic features such as the pistol grip. If they are successful and don't include a "grandfather" clause there is going to be a heck of a demand for sporter stocks and trigger parts.

 

[Buck Kramer]

Super easy to convert, get a dremel, a drill, compliance parts, and an hour of your time.

 

[dubya450]

Inebriated, how can i find out if I need the flat or rounded bullet guide? I did notice the two for sake at CSS but wasn't sure which to buy.

BSA1, you're probably right. I may just order the part's i want and wait until everything settles. I can't imagine there wouldn't be a grandfather law but who knows. There will be ALOT of PO'd people and I really don't think it'd happen.

 

[dubya450]

Either way it wouldn't be that hard to convert back to how it is now.

 

[12gaugeTim]

You already know you need the 7.62 bullet guide, so that's settled.

Look directly under the breech of the barrel. Is the metal there rounded, or flat?

Next decide if you just want the BG, or the full kit with the drill bit, screw, and tap.

Follow that and you'll get exactly what you need.

ETA: when installing the guide, make sure the guide is to the Left of the "step" on the breech face located at about the 4:30 position. I go into detail about All of this in my bullet guide video.
http://youtu.be/mxNURPzLLIg

 

[dubya450]

Thanks Tim, ill check as soon as i get back from my 4 month old boys shots... poor little guy.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Man you got a great deal on that gun (esp with the ammo). Again, thank your uncle and (assuming he drinks beer... or scotch.... or bourbon... etc) buy him one (or 5).

The trigger conversion is pretty easy. It took me a few hours, but there were not really any unforeseen complications. I went with an Arsenal stock and Hogue pistol grip. Tromix modified Tapco trigger (I believe you can buy the Tapco G2 and do this yourself, but it was worth the $10 to me to know it was right) and a generic from CSS trigger guard. I have not done the bullet guide as I generally only use one mag, so Im content with the supplied Saiga-spec mag. I also purchased an Arsenal pilstol grip screw/bushing and some 'plugs' (for lack of a better term) for the old trigger pin holes.

 

[BSA1]

Either way it wouldn't be that hard to convert back to how it is now.

Only for those that kept the leftover parts. Otherwise can you say "banic" for sporter stock and parts. :-0

 

[Godsgunman]

Good rifles. I've had mine for about 2 years. $300 is a great price especially nowadays. I've kept mine stock and I actually prefer it that way.

 

[mac66]

Don't over think the bullet guide. I converted my first one before there were kits. I simply cut a metal pipe down to have a bullet guide. I kept cutting it down until it was only about 1/4" thick x 1/2" wide and an inch long. So basically you just need a piece of metal for the tip of the bullet to ride up on into the chamber. I drilled and tapped the first one. The ones I did after I simply used a piece of scape metal for the guide, drilled a hole through, ran a stainless steel bolt through from the top and used a nut on the bottom. If you're anal add a little JB Weld. It has held for cases and cases and cases of ammo.

Other thing to consider is that while it is illegal to convert a non importable rifle without adhering to the 922 r import regulations, it is not illegal to own or use a rifle that has been converted and is not compliant.

 

[dubya450]

Mac66, so if my rifle doesn't meet regulations its okay to have as long as i bought it that way from a gun show?

Ben, thats almost exactly how im going to start out with my rifle. I want the "nato" butt stock or whatever that holds the little cleaning kit in the butt, a PG and i dont mind the fore end at all. Im also going to buy a quad rail fore end, skeleton butt stock for when i get bored i can switch it over.

 

[12gaugeTim]

Here's mine. I recently finished it.
I went for the more traditional look. I'm extremely happy with how it turned out.
You have a lot more sentimental value in it when you convert it yourself. I don't see this guy ever escaping my clutches.