Stock Saiga

[Uncle Alvah]

Last August I bought a Saiga .223 with the intention of converting it to a typical AK style. Even started to acquire some parts to do so, a Tapco G2 trigger kit.
In all honesty however, I'm pretty fond of it in the Sporter style. I didn't expect that! The 10 round mag is sufficient for my needs for the most part, plus I have a couple AR's and a Mini, so it's not like I "need" to convert it for use in "serious social interactions".
Plus I believe there are at least two places making 30 round mags to fit the unaltered gun if I wanted to up the capacity. Haven't really checked on that.

In short, I'm kind of wanting for a reason to proceed with the conversion beyond the fact that I have time on my hands and just like to tinker with guns.

Am I the only one who was unexpectedly "smitten" by the box-stock Saiga rifle?

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I believe there are at least two places making 30 round mags to fit the unaltered gun if I wanted to up the capacity. Haven't really checked on that.

In order to comply with 18 USC 922(r) you would need to change out a couple more parts with American made to be able to legally install a magazine holding more than 10 rounds. The magazine counts as 3 parts so I think at least 1 more(maybe 2) are needed to comply.

 

[jodavk]

I prefer the Saiga skeleton stock. It has a roll-up cheek piece for when an optic is used. The regular Saiga butt stock is certainly a completely different feel than an "AK". I like to think of the Saiga skeleton as the best of both.

 

[JHenry]

well if he keeps it stock it wont have a pistol grip, muzzle attachment, etc. so i dont think itll need 922r much like an sks that people put 20-30 rounders in.

i could be wrong and if i am hell need 2 in addition to the magazine for compliance

 

[KevininPa]

I like mine ........

.........the way it is. I did put a factory wood sporter stock on mine. It handles way differently than that almost English style synthetic. I consider it to be my "poor mans" Mini Thirty. If I want a higher round count, I'll just go with American mags and change out a couple parts in the trigger group. There are American parts for unconverted Saigas as well.

 

[chevyman097]

Converting it does wonders for the trigger. It is much nicer and more smooth with the g2 trigger set. If you are fond of the factory stock there are many options that would probably achieve the feel you like.

for me part of the desire to convert it back to ak style was just taking apart(tinkering) and working on the gun. Helped me appreciate it a lot more.

 

[Uncle Alvah]

with the g2 trigger set.

You can't just install the G2 leave the rest as is?

 

[KevininPa]

Here ya go.......

..........http://www.dinzagarms.com/misc_parts/fcg.html

There's a trigger group there for unconverted Saigas. Counts as two parts. Could always change out a piston for an American made one for three. Then you're good with US made magazines. Always thought that if I had the urge for thirty rounders, this would be my route. I'm still happy with tens.

 

[JFtheGR8]

I converted mine and have not looked back. The stock trigger was horrible with the wishbone linkage. Maybe yours is better but I had a lot of slop. That is all gone since putting in the G2 trigger and throwing out the wishbone link.


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[jimmyraythomason]

i dont think itll need 922r much like an sks that people put 20-30 rounders in.

Yes it will and SKSs imported AFTER 1990 must comply as well.

 

[chris in va]

The Saiga is simply a neutered AK and has some modifications to morph it into a sporter configuration. The trigger has a linkage that makes it vague and gritty. I don't know if there's any way to retain the rifle style stock and move the trigger forward, maybe a thumbhole stock?

Saiga's are an odd cat. Imagine a new Camaro with skinny tires and a pickup bed.

 

[SSN Vet]

Am I the only one who was unexpectedly "smitten" by the box-stock Saiga rifle?

nope..... it's a handy dandy little rifle just the way it is.

but if you switch to PG config and install that G2 trigger kit you will love it even more.

the transfer bar in the sporter config makes for a lousy trigger.

The G2 is surprisingly good... Mine breaks with minimal creep at 5-1/2#

It's your rifle and you should do with it whatever you want.... regardless of what the internet wizards tell you. But don't psyche yourself out... the conversion is really easy to do.

 

[Godsgunman]

I toyed with the idea of messin with mine also but I like the sporting set up personally, probably because in its sporting clothes its like shootin any other hunting rifle. Plus in my paranoia I believe the antis will go after the converted ones first since they look more like "them feared black assault rifle" .

 

[soonerfan85]

If you duck tape three mags together wouldn't that count as three parts?

I boughta "factory" convertesd Saiga sporter earlier this year and except for the fact I can't budge the d&^m front sight post to adjust it, I really like it. Accuracy is good, so long as the guy in the adjacent station at the range doesn't mind you making swiss cheese out of his target.

 

[JHenry]

Yes it will and SKSs imported AFTER 1990 must comply as well.

o yea, but if he leaves it in the stock configuration he can add once less compliance part as their wont be a pistol grip.

so itd be 4 parts, so you could replace the hand guard and be good to go with US magazines. id double check that if i were you but im pretty sure thats all you would need

 

[d2wing]

Don't forget the bullet guide. You should install one if you use aftermarket mags.

 

[Girodin]

so itd be 4 parts, so you could replace the hand guard and be good to go with US magazines. id double check that if i were you but im pretty sure thats all you would need

But then you'd be stuck using US made mags. If it is a square range fun gun then that may be OK. However, US mags are inferior to steel milsurp or bulgarian circle 10s.

One could retain the sporter configuration and replace two FCG parts (available at dinzag), the handguard, and the piston and be at ten imported countable parts and thus be compliant, even with standard imported AK mags.

 

[mac66]

I converted my 308 and 12 ga but kept my 792 Saiga as is. Like the OP I just like the standard rifle feel of it. I have other AKs so I kept this one original.

 

[Flashcube]

Mine might have been odd, but the Saiga .223 I bought a couple years ago had a fantastic two-stage trigger. I sold it on a whim for a sizeable profit one afternoon. Went to buy it back a few days later but it was gone. :banghead:

Not being much on pistol grips I actually liked the stock configuration and even toyed with the idea of getting some wood for it. Currently actively looking for another box-stock 16" .223 for the same $200 I paid for mine initially. (yeah, I know... never gonna happen lol)

 

[BSA1]

I also have not been smitten with urge to convert my Sporter with AK black rifle mods.