Saiga 7.62 project

[jvheitz 5]

A few months ago, I got the chance to shoot a converted saiga and really enjoyed it. Always wanted an AK, but living in NJ it is crazy confusing...

Spoke to a few people and everyone says to pick one up and convert it myself. So I guess this is kicking off my project. I am not even at step 1, since I do not even have the rifle yet, but am ready to pick it up once I find it nearby.

 

So I am sure many on this board have a LOT of experience in this area and can offer some tips/advice - feel free to offer up any info to help an AK noob.

[Krdshrk 3,877]

PM vladtepes - he's got a whole article about it here.

[civictuner04 6]

pmmed

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

Don't get a saiga because you think it's your only option, it's not. Most rifles can be modded by an FFl to be legal. A fully converted saiga doesn't really save you anything

[david8613 69]

if you go saiga pm pk90, that's were I got mine from...

[vladtepes 1,060]

A few months ago, I got the chance to shoot a converted saiga and really enjoyed it. Always wanted an AK, but living in NJ it is crazy confusing...

Spoke to a few people and everyone says to pick one up and convert it myself. So I guess this is kicking off my project. I am not even at step 1, since I do not even have the rifle yet, but am ready to pick it up once I find it nearby.

 

So I am sure many on this board have a LOT of experience in this area and can offer some tips/advice - feel free to offer up any info to help an AK noob.

 

 

see links in signature.. I have owned quite a few Saigas.. great guns.. no issues.. run perfect..

 

should be able to answer any questions you have..

[jvheitz 5]

Thanks for the help. Yeah, looks like you have a bit of experience converting these...

 

Here is my plan so far

 

Add pistol grip, change stock, change hand guard:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AKS179-1.html

Change FCG:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AKS497-6.html

 

I still have not decided on adding the bullet guide or if I will grind down the mag catch.

[vladtepes 1,060]

Thanks for the help. Yeah, looks like you have a bit of experience converting these...

 

Here is my plan so far

 

Add pistol grip, change stock, change hand guard:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AKS179-1.html

Change FCG:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AKS497-6.html

 

I still have not decided on adding the bullet guide or if I will grind down the mag catch.

 

 

those selections will net you a compliant gun..

Tapco G2 works fine, I like that FCG..

I would check with PK90 he might be able to sell you the gun AND the parts.. and have everything in stock.. he is great to deal with..

[vladtepes 1,060]

bullet guide is easy.. just must be patient and go very slow with tap.. and make sure tap goes all the way through..

[jvheitz 5]

OK, so I figured I would get started and order the parts..

Tried to order the below grip/stock/hand guard from cheaper than dirt and got a message:

 

 

Please Note

Because of restrictions imposed by local laws, some of the items in your cart cannot be shipped to your current shipping address. Please remove these items from your cart.

 

 

Add pistol grip, change stock, change hand guard:

http://www.cheaperth...m/AKS179-1.html

 

 

WTF?

[vladtepes 1,060]

you should be buying your AK stuff from two places...

 

1) PK90 if you live near Winslow and he can get you what you want saving you the cost of shipping

or if you are not near Winslow

2) Carolina shooter supply utilize the discount code CSS and you will save %5 they are an excellent online retailer with super fast shipping and reasonable prices..

 

those are LITERALLY the only two "first go" places I would check.. I have a few back burner dealers.. but anything you need should be able to be sourced by one of those two individuals.. I can not stress enough to use one of those channels..

[alec.mc 180]

X2 for CSS. Good prices and super fast shipping, I ordered all my sagia parts from them.

[siderman 1,137]

X2 for CSS. Good prices and super fast shipping, I ordered all my sagia parts from them.

 

I may be mistaken here but aren't you one of the guys to by a 922 compliant Saiga from Classic Arms a few months ago? If so how do you like it or are you doing mods to it also?

[vjf915 456]

I agree. I've ordered everything for my Saiga from CSS, and couldn't be happier with every aspect of the order.

[vladtepes 1,060]

I may be mistaken here but aren't you one of the guys to by a 922 compliant Saiga from Classic Arms a few months ago? If so how do you like it or are you doing mods to it also?

 

classic arms IMO puts out shoddy second hand rigged up work..

it is something you could certainly fix.. but after seeing how they do things like retain the fire control group.. I would NEVER recommend their guns..

 

certainly nothing personal to anyone who purchases one.. but just not for me..

[alec.mc 180]

I may be mistaken here but aren't you one of the guys to by a 922 compliant Saiga from Classic Arms a few months ago? If so how do you like it or are you doing mods to it also?

 

I am, While I still feel it was a good bargin for a ' pre converted ' saiga ( i think i paid $410 for it? ), They did cheap out on some of the parts.

 

The Pistol grip was probably the cheapest peice of plastic they could find, I replaced mine with a Houge Grip.

 

The Retention for the axis pins was done with a cheap " spring " ( crows foot i think its called ) - I had problems with this immediately, I replaced it with a retaining plate from css.

 

and the pistol grip nut was plastic, again - immediate issues, replaced with a metal one from CSS.

 

Again, while the parts I had to replace were not difficult or too expensive to replace, it is still worth noting. The bullet guide is welded on, the welds look pretty sturdy, i know some swear on taping it in instead of welding. Also, ' Standard AK ' Mags fit right out of the box from them, which is nice.

 

Othen than those modifications to bring it up to snuff, I've also added an ace stock, ultimak gas tube w/rail , kvar handgaurd, and red dot sight. It's a great solid shooter and ton of fun.

 

[vladtepes 1,060]

Again, while the parts I had to replace were not difficult or too expensive to replace, it is still worth noting. The bullet guide is welded on, the welds look pretty sturdy, i know some swear on taping it in instead of welding. Also, ' Standard AK ' Mags fit right out of the box from them, which is nice.

 

welding is fine.. most (myself included) swear by taping it because it is a far simpler process for most people... line up.. mark.. drill.. tap.. now if you are a skilled welder.. welding might work just as easily..

 

the only issue I see.. is you literally replaced just about everything you paid for..

 

conversion

gas tube - replaced

grip - replaced

grip nut - replaced

stock - replaced

axis retainer - replaced

 

NOT knocking YOU in any way.. but about all you kept was the fire control group.. BUT I am glad you got that (the fire control group) sorted out.. it was the one thing I really had concern about...

[alec.mc 180]

welding is fine.. most (myself included) swear by taping it because it is a far simpler process for most people... line up.. mark.. drill.. tap.. now if you are a skilled welder.. welding might work just as easily..

 

the only issue I see.. is you literally replaced just about everything you paid for..

 

conversion

gas tube - replaced

grip - replaced

grip nut - replaced

stock - replaced

axis retainer - replaced

 

NOT knocking YOU in any way.. but about all you kept was the fire control group.. BUT I am glad you got that (the fire control group) sorted out.. it was the one thing I really had concern about...

 

I agree with you 100% I did wind up " upgrading " all the conversion parts, but for a newbie like me, I was pretty confused about the whole process and a little uneasy doing the work myself. Even though it came with some cheaper parts, it was already pre-converted and all I had to do was bolt on new crap. Did I spend a little extra money? Yep, Sure did. - Next time around i'll absoultely be doing the conversion myself. After having an AK for a little bit, and seeing how the internals and mechanics work with my own eyes, it doesnt seem as foriegn to me as it did while reading about it online, ya know?

[vjf915 456]

I agree with you 100% I did wind up " upgrading " all the conversion parts, but for a newbie like me, I was pretty confused about the whole process and a little uneasy doing the work myself. Even though it came with some cheaper parts, it was already pre-converted and all I had to do was bolt on new crap. Did I spend a little extra money? Yep, Sure did. - Next time around i'll absoultely be doing the conversion myself. After having an AK for a little bit, and seeing how the internals and mechanics work with my own eyes, it doesnt seem as foriegn to me as it did while reading about it online, ya know?

 

To be honest, the conversion isn't that much harder than what you've done. Yes, hindsight is 20/20. But keep that in mind for the future. If you ever get yourself another Saiga rifle, you can easily do the work yourself.

[Underdog 1,593]

Not to go off topic a little, but can you modify a standard Saiga magazine 7.62x39 so that it will hold the slide open?

[vladtepes 1,060]

Not to go off topic a little, but can you modify a standard Saiga magazine 7.62x39 so that it will hold the slide open?

a mag bolt hold open is the most annoying feature in the universe.. because when you go to change mags.. you are fighting the bolt.. only to have it slam shut,,

[vladtepes 1,060]

I agree with you 100% I did wind up " upgrading " all the conversion parts, but for a newbie like me, I was pretty confused about the whole process and a little uneasy doing the work myself. Even though it came with some cheaper parts, it was already pre-converted and all I had to do was bolt on new crap. Did I spend a little extra money? Yep, Sure did. - Next time around i'll absoultely be doing the conversion myself. After having an AK for a little bit, and seeing how the internals and mechanics work with my own eyes, it doesnt seem as foriegn to me as it did while reading about it online, ya know?

 

i could have walked you through it over the interwebs...

[jvheitz 5]

I finally have my rifle (thanks to Chris at BTS)!

Stripped it down last night, looked everything over, and watched some more youtube conversion videos. Winslow is almost 2 hours from me, so I went online to CSS.

First looked through their conversion kits. Did not find anything with the wooden stock/grip/etc. listed there, so I guess I am purchasing everything separately.

I plan on installing the bullet guide. Watched a few vids, this seems quite simple really. (not in stock, have to wait until 12/21)

Also, I guess since I am putting the tapco wood (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-946/TIMBERSMITH-TAPCO-AK47-WOOD/Detail?sfs=76ccc77e) I will need to:

1. Move the trigger guard

2. Change the gas tube (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-405/AK47-Saiga-gas-tube/Detail?sfs=76ccc77e)

3. Add Handguard retaining lower bracket (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-460/Saiga-Lower-Hand-guard/Detail?sfs=76ccc77e)

 

Trigger:

1. Replace the trigger (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-119/SAIGA-AK-TAPCO-FCG/Detail?sfs=76ccc77e)

2. Install axis pin retaining plate (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-126/AK47-TAPCO-SAIGA-AXIS/Detail?sfs=7dbd461c)

3. Disconnector spring (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-166/Tapco-Saiga-Rifle-12/Detail?sfs=52f5da9f)

 

unfortunately a lot of the parts are not in stock at CSS (gas tube, axis pin retaining plate, bullet guide).

Am I forgetting something?

Also, I am not sure on moving the trigger guard, cant I just replace it with something like this (http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-365/Saiga-Trigger-Guard-DIY/Detail?sfs=2b4bd147)?

 

Thanks for all your help!

[alec.mc 180]

the axis pin retaining clip you could prob. find elsewhere, I know you will have a rough time finding that gas tube though, took me a long while to locate one, then i went ahead an upgraded to an ultimak gas tube shortly after.

 

I should be able to sell you the gas tube if you want it, its the gas tube pictured there with the upper handgaurd retaining bracket, - I paid a bit more than listed at CSS, PM me if interested - I can bring it to the steel match @ obrpc tomm. if you want.

[M4BGRINGO 139]

I'll be doing my Saiga sometime in the near future too. I have a converted Saiga and it is soooooo much better to shoot than the stock Saiga!

[vladtepes 1,060]

I finally have my rifle (thanks to Chris at BTS)!

Stripped it down last night, looked everything over, and watched some more youtube conversion videos. Winslow is almost 2 hours from me, so I went online to CSS.

First looked through their conversion kits. Did not find anything with the wooden stock/grip/etc. listed there, so I guess I am purchasing everything separately.

I plan on installing the bullet guide. Watched a few vids, this seems quite simple really. (not in stock, have to wait until 12/21)

Also, I guess since I am putting the tapco wood (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=76ccc77e) I will need to:

1. Move the trigger guard

2. Change the gas tube (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=76ccc77e)

3. Add Handguard retaining lower bracket (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=76ccc77e)

 

Trigger:

1. Replace the trigger (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=76ccc77e)

2. Install axis pin retaining plate (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=7dbd461c)

3. Disconnector spring (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=52f5da9f)

 

unfortunately a lot of the parts are not in stock at CSS (gas tube, axis pin retaining plate, bullet guide).

Am I forgetting something?

Also, I am not sure on moving the trigger guard, cant I just replace it with something like this (http://store.carolin...il?sfs=2b4bd147)?

 

Thanks for all your help!

 

 

you can easily reuse trigger guard.. if you are a little handy.. no real need to buy a new one..

 

buy gas tube from Alec.. might as well..

 

as far as the rest just be patient.. they get in new stock pretty fast..

 

may want to pick these up as well..

 

http://store.carolin...le-plugs/Detail

 

I'll be doing my Saiga sometime in the near future too. I have a converted Saiga and it is soooooo much better to shoot than the stock Saiga!

 

I know of the Saiga you speak of.. and it is a nice shooter..

[jvheitz 5]

the axis pin retaining clip you could prob. find elsewhere, I know you will have a rough time finding that gas tube though, took me a long while to locate one, then i went ahead an upgraded to an ultimak gas tube shortly after.

 

I should be able to sell you the gas tube if you want it, its the gas tube pictured there with the upper handgaurd retaining bracket, - I paid a bit more than listed at CSS, PM me if interested - I can bring it to the steel match @ obrpc tomm. if you want.

PMmed..

[jvheitz 5]

you can easily reuse trigger guard.. if you are a little handy.. no real need to buy a new one..

 

buy gas tube from Alec.. might as well..

 

as far as the rest just be patient.. they get in new stock pretty fast..

 

may want to pick these up as well..

 

http://store.carolin...le-plugs/Detail

 

 

 

I know of the Saiga you speak of.. and it is a nice shooter..

 

Thanks Vlad, forgot about those..

Order has been placed, everything but the gas tube (alec), bullet guide, and the axis pin retaining plate. Will call CSS on Monday to see how long of a wait for these 2 items.

Also will try to post some pics of my progress

[vladtepes 1,060]

go VERY slow on BOOlet guide..... make sure you tap ALL the way through.. use lots of oil and patience..

[jvheitz 5]

Before..

 

 

Within 24 hours of getting it home..

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now I wait....