Krdshrk 3,871 Posted October 8, 2014 So I've been plotting this for a little bit - wanted to get some additional thoughts on my planned conversion. So far - it's a stock Saiga 7.62 Conversion Parts: CSS Trigger Group - Tapco G2 Modified FCG - $50 CSS Billet Trigger Guard - $40 CSS 7.62x39 Round Trunnion Bullet Guide - $19 Tapco Gas Piston - $15 Magpul AK47 Grip - $20 CSS Trigger Hole Plugs - $1 KVAR Warsaw Length Stock - $60 Subtotal is $205 - 10% CSS discount + $7.95 shipping - comes to about $193. Thoughts on the parts I have listed? Anyone know of any better/cheaper parts? Yes, I will be using US made mags (MidwestPX Magpul 15/30 AK Pmags). Also options: Adding on a Gas Tube to change the handguards later on - $40 If changing the handguards, I'll need the Retaining Bracket ($40)... Alternate stock option - use a AR style tube - $70 (will need to add another stock as well for more $$$... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelosticon 0 Posted October 8, 2014 just curious, why the piston? what's wrong with factory piston? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,871 Posted October 8, 2014 Nothing wrong with it - but I feel like it may be a good thing to have an "extra" part for 922r compliance. However if it's absolutely not needed, then away it goes and I save $15. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lalo 13 Posted October 8, 2014 Looks like you have everything listed. I did a lot of research and was ready to pull the trigger then an already converted Saiga came up on a trade and had to jump on it. I regretted not doing the conversion myself. Are you doing it or sending it to a gunsmith to do? Also, why the different piston? ohh, and get a couple more of the plugs in case you lose/break some. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogfarmer 138 Posted October 8, 2014 I had a blast doing mine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vjf915 456 Posted October 8, 2014 Nothing wrong with it - but I feel like it may be a good thing to have an "extra" part for 922r compliance. However if it's absolutely not needed, then away it goes and I save $15. I actually used the SAME EXACT: stock, FCG, and trigger guard when I built my Saiga. I used a Hogue grip, I don't think Magpul made AK grips back then, still counted as a U.S. part though. Using those parts, I was still compliant. I don't think the piston is necessary. I did swap out the handguard, although I don't remember the brand, and I don't know if that counted as one of the compliant parts. By the way, nice choices. I very much enjoyed that FCG, trigger guard, and stock. I remember I had a small issue fitting the grip to that trigger guard, hopefully Magpul did a better job than Hogue did. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted October 8, 2014 You don't have to change the piston especially if you are planning on using US mags and US furniture. Here is a cool link for 922r saiga stuff. http://thegunwiki.com/Gunwiki/BuildSaigaVerifyCompliance Also, If you are using Kvar stock, check out the bargain bin. I got my grip stock and hand guards all from there at like 50% off. You can save a good amount of money and put that towards a gas tube and lower hand guard retainer. EDIT: If you happen to move to a free state and want to use surplus mags, if 922r is a concern, you can buy US made followers for like 3 bux from midway and it counts as a US Part.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted October 8, 2014 I did swap out the handguard, although I don't remember the brand, and I don't know if that counted as one of the compliant parts. Yes hand guard is a counted part. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Worn_Holster 2 Posted October 8, 2014 I think that having a Saiga that is not reliant on using a mag with US made parts is worth something, so I think that the Tapco piston is good to have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted October 8, 2014 I think that having a Saiga that is not reliant on using a mag with US made parts is worth something, so I think that the Tapco piston is good to have. it's totally doable using all surplus mags if you use US furniture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,871 Posted October 8, 2014 Also, If you are using Kvar stock, check out the bargain bin. I got my grip stock and hand guards all from there at like 50% off. You can save a good amount of money and put that towards a gas tube and lower hand guard retainer. EDIT: If you happen to move to a free state and want to use surplus mags, if 922r is a concern, you can buy US made followers for like 3 bux from midway and it counts as a US Part.. Bargain Bin? From what website? I had a blast doing mine Wanna help with mine? I actually used the SAME EXACT: stock, FCG, and trigger guard when I built my Saiga. I used a Hogue grip, I don't think Magpul made AK grips back then, still counted as a U.S. part though. Using those parts, I was still compliant. I don't think the piston is necessary. I did swap out the handguard, although I don't remember the brand, and I don't know if that counted as one of the compliant parts. By the way, nice choices. I very much enjoyed that FCG, trigger guard, and stock. I remember I had a small issue fitting the grip to that trigger guard, hopefully Magpul did a better job than Hogue did. Yeah I could go Hogue but I figure - I like Magpul - why not try their AK stuff? Yes, the Handguard counts - I may try to find a good handguard in the future, but I'll also need the lower retaining bracket and gas tube... Lower retaining bracket is OOS @ CSS right now. Haven't seen any good handguards either that I like - they all look too tacticool IMO. I have 2 options - either go full retard operator and change it to an AR style stock and tacticool furniture with rails/etc... Or I go classic wood AK style. I've been leaning towards the wood furniture, but there's nothing in stock anywhere right now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted October 8, 2014 Here is the bargain section link.. http://www.k-var.com/shop/Bargain-Section/ there isn't a ton there but they do have the warsaw length black stock. its like 50% off. I got my handguards, and stock there. It' saved a lot of money. Just watch the shipping charges.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkWVU02 47 Posted October 8, 2014 Have you checked Carolina shooters supply conversion kits? They have full conversion kits for great prices. I finally ordered my kit to do a conversion. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,871 Posted October 8, 2014 Here is the bargain section link.. http://www.k-var.com/shop/Bargain-Section/ there isn't a ton there but they do have the warsaw length black stock. its like 50% off. I got my handguards, and stock there. It' saved a lot of money. Just watch the shipping charges.. Oh so tempting.. Now I see a Plum stock.. kinda want that.... but the handguards aren't in stock... urg... Have you checked Carolina shooters supply conversion kits? They have full conversion kits for great prices. I finally ordered my kit to do a conversion. Yes - Actually all of that is in the conversion kit - I just broke it out into the individual parts. It's the same price as the individual parts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogfarmer 138 Posted October 8, 2014 I would also suggest the Krebs Customs safety lever while doing conversion http://www.carolinashooterssupply.com/product_p/krebs-saiga-s-safety.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,871 Posted October 8, 2014 Oh yeah - what parts would be needed for BHO? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogfarmer 138 Posted October 8, 2014 BTW I have a extra KREBS saftey lever, so dont order one Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,871 Posted October 8, 2014 Sweet thanks. I'm going to wait until after NY Comic Con to see how broke I am... then the ordering will begin... Birthday present from me.... to me! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogfarmer 138 Posted October 8, 2014 lemme know when your ready Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old School 611 Posted October 9, 2014 Just out of curiosity I watched a few Youtube videos on the conversion. My question is why do it and not just buy an AK variant? Just asking... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted October 9, 2014 Just out of curiosity I watched a few Youtube videos on the conversion. My question is why do it and not just buy an AK variant? Just asking... because saiga is from russia... and that makes it cool.. additionally you are putting together the gun exactly how you want it from the ground up.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old School 611 Posted October 9, 2014 because saiga is from russia... and that makes it cool.. additionally you are putting together the gun exactly how you want it from the ground up.. Agreed Russia is cool! And I get the fun factor. But that's it? Yep Vlad...I've been known to pick up a glass of "Russian Standard" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vjf915 456 Posted October 9, 2014 Bargain Bin? From what website? Wanna help with mine? Yeah I could go Hogue but I figure - I like Magpul - why not try their AK stuff? Yes, the Handguard counts - I may try to find a good handguard in the future, but I'll also need the lower retaining bracket and gas tube... Lower retaining bracket is OOS @ CSS right now. Haven't seen any good handguards either that I like - they all look too tacticool IMO. I have 2 options - either go full retard operator and change it to an AR style stock and tacticool furniture with rails/etc... Or I go classic wood AK style. I've been leaning towards the wood furniture, but there's nothing in stock anywhere right now. The actual conversion is VERY easy. I did my AR lower build, and a Saiga conversion, and I think they are very comparable in terms of skill needed. The hardest part is filing/grinding/dremeling the rivets flat. Make sure you take your time and paint the receiver properly, and let it dry. Don't get impatient, trust me, I made that mistake. If you decide not to go classic wood style, Kvar makes a plastic stock that isn't too tacticool looking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Worn_Holster 2 Posted October 9, 2014 I thought the hardest part was drilling and tapping the turnion for the bullet guide. The trunion is very hard and if you work too fast an/or don't clean the shavings as you go along, it becomes very easy to snap a bit off in your trunion. That would not be fun to repair. Otherwise, the conversion is pretty simple. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M1152 713 Posted October 9, 2014 I know this is about the S762 but if you plan on ever plan on doing a Saiga 223 with the Definitive Arms mag upgrade the Tapco piston is a NO go, it will not work with their system. I had one done last year by DA and they said while test firing they found that the "timing was off and the rifle was short stoking” so the problem was directly related to the Tapco piston. They said to prove the point they swapped out my bolt carrier with a stock bolt carrier and it performed flawlessly. DA strongly suggested I reinstall the original piston which I did upon its return and I never had any issues. It was an easy enough fix and looking back the Tapco piston was not needed for my 922r numbers, the piston was simply not worth the trouble but YMMV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelosticon 0 Posted October 9, 2014 I really wish that DA would sell the kit separately for us DIYers rather than having people send their rifle to them. what was your turn around time if you mind me asking? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JonF 79 Posted October 9, 2014 One thing I like is the AR15 grip adapter so you can use any of the millions of AR pistol grips rather than a few specific AK replacements. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkWVU02 47 Posted October 9, 2014 I thought the hardest part was drilling and tapping the turnion for the bullet guide. The trunion is very hard and if you work too fast an/or don't clean the shavings as you go along, it becomes very easy to snap a bit off in your trunion. That would not be fun to repair. Otherwise, the conversion is pretty simple. That's the part that makes me the most nervous. Can a bullet guide be welded in? Not to hijack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vjf915 456 Posted October 9, 2014 I believe that people have even used metal JB weld. I think the best bet is tapping though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites