M1152

Hickok45 and Iraqveteran8888 are my favorite YouTube gun guys. Both have a nice way about them and I like their viewpoints. sometime last year I stumbled upon a funny Hickok45 YouTube video I was never able to find again. It may have even been a promo for his station, anyway it was hilarious. He was pulling guns out of his appliances, car air cleaner and everywhere and then he went to his famous range and did what he does. Love them gongs...

To me it’s pretty funny that someone would take a brand new gun right out of the box and cut it up. The thing that concerned me going into the project was the trigger upgrade simply because I couldn’t see it that well in the video. I used the web tutorial you suggested which is very well documented and the CSS videos as my guides. I had one scare with the video because it looked like I forgot to order a part but it was just a different style of the plate the locks the pins, I had to watch it several times before I figured it out. All and all it was a good experience. The other reason I held back on the 308 was I didn’t want it to look like a hack job with the abandoned holes. The binding screws in the web tutorial is a good idea but I didn’t want that color mismatch and more importantly I didn’t need binding post because I took your suggestion and went with the AXIS PIN RETAINING PLATE and did away with the spring, that was an excellent suggestion. I’d purchased plugs an a set of Allen screws from CCS so I had a choice of what to use to fill the holes. I would have had to drill the holes out (to make them larger) to use the plastic plugs, I didn’t want that so the Allen screws with Loctite which IMO blends in nicer. You were correct; I love the look and feel. Again I didn’t want a hack job or something that “looked like” it was worked by some guy in his basement but I have to say it looks completely natural. It looks like it just came out of the box. Will I do the 308? Put it this way I'm not saying NO anymore, I think it i just a matter of time.....

Assembled, holes plugged and done. @ vladtepes – I appreciate your help and all the other post here relative to the conversations and the entire NJGF for that matter. I picked up info from as many post as I could. I’m very happy with the end result, it now has that very agile feel like my SU16. This could very well become my favorite carbine. (308 top just for comparison)

I had to buy more bits today to get the bottom plate off to save the trigger guard. More importantly I was able drill the hole inside the mag release with no problems. Blew it out with air and heated a little with torch (just to get the moisture out) and painted bottom with flat black. I wasn't able to find the paint vladtepes suggested at HomeDepot but I got Rust-Oleum Professional grade flat black, blended in nicely. Must be good, got some on my hand and can’t get it off LOL. I may give it one more coat tomorrow. I put one screw in just so I could eye-ball it before I painted it. I really like the look so far. The PO ETA for the stock and hand guard is tomorrow which would be perfect timing. I hope the rest of the project goes as well. I think I'm going to like it allot.

Here I ordered a piston on that’s on the sidelines when I should have ordered a trigger guard. So far so good. No damage to the receiver but I brushed the trigger guard with the grinder but I think that part is concealed. The scratch is superficial and may be concealed with the grip. My removal was somewhat unconventional so the trigger guard is still attached to the throw-away plate via the spot weld. Tomorrow I go over to HomeDepot and pick up some Loctite, paint, screws, and a cobalt bit so I can free up the trigger guard. With any luck I could get the trigger installed over the weekend, if I could figure that out I'll be very happy Below is the Before (with 308) and current status, no after yet… http://i1178.photobu...ld/P1030982.jpg http://i1178.photobu...ld/P1030989.jpg

@ 'vladtepes - Thanks, I used the 922® Worksheet for AK-47 Builds you posted and was OK. I figured for an extra $12 I'd go for the extra 922 part but I didn't realize its more trouble than it's worth right now. That is something to do later on.... In about an hour or so and going to start taking it apart.

as per Vladtepes and another online friend I’m going to hold off in the piston. I'm alreadly in compliance, the confusion is on my part. I was just advised via email that I only need the piston if I do the bullet guide and Russian mag. As Vladtepes stated earlier it is a number game and I was going for the extra part but it is too much of a deal at this time. why make a project out if it? It was also strongly suggested to break the gun in first before making that mod, and if I plan to change the piston get a 2nd carrier to do the mod. so the piston is job is on backburner, sorry about that…

Dumb question but here goes... is there any trick to replacing the gas piston? As you know it is treaded so do I just put it in a vice and simply back-it-out? youtube is flooded with saiga vids but could find anything for the piston. I assume you just unscrew it but want to make sure. Tonight I removed the bolt carrier assembly, stock and hand guard just to take a look, tomorrow will grind out rivets and go from there..... TIA

I understand, sure you want it firm but you shouldn't have to fight with it on each use either. I hope my new 223 has a better fit with those mags than the 308. I recently picked up a few factory mags for the 308 so at $40 a pop I don't think I'll be converting the 308 anytime soon. I may just keep that one stock EDIT: Received the rifle yesterday and some parts came in today including the aftermarket mag. I popped the mag in & out with NO problems whatsoever. Unlike the 308 no fitting required so that was a pleasant surprise. At the moment I’m missing the stock and hard guard because they are coming from different vendors but at least I believe I have all the internals. I’m going to try and start on it tomorrow evening, I hope you guys hang with me in case I get jammed up. Thanks Vladteps & guys for ALL the help to date and any future request for assistance as well.

That’s the problem you shouldn't have to apply allot of force to get it in place, that’s the rule for anything. Yes I “fitted” the notch for the mag release but the tightness seems to be coming from the side entry points. For my 308 it comes down this, Factory Russian mags are perfect tolerances and US Mags not so good on my 308. That said I ordered ONE SureFire for my 223 so I'll see how that goes once it arrives. If it’s tight like the 308 may try the bullet guide route later on with galil pinned mags.Right now just want to pull off the basic conversion So has anyone ever heard of a Vodka gun? Is this something we have to look for on the rifles?

need another map?

you could alway use them for tomato stakes... LOL

As per alowerlevel went with CenterFireSystms, I should have it by Friday at the very latest., for me it was $338 shipped. I noticed in the current issue of ShotGunNews (paid subscription) that came last week J&G Sales has the same deal $299.95 for one, two or more for $289 but according to the website they seem to be out too. OT but funny, I'm a Saiga newbie but these seem to be as popular as Mosins. BudGunshop sent an email blast a few months ago and the Mosin was their best seller for 2011 . I just get a kick out of the Mosins, they are closest thing I have as far as an antique. In my case you have a 54 year shooting a 80 year old rifle, I get a big kick out of that…now in my modest collection I have more Russian hardware than US long guns, I'll have to work on that.. I wish NJ didn't restrict the C&R otherwise I'd have 10 of them by now. Perhaps give J&G a call and seen what their status is for their back orders. Not taking anything away from Classic, I used them once for my last Mosin purchase and it was a nice smooth transaction. I just think it is what it is, vendor hit or miss and now the waiting game. Hang in there, you get it...

You could probably do them with a blindfold and one hand tied behind your back. This is the maiden voyage for me, guess I'm just being over cautious considering the vice padding. I’ll give it a try without the vice first and see how it goes and if I need to go that route I'll buy them later on...

I appreciate the Help, the link and tip on RETAINING PLATE. Knowing me I will have the laptop there going over and over and over all the YouTube videos, LOL. I don’t have a Dremel but I have a 3/8 drill so tomorrow I’ll go over to HomeDepot and see if they have something to grind with that fits in my 3/8 drill. I have a real grinder but that would do me any good for the middle rivet. Can't you just hack off the trigger guard anyway since a new trigger guard is supplied in the kit(s)? Also need to pick up some vice pads, hopefully HD has them too or I'll have to make something. I’m really looking forward doing this. I think once I get past the trigger group I'll be OK. who knows, if it goes really well *maybe* the 308 will be next? I'm thinking Dark Earth, sound good? Again I appreciate your helpful tips & advise.

I think I going to backpedal a little and just do a “out of box kit” this way I could just do it by the numbers. it won’t mirror yours but I try to obtain that style best I could via a kit. Then once I get through and if I don’t have any major issue and I like the results I’ll buy my own parts to do the 308. This really has to go well before I hack up my 308. I looked at the video you posted, I have no problem with the metal my concern is the trigger assembly because I just can’t see all the details in the video but I’m going to go for it

Thanks Vladteps for the suggestion on the mags and paint.SUREFIRE mags it is then. For me, it would be pointless to install a telescope stock just to pin it. I'm going to mirror your 7.62x39 build since that was my first choice. The telescope was an afterthought and I wanted to know for sure if it was NJ legal. After looking around to see what's out there your builds are very nicely done and look to meet NJ regs as I understand them. Off to the parts list, I'll keep you posted on progress and problems. Thanks again!

This is a continuation from another post but but I don't want to hijack his post. OK got an ETA for next Wednesday for delivery to FFL so hopefully could have it by next weekend. I have a few questions now and likely more later. 1) I think I already know the answer to this one but let me ask anyway. I’d like to have the Tapco T6 but since folders are illegal in NJ would the T6 collapsible be classified as a folding stock? If that one is banned in NJ I’d like to replicate the 7.62x39 in this post, that is likely to be my desired end result 2) any suggestions for decent 10 or 15 round mags for the Saiga .223? My 223 is shipping with with a single 5 round mag. Having a hard time finding factory 10 round mags, my searches only so far only come up with after-market only. Looks like some adapting here but all I want is a 10 or 15 that will work right out of the box, any suggestions? 3) Lastly, once it’s converted do we need to do any touch up paint or does the pistol grip cover all the modifications? Thanks in advance

Thank you for the info, they also seem to be out of the 7.62x39 but they appear to have the .223 in stock. they list their .223 shipping with (1) 5rd Mag, all the other vendors look like they ship the 223 with a 10 round mag, something else to look into..... EDIT: Thanks again, ordered the .223 however no ETA yet....

I assume you mean the stay away from the converted ones from Classic and not the BudsGunshop correct? $299 I could do, $400 is a stretch right now plus I want to do the work as per our chat last week. You and my buddy from the THR talked me into it. You and I chatted last week about the converting my 308 which I don’t want to do (yet) but you have me going full speed to do a 223 or 762x39, that is if I could get one at 300 to 350 range, I don’t ever care which caliber. I try and refrain from the this vs. that but I’ll tell you what, the Saiga won me over.

easy for me to say but I wouldn’t worry if I were you, at least you know yours is in the queue. I wasn’t even given the back order option. Think there is a run on the them? I tried ordering more Factory 8 round mags for my 308 but those seem hard to get too...

Thanks for the reply back. Sorry, I should have been more specific. I’m in Trenton so that’s a little bit of a hike, I was thinking more line as another online dealer so I could have it transferred here. But if he has them for that price on the rack I may take a ride…. Thanks for the reply back, all he said was they would have computer issues and they were “out of the $299 configuration”, he did say they had the converted ones in the $400 range. I call back tomorrow and see if they could put me on the list. On a side note Bud's might have them too but looking at Bud's yesterday they started some VIP nonsense where you pay an annual fee to be a VIP. That's not for me...

Wow, I have Saiga in 308 but now I want one in 7.62x39 or .223. I was going to hold off until recover financially somewhat from the Holidays but for $299 I'll charge it ... I called this morning and tried to order one but they were sold out. If anyone knows any other sources with a similar price please advise. EDIT: typo 7.62x39

@ vladtepes, As far as the Saiga conversion a fellow forum member over on THR says I should convert one. I guess you and him have allot in common. I wish I knew what he forgot about weaponry, here’s his conversions but he is NOT in NJ so I don’t know if those posted (minus the mags) would be NJ complaint. Again for us it goes back to the NJ compliance thing. If/when I convert it’s likely to be the 7.62 x 39 and if I like the end result maybe I would think about converting my 308. The smaller caliber has to win me over first. Thank you, I will look at your links for a resource. I always hear how great the AR is so I figured it’s time to get one to find out for myself. I’ve had Mini’s for years and anyways liked them. In the last couple of years I picked up two Su16’, an SKS, a few Mosins the the one Saiga (so far). I have to admit the AR is a little confusing for me. Piston vs DI, build or buy, short or rifle length barrel, 223 or 5.56 and on and on and on. I checked out a Stag Arms/NJ Compliant in a local shop and I admit I liked the look and feel so right now that is the leading contender unless I find another NJ Complaint River Rocks or something similar within the same price range.. In the meantime determine which one I really want.. I'll stop right there since those two thoughts are ringing in about a $1000 +. First thing first, pick out a model and secure the funds. At that point when I'm ready for the AR perhaps I'll even post here in the price quote section and what the forum vendors could do... So for 2012, here's my wish list, an AR, another Saiga, and maybe the new Kel-Tec shotgun and last but NOT least MOVE out of NJ... Back to the Factory 8 rounds mags, pick up new coping saw blades at HomeDepot and was able to do a second mag in half the time on the first try. That was a fun project. I was albe to load and unload the mags without any binding, I think the mags will work nicely

@ vladtepes - I'm actually pretty happy with it “as is” that said I would like to get another Saiga in 7.62x39 and convert that that one. For next year I want an AR type carbine and another Saiga , that’s the short list. So if you could help with what’s NJ legal as far as the conversion I’ll give it a shot. That probably wouldn’t be until March or April. Got the mag to work with the 10 rounds after three shots at it. I didn’t want to take too much off. But just like the post says 1.25 & .85 did it. I have those calipers from harbor fright. Got hit in the head with the follower once but all is good,, it’s working perfectly. the other key is to bevel the inside as mention earlier