So thanks to OldSchool (he's a really cool dude)I finally got my saiga. So now the noob that I am I have questions. Is the tapco gas piston worth getting?

First, what exactly are your plans for the rifle? Do you plan on converting it? If so, what accessories are you planning on using to convert it?

how much you pay for it ? and what cal, did you get it in. i am looking for one myself in a 7.6 x39

I'm looking to convert the saiga I would like to replace all the parts I can. Debating on fcg but besides that I'm probably gonna put all tapco parts on. I don't really care for wood furniture. The more I could replace the better this saiga is gonna be my project. And it's a 7.62 and I payed 4 for it

What do you mean by "replace all the parts you can"? There's only a certain number of parts you need to replace in order to be compliant with 922R.

I like projects I don't know much about the saigas and I just want to rip it apart and replace whatever I can.

My best suggestion is to review what it takes to convert it, and then decide what you want. There's certain parts that you can replace, and other parts that you don't need to replace. To be honest, you don't NEED to replace the piston.

I'm about to become a Saiga owner myself, and am considering the conversion process (mostly because I want to have access to magazines larger than 10 rounds... that are also actually in-stock anywhere).

 

I'll have one in .223 though, so, I already have that which the purists will hold against me... so I might as well pursue the dream of making it the most unholy AK-variant of AK-variants

 

But to make this not a troll-post, I'm excited to be adding a Saiga to the mix. Definitely looking forward to learning a new system, and improving upon my rifle marksmanship. When it comes to the types of AK-variants out there, can't go wrong with a Saiga (or so I've heard).

I'm about to become a Saiga owner myself, and am considering the conversion process (mostly because I want to have access to magazines larger than 10 rounds... that are also actually in-stock anywhere).

 

I'll have one in .223 though, so, I already have that which the purists will hold against me... so I might as well pursue the dream of making it the most unholy AK-variant of AK-variants

 

But to make this not a troll-post, I'm excited to be adding a Saiga to the mix. Definitely looking forward to learning a new system, and improving upon my rifle marksmanship. When it comes to the types of AK-variants out there, can't go wrong with a Saiga (or so I've heard).

 

The actual "conversion" is referring to moving the FCG forward, and mounting a pistol grip. The bullet guide, which allows you to use surplus mags, is separate from the conversion. You can do the conversion without the bullet guide, and you can do the bullet guide without doing the conversion. Surefire also sells 15 round mags that do not require the bullet guide, so you're not restricted to 10 rounders.

My understanding is that non-factory magazines cannot be used unless the rifle is 922r compliant. And seeing how 922r compliance is met by going through a series of conversions (to include the actual conversion process, which I'm already versed on, as well as replacing with other US-made parts), the assumption is to not go halfway with a project-- but to complete it [and, in the process, make the Saiga more of it's traditional build, and less of the 'Sporter' imported version]. Of course, if my information is completely wrong... well, I'd be happy, ha, as I wouldn't have to necessarily restrict myself.

Legally, yes you do have to make the gun 922r compliant before using magazines that are 10+ rounds. If I recall correctly, the issue is not whether the magazines are factory or not, but whether they accept 10 rounds, or more. So you are 100% right, I was not considering the legal aspect of it. I thought you were under the impression that the conversion required the bullet guide, my mistake for reading incorrectly.

no.. it is not worth replacing the piston.. there is literally no point.. the ONLY time people do that.. is when they are insistent on using foreign wood.. and they do it to gain a US part..

 

read the links in my thread.. they will explain SO much to you..

 

the magazine issue is a gray area.. the rule is.. you can not convert a gun to a non sporting configuration without complying with 922.

non sporting configuration consists of things like pistol grip... high cap magazines.. etc..

 

the gun is approved for importation with a 10 round magazine.. it is my understanding.. that increasing the magazine capacity to that which is higher than the gun is approved for importation (15 for example) a 922 compliance situation is triggered..

 

being 922 compliant and converting to AK configuration.. also nets you a better gun.... a more balanced gun.. so it is worth the work..

It is DEFINITELY worth the work. I don't know who designed the stock FCG on the Saiga rifles, but it just sucks.

It is DEFINITELY worth the work. I don't know who designed the stock FCG on the Saiga rifles, but it just sucks.

 

it was unintentional.. the idea was to satisfy the need to look like a conservative hunting carbine.. the intention was never to function well.. there is really no other way to make a FCG like that other than utilizing a bunch of lame linkage... lol