I purchased a Saiga 7.62 from Chris almost a month back. It was sitting around un-molested while I read up on what I wanted to do. This is the first time trying to modify a gun so I really wanted to read up. I was real nervous about destroying the gun.

 

 

I then spent time collecting parts (and waiting for parts to be in stock). When you think you have all your parts, you get thrown a curveball. Most of the parts I got from Carolina Shooters Supply. Don't forget to use the coupon (CSS) if you purchase from them.

 

Below are the list of parts I used:

• ATI Scorpion Grip
  
• TAPCO G2 Fire Control Group
  
• Carolina Billet Trigger Guard
  
• Carolina Raptor Tactical Stock
  
• Check Rest for Carolina Raptor Stock
  
• Bullet Guide
  
• 15/20 AK47 Mags - Mountain Armory
  
• EMA Tactical AK Mag Release
  
• Ultimak Gas Tube
  
• GTE Performance Power Hammer Spring
  
• Lower Bracket Handguard Retaining Bracket
  
• Kvar Lower Handguard
  

Here is the final product below. I used the video guides from CSS to guide me thru this. Drilling rivets are probably the worst part with the wrong drill bit. I had not clue what my drill bits were but they were not going thru the rivets. A quick trip to Home Depot for a cobalt bit did the trick. The one hickup I had was the bullet guide. I drilled the hole too far in and had to remove some material from the bullet guide so that the screw can go into the hole I drilled. I then had to remove some material from the top of the screw so that it did not interfere with the bolt carrier. Everything is smooth now.

 

 

With the 15/20 AK47 magazine installed

 

The mag release is not quite flush with the mag installed. I tried knocking the mag loose but it seems like the mag is sitting in there quite snug. Do I need to file the top of the mag release a bit more so that the mag release is sitting flush?

 

Now that I've done the conversion, do I need to carry anything that states that this part is made in the US for 922r compliance? I am down to 9 imported parts (Trigger, Hammer, Disconnector, Buttstock and Handguard were replaced with parts made in the US) so I should be good.

 

I need to find a place I can shoot it. I've mainly been going to Bayonne Pistol Range so I need to find another range and am open to suggestions. I do plan on taking this to PA to shoot when I visit my brother in law out there.

Good job and nice write-up.

 

I wish I had the courage to do a conversion.

Do I need to file the top of the mag release a bit more so that the mag release is sitting flush?

 

 

If you go back to the CSS Bullet guide Video he does mention (at about the 5 minute mark) that on the 7.62 only you do need to take some off the top on the mag release.

Good job and nice write-up.

 

I wish I had the courage to do a conversion.

 

I felt that way once.. done many since.. LOL

I felt that way once.. done many since.. LOL

 

That's why I just got an Arsenal. It was a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

 

One day, one day, when I move into a permanent house, I will purchase a work bench and buy some tools and then do a conversion for the hell of it.

If you go back to the CSS Bullet guide Video he does mention (at about the 5 minute mark) that on the 7.62 only you do need to take some off the top on the mag release.

 

I did see that (although not initially). When I first tried to put the AK mag in, the mag would easily come out. I've removed quite a bit of material already. The mag stays but I'm wondering if I should remove more from the top of the bullet guide so that the mag release is flush against the trigger. I honestly cannot remember if the mag release was flush against the trigger.

 

I felt that way once.. done many since.. LOL

 

I agree with Vladtepes. I was quite dubious that I would complete this but there are quite a few good guides. Once I was able to successfully drill off the first rivet, I knew there was no going back but I felt like I accomplished something. I could pretty much take it apart whenever I need now. I actually swapped out the hammer spring today and it probably took a few minutes to do.

That's why I just got an Arsenal. It was a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

 

One day, one day, when I move into a permanent house, I will purchase a work bench and buy some tools and then do a conversion for the hell of it.

 

I actually didn't have many tools. Drill, Dremel, hammer, punch, needle nose plier and screwdriver. I actually did all the work in my basement bathroom. I rested the gun on the sink and put some cardboard underneath to protect the gun.

if you are missing some tools.. you can get creative.. for example.. no punch? use an old nail.. no hammer? a heavy brick will do nicely.. this IS an AK after all..