I haven't been shooting for quite a few months now since I have been getting treatments to reduce the lead in my system, and am under Wife and Doctor's orders to stay away from lead until my numbers are down to a respectable level (which I am told should be the end of this month). In my spare time I decided to start a Saiga project. I wanted it in 7.62x39 since I have so much ammo in that caliber (and don't shoot it that often now that I sold my PTR32). Also, after seeing Vlad's gun and reading of his travails with accessories, I decided I wanted a bare bones rifle. I would forgo the tactical stuff (i.e. quad rails, etc) that imbalance an already front heavy gun. As much as I love classic looks, I also wanted to take advantage of the improved ergonomics of the AR platform. I started with the stock Saiga and little by little have ordered parts from Carolina Shooter's Supply (great vendor, BTW). Here is my NJ Compliant finished product.

 

Parts used in this build:

Magpul CTR stock - pinned in position 3

Vltor AK Stock Adaptor - This thing is ROCK SOLID. Expensive but worth it.

Ace AK to AR grip adaptor

Ergo Ambi Grip

Ultimak gas tube w/rail - This is also ROCK SOLID.

KVAR lower handguard

AimPoint 2MOA H1

CSSupply lower hand guard bracket

CSS trigger guard

CSS Pin retainer

Tapco G2 modified trigger, hammer, etc

 

There are things I may change and thing I would reconsider if I were to do a build again. The Ultimak railed gas tube is a great piece of hardware and allows for perfect cowitness with iron sight, but it does limit you as to what you can use for a lower handguard (basically just a KVAR). I know that Midwest Industries and possibly Samson have alternatives with some more flexibility. I would've preferred a lower handguard that extended further towards the muzzle. My front hand position varies sometimes depending on the kind of shooting I am doing, and the shorty handguard limits that. Still, the red dot cowitness trumps the other considerations, so I don't think I would change the tube unless I knew for a fact something else was an improvement.

Also, the AK to AR grip adaptor is a little klugey. I would consider a Hogue AK grip or any variant that was really close to an AR grip.

 

Lastly, thanks to Andy at Shore Shot. I bought a Magpul CTR stock at SS and he pinned it on the spot for me. No constructive possession for me thanks.

no shocker here.. but I love it.. it is essentially a clone of my gun.. you did a great job with it and hope you enjoy it..not a ting I would change (except for hogue AK grip, but you already know that..)..

Nicely done! after seeing that now I need another one...

Looks nice. I agree, I think I need another one. Too bad converting a Saiga shotgun is not allowed.

Looks great. Threads like these make me miss my Saiga. I'm definitely going to do another one when I get the money.

Thanks. I started out by ordering a Saiga 308. I really wanted to convert one of those, but there were a few too many compatibility/fitment issues with standard conversion parts. This gun in 308 would have been a monster.

OK, I sucked it up and bought the Hogue AK grip. I guess I have a new Ergo AR grip I will be throwing up in the marketplace shortly.

Your killing me Chris.

 

I have been secretly going back and forth about getting a Saiga to convert or build another AR. So without being able to decide, I guess I should do both. lol (if Kristen let's me)

 

I love the way it looks. Nice and simple. How does the stock feel? btw, I may be interested in the grip, not sure I'm loving my hogue grip on my AR, thinking it's time to try something new.

Your killing me Chris.

 

I have been secretly going back and forth about getting a Saiga to convert or build another AR. So without being able to decide, I guess I should do both. lol (if Kristen let's me)

 

I love the way it looks. Nice and simple. How does the stock feel? btw, I may be interested in the grip, not sure I'm loving my hogue grip on my AR, thinking it's time to try something new.

 

Hey Bryan. I like the Ergo AR grips a lot better than Hogue. That's why I went with them on this build. The only reason I am switching to Hogue AK grip is the ACE AR grip adaptor is a POS. This rifle is nice and light, and well balanced. The VLTOR stock tube (can't really call it a buffer tube since there is no buffer) and Magpul CTR stock make a good cheek weld. You should come out when I try it on the 16th. I am going shooting with my dad for early Father's Day.

If I didn't have thousands of rounds of 7.62 around, I would've gotten it in 223 for caliber commonality with my AR. That may be a future project.

Chris, I first went with the ERGO grip, then picked up the Hogue grip. I think you'll be MUCH happier with the Hogue grip.

Hey Bryan. I like the Ergo AR grips a lot better than Hogue. That's why I went with them on this build. The only reason I am switching to Hogue AK grip is the ACE AR grip adaptor is a POS. This rifle is nice and light, and well balanced. The VLTOR stock tube (can't really call it a buffer tube since there is no buffer) and Magpul CTR stock make a good cheek weld. You should come out when I try it on the 16th. I am going shooting with my dad for early Father's Day.

If I didn't have thousands of rounds of 7.62 around, I would've gotten it in 223 for caliber commonality with my AR. That may be a future project.

 

funny you say that.. about 223 that is.. lol

 

Chris, I first went with the ERGO grip, then picked up the Hogue grip. I think you'll be MUCH happier with the Hogue grip.

 

"told ya so" LOL

funny you say that.. about 223 that is.. lol

 

Vlad, is a 223 on your radar?

If I didn't have thousands of rounds of 7.62 around, I would've gotten it in 223 for caliber commonality with my AR. That may be a future project.

 

But then again, you've already had that rifle and you know that you have a rule that you don't buy the same gun twice.

Also, the AK to AR grip adaptor is a little klugey. I would consider a Hogue AK grip or any variant that was really close to an AR grip.

 

I dunno, i've got one and it works for me. I love the giant ergo grips and being able to have one on my saiga is pretty sweet although the US palm/saw style grip looks pretty sweet too.

But then again, you've already had that rifle and you know that you have a rule that you don't buy the same gun twice.

 

Well, it could be like an annulment. I could just say I prematurely sold it. That would allow me another of the same.

Also, the rule is for "twice", not "thrice" so you could always game the loophole.

Vlad, is a 223 on your radar?

 

my 7.62 gun is technically gone.. all the parts stayed behind.. just the gun itself is gone.. I have a 223 coming to replace it..

 

I was always a firm believer of the potency of the 7.62x39...

BUT the potential issue of supply has finally gotten to the point of concern, and with the recent decision being made to eventually pursue a 300 blackout SBR I really have no need for a 7.62x39 gun.. but with still having love for the AK platform I have decided to jump back to 556.. both AR and AK chambered in 556.. a 308 AR with an optic.. and 300 blackout SBR.. that is IMO more than I will ever need for any situation... and are all domestic ammo..

 

and I am honestly starting to drink the 556 koolaid.. I know I have been one of the most outspoken against it.. but I am not sure.. I am starting to rethink that, and think it is a viable round.. and if for any reason it is not enough.. 300 blackout would be.. and well if that is not enough.. 308 will do it..

 

so I essentially say good by to 7.62x39 and part with the Saiga that started it all for me.. I am sad to see it go.. but feel it is the most logical choice.. I am not a huge fan of caliber diversity (from a financial standpoint)

I don't like the stock, or the grip, or the rear sight. Change those out to Arsenal furniture and a Krebs rear sight. Then I'll like it.