First Post (Saiga AK-47 questions

[uclafightfightfight]

Hey everyone, longtime lurker, bout time I finally decided to officially join the community.

Anyhow, I just purchased a Saiga AK-47. I am happy with the weapon so far, but have had a problem with some 10rd Tapco mags I ordered.

Question is, do Saigas' typically only work with a Saiga pressed magazine. (if that makes any sense) I assumed all AK_47 built magazines would fit my gun. Is this not the case? Is this perhaps an issue with the bullet button which was installed by the shop as I recall?

Thanks for the help

[LeadFarmer74]

Welcome to the forum. What exactly is the problem your having?

[SoCal Bob]

Welcome to Calguns. Your question is probably best asked in the Centerfire Rifles - Semiautomatic or Gas Operated, section, located here - http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/f...splay.php?f=67

[SkyHawk]

Is this a Saiga converted from a Sporter model, and what exactly is the problem you are having with the Tapco mags?

Welcome to Calguns!

[Dr Rockso]

So this is a converted saiga (looks like the one on top)?


Saiga are imported in the configuration of the bottom gun in the photo. As imported they (usually) won't work with a standard AK magazine, only the saiga mag. They need a bullet guide to work with regular AK mags, but then your saiga mag will no longer work unless you modify it.

Typically anyone who would do the conversion to the configuration shown on top would have installed a bullet guide, but it's possible that it doesn't have one. I've used the one from Dinzag Arms, though there are others.

[bluedsteel]

You need a bullet guide. The Saiga mags are specific to it. You will need to install a bullet guide for it to use regular AK mags. You can find bullet guides at Carolina Shooting Supplies. Cost about $20-25 after shipping.

[MUKAK]

you need a bullet guide and also ppl about forgot to mention you will need to file down the MAGAZINE RELEASE LEVER a little to accept AK MAGS

[Oldmandan]

Tapco's work great in AK's I have many of them, not a single problem. As stated above, do the appropriate mods and they will run good.

[tujungatoes]

You need to tell us what the problem you're having is. Doesn't fit or doesn't function? You eluded to both.

[uclafightfightfight]

Thank you for your replies everyone, apologize for being a bit vague.

But yes the problem is that the magazine won't fit. Seems the issue is need for installation of the bullet guide that others some have suggested.

Long been a fan of this community and am thankful for the help.

[MUKAK]

Thank you for your replies everyone, apologize for being a bit vague.

But yes the problem is that the magazine won't fit. Seems the issue is need for installation of the bullet guide that others some have suggested.

Long been a fan of this community and am thankful for the help.

u need to file down the MAGAZINE DROP RELEASE LATCH, easy job, look it up on youtube

[tujungatoes]

Thank you for your replies everyone, apologize for being a bit vague.

But yes the problem is that the magazine won't fit. Seems the issue is need for installation of the bullet guide that others some have suggested.

Long been a fan of this community and am thankful for the help.

First off, is the mag not locking in or just flat out not fitting in the mag well? This is common with tapco mags they're wider than most. The bullet guide(or lack there of) isn't the problem if the mag just doesn't fit. Also don't file the magazine catch on the rifle(at least not yet). Those mags suck, and fit like crap in just about everything. You don't want to alter your rifle to fit a crappy mag. Get a couple good foreign mags and test with those first. If they don't fit, then(and only then) do you consider modifying the rifle itself. I've repaired/replaced numerous mag catches that were butchered by people trying to fit crappy mags.