Question about Saiga AK rifles

[DavidRSA]

It seems that the Saiga's offer good value for a beginner AK. I was looking at the riflegear website (see pics below) and the price is right for me. The only thing I don't like about them is what looks like a big plastic one-piece cover that covers the entire gas block and gas tube. I prefer the more typical upper handguard/gas tube cover which leaves the gas block exposed, and a separate lower handguard. I think the big one piece handguard on the saiga takes away from the iconic AK look.

Question: can this big plastic thing be replaced with a more typical 2 piece setup like in the 2nd pic below?

See pics from Riflegears website:

Saiga:


The look I want as seen on an Arsenal:

[Puskin]

Yes. It can be done but it is not easy.

For only about 50 dollars more you can save yourself ALOT of work and get a wasr 10/63 which will greatly simplify your project.

[Ryan in SD]

If you are at all mechanically inclined, go to a build party and make your dreams come true.

[RustyMacHine]

Or you can always get this:

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1018.aspx

All you're going to need are 922 r compliance parts, bullet guide and conversion parts w/c is = to or < the older Saiga version.

This will be my next SAIGA when the 545s come in.

.

[Lone_Gunman]

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-460/Saiga-Lower-Hand-guard/Detail

Bolt on HG retainer. Lets you put a regular lower HG on a Saiga.

[G-forceJunkie]

If your not up to building one or doing the conversions, the WASR;s are probably the most "correct" looking AK's you'll find. Beware there are single and double stack versions, your going to want the double stack. Turners has them occationally. Also Henderson defence: http://www.hendersondefense.com/stor...ouch-50p10.htm

[SideWinder11]

Yes. It can be done but it is not easy.

For only about 50 dollars more you can save yourself ALOT of work and get a wasr 10/63 which will greatly simplify your project.

Wrong. It's pretty darn easy, unless you can't change a light bulb

[SJgunguy24]

Wrong. It's pretty darn easy, unless you can't change a light bulb

Be pretty tough to change a light bulb with no arms. Not everyone has the tools, time, nor the mechanical aptitude.
To answer the OP, yes Saiga conversions are very common, ever heard of Arsenal's SGL series? Those are converted Saigas with a heaping load of F-U for CA buyers.