My first Saiga Conversion (pics)

[californa]

I finally got the courage to convert my Saiga. I have had it in a sporterized configuration for sometime now with 100% reliability. I would not consider myself a handyman by any means thus the fear of drilling into the receiver and removing the guts. After watching many YouTube videos on how to convert it and talking to many fellow Cal Gunners I finally felt confident to convert it. I used the Kit for Carolina Shooter Supply with the collapsible stock. The conversion kit came with everything I needed. I also ordered the Bullet guide so that I may use the original AK magazines. The conversion was not hard at all with the aid of YouTube. It all took approx 2 hours. I used basic tools such as a drill and hammer and a punch a vise would of helped. I would suggest buying a strong drill bit as the Saigas receiver strength can be deceiving. I broke a drill bit in the process. Overall the bullet guide was the most challenging as I had never drilled and threaded before. I feared that I would strip the hole for the bullet guide .Be careful when selecting bullet guide as some Saigas have different shaped guides either round of flat. It was a great experience, as I feel comfortable with rifle now. I would recommend this project to even the noobest noob.

Carolina shooter conversion kit $217

(basic kits with NATO stock are $147)

Bullet guide with screws and thread kit $18

Saiga rifle in 09 $399

Tapco AK mag with mag block $16

Total cost to have a russian AK $650


BTW can some fix the pics so they show up without clinking them not sure how to do it. Thanks Calguns.

[zfields]

Looks good, need to get that barrel threaded!

[DavidRSA]

Did you test fire it yet? I tested mine for the first time today - using a bullet guide from CSS - and the last round would often misfeed.

[californa]

I hand cycled approx 20 rounds. I then went to the range and shot 100 rounds without any hiccups. I am considering a red dot next followed by threading the muzzle. I cant seem to find a good mount for optics. Anyone have any idea as I am not a big fan of the side mounts.

[0351USMC]

I hand cycled approx 20 rounds. I then went to the range and shot 100 rounds without any hiccups. I am considering a red dot next followed by threading the muzzle. I cant seem to find a good mount for optics. Anyone have any idea as I am not a big fan of the side mounts.

what brand of bullet guide are you using?

[zfields]

I hand cycled approx 20 rounds. I then went to the range and shot 100 rounds without any hiccups. I am considering a red dot next followed by threading the muzzle. I cant seem to find a good mount for optics. Anyone have any idea as I am not a big fan of the side mounts.

If you want a rearward mounted optic, check out the Texas weapon systems dog leg.

Forward mount, Ultimak and Midwest Industries.

[DavidRSA]

I have the midwest industries mount with a Primary Arms micro red dot. Very low profile unlike some of the other fugly ones. Held rock sold at the range today and with the red dot I was hitting steel at 200 yds effortlessly. And it pops off with a great QR lever. I was looking at the TWI rail but to remove it for field stripping you have to unscrew the screw that secures the rear stock. Since I have mine locktighted down, I didn't want to do this.

[Freagan]

Did you test fire it yet? I tested mine for the first time today - using a bullet guide from CSS - and the last round would often misfeed.

Did you ever try it before installing the bullet guide?

I have a converted Saiga in 7.62x39 that has almost a thousand rounds through it with no bullet guide using regular Ak mags (circle 10 mags)


I probably got lucky, but now I tell people to at least try it without first just to see

[DavidRSA]

Did you ever try it before installing the bullet guide?

I have a converted Saiga in 7.62x39 that has almost a thousand rounds through it with no bullet guide using regular Ak mags (circle 10 mags)


I probably got lucky, but now I tell people to at least try it without first just to see

Hmm that never even occurred to me. I'll give it a try next range visit.

[Bigtwin]

[QUOTE=californa;7798151. Anyone have any idea as I am not a big fan of the side mounts.[/QUOTE]

Is there a reason you do not like the side mounts?

I really like my Kalinka Posp 4x scope. It holds zero every time I use it, and I take it off after every time I use it.

[californa]

The mag lock is a solar tac I got it at a Sacramento black rifle for about $30. DavidRSA I'm really taking a liking to your AK you got there. The Mount looks like it fits snug and sturdy. I also Checked out the Texas weapons mount its nice but the price is up there.

[DavidRSA]

The mag lock is a solar tac I got it at a Sacramento black rifle for about $30. DavidRSA I'm really taking a liking to your AK you got there. The Mount looks like it fits snug and sturdy. I also Checked out the Texas weapons mount its nice but the price is up there.

The Midwest mount isnt cheap. $109 from midwest website or Midway USA

[ChaneRZ]

If you really want a mount that is sturdy, field strip without taking out the mount, and cheap, Leapers UTG is the best! 20 bucks only. There are 3 hex screw on the bottom and low profile mount. Just saying

[tujungatoes]

BTW can some fix the pics so they show up without clinking them not sure how to do it. Thanks Calguns.

There ya go.

Congrats. This AK stuff is easy and fun.

[atakacorp]

looks good, congrats you are hocked now, but please don’t tapko s&^%t out of it, just kidding go crazy
if i were you i would check David's or RZ's sticks,grandpa Mikhail would say DA to those babies