Cost on converting....

[ParanoidCivilian]

a Saiga 7.62x39 to look like a AK? Trying to decide whether to get a WASR or a Saiga and convert it. I'm trying to keep my budget at $700 total. Your thoughts?

[gun toting monkeyboy]

A basic conversion, assuming that you don't do it yourself, usually runs $125-150. If you aren't changing out the front sight, that is about it.

-Mb

[AleksandreCz]

Get a siaga Convert it yourself Its not very hard (but watch all the videos and read all the instructions before hand to make sure you can) And you will have yourself a Russian AK instead of a romanian one

[Bug Splat]

If all you are changing are the stock, pistol grip and fire control parts and a feed ramp, you can probably do it for less than $60.

Tapco G2 trigger group: $20
Surplus stock and grip: $20
Bullet guide: $15

Conversion is very easy, took me less than an hour to do mine at the kitchen table while watching Red Dawn . Saiga is the way to go over a WASR no doubt. Its a much better built rifle and its birthed from Mother Russia herself.

[21SF]

Buy mine for $600 and save!!! lol

[tujungatoes]

You Should have no problem buying and fully converting a saiga for $600-700. Price will vary depending on the parts you choose. If money is the biggest factor the WASR on sale at turners is probably the best way to go. You'll have a good rifle with money left over for ammo. Either way you'll have a good solid rifle, but the WASR will definitely be cheaper. I'll never understand why some people think being built in russia makes it a better AK, but if that matters to you go for it.

[AleksandreCz]

You Should have no problem buying and fully converting a saiga for $600-700. Price will vary depending on the parts you choose. If money is the biggest factor the WASR on sale at turners is probably the best way to go. You'll have a good rifle with money left over for ammo. Either way you'll have a good solid rifle, but the WASR will definitely be cheaper. I'll never understand why some people think being built in russia makes it a better AK, but if that matters to you go for it.

Better not necessarily but its the classic Russian AK
that being said I wouldn't buy a BMW built in Mexico or China
from what I read WASR's have improved in quality over the years if you buy one i would buy new some of the older ones used second parts from romanian factories currently they use mil spec parts that pass inspection for Romanian Millitary

[tujungatoes]

Ehh...strictly speaking it's not classic. That's me just me splitting hairs though. I know what you mean.

There are some differences between the saiga and an original AKM. They're more like the 74/100 series rifles. IMO the WASR is more true to the "original" than the saiga, but once again I think it depends on if and how much you care. They all go bang.

[AleksandreCz]

Yeah I know What You Mean. I was Actually referring to it being a quintessentially Russian Weapon being built in Russia in a factory that the man who invented it worked for most of his life. Granted that is purely esoteric value but might be important for some.

[Inquirer]

If all you are changing are the stock, pistol grip and fire control parts and a feed ramp, you can probably do it for less than $60.

Tapco G2 trigger group: $20
Surplus stock and grip: $20
Bullet guide: $15

Conversion is very easy, took me less than an hour to do mine at the kitchen table while watching Red Dawn . Saiga is the way to go over a WASR no doubt. Its a much better built rifle and its birthed from Mother Russia herself.

Bug Splat where the heck can you get a stock and grip for $20? I'll buy it right now!

[AleksandreCz]

Bug Splat where the heck can you get a stock and grip for $20? I'll buy it right now!

Ebay I have picked up some unreasonably cheap stuff on there for both AK and AR

[Bug Splat]

yeah ebay or gunbroker or any gun board. Lot of guys who are upgrading sell off their old "junk". The wood might not win is beauty contests but with a little sanding and staining you can turn it into a very nice looking set.

[zfields]

If all you are changing are the stock, pistol grip and fire control parts and a feed ramp, you can probably do it for less than $60.

Tapco G2 trigger group: $20
Surplus stock and grip: $20
Bullet guide: $15

Conversion is very easy, took me less than an hour to do mine at the kitchen table while watching Red Dawn . Saiga is the way to go over a WASR no doubt. Its a much better built rifle and its birthed from Mother Russia herself.

So how you plan on meeting 922r then?

[Bug Splat]

So how you plan on meeting 922r then?

Oh yeah, that stupid thing. In following the rules of this board and federal law, you do need to follow 922r when modifying any imported rifle.

In my personal opinion the DA can try and prove that one if they want. Good luck to them proving the impossible. While they are at it they can call the IRS on my neighbor, I think he actually won a few bucks while in Vegas last week

No but really, its good to follow 922r.... cough. Its a good law to have and I feel much safer knowing its in place..... cough. Thanks Federal Gov! COUGH COUGH COUGH! I think I'm coming down with something

[eclectic]

Oh yeah, that stupid thing. In following the rules of this board and federal law, you do need to follow 922r when modifying any imported rifle.

In my personal opinion the DA can try and prove that one if they want. Good luck to them proving the impossible. While they are at it they can call the IRS on my neighbor, I think he actually won a few bucks while in Vegas last week

No but really, its good to follow 922r.... cough. Its a good law to have and I feel much safer knowing its in place..... cough. Thanks Federal Gov! COUGH COUGH COUGH! I think I'm coming down with something

Ehm, I'm gonna have to side with ZFields on this one. A determined DA would have very little problem proving you violated 922r compliance mandates. Once they've confiscated your rifle, they'll have all the time in the world, and all it takes is one "Made in China" stamp that you forgot to sand off and you're federally f-cked.