Saiga conversion choices on parts?

[bigbob76]

There was another thread about converting Saigas of recent manufacture, with dimples/spotwelds instead of pins. I couldn't take it any more I had to go and see what it would take to get the front sight base off my .223, so here we go. On one side I drilled into the depressions, the other I cut a criss-cross pattern with the Dremel abrasive wheel. The drilling seemed to be more effective. A few taps on a small chisel with a hammer and it was off. I'm wondering what parts other converters used for gas blocks or front sight bases. I'm thinking about using a 74 front sight base from Kvar or Dinzag and a bolt on handguard retainer and gas tube from Dinzag.

[1911ZENSHOOTER]

good work bob..bye bye to all the saiga neutered parts! let me know how this progresses..

[bigbob76]

Any pics of the barrel itself ?? Thanks

I went back and looked at your tutorial on the virgin build. Thanks for your work in documenting that. I am truly a caveman compared to you. I just took the gas block off, drilling into the dimples with no Dremel work. I see now it would have been even better if I had used an end mill bit in my drill press. I do believe I got it right as far as depth though; I barely marked the dimples in the barrel. I couldn't get enough contact on the gas block to press it off. I used a small hammer with a blunt chisel to get it off. I've ordered some parts and will find out what fits.