AK Dilemma

[nalioth]

Also, I am not eager to convert a Saiga. A Saiga just does not seem like a classic AK. It seems more like a sporting rifle in 7.62X39 to me. Also, something about the handguards and barrel area are not the same as AKs.

Those reasons are why one converts them.

Here's one of my converted Saigas. I think it looks like an AK:

 

[Maverick223]

The Arsenal is a good gun because of the milled reciever; however grossly overpriced. I would definately go for a Saiga and convert it yourself, you will end up with a great gun at little expense.

 

[marineman]

Nalioth, now that looks like an AK. How did you do it? If possible, please tell me everything I need to buy and how to do it. Thanks.

 

[nalioth]

The Arsenal is a good gun because of the milled reciever; however grossly overpriced.

Milled receivers are also grossly overweight, and don't offer any advantage over a stamped receiver. That Arsenal kool-aid must be really tasty.

Nalioth, now that looks like an AK. How did you do it? If possible, please tell me everything I need to buy and how to do it. Thanks.

Dinzag Arms has everything you'll need as far as parts goes.

The conversion steps are the same for any Saiga.

If you really want to get into the nitty-gritty, come visit the Saiga forum.

 

[wally]

I like the stock fore end well enough. The cost of a replacement gas tube and lower hand guard retainer seemed too high to me for just the cosmetic effect, YMMV --unless you have the tools and confidence to remove the front sight and gas block to use the standard press on retainer.

I have zero metal working skills and did it in an afternoon with a Dremel and basic hand tools.

You had a Dremel and "basic" hand tools, and at least the confidence to do it yourself. This can be a serious sticking point for a lot of people which too often gets short shrift from the mechanically inclined among us.

+1 to Dinzag for parts, also good instructions and photos of what you'll be getting into are at his site.

Be aware not all Saiga's have the square hole for the pistol grip nut, or the barrel notch for the front hand guard retainer. Sure the required cuts are no biggie, but the layout for the proper location gets you into machine shop 101.

--wally.

 

[Pongwoo]

don't get a saiga don't listen to these ppl get a Arsenal, get what you want i got a slr-106f after these guys told me get a saiga and convert it with a folding stock kit lol..... now i just got my folding 6 pos AR-15 stock for it, eco grip, and ris rails for forward grip, SR-74 .223 here we come just need the red dot.

 

[marineman]

Nalioth, how much did that project cost you in all if you don't mind my asking? What rifle did you start with and how much did you spend on parts and conversions? Will it accept standard AK mags? Thanks.

 

[nalioth]

Nalioth, how much did that project cost you in all if you don't mind my asking?

less than $600

What rifle did you start with and how much did you spend on parts and conversions?

A Saiga 20" 7.62x39 model.

Will it accept standard AK mags?

The PRIMARY reason to convert a Saiga is to be able to use military surplus magazines.

Even the 10 round milsurps (if you live in a ban state, for instance) cost less than a third of what a factory Saiga 10 rounder does. 30 round milsurps can be found for around $10 each if you look around.