zx12rider
Member
What is involved and the cost of cutting a saiga 223 barrel down from 20" to 16"? I want the 16" gun but found a 20" CHEAP.
Saiga 20" to 16" help
- Thread starter zx12rider
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My two Saiga rifles and every one I have ever looked at all appear to feature chrome lined bores.
Cutting a chrome lined barrel down is no easy feat, it plays hell on the cutting tool and the chrome lining tends to chip and flake and makes it very difficult to produce a decent crowning job on the muzzle.
This isn't saying that it can't be done, it is saying that the end results will be less than appreciated. and disappointment usually comes with a high price
Coupled with the fact that it will not be cheap to find a gunsmith who would be even willing to attempt the job, my recommendation is to skip the cheaper 20" rifle and keep looking for a 16" rifle if that is what you really want.
You could have the 20" rifle rebarrelled but the cost of the new barrel and the gunsmith time will negate any savings you realize buying the 20" rifle as the starter.
In the end, you will end up spending far more money cutting the 20" rifle down or rebarrelling it.
Cutting a chrome lined barrel down is no easy feat, it plays hell on the cutting tool and the chrome lining tends to chip and flake and makes it very difficult to produce a decent crowning job on the muzzle.
This isn't saying that it can't be done, it is saying that the end results will be less than appreciated. and disappointment usually comes with a high price
Coupled with the fact that it will not be cheap to find a gunsmith who would be even willing to attempt the job, my recommendation is to skip the cheaper 20" rifle and keep looking for a 16" rifle if that is what you really want.
You could have the 20" rifle rebarrelled but the cost of the new barrel and the gunsmith time will negate any savings you realize buying the 20" rifle as the starter.
In the end, you will end up spending far more money cutting the 20" rifle down or rebarrelling it.
Starship1st
Member
ZX12Rider,
If you ask around you may be able to trade with some one? It sounds easier than cutting your barrel?
If you ask around you may be able to trade with some one? It sounds easier than cutting your barrel?
chris in va
Member
Define 'cheap'. Under $300?
I've had no problems cutting down 2 different AK barrels. Both chrome lined. The chrome didn't seem to have any effect on cutting tools or make the job difficult, but I've never cut one not chrome lined. You may have a bit of flaking chrome at the muzzle but it will clean up with a crowning tool. You can rent one from dinzagarms.com or if you intend to do this type of work again buy your own.
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
member
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- Nov 14, 2007
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20" is perfect for the .223 anyhow. It needs to maintain velocity (preferably over 2700) to destabilize, yaw, and fragment in flesh, so out at range, the extra vel helps out. Doesn't matter, though I guess, since the Saiga is a short range weapon. Sorry, I'm not much help. Take it to the smith for a cut n crown if you really want to - you've got to have a good crown. Should still function though - it's a kalashnikov, not a finicky gas system.
rangerruck
Member
not much cost at all, def do it.
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