What conversions for the Saiga Sporter?

[BSA1]

It is time for a nice, calm, rational discussion.

What conversion items/kits do you have experience with when converting a Saiga Sporter to AK version?

Good, bad, indifferent?

What is your opinion of folding stocks? How durable are they, how well do they lock up and how stable are they for accurate shooting?

This one looks better than the rest is it?

http://www.themakogroup.com/product_p/uas-akp.htm

Is a fixed stock the best all around choice?

 

[Adam123]

I don't think a fixed is the best choice. A good folding stock always improves versatility. That Mako stock is cool. I'd recommend it if you plan on going with a setup that will bounce back and forth between optics and irons. The adjustable cheek riser is perfect for such a setup and the only one of its kind as far as I know. I got my two for a bit less ($115 and $97).

Check here: http://www.amazon.com/Mako-Tactical...e=UTF8&qid=1346186812&sr=8-3&keywords=mako+ak

I did a minimal conversion on my Saigas:

Reused factory trigger guard (looks just fine)

Tapco screw-build set (very strong metal)

Mako Stock (from my parts bin) Had I not used this, I would have went with a NATO-length stock from K-Var for $40.

Cheap original AK style grip

Tapco G2 trigger group

Touched up with Alyma-Hyde II Semi-Gloss Black (very close match)

It's certainly reasonable to say that one could convert a Saiga for less than $100.00 and end up with a good, reliable rifle.

Stay away from conversion packages. They are a waste of money.

 

[bri]

...Stay away from conversion packages. They are a waste of money.

+1.

I went with a polymer, fixed-stock by Arsenal. Just a reminder from the mother land...

 

[WardenWolf]

I did a more or less all-out conversion, using parts from Dinzag Arms.

Romanian wood furniture that I sanded and stained (WASR takeoffs)
Standard AK vented gas tube
Dinzag Arms bolt-on handguard retainer
Dinzag-modified Tapco G2 trigger group (allows me to retain the bolt hold open; I recommend his modified Arsenal instead, though, due to unintentional bumpfires)
Surefire / SGM Tactical 30-round magazine



I also took the original lower handguard and replaced its sling swivel with a cut-off machine screw swivel so I can use a bipod. A standard machine screw swivel will screw into the original Saiga retaining nut just fine. When I want to hunt with it, I slap on the original handguard and a scope attached to a UTG 978 leverlock mount.

I wound up with a very comfortable and handy rifle.