Advice for customizing Saiga

DruidKing · February 15, 2015, 11:07 PM

So I got myself a saiga rifle recently (7.62x39). And I am looking to customize it a little bit. I was thinking of replacing the lame generic stock and putting on one of those wooden skeletonized stocks. And replacing the hand guard with a wooden vertical foregrip. I don't want to be bothered moving the trigger group forward. So I question I have is: Is it safe to assume that if the furniture would fit on an ak47, that it would also fit on my saiga? Are the dimensions the same for the hand guard? If not, does anyone manufacture those desired parts for a saiga? Any other pieces of advice I'd be happy to hear it.

Fishbed77 · February 16, 2015, 12:29 AM

Quote:

I don't want to be bothered moving the trigger group forward.

You should. It's an easy project that you can do yourself in an afternoon, and it vastly improves the rifle.

Quote:

Is it safe to assume that if the furniture would fit on an ak47, that it would also fit on my saiga?

Not sure what exact stock you have in mind, but if it's not made specifically for an unconverted Saiga, it won't work, as the pistol grip will be in the wrong place.

Quote:

Are the dimensions the same for the hand guard?

An AK lower handguard will not fit a stock Saiga unless you add a forward handguard retainer (CSS and others sell a bolt-on variety that is easy to install). You will have to install an AK gas tube to install an AK upper handguard.

Tucker 1371 · February 16, 2015, 12:38 AM

Fishbed is right. Because of the trigger position any standard aftermarket accessories for stamped receiver AKs will NOT work until you convert your rifle.

If I had a Saiga I would be converting it, just my $.02

chris in va · February 16, 2015, 06:28 PM

'Unconverting' a Saiga is not that big of a deal if you have basic workshop items. Really the biggest PITA was bending the trigger guard...I think Izhmash uses high tensile tempered steel or something.

Fishbed77 · February 17, 2015, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Really the biggest PITA was bending the trigger guard...I think Izhmash uses high tensile tempered steel or something.

You don't even have to fool with the trigger guard if you get one of the kits from CCS (Carolina Shooters Supply) that includes a new one. You can just cut the old Saiga one off.

February 15, 2015, 11:07 PM	#1
DruidKing Junior Member Join Date: February 11, 2013 Posts: 13	Advice for customizing Saiga So I got myself a saiga rifle recently (7.62x39). And I am looking to customize it a little bit. I was thinking of replacing the lame generic stock and putting on one of those wooden skeletonized stocks. And replacing the hand guard with a wooden vertical foregrip. I don't want to be bothered moving the trigger group forward. So I question I have is: Is it safe to assume that if the furniture would fit on an ak47, that it would also fit on my saiga? Are the dimensions the same for the hand guard? If not, does anyone manufacture those desired parts for a saiga? Any other pieces of advice I'd be happy to hear it.

February 16, 2015, 12:38 AM	#3
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	Fishbed is right. Because of the trigger position any standard aftermarket accessories for stamped receiver AKs will NOT work until you convert your rifle. If I had a Saiga I would be converting it, just my $.02 __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

February 16, 2015, 06:28 PM	#4
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	'Unconverting' a Saiga is not that big of a deal if you have basic workshop items. Really the biggest PITA was bending the trigger guard...I think Izhmash uses high tensile tempered steel or something.