saiga anyone?

[drewbuddy]

finally finished the build. filing out the hole for the double hook trigger was fun. not. anywho. i learned a lot on this build. came in under $450 for a true russian.

Stock saiga x39 - $305
Stock & FCG from RPB - $85 (after shipping)
Pistol Grip from blackrifles.com - $29 shipped
Tapco fcg retaining plate & front site adjustment tool - $25 shipped
2 screws to hold on the trigger guard - $.88

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e252/amberrolfsen/gunporn/DSCN0786.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e252/amberrolfsen/gunporn/DSCN0785.jpg

[chris in va]

That's purdy. I'd love to have a Saiga. My friend spent over $700 on his Arsenal AK, I'm willing to bet yours shoots just as well for much less.

[Manedwolf]

Very nice. :)

For x39, I already have a MAK, but for 5.56, I've got a Saiga. Thankfully, it's one of the "oops, we left the original square hole in there" ones, so I can convert it when I decide to do the work. :D For right now, it's just got the the ACE stock/SAWgrip thing that locks into the back of the reciever, along with the Surefire mags. As long as you play the 922(r) five-parts game, it's a way to sorta-convert it. The pistol grip ends up further back than on a "real" AK, but with the longest ACE skeleton stock, that doesn't bother me.

Here's my two as they currently are:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/738005876_c8cd154a08_o.jpg

[tegemu]

I've been considering the Saiga, I have no interest in the AK47 look but how does the basic Saiga shoot? Also, can anyone give me an idea on the shootability of the 12 Ga. Saiga?

[drewbuddy]

the 12ga will be my next build. i know you can find them for $1k already converted, but why spend $1k when you can pick one up for around $400 stock and build it yourself...

[Drakejake]

Manedwolf,

Does the ACE stock go right on or is some fitting required? It looks really good on the unconverted Saiga.

Thanks,

Drakejake

[PTR 91]

Nice job drew, if that's the 223 version where did you get the mag? I only have the 10 round mag and I would like a bigger one.

[Manedwolf]

It goes right on, no fitting required. :)

It's a special thing ACE makes specifically for the Saiga, so it just slides right in. It's on their website, look for "Saiga reciever block". You can buy it alone, or some vendors offer a package deal with the SAW grip, or put any grip you like on it.

However, the back end has the twin screw holes for an ACE stock, so you'll have to put either an ACE stock on it, or the ACE adaptor w/ring to let you use AR carbine stocks. You can also put the ACE folding stock mechanism between any of those...they have this whole modular system going on.

Just remember to play it safe with five US-made parts! Receiver block, stock, and grip can be three, then you just need two more, which can be mag, fore-end, gas tube, or trigger group, etc. TAPCO fire control group is a popular upgrade for that purpose.

(Oh, and US-converted German hi-cap steel mags that'll fit a stock Saiga are made by Surefire, and available from several online retailers. Generally $41 for 7.62 and $49 for 5.56.)

[PTR 91]

Manedwolf, what type of mag is that on your 223 version?

[drewbuddy]

mine is a x39. it used to be that only the .223s were shipped with precut holes for the conversion. not anymore. the x39s are pretty much all being shipped with them cut too. or so it seems. i'm going to pick up a new 12ga soon and see how those look.

[RockyMtnTactical]

Saiga's are a great deal... one of the best right now.

[Manedwolf]

PTR 91, it's a Surefire 5.56 magazine, no relation to the flashlight makers. It looks like they take Weiger mags, refit them for Saiga use by welding new steel lips and dremeling the latch locations, and then refinish them as new with a hard enamel coat. They look nice and function flawlessly so far.

Several places online have them for $50 or less, just google for "surefire saiga". Mine were from sksman.com, bought locally at a show. Pricey, but they work with a stock Saiga.

Apparently, it's not all that difficult to convert Weiger mags yourself using a screw for a bullet guide and dremeling the latch points to a sharper slope so it'll lock. I have a few, but haven't tried it yet. Bulgarian Waffles can be converted as well. The important thing is to start with 5.56x45 AK mags meant for a 5.56 NATO rifle, not 5.45x39 (AK-74) mags. Weigers were made for the 5.56 NATO round, as are the Bulgy Waffles.

Alternately, conversion can entail riveting or welding a bullet guide into the Saiga, but I've not considered doing that yet.

[SEG45]

Here's my Saiga .308 that I converted.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/SEG21/DSC01899.jpg

For .308's there's hope that down the road you won't even have to move the trigger.
http://www.raacfirearms.com/Saiga_308v21.htm states Fall 2007, only time will tell.

[PTR 91]

Good job, nice blondie stock on it too. How does it shoot?

[babarsac]

Manedwolf,

Did you get the ACE stuff from their site or are there any other vendors. I'm thinking about getting one for my Saiga

[Manedwolf]

I'd gotten a combo deal for less from www.blackjackbuffers.com....dunno if they're still running those. :)