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September 7, 2017, 03:56 PM | #1 |
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Vepr compatible with Saiga
Years ago I ordered a Saiga in 7.62x39. They were selling for only $199. The deal didn't happen, but I had already bought two mags and a scope mount for the Saiga. Fast forward 15 years and I still have the mags and scope mount. I really like the look of the Vepr carbines with the sporter stock. The mags look really similar to the unconverted Saigas. Are they compatible? I've googled this and usually can find an answer. I know they are similar, but will they work without busting out the Dremel?
On a side note, the Vepr's on Gunbroker are saying they are now "banned" is that true at all? There seems to be quite a few unconverted ones for sale.
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September 8, 2017, 01:09 PM | #2 |
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Unmodified, they did not work in my Veprs (7.62x39 and 5.45x39). I had Saiga's and Veprs in both calibers and tried them out before I sold off my Saigas. I decided that even if they worked, I wasn't sure I would trust them. Either way, I modied my rifles to accept standard mags and modified the Vepr mags to work with the installed bullet guides.
As far as "banned" Veprs, that's only for import. Previously imported rifles are legal to own & sell (subject to local regs). As long as there's "Russian collusion" allegations against Trump Inc, that probably won't change. |
September 8, 2017, 07:08 PM | #3 |
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Thanks, that is what I was wondering. I am still leaning towards getting the Vepr, but was curious if the mags for the Saiga would work, they seem like they are really similar. The scope mount will work I'm sure. I actually like the wood stocks the Veprs come with and will probably look into the bullet guide. Will pick up some factory Vepr mags while I can. Honestly, it is a range toy. I have an SKS that takes factory AK mags as well, so it isn't like I absolutely need it to take AK mags. 10 rounders are nice for bench work.
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September 10, 2017, 10:29 PM | #4 |
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I bought one of the Vepr rifles in 7.62x39 last year that came with one 5 round and one 10 round magazine in the box.
Great little rifle all around. Ordered some of the SGM Tactical 30 round magazines for it, but didn't care for how long they were. Lopped them off at the first molded line in the miter saw and it turned them into 20 round magazines with no alteration of the spring and they've been 100% through plenty of rounds. I've gone to 20 round magazines with all of my rifles that are a similar platforms, just a personal preference. I chose not to alter the rifle and if it is just a range toy as mine is to me, I don't see the need to install a bullet guide. The SGM magazines were not that expensive and I'm sure one could be lopped off to the next molded line and become a 10 round magazine by trimming the spring incrementally until it's right.
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September 12, 2017, 09:46 PM | #5 |
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As a follow up. I bought a Vepr. My old Saiga mag locks in just fine, have not gotten to the range yet, but the mag looks just like the Vepr magazine. Will post my results as soon as I get to the range.
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September 21, 2017, 04:31 PM | #6 |
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They are both aks. And as long as the ak mags are telling correct caliber they will work.
Saiga mag releases on some rifles are a bit long on the sporter versions so depending on the locking tab thickness filing them might be needed.
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September 21, 2017, 05:26 PM | #7 |
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Saiga rifles (unconverted) do not have a feed ramp. There is a tab on the magazine that lifts the cartridge to feed into the chamber. Not sure if Vepr does or doesn't? If the Vepr does not have a feed ramp, the Saiga mags may work.
Side note, I have a Saiga 223 and really like it. Shoots < 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards with my reloads, just over 2 inch with LC M855 ammo, but around 4 inch groups with cheap steel cased stuff. Plenty good for what it's for. Paid $400 for mine about 5 years ago. |
September 22, 2017, 06:01 PM | #8 |
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Like the Saiga, the Vepr does not have a feed ramp as a part of the firearm.
Makarov can tell us if the Saiga mag works in his new Vepr!
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September 24, 2017, 01:48 PM | #9 |
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It's a bullet guide not a feed ramp. Some saiga and veprs don't require them to function correctly with normal ak mags others do. My 762 doesn't have one installed and it hasn't missed a beat.
Bullet guides are tedious to install so I don't bother until a rifle proves it does need one before I waste my time.
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E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug |
September 25, 2017, 04:24 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
All you do is drill a hole, tap it, and screw it in place. Dinzag and CSS sell kits with everything you need (except a power drill). |
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September 25, 2017, 05:02 PM | #11 |
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Pardon my terminology.
Feed ramp or bullet guide, it lifts the cartridge upward toward the chamber from the magazine as it moves forward. It is a part of the firearm on any AK other than the Saiga or Vepr (to my knowledge all be it limited). For the Saiga and Vepr it is a function of the magazine which is different from a standard AK magazine. My understanding is that the guide is a very simple install, but I still don't see the need if we're talking a range toy though others will have differing opinions.
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September 26, 2017, 03:36 PM | #12 | |
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Quote:
It is a simple job, anyone who's handy with tools should be able to do it. Having said that, I've installed bullet guides on 2 Saiga's and 2 VEPRs, and this is true: The Saiga's were easier than VEPRs, but they were all tedious. Tapping takes a loooong time. Drilling was easy on the Saigas, but work on the VEPRS. You definately want new drill bits and taps and lots of machining oil to help it go faster, though its not a job you can rush (unless you think extracting a broken tap is fun). |
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