Classic Arms Offering - Saiga AK Conversion Rifles

Has anyone looked into the latest Saiga AK Conversion offering from Classic Arms? Depending on the conversion work it looks like an ok deal at $499.95. I called them earlier today to ask a few questions about the rifle. My first call resulted in my many questions generating little to no answers. I was told to call back in 30 minutes to an hour when someone with more knowledge would be available. On my next attempt I did get to speak to a different person but didn't get much back in the form of answers.

http://www.classicarms.us/
Russian Saiga AK configuration Rifle. One of the smoothest operating, best looking Russian AK rifles available. Fully 922r compliant, accepts all standard high capacity AK Mags and Drums. Integral Scope Mount on Receiver. 7.62x39 Caliber, Semi-Auto. Comes complete with 1-30 rd mag, cleaning kit, oil bottle and manual.

I bought one and picked it up last week. It looks like the conversions are done by TGI in Tennessee and done well. My receiver had a small rectangle that checkered out some text and then was refinished leaving a small patch at the back of the receiver that looks like velcro but is actually metal. This doesn't bother me because I'm not looking for a safe queen, have other nicer AKs and everything else looks to be of high quality. I haven't gotten the opportunity to take it out and shoot it yet but as far as quality of build I wouldn't say it's any better or much worse than my Arsenal AKs that cost a load more. If you're wanting a good quality Russian made AK on the cheap it absolutely fits the bill. As soon as I get around to it I'm going to get a new grip for it. The stock is short (Warsaw length) if that bothers you but it's still quality.

Pros:
Price is low
Quality of the fit and finish is extremely high
comes with scope mount.
Has all the nice Russian marks.
Was converted by people who know AKs

Cons:
checkered out section on receiver may be an eyesore to some.
Grip looks goofy (actually feels great though)
No flash hider or muzzle brake

You're basically paying a $120 or so premium to have the Saiga converted for you and they don't do a bad job at all. You know that Saigas are quality stuff so that's pretty much it. Other than what I have mentioned there are no surprises and I honestly doubt there is a cheaper way to get in to the quality AK business. *mention the e-blast advertisement and they will actually send you three 30rd Tapco mags.

Man... That is a great deal
I need to get a couple

Makes me wish I had bought another sgl 21 for $505 when the price was lower. I guess this is the way things are now.

Is anyone else selling these besides Classic Arms?

Thank you for the feedback. This was much more information than I was able to gather from Classic Arms. Sounds like a nice conversion for a good price. Would you mind sharing more details on your rifle? Are the old fire control group holes welded up or plugged? Is the triggerguard welded onto the mag latch housing? I have seen some conversions where the triggerguard is tucked under the mag latch housing. I prefer the weld. Thanks in advance.

no threaded barrel is a deal killer. if you look at your saiga, u will notice that a small cut can make it threaded. its like the welded it so it would no be 'called' threaded

got mine from classicarms.
the old fire control group holes are plugged with steel rivets.
the triggerguard is welded onto the mag latch.
the triggerguard/mag latch looks like it may be a new ak assembly.( doesnt look pieced together)


with the new ace stock (had to drill out/remove the rivet plugs)

Why would they be threaded?

Modern 74's and 100 series all use 24mm FSB, I think the intention is to be able to remove the sporter FSB add the 74 style FSB again, not thread it to use 14x1 AKM brakes.

OTOH if you want a slant brake or something else you could replace the FSB with an AKM style and should have enough barrel sticking out to thread it yourself.





Z

What handguard is that? I have one similar but no "swiss cheese"....

its the orig saiga handgaurd "swisscheesed" with a magpul afg mounted on the bottom

i like that, stock extended pics perhaps?

sure! ace sidefolder.

No 5.45s ?
ETA: I called- NO 5.45s.

alright....HOW did you "swisscheese" and get it looking so neat and uniform? Inquiring minds want to know (or at least I do...)

using masking tape pulled across to get visually straight lines ( and write "x's" on ). measured and marked . copied on the oposite side. then drilled "pilot" holes on both sides, double checked everything looked right, then upped the drill bit size.

It has been decided.

I am going to copy you for my new 7.62 rifle.

Although I wont drill holes.

sexy stick, simple and effective

Agreed. Very nice rifle.

So is this essentially the same as a SGL 21-61 for a couple hundred less? Any major differences?

Unthreaded barrel, rear sight leaf graduated only to 300 meters, extra holes in the receiver. Possibly somewhat lower metallurgical / production quality of parts.

that is not true since arsenals start off as saigas.

doesn't legion make the saiga's destined to become SGL series weapons. i wonder why that is or if it makes a difference? my sgl21-61 is marked right on it made by legion, yet my saiga 12 has no such mention of legion. anyone have any ideas?

my saiga 7.62 has the legion engraving.

another saiga that i owned in the past (IZ132) did not have the legion markings.

I believe that checkered out section is where the "Russian American Armory" stamp used to go. Now there's a "Legion USA Inc" roll mark on the lower left side of the receiver of the guns I've recently seen. The importer has changed I guess.

Are the holes for the cleaning rod shaved off? How hard is it to have a cleaning rod in these rifles?

These are $449 now.

I ordered one for 419.99 yesterday.

How is it? I'm thinking about pulling the trigger.

Yes. Tell us where. I have been watching these and at that price, it may push me over.

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