I bought a couple of the M10 5.45s. I noticed that the muzzle device on one of them was pointing down oops.... pointing up. Apparently, M+M threads the muzzles and they may not be aware that there is a thread alignment tool available for 14x1 LH threading. I'm not one to send things back if I can fix them or if the issue will not effect the item after I do what I want with it. This one will be an SBR, so it doesn't really matter. The other one is fine and I will likely leave it long barreled.

Onward, since I want to SBR it, I decided to go ahead and install a Russian 5.5mm triangle folder on it (I think I may be addicted to the triangle folders ). This is where the "SURPRISE!" came into the equation. Upon field stripping, I noticed that the rear block rivet pattern was strange. The rear rivet is in the standard position for a fixed stock block, but the front rivet location is further back than standard. The sight rail also has a different pattern than usual. The front rivet is in the standard location, but the middle rivet is high and the rear rivet is further rearward than usual (because it shares the same hole as the left front rivet in the rear block). So, now I have to weld and blend the front rivet hole locations for the rear block and do the same with the center rivet hole for the sight rail. Bear in mind, I was going to install this 5.5mm folder on a Mini Draco, but really didn't feel like welding all of the factory rear block holes Here I am.... welding, blending, and locating new holes anyway. Projects like this make Saiga 12 retrofits look like child's play. On top of most of the hole locations being screwy, the center rivet hole on the sight rail is countersunk on the backside of the rail. When the center rivet was pressed, the receiver was bulged about 3/32" and 3/8" in diameter. It was bulged so hard that there are cracks in the bulge. Of couse, this means more welding and blending fun! Surprise! These receivers are so thin that it is somewhat stressful and difficult to make it look like there was no work done there upon close inspection, inside and out. I'm good at it though ;) Not fast, but good. It will be nice when I am done with it.

Enjoy the carnage! I thought I would share this info because I'm sure there has to be someone else out there that is "hands on" like me who wants to go AK100 style folder on one of these. At least you will know what to expect now.... expect to weld up some holes and install a different sight rail if you decide to keep one on it.

I forgot to label the rails in the second pic. The top rail is off of the M10. The pic of the rear blocks has the M10 block on top, Saiga 12 block in the middle, and Russian 5.5mm block at the bottom.
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The receiver looks bent in the above pic, but it only looks like that without a block in the rear.

UPDATE:
The retrofit went well and the rivets turned out decent. I only refinished the receiver, for now. After get an approved stamp and chop it, I will probably refinish the whole thing. I had an Arsenal 2 Stage trigger set rattling around in a box and decided to put some magic on it. This one should be a good shooter. Feels completely different in weight and balance now than it did out of the box. Looks ok too. Worth the effort....

A favor asked.... can someone please score me on the cut-in?

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.... and I was putting off another Draco rifle/AK100 conversion. They got me again!

Don't get me wrong, I like these rifles. They are relatively affordable and there is nothing else out there in this price range in 5.45 that already has the FS/GB combo. Yes, the furniture is hideous, but that is easy enough to change.... unless you want to add a real folder

I bought these from Atlantic firearms and they offer a arfcom member discount of $20 per rifle. Their prices seem a little high until you factor in the discount. Great company to deal with and a forum vendor!

After giving it some thought, I may get an Ops can for this.

It is about 7/32" higher. Really close.

Ceros_X,
For starters, the ProMags worked great and seemed like they were well built. I am not a ProMag fan, by far, but mine worked great when I test fired the weapons. I bought 16 Circle 21s and not one of them would fit in either weapon. I removed some material from the center support on each weapon and everything is GTG now. I'd rather make the weapon accept the mags than mod the mags to fit the weapon. Everyone has their own preferences though, so as long as you get them to work and you are happy.... mission accomplished.

Both of mine have the short Tapco brake, but neither have the M+M logo, which I am fine with. I'm not a fan of most logos.

I like the finish on the rifles. I'm a simple guy when it comes to certain things. My main attraction to these was the fact that they are 5.45, have a FS/GB combo, didn't break the bank, and would be good candidates to SBR. I have lost interest in fullsize weapons and have "seen the light" of chopping anything down that I can. I have 5.56 SBRs, a 7.62 SBR, a 12 ga SBS, and it just made sense to build a short 5.45. As soon as I get the cash, I will be sending a Form 1 out on this one and a few other things.

Intended Specs (hey, I may change my mind, lol)

Russian 5.5mm triangle folder
Arsenal/KVar grip
Arsenal/KVar handguards
I have an Arsenal 2 stage left over from another project that I will probably modify and use in this
OD Russian sling
Might do a reflex can on this one.... pending funds

Really not much to it. Just a simple and clean looking Kalashnikov. Same theme as my 8" Saiga 12

I started welding and blending today, but it is extremely slow. I do all of the final work by hand. I can't wait to get on with the folder install. It will go fast.

I'll post some pics of the center support modification. It is pretty simple.

I'd love to have those handguards. I bought some Dracos and wouldn't mind doing a blacked-out rifle/AK100 conversion on one of them. I have plenty of trading fodder around here. Shoot me an email.

I couldn't live with it.... OCD. I would go to bed thinking about it for a long time. I like sleep....

It has to be perfect.... or not at all.

Well, it was a surprise to me It's ok though. I'm almost done with the welding and blending. The rest is much faster and easier, to me.

Really, I have only done AK100 conversions on Draco and Saiga 12s, so far. I never noticed that slight difference in rivet pattern with any of the Romanian AKs that I have owned through the years, but I wasn't considering installing a triangle folder on them either. I had a lot of Chicoms and knew they had a different pattern, but I wasn't doing anything to them either.

That turned out pretty good, should be a nice SBR when you get the approval. Did you instal the front latch as well?

I wasn't worried about the plate. This thing is far from ever being a correct 105 clone

Just out of curiosity, how did you remove the muzzle device? I haven't fiddled with mine yet, but was thinking about replacing the muzzle device (not a big fan of the look).

At least 9/10, looks very professional. did you do that all with a die grinder?

Interesting. I just tried to unthread mine, and it wouldn't budge. And yes, I remembered to turn the right way :)

8.75/10 on the sidefolder cuts. I've seen a lot worse from a certain builder touting their stuff on here by posting tons of photos and wanting to get 5.45 banned for all of us.

Doesn't quite seem as even on the bottom of the right side. It could just be the photo.