Login System 
IMPORTANT: Please note that you must now log in with your email address and not your username!
 Blacktide
Dog of the State
Team Member
Joined: Feb 2010  WA, USA
 
 Posts: 3540 Feedback: 100% (3) |
Posted: 8/2/2012 11:36:20 PM
[Last Edit: 8/2/2012 11:49:00 PM by Blacktide]
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT I would like to get a saiga 7.62x39. I know that these are generally good guns but is there anything I should know that sets them apart from other AK's? What is a good rail forend that is compatible with Saigas? Also, are there any 'must have' upgrades (not including the stock conversion). I like these metal triangle stocks: Will it work with a converted saiga? Thanks a lot guys. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/2/2012 11:54:40 PM
[Last Edit: 8/2/2012 11:55:04 PM by HWI]
People like Saigas because they are quality built and have good barrels(something that many AKs in the US lack) and they are cheap.
To use a standard AK handguard set up you need to install a normal gas tube and a handguard retainer on the barrel. Both are easy to do. If you don't want to convert it then there are some options to still use a railed handguard. I know CNC Warrior makes a quality handguard for Saigas with unconverted front ends. One really handy upgrade is to thread the muzzle so you can use a brake. Some of the newer Saigas coming into the US already have threaded muzzles and just have a nut on the threads. The triangle folders are not just bolt ins. They require a different rear trunion and for holes to be cut in the receiver. |
|
|
|
Blacktide
Dog of the State
Team Member
Joined: Feb 2010 WA, USA
Posts: 3542 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/3/2012 12:43:21 AM
Originally Posted By HWI:
People like Saigas because they are quality built and have good barrels(something that many AKs in the US lack) and they are cheap. To use a standard AK handguard set up you need to install a normal gas tube and a handguard retainer on the barrel. Both are easy to do. If you don't want to convert it then there are some options to still use a railed handguard. I know CNC Warrior makes a quality handguard for Saigas with unconverted front ends. One really handy upgrade is to thread the muzzle so you can use a brake. Some of the newer Saigas coming into the US already have threaded muzzles and just have a nut on the threads. The triangle folders are not just bolt ins. They require a different rear trunion and for holes to be cut in the receiver. Thanks for the info. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/3/2012 1:15:09 AM
One important thing to note is if you want to use milsurp mags, and not mags made exclusively for the Saiga, you will need to install a bullet guide, and that, in my upinion is a bit of a tricky procedure.
|
|
|
|
Blacktide
Dog of the State
Team Member
Joined: Feb 2010 WA, USA
Posts: 3544 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/3/2012 1:16:25 AM
Originally Posted By akaf47:
One important thing to note is if you want to use milsurp mags, and not mags made exclusively for the Saiga, you will need to install a bullet guide, and that, in my upinion is a bit of a tricky procedure. Dammit.. I forgot about that. I may just go with something else. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/3/2012 4:17:58 AM
Originally Posted By Blacktide:
Originally Posted By akaf47:
One important thing to note is if you want to use milsurp mags, and not mags made exclusively for the Saiga, you will need to install a bullet guide, and that, in my upinion is a bit of a tricky procedure. Dammit.. I forgot about that. I may just go with something else. akaf47 was referring to upgrades on an unconverted Saiga, but the pic you provided shows what appears to be a converted Saigia. If you are not inclined to do it yourself, like me  , I would suggest a professionally converted Saiga like the Legion from Arsenal, LV. Search for SGL-21, has all that stuff taken care of already including 922.
As far as upgrades, I added a Midwest Industries rail with optic specific upper guard (just purchased the Burris Fastfire III to put on top), I switched out the Warsaw pact buttstock for the longer NATO stock (I like fixed stocks) and put in a Krebs "bolt hold open" selector. I have one of those stubby forward grips which makes it easier to change mags. Wll also be switching out the the AK74 style brake for the FSC47 |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/3/2012 4:59:21 AM
I've converted both of my 7.62 Saigas, as well as both my Saiga 12's. I would not let the conversion process scare you off. It's pretty easy. I suggest www.saiga-12.com (I think that's it) for all the info you may ever want to know about Saigas.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/3/2012 11:31:20 PM
^^^^ This. Saiga-12.com is home of the Saiga conversion.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/4/2012 10:32:32 AM
Originally Posted By Blacktide: Originally Posted By akaf47: One important thing to note is if you want to use milsurp mags, and not mags made exclusively for the Saiga, you will need to install a bullet guide, and that, in my upinion is a bit of a tricky procedure. Dammit.. I forgot about that. I may just go with something else. I had a friend who used to work in a machine shop do it for me. He used the regular drill and tap to do it. I'm pretty sure I could have done it myself, but when you have a friend who is experienced with stuff like this and is willing to do it...why not pass it off to him? Just go slowly and use a good amount of oil, and you'll be fine. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/4/2012 2:53:50 PM
Don't let the bullet guide scare you... it's stupid easy.
The Saiga's are very, very accurate for an AK. After I converted my 223 I could shoot consistent 2" groups with iron sights and PMC ammunition. I kind of miss that rifle... might get another one eventually. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/4/2012 3:07:52 PM
Originally Posted By Blacktide:
Please, bare with me. I am experienced with AR's but am a newbie when it comes to AK's. I would like to get a saiga 7.62x39. I know that these are generally good guns but is there anything I should know that sets them apart from other AK's? .... If you are "an AR guy" the Arsenal is a good way to go IMO. It's a VERY well-finished AK, but you pay AR prices for that. IMO, AR guys can have issues with the roughness of many AKs and getting an Arsenal can help with that transition. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/4/2012 4:46:59 PM
Originally Posted By coalmen:
Originally Posted By Blacktide:
Please, bare with me. I am experienced with AR's but am a newbie when it comes to AK's. I would like to get a saiga 7.62x39. I know that these are generally good guns but is there anything I should know that sets them apart from other AK's? .... If you are "an AR guy" the Arsenal is a good way to go IMO. It's a VERY well-finished AK, but you pay AR prices for that. IMO, AR guys can have issues with the roughness of many AKs and getting an Arsenal can help with that transition. Arsenal is to AK's as Colt is to AR's in my opinion. |
|
|
|
evlblkwpnz
Gunshine State Native
Team Member
Joined: Aug 2008 FL, USA
Posts: 4419 Feedback: 100% (76) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/4/2012 5:28:30 PM
If you reload or think you might reload 7.62x39 in the future.... beware of the stepped chamber. The Russians use it to differentiate rounds fired by civilians vs military.
|
|
ARCHIVED
