Greetings:

I got a real cheap Saiga .223 and converted it. Kinda thought I would do a Galil/HK thingy. I threaded it 1/2 x 28 and welded the pin holes up where the FSB was. Installed a AR15 A2 muzzle device. Welded a HK front sight on the gas block and HK rear on the dustcover. Installed a swift lever... why not... its bubba city. welded up the extra holes in the receiver.

I am now looking at my un-needed Saiga rear sight and thinking about leaving the spring in place, welding that area all up and milling everything flat up to the gas tube retainer lever. Anyone done this? Anything I should know beforehand?

I have done exactly what you described to the rear sight on a Romanian WASR.