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Posted: 3/2/2011 12:57:48 PM EDT
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Been looking at a buying a Saiga to restore. My question is what all is involved in the front end?
Looks like it needs at least the gas block replaced front sight replaced barrel threaded Is that about it? How much work and expense? I have built 2 Ak's from parts kits have a press but no milling equipment if any is required. Thanks |
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which caliber and what are you going to build? 103? AKM.... I did a 103 clone in 7.62 w/ a SF. Had a smith do the SF and cut the 20" barrel down to 16" and crown. I did the rest. The 5.45 Saigas are the only ones I know of that have the lower HG retainer slots on the side of the barrel already machined. I believe the slot for the locking lever will still need to be machined. Other than that you're looking at 1) moving the trigger assembly 2) riveting in new trigger guard 3) welding all holes (if you want, or nylon plugs) 4) removing FS and GB and replacing with what you want 5) (some have come w/ threaded barrels, don't know how to tell which ones) thread your barrel and/or use 74 style FSB. 6) refinish! If you have built your own rifles, this will be simple. Good luck and post pics! |
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For the front end of my 5.45, I used a Bulgarian gas block and sight block, Arsenal US made muzzle brake, unknown origin front handguard retainer and a Bulgarian gas tube.
Realistically it depends on what you are starting with and what you are doing. You can leave the FSB and GB alone and use a bolt on lower handguard retainer if all you want is the look, but if you want it to actually be correct, with cleaning rod, and bayonet/accessory lugs, then you have some shopping to do. If you go with a correct handguard retainer, you have to remove the sight block and gas block to install it. If the grooves are already in the barrel for it then all you need is a rat tail file to make the rounded groove in the top of the barrel for the retainer to lock into. If you go so far as to remove the sight block and gas block, you should go ahead and replace them with the correct combination that you want for your rifle. |
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Siagas are great rifles: The saiga 12 7.62x39 forum is your best resource for info on restoration. Saiga 12 7.62x39
Here is my saiga with 24mm FSB, CNC Warrior AK103 brake, K-Var plumb and Texas AK Trigger FCG. 
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Quoted: Siagas are great rifles: The saiga 12 7.62x39 forum is your best resource for info on restoration. Saiga 12 7.62x39 Here is my saiga with 24mm FSB, CNC Warrior AK103 brake, K-Var plumb and Texas AK Trigger FCG. http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg134/imarangemaster/Saiga5.jpg I cleaned up the hotlink for you. Link |
| Agreed really depends on what parts you select to use on your build. A basic conversion for just the rear and the fcg runs about $100 in parts the big cost factor is what kind of buttstock you choose to use. Depending on what you select you may have to factor in for an adapter which adds about $50 bucks so my number may be off up to at least $50. When I converted mine I used a DPH skeleton stock and there adapter i ended up dropping around $150 using a Saiga style Galil forearm to cut down on cost. So if you factor in gunsmith cost for cutting and threading if you need it your results may vary. |
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Saiga rifle $375, <$100 K-Var plum, $25 AK gas tube, $30 Tapco G2 FCG, $30 CSS bolt on retainer, $15 bullet guide, and Misc> less than $200. You can go cheaper using the factory handguard (which I actually like). Add some more if you change FSB. A Tapco stock, Tapco Saw, and FCG will be less than $65 added to the Saiga price.
Less than $500 for a real Kalashnikov AK with a hammer forged chrome lined barrel is a great price. Mine shoots sub 3 MOA with iron sights all day long. After all, Izhmash arsenal has been making real AKs since 1948. |
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