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Posted: 12/18/2010 4:43:48 PM EDT
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I have pretty much decided that next year's major project will be a Saiga chambered in .308 Winchester. I just have a few questions, the answers to which will determine how I configure it. I'm sorry if these questions get asked a lot, but I did a search and came up with nothing.
1) Will the AK Tech Sights work on a .308 Saiga? There are two different types of receiver top cover that they work with, and I don't know if either of them are compatible with Saiga .308s. What about with some Dremel time? 2) What is the lowest Picatinny rail that is compatible with the standard Russian side-mount? I hate all of the Soviet optics that I have used, so I plan on using a more standard optic. Maybe something with a German #4 reticule. 3) How possible is it to convert a Saiga on my own? About how much does the average conversion to standard AK furniture cost? Better yet, where did you get yours done and what did it cost? 4) Do people use (and like) the 25 round mags available for these? Are they reasonably reliable? |
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Hello and Merry Christmas. I converted my Saiga 12 about a month ago and love it! I also plan on doing a rifle this coming year. I found all the parts @ carolinashooterssupply.com (CSS). Converting the Saiga rifles is very similar. I am not sure about question 1, but for q2 I would go with a Beryl style scope mount found here. There is an instruction video on the site about installation. If you go with the std side mount, you may have to get a stock with comb riser to get a good cheek weld (such as a Tromix) because they sit too high.
For Q3, I did it myself using a DIY trigger guard. There are conversion kits on the CSS website that include the stock, forearm, pistol grip, DIY trigger guard, and FCG for only a little more than $150! The hardest part is drilling out the rivets. There are three of them. The best way to attack them is to grind the head down outside the receiver, then drill the head inside the receiver until it breaks - then tap out the shank with a punch (if you can - that may have to be drilled too  ). You'll also have to cover the exposed metal that was covered by the trigger guard and plate. I used a high temp glossy black engine paint from Wally world, but many people have their whole weapon refinished - I may at some point.
Q4, I've heard great things about the SGM (formerly Surefire) 25 rd mags. They are also sold on the CSS website - and Greg doesn't sell junk! I use the SGM 12 round mags for my S-12 and they work perfectly. Hope all this helps! Charlie |
Check this out might answer a couple of your questions 
http://www.texasweaponsystems.com/ |
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I have converted one previous Saiga 308 , and currently have one stock , first one started as 21" bbl, shortened it to 18", the stock one I own now is 21" .
The Saiga 308 is the easiest of the Saigas to convert, and leaves no pin holes in the receiver. However if you plan to change handguards, front sight block or add muzzle attachment , those are doable but little bit more complicated. You can do it , just realize your limitations, and if you need a gunsmith to do something, use them first, don't screw up a part, and then have to get the gunsmith to replace that too. I actually prefer the stock 308 Saiga in the sporter form, my only change on this one may be putting some PSL handguards on it, and buying some more standard 8 round mags. Optics, you mentioned a German #4 recticle, you should look at the Nikon Monarch African , mine is only 1x-4x, but excellent optics, and lightweight. However , not for long range shooting. Good luck. |
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Quoted:
I have converted one previous Saiga 308 , and currently have one stock , first one started as 21" bbl, shortened it to 18", the stock one I own now is 21" . The Saiga 308 is the easiest of the Saigas to convert, and leaves no pin holes in the receiver. However if you plan to change handguards, front sight block or add muzzle attachment , those are doable but little bit more complicated. You can do it , just realize your limitations, and if you need a gunsmith to do something, use them first, don't screw up a part, and then have to get the gunsmith to replace that too. I actually prefer the stock 308 Saiga in the sporter form, my only change on this one may be putting some PSL handguards on it, and buying some more standard 8 round mags. Optics, you mentioned a German #4 recticle, you should look at the Nikon Monarch African , mine is only 1x-4x, but excellent optics, and lightweight. However , not for long range shooting. Good luck. You're making me really want one!!! 
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Quoted:
I have pretty much decided that next year's major project will be a Saiga chambered in .308 Winchester. I just have a few questions, the answers to which will determine how I configure it. I'm sorry if these questions get asked a lot, but I did a search and came up with nothing. 1) Will the AK Tech Sights work on a .308 Saiga? There are two different types of receiver top cover that they work with, and I don't know if either of them are compatible with Saiga .308s. What about with some Dremel time? 2) What is the lowest Picatinny rail that is compatible with the standard Russian side-mount? I hate all of the Soviet optics that I have used, so I plan on using a more standard optic. Maybe something with a German #4 reticule. 3) How possible is it to convert a Saiga on my own? About how much does the average conversion to standard AK furniture cost? Better yet, where did you get yours done and what did it cost? 4) Do people use (and like) the 25 round mags available for these? Are they reasonably reliable? 1) I do not think it will work without a lot of modifications, the 308 is wider on top.... 2) I have a POSP B2 low profile which almost sits right on top of the rail that works great and is very solid 3) for the most part it is very easy to do unless you do not have the hole for the PG, then it takes a little work... If you do not have the hole contact me via e-mail and I will send instructions on how to..... I did mine myself, the cost varies on what you want,, I installed a Red Star Arms adjustable 2 stage trigger and in the end it cost me around $400 and I am not finished yet...... 4) Surefire mags only - do not buy PROMAG's!!!!!! There is a guy that sells steel mags in several capacities that are supposed to be great working mags..... CCSPECS |
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What rear sight is that? EDIT: Thanks for the help, guys! |
I want that! |
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Sorry for the delay in replying.
It is a rear Tech-Sight for a Ruger 10/22 I modified to fit the receiver cover of the Saiga. Made a excellent peep sight. You have to shape the bottom of the Tech Sight to fit the contour of the AK metal, and use a really secure bolt system to keep it from moving.This was before they started making the AK rear sight system, however I still think the 10/22 works better. I no longer own that rifle, sadly I sold it in 2008, I hope the new owner enjoys it. I have just lost my passion for doing gunsmithing work ala, conversions. |
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Quoted:
Sorry for the delay in replying. It is a rear Tech-Sight for a Ruger 10/22 I modified to fit the receiver cover of the Saiga. Made a excellent peep sight. You have to shape the bottom of the Tech Sight to fit the contour of the AK metal, and use a really secure bolt system to keep it from moving.This was before they started making the AK rear sight system, however I still think the 10/22 works better. I no longer own that rifle, sadly I sold it in 2008, I hope the new owner enjoys it. I have just lost my passion for doing gunsmithing work ala, conversions. How solid was it on the top cover? I don't know how wobbly those are, but it doesn't seem like the best place. PLEASE prove my intuition wrong!
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These Mags are back into production
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How did you do your conversion? Also what scope mount is that and how is the accuracy? |
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I don't know about #1. #2 was answered already. For #3, you can convert your own with a dremel, a US-made FCG, and whatever furniture you want to buy. It'll cost maybe about 100-175 bucks to DIY. As for mags, the FBMG 20rd mags were the best looking, and reliable as well. FBMG is gone, but Uinta bought the molds and is now producing that mag. Their website:http://uintaindustries.com/ Here is mine, converted by me: 
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