My Krebs Custom "AK-74M" has arrived and all I can say is that it is absolutely perfect! I haven't had a chance to take pics yet, but I will very shorty post some in a new thread. For now I will review it in sections:

1. Finish: A very dark, matt, grey-black which is as perfect as that on any AR, and for those who own ARs in addition to AKs, you know that that's a good thing.  Also, the finish appears very light when it's bone-dry (like it was when I first saw the rifle) but it turns a very nice black after you rub some non-dry oil evenly into the finish.  

2. Build: Everything is straight and even and perfectly machined. The rivet work is perfect, and the brake is perfectly welded.  

3. Conversion: You wouldn't be able to tell if you didn't know it was originally a Saiga sporter. The FCG/pistol grip relocation is flawless.  

4. Authenticity: It's not really an AK-74M so much as it is an AK-74N.  For obvious reasons it has no folding AK-100 series buttstock.  It also lacks the magwell "dimples" but even an authenticity freak like myself can overlook that inconsistancy in this case.  If you want an absolute semi-auto replica of an AK-74, I suppose you would be better off with an Inrange build, but the pure perfection of the Krebs is pretty persuasive.  

5. Overall: It's a perfect rifle, I highly recommend it to anyone with an extra grand burning a hole in your pocket. If you want AR build/finish quality in an AK, this is your rifle.  

Also, the people at Krebs (there aren't many) are very nice to deal with. They treat you like a business should, and they will call you sir even though they're the talented gunsmiths and you're just some schmuck.

So, a few months ago I bought a SAR1 on a whim, and now I have a Krebs gun. AKs are definately addictive.  

Congrats on your purchase, I also own one of Marc's AK-74M's and concure fully with your observations.

Post a pic.

I intend to post pics just as soon as I can borrow a digital camera.

Yeah, it seems to have a Bulgarian barrel system installed, although the front trunion doesn't seem to be, as it lacks any Bulgarian markings. The brake is of a different type which I assume is a Krebs-made device.  This, however, doesn't appear to be a bad thing at all, as the brake is of a more Soviet profile anyway and appears to be of very high quality. Interestingly enough the second bayo lug is not ground down so technically I guess the gun does have a bayonet lug, albeit a useless one.

Oh, yeah, and it's really not a Saiga anymore so there's no need to belittle it with that title! Unless of course you call your Inrange rifle an "ohio ordnance works" when people ask what it is