Saiga 5.45x39

[JerryG]

I just got an email from centerfiresystems, they have the sporter for $349 w/ free shipping and one for $449 with the ak style front end. I would like to pick one up and have it converted to use the 30rd mags, along with a different stock. What would be my best options on getting it to where it looks and performs like the nice ones I have seen on here. I have never owned an ak before, but would love to get one.
Thanks, Jerry

[mutt]

Dinzagarms has everything you need. http://www.dinzagarms.com/ You're looking at about 2 hrs of work not counting paint dry time. Get good poly furniture (k-var). Most of the tapco stuff isn't worth a damn. If I remember right, the 5.45x39 saigas don't need any real mods to take ak74 mags. All you'll have to do is grind down the mag catch a bit. Carolina shooter supply also sells kits and has video howtos:http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-template/Videos-and-Links/Page

[zteknik]

Exactly what mutt said.
Their fairly inexspensive and easy to convert.

Keep your eyes open here for the next build party.Afew guys have done them and the ones that have like the way it came out.even if you just want to tag along and learn at first.

But if you dont want to go that route I'm sure B.P.Tactical can hook you up ;)

[electronman1729]

+1 for BP tactical.

I have a KVAR hand guard that I don't use. If you are interested PM me and we will work out a deal if you get this rifle.

Here is what I have:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17030&cat=366&page=1

[JerryG]

Three top link has more of the classic furniture that I'm going for. I will be looking for the next build party to attend. I have read plenty of good stuff about B.T. Tactical. Thanks

[zteknik]

What kind of furniture are you looking for?

If your going for the tactical look --- http://www.onesourcetactical.com/ak-furniture.aspx

[dbeal]

Or if you really want a challenge, you can build one at one of the build party's..AK Builder has a kit now that is just over 300 with chrome line barrel...course you would need the flat, rivets, compliance parts etc, and that would get you at about 400...But for me you can't beat the satisfaction of building it yourself...especially when you pop the first few rounds and everything works!!

[JerryG]

I don't want tactical, I like either the plum or wood. I would love to build one, but would definately need to watch you guys build some first.

[monganian]

I ended up picking one of these up a few months back when they were dirt cheap. Converting the rear half (pistol grip, trigger group, buttstock) is easy... it took about an hour with a drill, grinder / dremmel, and a punch. The only problem with this is that you're still stuck with the goofy looking Saiga handguard, and changing out the gasblock, sightblock, and handguard retainer (all that stuff towards the front of the rifle) takes a bit more work and parts which are a bit more expensive. If you buy the $450 deal, all you have to do on the front of the rifle is swap handguards.

If you need more info I'd be happy to walk you through the steps that I took. Good luck.

[zteknik]

If your going to go plum try apex- https://www.apexgunparts.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_79/products_id/1040

They also have wood stocks as well.They could use some refinishing but their solid and I think they may need the hardware.If you do go the wood route get in touch with me-I have metal for it and I can refinish it for you.

[mutt]

Be careful when adding surplus furniture to your saiga. There are 922r compliance issues to be considered. It may be a stupid and unenforced law, but it is the law. If you add foreign furniture to your saiga, you're pretty much limiting yourself to US made magazines, which generally suck and are over-priced, to maintain compliance.

If you keep to US made furniture then all you have to worry about is keeping your fcg group and muzzle device (if you add one) US made. Here's a good reference and calculator for 922r stuff: http://thegunwiki.com/Gunwiki/BuildAkVerifyCompliance

[JerryG]

Thanks to everyone for advice and some good links.

[zteknik]

Thanks for that mutt-I forget siagas are manufactured in Russia and the reciever dont count for 922

[jreifsch80]

The plum is really soviet, the Bulgarians never made their own plum furniture this is well documented at my favorite nerdery (theakforum) lol so it's a good deal go with the bulgy plum set lol

[jreifsch80]

Oh I forgot about the page 2 haha anyway saiga without a muzzle device needs 5 parts replaced so do FCG piston and pistol grip and if threading muzzle device then you can still use the sneak soviet plum set the bulgy bubble gum p-grip that comes with those looks like crap anyway lol

[JerryG]

I was looking at both options and one come with no muzzle brake and the other comes with some sort of one???

[monganian]

Some Saigas come with a threaded barrel (or 74 style threaded front sight block) and some do not. The more expensive 5.45 option that you posted has the larger AK-74 style threads, under some sort of thread protector (which can be removed). The less expensive 5.45 should not have a threaded barrel. It's up to you to pick the one that you want. I don't think that a muzzle brake is really necessary, but it does look more correct.