glennb

Thanks for the great replies guys. I guess I'll just be more cautious with the file next time. That hollow box with springs in it sure does make noise when it's flopping around in the mag well though!

I finally scored a nice steel 30rd mag and proceeded to file the catch tab down to work in my Saiga conversion. I didn't want to file the mag release down as I will still use the factory mag as well. My question is with slopiness in the 30 rounder when it is locked in. I notice a teeny bit of fore and aft play (live and learn, I need to perfect my filing skills as I reduced the angle too much on the catch tab) but seems to be quite a bit of side play. Is this the norm? Is that why real AK's have the dimples?

Dodge, does it have to be a folder? I got the K-VAR Warsaw non folder, and it looks like the AK-74M stock without the large recess the folder has on the left side.

There was a guy with pictures of his Saiga .223 conversion on another forum, but his folder was the one you described from Tantal. I have not seen another folder like the type you are looking for. Good luck.

Yup, gotta agree with most here that most of the Wolf I have shot smells like ammonia. The best part is it gets dumped right in your face when it oozes from under the dust cover.

Smiley_Guy, I have a modded double hook trigger for another non-Saiga application and the process was easy. I cut the right side hook off with a Dremel, smoothed out the rough edge, and blued the bare metal. I tried the FCG with the modded trigger in my Saiga and it functioned perfectly. Just another option...

Oak, modifying a double hook trigger to single hook is easy and won't affect anything. I used a Dremel and mill bastard file, then finished with a fine grade of emery cloth on the bare metal. I used touch-up bluing on the bare metal to help prevent rust.

This thread gives me an idea; maybe we (collectively speaking) could offer a warranty service for Saiga small parts with resources coming from those of us that have junk drawers full of takeoffs from conversions.

I dunno jtoddellis, that is a lot of cash for a conversion. And, you still don't have the dimples when you're done .

A couple of months ago I was at a gun show and ran across a brand new Arsenal AK with a milled receiver. The fit and finish was fantastic. I went home to get more cash and came back and held it again. Just a perfect fit. Then I thought, "6 bills for an AK?" I bought a Saiga, converted it and added the cash difference to another stash of cash to buy my first FAL. I am sure I would feel the same way about a VEPR; it's just an AK. Go for the Saiga and spend the $90 to convert it. That will save you money for ammo or another gun. Just my $0.02.

If you mean the trigger and hammer axis pins then yes, they tap out to the left after the retaining wire is moved out of the way. It usually doesn't take much of a push to get them out though.

for your conversion, check my ad here: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?act=ST&f=23&t=2972 Sorry for the shameless OT post ...

I have for sale a Tapco (US part) folding stock for stamped receiver AK's. I have it on my Saiga 7.62x39 conversion now, and it is about a month old. I would consider a trade for a newish condition conventional US made synthetic AK stock similar to what K-VAR has. Email to gbutzlaff@sbcglobal.net if interested.

Nice looking gun stokstad. I sure like that Ace stock. I think I am going to replace my Tapco folder as well; I just don't like all that extra plastic at the hinge. I can't tell from the picture what you did to fill in the old trigger and transfer bar pin holes. I saw in another thread or on another forum where someone used JBWeld to form rivets to fill those holes.

Love my FAL Wolverine. It is hard to leave at home when I go to the range...

Never had experience with welding anything, so what exactly is gas welding? MIG, TIG or otherwise? I would imagine the initial cost would be high just to get into it, right?

Light coat of Breakfree CLP on piston, clean tube with Hoppes #9 and no lube.

I think you are giving Robarms to much credit for squashing the Saiga import. I have shot my friends VEPR in 7.62x39 and it is more of a machine, but doubt that it is worth the cost. The receiver is like the RPK and the barrel is heavier, but it when it all shakes out it is still just an AK. I was going to plunk down the cash, but ended up with an FAL instead.

The FSB is pinned on. If you need to straighten it out you can punch out the pins, set the FSB where you need it, then redrill the pin holes and drive pins back in. Fairly common on all the Saiga's I have seen (my .223 was off). The Tapco sight tool is great, and there is no need to back the post out to adjust the windage. As far as a muzzle device goes, you first have to remove the sleeve that is over the muzzle, which is detailed on a gun web site that I fail to recall.

What is the finish on the forearm? Definitely a unique pattern on the vent holes.

I know Marty at Tripwire has my old Saiga .223 and other Saiga guns. Here is a link to his website: http://www.tripwiremilitaryantiques.com/ He was asking $250 for it in November, but he may have sold it by now. He has some Saiga shotties too...

I don't think I put any undue stress on any part during the conversion, and there may be a slight cant to the FSB but it is not extreme, nor is the windage adjustment on the post extreme. I was using up the last of my Silver Bear 124gr nipple tip ammo. I have read good reports on that ammo, but I would not buy it again unless it was the cheapest ammo out there (stuff just has a way weird smell to me). pistonring8, it sounds like you have a nice shooter there. Next time I head to the range I will try Wolf 122gr FMJ's again, as that is what my 59/66 shoots best. If I can't get better results I

<I just had a nightmare. What if Century Arms buys up the Saiga line?> "I wonder where we should pin punch our import mark, eh?"

I took my conveted Saiga to the range yesterday, along with my FAL. I am getting to the point where it will be one gun per trip because I am sick of cleaning these things. I went to the plinking range and set up some backstops at 25yds. I have never actually shot at paper with the Saiga. Sheesh, it was all over the place. I would have to say I was lucky to get a 3" group at that distance. I don't have a fancy rifle vise, but use a front sand bag rest and a little bag to set the heel on for a reference. I had to adjust the windage a bit, but after 40 rds it still was all over. I didn't even