sailor

I've put a few hundred rounds thru my Saiga conversion, but no problems of any kind. A couple of days ago at the range, sighting in a new 4x32 scope, I had a slam fire/double fire, quite unexpectedly. I suspect it was a matter of not having a firm control of the gun, as it was in a steading frame, bungee corded down, in an attempt to get the scope zeroed in. Fresh magazine, rack the bolt handle, line up with the 200 yard target - trying to not jiggle the rifle too much, fire one - and two rounds go off! I had heard of that happening, but did not expect it. Sound like a loosely held, too much f

I store my bore snake and spare optic battery in the SAW grip. The Saiga tool group I store in the butt stock. It does not have a door on or in it, but the tools will be used seldom (if ever) so I just unscrewed the two butt plate screws, fitted some hard foam in the stock to shape a chamber, and screwed the butt plate back on. I also added a modified shotgun rubber pad to the stock butt plate (needed that extra 7/8"). Crude, maybe, but works for me. sailor

quig - the bolt-hold-open is a plain steel short lever on the right side of the trigger - if your Saiga is stock. I have modified my BHO by shortening it - it can be a nuisance. sailor

Treat your new Saiga like a Model "A" Ford. Basic, tough, simple and reliable. You did right to strip and poke around. Best thing you can do, is get "hands on" familiar with your new friend. But you already know that - military training IS useful! Now to get the conversion out of the way, so you can concentrate on the "goodies" that make a Saiga a useful, and fun gun. Sailor Don't know why I have Newbie in there?