jsunn

Yes RWC is the new importer. Mind if I ask where you got it and how much? (Been looking for one of these for a while now)

mancat - This is excellent information - not only for Brian M1 - but for anyone looking to perform an AK conversion from 5.45 to 5.56 on their own builds. I can't say thanks enough bud! I appreciate you taking the time to take measurements and help us out! -J

you could always sell it to recoup costs. Personally I'd keep the hanguard. Hard to find. The trigger is the way it is because there aren't linkage holes which is a huge plus. Most have to have them welded and refinished during conersion. On the m series, they are non existent. If there were 3 more inches of barrel, I would get one for my rpk project since noone wants to import the real thing. Another thing is that many barrel components from other variants might not be compatible due to the heavier barrel on the M Series. Still a cool rifle though.

mancat- Thanks in advance for the measurements/pics, I'd like to use them to determine if I can swap a Saiga bolt into an AK74 bolt carrier + trunnion for a 5.56 build of my own. - I've heard of inconsistent results with ejection/extraction when using the 5.45 bolt with 5.56 cartridges due to the 5.45 bolt not holding the case rim tight enough (sloppy fit). Brian M1 I'm thinking you can use this bolt from K-VAR if all else fails, which seems to be a direct replacement for the Saiga 223 bolt, albeit a bit expensive: http://www.k-var.com/shop/AK-557R.html

Hey mancat - this is good info. Since it sounds like you have a Saiga .223 bolt and a bulgy AK74 5.45 bolt readily available for comparison, would you mind posting some measurements of the two (differences in overall length, stem size, lugs etc) or possibly even a pic or two of them both side by side for comparison? I think it would help answer many questions about compatibility between the two in general, even beyond this thread. Thanks in advance - (and sorry for the OP for the thread hijack)

Hey sandman, got any pictures of your rifle with the mount and scope.installed?

Can you give an idea on the build material- is it steel or aluminum?

That's a sharp looking rifle! I never gave much thought to the AR pistol grip adapter pushing back the grip, thanks for posting that.

I've read a few posts here recently where someone who was using a recoil buffer was having the same fte problem until they took the buffer out. May want to try that before you ship.

Looking good so far

It's shaping up! Can't wait to see the finished product man!

Pics?

Pics or it didn't happen!

Nice rifle!

Sounds like an unexpected but fun project. I'm curious to know where you are getting that new milled receiver from.