[Under $100 Red Dot??]

I can't really give you much in the way of advice since this is all new to me and I wouldn't know a good optic from a bad one. Since I don't intend to go into battle anytime soon I felt comfortable sampling a few of the lower-cost clone options.

I bought a Primary Arms Microdot and a Sightmark Sure Shot holo-type sight. My intention was to see what style I like better without spending a lot of money. Both are 1x and I find it easy to use either with both eyes open. So the final verdict is that I like both types of sights very much, maybe a slight bias to the holo.

 

Looks like we're neighbors. If you want to try them out we can try to meet up at a range.

[Back to irons.]

I have several rifles that I've determined will remain "iron only". I have a few different low cost optics that can move from rifle to rifle but I've been putting much greater effort into finding good iron sights.

For my AKs I've looked at the Krebs sight mentioned above. I've also been considering a Mojo MicroClick rear peep sight or Tech Sights. They all seem like good solutions. I'm leaning toward the Mojo. For the front I'd love to pick up a tritium post but that's low priority for now.

[for those keeping track of the x39s]

Finally got some pics and started my conversion. Looks like I got the whole package deal; dimples, barrel notches, threaded barrel and no stepped chamber. Not bad...

I cut off 3/4" of the FSB shroud and it looks like that's exactly how much of the barrel is threaded. I used a pipe cutter but at some point the cutter wheel crumbled so I had to finish the job with a Dremel.

 

 

 

[painting the stock handguard?]

Cool thanks.

I want to keep it simple since I may swap out the stock handguard later down the line.

[painting the stock handguard?]

I think I'm going to tinker with the stock handguard. I'm considering a new color. Would Krylon Fusion hold up well enough? Or Aluma-Hyde?

Aluma-Hyde has the exact colors I'm considering while I'd have to improvise with Krylon. I do own an airbrush and compressor but rattle can would be easier.

 

Has anyone refinished their Saiga handguard? What product did you use?

I'd love to see pics if you have them.

 

 

I did a quick forum search and saw some of Devin's awesomeness. Amazing work!

[I'm itching to buy another saiga]

My saiga addiction has me wanting another one. I have my x39 with rails blah blah. Im itching to get another x39 and convert it to the classic wood style stock set

 

 

You and me both brother.

I'm already wanting another Saiga and I haven't finished my first conversion yet.

 

I like to have at least 2 or 3 guns for any given caliber that way when I stock up on ammo it's not just for one gun. I'm liking 7.62x39 especially the fact that the prices are somewhat reasonable. At some point I'll probably do a 223 conversion as well just because that ammo is more widely available.

[Saiga 7.62x39 produced Dec 2008 fresh out the box]

 

So you can use a standard AK press-on handguard retainer? That would be very convenient for those of use who want to use traditional handguards,

 

 

At the very least, one more notch needs to be cut out on the top for the retainer lock pin.

 

 

Very helpful info in this thread, thanks!

[for those keeping track of the x39s]

Thanks for the education guys. I haven't shot mine yet so I'll add my data to that thread once I find out.

As for the threaded barrel, I was going to shorten my barrel and permanently attach a muzzle brake. If it ends up having a threaded barrel maybe I'll just leave it be.

[for those keeping track of the x39s]

Hmmm. This is all new to me. I did my homework and thought I knew most of the terminology but I'm not familiar with the "step". Is there a thread I can find out more?

[for those keeping track of the x39s]

I picked up my Saiga yesterday and finally got a chance to look it over today.

I've got dimples and the barrel has side slots to accommodate a standard press-on lower handguard rail. I don't know yet if the barrel is threaded but I'll probably cut back the shroud at some point to have a peek. What's the worst that could happen

Gun was purchased a few weeks ago from Centerfire. Production date is March 2009. In fact it was made the day after my birthday

 

My conversion parts arrived today. It's gonna get ugly.

 

Pics to come later....

[Saiga 7.62x39 produced Dec 2008 fresh out the box]

I found some thing unusual. Retainer side notches.

 

So you can use a standard AK press-on handguard retainer? That would be very convenient for those of use who want to use traditional handguards,

[So many variations to convert. KVAR or Dinzag]

*bites his tongue*......

 

*shrug* The sale's over anyway, but they can still be had for $699 from K-Var, (this is still the best option if you want an AK-103esque Russian rifle imo).

 

 

No need to bite tongue, you are of course completely correct.

Since the OP already bought his Saiga I didn't suggest that option. Besides, I try not to let common sense taint my gun-purchase decisions

I picked up an Arsenal AK during one of the sales and it's fantastic. Once I decided I liked the platform I got the urge to make my own "custom" version. In the end I will spend more on my conversion than I did on my Arsenal but it's just like any other hobby, if it brings you satisfaction it's all good.

 

One of the small advantages of doing a conversion is that it can be done in stages as funds allow. In between stages the gun can still be used.

[So many variations to convert. KVAR or Dinzag]

I ordered a Saiga 7.62x39 and for some reason it took two weeks to ship. This turned out to be a good thing because while I waited I researched the topic to death. I'll be starting my conversion shortly and feel comfortable with the whole process.

Anyway... someone correct me if I'm wrong but here goes.

The K-VAR kit will be fine to convert your rifle to a pistol grip AK style. This will get you about halfway to the pic you posted. A little filing of the mag catch and the bullet guide will make your rifle compatible with AK mags.

 

If you want to use the handguard and gas tube cover you'll need to buy the parts along with an AK gas tube (about $30) and a retainer ring for the lower handguard. The AK retainer rings are slip-on so you'd have to take off the front sight block and gas block. An easier way would be aDinZag retainer.

The last piece of the puzzle would be to add the muzzle brake.

 

If you haven't seen it yet here is a great video showing the conversion process.

[Picture Post,lets see your 7.62x39]

photoshooter, or anyone else into venting the stock Saiga HG. A photo that is a bit cleaner to use as a reference for drilling, etc. Still trying to locate some appropriate insulating cloth or tape that may help prevent any chance of melting of the stock HG. Some day!

 

 

Thanks Sailor! Very cool of you to post the detail shot. Doesn't look too difficult. I'll give it a try and post pics if it works. If I screw up I'll just deny everything!

 

------------

 

Micah... that is one very nice AK!

[Saiga Conversion Observations]

Good info, thank you.

I guess if I'm going to do a .223 conversion it's a good idea to start lurking in that forum as well.

[Saiga Conversion Observations]

Are you using the Saiga 223 mags or did you convert it to take AR mags?

I'm already thinking ahead to my next conversion and I'm considering 223.

[Picture Post,lets see your 7.62x39]

I finally have my Saiga x39 "Sporter" to the point where I am satisfied - excepting the HG, which is a change down the road

 

 

Looks very nice!

I'm in a similar situation; I'll be keeping the stock HG when I do my conversion with the intention of changing it somewhere down the road. In the meantime you've certainly made it look very nice. Any tips for cutting the vent holes? I have a drill press, router table etc and could probably come up with a good way to do it but I also stand a good chance of screwing it up

[compact sidefolder: help the noob get his feet wet]

Thanks, I just checked it out and I like the look of it. Not too pricey compared to the Ace stock and push button hinge.

[compact sidefolder: help the noob get his feet wet]

Greetings all, I'm new here. I've been lurking and have gathered enough information to be dangerous I purchased a fixed stock Arsenal Saiga AK, now I have to make one. I don't know why, I just have to. Never did it before but I like to tinker.

 

My objective: a lightweight, compact AK variant. Short barrel but not SBR. Maybe 16.25" aol including permanently attached flash hider. I'm thinking sidefolder for variety since I intend to eventually get a Yugo underfolder. At the moment the Ace folding stock is the one I find most appealing but I'm always receptive to feedback from the more experienced. I prefer a stock that folds to the left. I might go for a Krinkov type of flavor, kind of like Arsenal's SLR107ur. Again, I'm wide open for suggestions/advice. I just ordered a 7.62x39 but I'm guessing this will be the first of several conversions.

 

Thanks and a shout out to the Philly area people.

[Wood for Custom Stock]

I really am just looking for a 4X4 of good hardwood for me to cut on and experiment with.

 

 

 

4x4 is a common size used by woodturners. I buy a lot of wood on eBay. There's a section for turning wood.

I've had great dealings with some of the regular vendors there. When buying wood online shipping becomes an issue since you're dealing with a lot of weight. If you scour eBay you may find a vendor local to you that will allow you to hand select and save on shipping charges.

 

Turning wood is sold as green or dry. Make sure the wood you purchase is dry. Green wood still has moisture content that will cause the wood to move as it dries.

 

Good luck!