SgtRaven

Got sights, thanks! Excellent condition, speedy and secure shipment. (Bookmarked as A+ seller).

+1 for CSS (Carolina Shooters Supply) and Krebs. CSS (Greg Q.): awesome communications, generation of Order Tracking Number next day (SUN), fast delivery, nice packaging, fair pricing and shipping charges. Krebs: fast shipment, immediate response to inquiry on order status.

I kept BHO and got Krebs retainer for my recent 5.45 conversion, and it works awesome. http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=61422&st=0&p=586279&fromsearch=1&&do=findComment&comment=586279 BHO spring was tough to put back, but worth once done. Good luck, have fun!

My core Parts List (before FSB/MB, Scope Mount, sling, etc): TRIGGER GUARD-BOLT ON "ROUNDED", TGUARD-ROUNDED, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 17.95, Website TRIGGER GROUP HOLE PLUGS FOR SAIGA CONVERSIONS, 6PLUGS, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 1.00, Website TRIGGER GROUP-TROMIX SAIGA FIRE CONTROL GROUP, TRX-TRIGGER-GROUP, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 45.00, Website KCI TRIGGER PIN RETAINING PLATE FOR AK RIFLES, CATALOG NUMBER 22, Krebs, $ 10.50 , Website Bullet Guide Kit Round Trunnion, 545RTK, Dinzag Arms, $ 25.00 , Website (OR) Bulgarian Bullet Guide, Fits to 5.45 cal

Hi everyone, Thank you all for sharing your experience and your encouragement (personal thanks and credits to Classy K, NinerRider, TX-Zen, and many others). After careful consideration and being influenced by Suarez Intl videos, I've decided to go for modernized tactical conversion, something I wish I had when in service. Briefly: yes, anyone can do it, even without having drill press, etc. Use your common sense and research on topic (this thread is classic, but somewhat outdated for 5.45 and BHO; nevertheless, it's a "must read"). http://www.cross-con...iga_Conversion/ Speakin

I couldn't believe the difference after getting Tapco-Tromix from Carolina Shooter's Supply: http://store.carolin...ER-TAPCO/Detail It's smooth and predictable, and worth every penny. It's even superior to original, Soviet-made AK-74. CSS service (Greg Q.) is second to none!

Never mind: I've decided to go "classic" and ordered original AK-74 FSB and "zig-zag" MB.

You're correct: .721 was measured over the shroud, before I realize it. After reading above, and going the CK's "sticky" on FSB removal, I lean towards the "right way" vs. "band-aid". And, yes, I should like the "proper" FSB (it served me well while in service). Thank you for encouragement and suggestions! Will post results once done (step one is a trigger group and PG).

You know, I'm quite reluctant to remove FSB, even though it would be OEM for this purpose. What do you think about using adapter (14x1 to 24x1.5) as intermediate modification? Like someone put on another forum, " I don't like the risk involved in removing the OEM FSB, the odds don't seem in my favor to install and drill guides for the AK-74 FSB without canting". That's my biggest fear.

Hey Guys, I would like to buy used or rent 14x1LH threading kit in VG condition. I don't see blowing $75-100 shipped for a one time job. It sounds like Dinzag is not renting his anymore (I don't blame him). Thanks, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CORRECTION. That was silly of me, but if I'm not alone, here is response from Brian at DinzagArms (thanks, Brian!):

Hey Guys, I checked all topics and wonder if late 5.45mm Saigas went for thicker barrel. Seems like all "Tapco & Co" imitators (no offense!) are for 14x1 mm threads, and early barrels didn't need resizing for 14x1 threading. I've just got mine (5.45) with ~18.3mm/ .721 in barrel OD. Would like to add 24x1.5 thread adapter for Soviet/Bulgarian original pattern compensator, preferrably without removing FSB. K-Var "original" looks good, but need to adapt to 24 mm. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I never cared about blonde, until saw yours. Wow! Classy work, congrats. I presume you threaded barrel for 14x1 muzzle brake? What is your barrel thickness? I've just got mine 5.45 with ~18.3mm/ .751 in OD. Would like to add 24x1.5 thread adapter Soviet/Bulgarian original pattern. Any suggestions?

Anyone tried Bulgarian round guide from K-Var? I am very tempted, as it looks like a perfect fit. (I'd use machine head screw instead of rivet). http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16321&cat=281&page=1

Can you see (co-witness) iron sights with this mount installed? I went to KVAR site, but still not clear on it. Thank you.

Got mine last week from the "fresh pool": round trunnion as well. I will put a bullet guide soon,, as a part of conversion (I've got to have my pistol grip!).

I see you've got the right bundle there (2 woody boxes of ammo). That should last you for a while. Have fun!

I was debating for a while and, cost aside, decided on 5.45 mm (just picked mine last week). Primarily because of my service experience with this caliber (AKS-74/AKS-74U). We were told that devastated effects of "poison bullet" (Mujahideens called them so) are within the range of 200-500 meters. I've got this for tactical, so don't care much about the mid-range. With Hornady onboard of 5.45 train, I feel more secure, but ordered few surplus "spam cans", just in case. I also hope that better variety of 5.45 ammo lies ahead, as .223 line is like a Toys"R Us (in the best meaning of it!)...

Have you ever compared them side-by-side? Any thoughts? (Left: .223/5.56 mm Silver Bear; Right: 5.45 mm Soviet surplus).

Awesome paint job! Very tasteful conversion. I've just got mine (5.45) and want to move it closer to AKS-74/AK-101 look. Foldable Ace looks great! Do you like its length?

Hi Guys, Your information is priceless! I will pick my 5.45 mm Saiga this week and making the list of future upgrades right now. I really want to combine classy AKS-74/ AK-101 look with functionality of the AR-type upgrades (rails, etc.). I tend to scale back from BHO and modified G2 after reading comments above, but would love to have triangle-style foldable stock (without cutting the receiver). Most of the parts lined up for Carolina Shooter's Supply (Greg is awesome). "Standard" stuff: AK74-style muzzle break, Molot-style grip, bullet guide, etc. Which mags you trust the mo

C'mon, guys, nobody in Russia (or its civilized AK-carrying allies) is pissing down the barrel (or onto receiver, unless you attempt to defrost the bolt/receiver apart during the winter survival training; but even then I never had one frozen solid). Just keep it lubed. AK standard issue cleaning kit includes solvent and oil. And nothing happens if you won't clean right after. During the normal routine service, weapons are being cleaned the same day. And during combat deployment, it's whenever you feel safe,even if it's few days later. After years in service, I haven't seen any corroded