[Picture Post,lets see your 7.62x39]

This started as a usual $299 Saiga Sporter and ended up as a Russian AKM.

 

Just finished putting her all back together again today. What a long trip it's been getting this project done. I did make it a little harder on myself by wanting to turn it into an AKM clone instead of the usual swaps. That meant getting a 45 degree gas block and drilling a new gas port for it. That also means I plugged the old gas port too. I got the Russian AKM wood from Ironwood Designs and saved a little by getting the grip and handguards as 'seconds'. They are walnut and needed a little extra sanding, but the stock is laminated birch and I had to get it new (no seconds in stock). I think it gives it that 'Afghan Outback' look.

 

The barrel was factory threaded, but I gouged the threads with the angle grinder and had to get a 14x1 LH die to chase the threads. The front sight is replaced too, which means I had to drill the barrel and pin it. I also hand filed the groove in the barrel for the lower handguard retainer. While tapping the old gas port, I snapped off the tap in the hole, but found the answer was smashing the tap with a center punch and hammer. I went a lot slower and used a lot of oil the second time around. I also filled the dimples on the barrel from the original gas block and front sight with JB Weld and sanded everything smooth. Once I had everything fit up and function checked, I took it apart and hit the receiver and barrel with some Rustoleum Hi-temp BBQ paint.

 

Hopefully I can get to the range this week and nothing blows up. Pretty sure everything will work as expected, I'll report back soon as I can.

 

Thanks for all the help here!

 

Tex

[Gas block and FSB conversion]

FYI, I found another post here somewhere discussing pre-threaded barrels on Saiga 7.62x39's, so I went ahead and used my mini tubing cutter to remove about half of my FSB sleeve. My hand and wrist started to get sore, so I clamped a mini vise grip on the knob of the cutter that allowed me to spin it with my arm. Much to my delight were some perfect, factory threads in 14x1 LH and they were clean - no rust, no gunk. I took pics if anyone is interested.

 

As far as the actual gas blocks go, I am favoring the AKM style that has the bayo lug at the front instead of rear. APEX has a Polish version for $30 that seems like it will hold the cleaning rod better. Any reason why this would not work (aside from the gas port issue which I will fix)?

 

BTW, thanks for that gas block conversion link James, good find.

 

-tx

[Gas block and FSB conversion]

Good stuff, thanks guys. Too bad that GB listing is for an AK 74 instead of 47. I'll keep looking though. I believe APEX has them for $25, and I have seen Egyptian one's for $40 with the only difference being the type of bayonet lug on them. I won't be needing a bayonet so the cheaper option will have to do.

[Gas block and FSB conversion]

First post. Like EreadM, I am wanting to convert my Saiga into an AK47/AKM style rifle. While I understand most would consider this 'devolving' the rifle, it is because I like the 'classic' look and enjoy a challenge. So in addition to adding a 45 degree gas block, I will also be threading the barrel to 14 x 1 LH to add a slant brake. Again, not because it is easier or works better (neither of which is true), but for how it looks.

 

Pretty much this right here is what I want to build (922r compliant of course):

 

 

I also realize this will be a lot of work, but its worth it to me to get the final product. Most likely I will buy an AKM gas block as its easier to find gas tubes without vent holes in them (not that I couldn't drill them, but let's not get crazy, eh?), it has the hole for the cleaning rod .

 

From what I can tell so far based on posts in this thread and other info on the interwebz, an AK47 or AKM block will work, provided a new port is drilled in the barrel - am I understanding that correctly? And it *has* to be at a 45 degree angle as well? Or just relocated? Any blue prints or exploded diagrams anywhere that show this? Hell, I'd be happy with a napkin drawing if ya got one... What about another thread where someone did it? I've searched the forum and this thread was as close as I could find to what I'm trying to do.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Tex