gjj

That stock looks like a good alternative to the kvar stock. The kvar stock is hollow too. Have you compared it to the kvar up close?

I am about ready to take the plunge and do a 7.62 x 39 conversion. My biggest concern is reliability. I plan on using Dinzags bullet guide. It looks like it is top quality. But, to be honest, it is not exactly how the factory does it. Will I see the 100% reliability post-conversion that I am seeing now? I would sure hate to take a stone cold reliable gun and turn it into a gun I can't depend on. Since the guide is held in with a screw, what do you do to make sure it does not vibrate loose? Can you use the old factory 10 round Saiga mags after the conversion?

I think I am going to do it myself. Besides the 11 step conversion page, is there any other references I should be looking at?

Does anyone have a video on the conversion?

Does anyone know where I can get my Saiga professionally converted? I don't want to do it myself. Some people say they do it. But, they have a 1 year waiting list.

I definately agree a pistol grip is easier to handle. I have an AK and AR with pistol grips. My point is that the straight stocked gun is very good too. It is almost as easy to handle and is "good enough" as is. Most of us don't own just one gun. That is my situation. So, the Saiga will be just fine in it's standard configuration.

I just bought two Saigas. I picked up 20 factory 10 round magazines for $16 each. I also have ARs, AKs, Garands, Mini-14s ect. I have decided to leave these guns in stock condition - no conversion. Ten rounds is adequate for self defense or SHTF. The gun points well with the straight stock. Except for the trigger, it is every bit as good as a real AK. Based on all the conversion threads, a new person could get the impression that you MUST upgrade these guns. I don't think this is the case.

Our school is mostly centered around Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a GI. It is awesome school. Carlos Gracie Jr. teaches there about 6 months a year. Marcio Feitosa is the head instructor. I studied Shotokan Karate for 10 years and got my black belt. Karate is okay. But, I wish I would have learned about Muy Thai instead. My personal opinion is that it is much more effective than karate. Heck, Muy Thai + ground skills is a tough combination to beat.

I noticed your name, "Tapout". Do you train in Jiu Jitsu or MMA? Just wondering... I train with Gracie Barra in Lake Forest, CA.

I would recommend you clean it every time you finish taking it out. Since you are new, it will help you get familiar with the gun. And, it is just the right thing to do. I was taught that it was lazy not to make sure your guns were clean. Every gun can malfunction. But, clean guns malfunction less. What if you actually needed the gun for self protection? I would hate to die because I didn't spend 30 minutes cleaning my gun. Just my opinion.

Bad laws ARE immoral. They should be disobeyed because they are a form of slavery. Unfortunately, too many Christians have made the US government their god. They look to the state to solve the issues of morality and evil in the world. The Republicans use this to make the government bigger and more intrusive. Christians somehow got the idea that patriotism is a good thing. Our citizenship is in heaven. All governments are of men and therefore evil to varying degrees. Only when Christ returns will the earth be governed according to God's will by it's true king. Christianity is free

That is good to hear about the magazines. I was concerned the plastic magazine lips wouldn't hold up over time. I already have a couple traditional AKs. I live in California. I will probably just keep the rifle in stock configuration and use it as a short range jackrabbit and coyote gun.

I just bought a new Saiga. It has the standard 10 round polymer magazine. I am curious about how durable they are long term? Does the plastic stand up to use well? This is the first gun I have owned with plastic mags. Will they last?

Dude, what the heck are you doing in your avatar? Looks weird.