I posted this in another thread but no response yet, so I'm starting a new one. I know there is much information about this subject in this and other forums, but bear with me.
I'm aware that some Saigas have threaded barrels, and from looking at crown area of mine (7.62x39, 3/09 manufacture) it appears to be threaded, so after reading extensively about the subject I proceeded to cut the shroud with a pipe cutter .
I used a Ridgid cutter, cost was $25, went slow and oiled well during the cut. It did accomplish a clean cut somewhat less than 5/8" distance from crown and I stopped at abo