D-Man 0 Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 I've seen a lot of talk about coversions, and it seems like most people go ahead and do so. But if I just want to have a rifle without a handgun grip and using the stock Saiga magazines, couldn't I just leave it alone? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kresk 10,063 Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 Don't wanna? Don't do it. It's an option, not a necessity. Still a great gun. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RangerM9 1 Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 I've seen a lot of talk about coversions, and it seems like most people go ahead and do so. But if I just want to have a rifle without a handgun grip and using the stock Saiga magazines, couldn't I just leave it alone? Like you, i like the sporter config on my .223 but wanted to use hi-cap mags....BRG3 was able to set me up with some US made wood furniture still in sporter config, and a modified US made tapco trigger group to replace the standard sporter triger group. I've got it all together at last - wood is still unfinished, but it looks nice and is 922r compliant now....so can legally slap those hi caps in there.....Up unitl now i've only shot with my factory 10 rd mags.....should be fun next time i get to the range to open up a with the 30 rounders. ....was not a cheap process, but it is nice looking and legal...so i'm happy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BattleRifleG3 16 Posted February 26, 2007 Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 It is cheaper to convert than to go 922 compliant in the sporter config. Balance that with the work required for the conversion, and economically I think it's an even trade. So the bottom line is having what you really want. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
D-Man 0 Posted February 26, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2007 RangerM9 - by chance do you have any pictures of what your gun looks like, as it sounds exactly as what I'd want to do (the looks of the 308 w/ the wood but firing the .223). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gandog56 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 I haven't, but I just got it. But I do have a Weaver style base and a scope on order for it. Maybe later when I catch up on some bills I'll see what Tromix can do for her. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RangerM9 1 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 RangerM9 - by chance do you have any pictures of what your gun looks like, as it sounds exactly as what I'd want to do (the looks of the 308 w/ the wood but firing the .223). indeed i do.... BRG3....you finally get to see your handywork installed on my gun!.....i have yet to stain and finish them, but they fit real nice and look good to me already! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wlchase 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 RangerM9 - by chance do you have any pictures of what your gun looks like, as it sounds exactly as what I'd want to do (the looks of the 308 w/ the wood but firing the .223). BRG3....you finally get to see your handywork installed on my gun!.....i have yet to stain and finish them, but they fit real nice and look good to me already! Sweeet! I am (more-or-less) patiently awaiting much the same hardware from BRG3! Loverly! Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
D-Man 0 Posted February 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 (edited) The gun looks really nice with the wood. (Edited to add I saw your post about the changes to the trigger group to make it compliant and to use the high-cap mags). I've sent an email to BRG3 with further questions. Edited February 27, 2007 by D-Man Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlackDog 1 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 I just shoot with my Saiga. I have no plans to convert it at all. I wish my club would thaw out so I can get back to shooting. RANGER?? Is that maple?? That wood looks nice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GonzoX 0 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 I've seen a lot of talk about coversions, and it seems like most people go ahead and do so. But if I just want to have a rifle without a handgun grip and using the stock Saiga magazines, couldn't I just leave it alone? D-Man, Mine is all stock. I purchased an extra mag and I am good to go. The original stock configuration lends better to using a scope on a short AK carbine. Many people do it IMHO just for the "kewlness" factor. To me it seems cheaper to just buy a Romanian AK if you want a Ramboistic EBR. Most military style commercial Romanian AKs are cheaper than the Saiga right out of the box even before you spend the money and hastle of having a Saiga converted. So I do not see the point of doing it. A few years ago this made sense since Saigas were cheaper than the Romies but that is not the case now. Just my opinion. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RangerM9 1 Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 I just shoot with my Saiga. I have no plans to convert it at all.I wish my club would thaw out so I can get back to shooting. RANGER?? Is that maple?? That wood looks nice. Walnut!....BR did a great job on this, just needs some final touches to fit my hand perfect, then staining and seval coats of finish..... Should be quite nice when all done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlackDog 1 Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 That frontgrip has a nice grain, You got me wondering what some quilted or curly maple would look like for stocks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 I've seen a lot of talk about coversions, and it seems like most people go ahead and do so. But if I just want to have a rifle without a handgun grip and using the stock Saiga magazines, couldn't I just leave it alone? D-Man, Mine is all stock. I purchased an extra mag and I am good to go. The original stock configuration lends better to using a scope on a short AK carbine. Many people do it IMHO just for the "kewlness" factor. To me it seems cheaper to just buy a Romanian AK if you want a Ramboistic EBR. Most military style commercial Romanian AKs are cheaper than the Saiga right out of the box even before you spend the money and hastle of having a Saiga converted. So I do not see the point of doing it. A few years ago this made sense since Saigas were cheaper than the Romies but that is not the case now. Just my opinion. Kewl or not the Russian AKs are far better quality than the Romy ones. That is the point... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BattleRifleG3 16 Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 Excellent pics, RM9! I'm always honored to see the final project people use my styles of furniture on. Hard maple and curly maple are sure options, curly maple I'd have to check on from my old source. Other curly woods may be an option. I'm a fan of the straight grains myself. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
uber_maus 0 Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 i left my .308 stock but i'll probably get some of the new mags just to say i have them. unlike the .223 or 7.62x39mm, i don't see the .308 as a cartridge to just blast away with and i think i'm a more accurate shot w/the sporter stock. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Bob 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Many people do it IMHO just for the "kewlness" factor. There is also the 'trigger pull' factor to consider - as well as the cheap (or 'high capacity') magazine factor. Both of which are priority items - don't you agree? ;>) To me it seems cheaper to just buy a Romanian AK if you want a Ramboistic EBR. Are you talking 7.62, or 2.23? And (FWIW) some of the companies producing 'Romanian AKs' for sale in this country seem to use a lot less care in their production, than I do (or other builders do), when assembling their own rifles (or converting Saigas). Plus, having seen both types, I would suggest that some Romy parts are not manufactured to the same quality control standards as are Russian parts. Obviously, your mileage may vary... Most military style commercial Romanian AKs are cheaper than the Saiga right out of the box even before you spend the money and hastle of having a Saiga converted. So I do not see the point of doing it. A few years ago this made sense since Saigas were cheaper than the Romies but that is not the case now. Just my opinion. Care to quote some prices? It wasn't too long ago that you could purchase a 'brand-spanking-new' .223 Saiga, shipped, for less than $250. FWIW, I've never seen a Romy 'AK' advertosed for less than $300 (and thats for the 7.62 version, not a .223 AK-type self-loading rifle). Plus (IMHO), the Russian workmanship is superior to the Romanian - and to most home-built rifles. Plus - and I wish I didn't have to mention it - some imported .223 AKs (NOT Saigas, as far as I have ever heard) have "quality-control problems." In my opinion, if you want a reliable .223 AK, and don't want to waste your money on 'purchase price' or 'repairs,' just go with the Saiga. Whether or not you convert it, you get a supremely reliable firearm, at a bargain-basement price... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
beavis 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 I do not have a Saiga yet but when I get one (or three) it will remain in stock formation. I may get a trigger job and the peep sights look like they would be handy but other than that it would stay in a sprter config. I have no interest in high-caps or pistol grips or any of that stuff. In fact since I am in a state that requires autos have mags of 5 rds or less I would actuall get low cap mags. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Bob 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 I do not have a Saiga yet but when I get one (or three) it will remain in stock formation. I may get a trigger job and the peep sights look like they would be handy but other than that it would stay in a sprter config. I have no interest in high-caps or pistol grips or any of that stuff. In fact since I am in a state that requires autos have mags of 5 rds or less I would actuall get low cap mags. I used to live in a State like that - more power to you, Compadre! Hang in there, and keep at it! ;>) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TWGLADF 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 all of my saigas are still stock. always thought they would be worth more someday with them in original configuration. who knows. i'm damn tempted to convert my 308 though. i have a buddy that is dead set that he can't get a pistol gripped 308 fun gun for under $1000. if i converted my 308 and got a hi cap mag i would only have $400 into it. i tried to explain that but guess he is a "seeing is believing" person. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GonzoX 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 I've seen a lot of talk about coversions, and it seems like most people go ahead and do so. But if I just want to have a rifle without a handgun grip and using the stock Saiga magazines, couldn't I just leave it alone? D-Man, Mine is all stock. I purchased an extra mag and I am good to go. The original stock configuration lends better to using a scope on a short AK carbine. Many people do it IMHO just for the "kewlness" factor. To me it seems cheaper to just buy a Romanian AK if you want a Ramboistic EBR. Most military style commercial Romanian AKs are cheaper than the Saiga right out of the box even before you spend the money and hastle of having a Saiga converted. So I do not see the point of doing it. A few years ago this made sense since Saigas were cheaper than the Romies but that is not the case now. Just my opinion. Kewl or not the Russian AKs are far better quality than the Romy ones. That is the point... Well I own both and do not really see much difference. For the price of a Saiga and the hasstle and price of a conversion (not to mention the risk involved), I would suggest a Vepre if you want a good quality AK type rifle. Better yet, get an AR. An AK is an AK to me. That just the way I see it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GonzoX 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Many people do it IMHO just for the "kewlness" factor. There is also the 'trigger pull' factor to consider - as well as the cheap (or 'high capacity') magazine factor. Both of which are priority items - don't you agree? ;>) To me it seems cheaper to just buy a Romanian AK if you want a Ramboistic EBR. Are you talking 7.62, or 2.23? And (FWIW) some of the companies producing 'Romanian AKs' for sale in this country seem to use a lot less care in their production, than I do (or other builders do), when assembling their own rifles (or converting Saigas). Plus, having seen both types, I would suggest that some Romy parts are not manufactured to the same quality control standards as are Russian parts. Obviously, your mileage may vary... Most military style commercial Romanian AKs are cheaper than the Saiga right out of the box even before you spend the money and hastle of having a Saiga converted. So I do not see the point of doing it. A few years ago this made sense since Saigas were cheaper than the Romies but that is not the case now. Just my opinion. Care to quote some prices? It wasn't too long ago that you could purchase a 'brand-spanking-new' .223 Saiga, shipped, for less than $250. FWIW, I've never seen a Romy 'AK' advertosed for less than $300 (and thats for the 7.62 version, not a .223 AK-type self-loading rifle). Plus (IMHO), the Russian workmanship is superior to the Romanian - and to most home-built rifles. Plus - and I wish I didn't have to mention it - some imported .223 AKs (NOT Saigas, as far as I have ever heard) have "quality-control problems." In my opinion, if you want a reliable .223 AK, and don't want to waste your money on 'purchase price' or 'repairs,' just go with the Saiga. Whether or not you convert it, you get a supremely reliable firearm, at a bargain-basement price... --------- What's wrong with the AK trigger? My SAR1 works fine and it's not even Russian made. Same with my PSL, triger is fine. Just as smooth if not better than my Saiga 223 trigger. In either case there are aftermarket triggers for all AKs that solve the now non-existant trigger slap. No need for a high dollar PG conversion on a Saiga just for that. Yes, you can argue that custom builds are better quality, but if you read through all the "my conversion does not work" type postings here you can see that some people wind up taking a perfectly functional Saiga and wind up with a non-working or semi-working conversion. All you have to do is read through some of this forum to know what I mean. I see some converted Saigas in local pawn shops in my area for that reason I would gather. As far as exact prices go, google, AIM, Century and SOG are your friend. I will not do your homework for you. You can buy a Rommy AK of various calibers for around $200. Show me how much a Saiga 223 would cost right now with a so called "professional" conversion into a rambo rifle. I think I made my point. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GonzoX 0 Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 all of my saigas are still stock. always thought they would be worth more someday with them in original configuration. who knows. i'm damn tempted to convert my 308 though. i have a buddy that is dead set that he can't get a pistol gripped 308 fun gun for under $1000. if i converted my 308 and got a hi cap mag i would only have $400 into it. i tried to explain that but guess he is a "seeing is believing" person. $1000?? Waaaat? Tell your buddy to look for an aftermarket CETME like mine in my Sig Photo. Should not run him over $500. $600-$700 at most. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aka108 0 Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 (edited) I have 4 stock Saigas. No plans to convert. They all shoot well enough. For the AK look I picked up a Arsenal SAM 7S a few years ago. It's build quality is excellent but not much more for your money in the accuracy department and that's really what counts. The Saiga's are just wolves in sheeps clothes. Nice as they come. Edited March 6, 2007 by aka108 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ssullivan777 0 Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Mine is stock add the 3rd gen scope mount (http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AKS006-44765-2712.html) 4x32 BSA Scope, and 1" black nylon sling. Looks pretty spiffie to me like it is. I am thinking about giving it a camo paint job, because I use it for Coyote hunting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gandog56 0 Posted March 7, 2007 Report Share Posted March 7, 2007 I just got a .223 that is stock. But I just received the mount, rings, and scope, if you're going to call that a mod. I can't help it. My tired old eyes can't seem to focus on the sights and the target at the same time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ssullivan777 0 Posted March 8, 2007 Report Share Posted March 8, 2007 I just got a .223 that is stock. But I just received the mount, rings, and scope, if you're going to call that a mod. I can't help it. My tired old eyes can't seem to focus on the sights and the target at the same time. I put a scope on mine, cause I just really hate the iron sites on it. I was a big PAIN trying to get everything lined up and make sure I was looking at them right............. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GunOwner 1 Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 I've seen a lot of talk about coversions, and it seems like most people go ahead and do so. But if I just want to have a rifle without a handgun grip and using the stock Saiga magazines, couldn't I just leave it alone? D-Man, Mine is all stock. I purchased an extra mag and I am good to go. The original stock configuration lends better to using a scope on a short AK carbine. Many people do it IMHO just for the "kewlness" factor. To me it seems cheaper to just buy a Romanian AK if you want a Ramboistic EBR. Most military style commercial Romanian AKs are cheaper than the Saiga right out of the box even before you spend the money and hastle of having a Saiga converted. So I do not see the point of doing it. A few years ago this made sense since Saigas were cheaper than the Romies but that is not the case now. Just my opinion. Kewl or not the Russian AKs are far better quality than the Romy ones. That is the point... Where can I gt that great looking furniture and how much $$$$ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Koevoet 0 Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 It may depend on where somebody lives and the laws there.The 308 Saiga's don't have all the extra pins and trigger parts.I think this makes for a better system from the start.I think maybe because the 7.62x39 and 223 receiver have large capacity magwells(even w/o bullet guides)they may require the extra axis pins to be importable.This wasn't required on the 308 receivers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
uncle jerky 1 Posted March 11, 2007 Report Share Posted March 11, 2007 I own Saigas in 223 short bbl,7.62x39 in long bbl and 308 in short bbl..all with 3x9x40 scopes on Saiga factory side mounts...all left factory. I don't feel like having the authorities messing with me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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