Left handed conversion finished!

[imarangemaster 315]

Now that I have your attention, I call it my "Left Handed Conversion" because I had to do it left handed with my right arm in a sling. So it only took me a couple weeks to get it done a little at a time, instead of one evening! Good for building patience, I guess!

 

I will post pics tomorrow.

 

KVAR US trigger

KVAR US Warsaw Stock

KVAR US AK 47 pistol grip

Tapco Galil US hand guard

US M16A1 flash hider

 

US Surefire and ProMag magazines (3 US parts each)

 

Re-used Saiga hammer, Saiga disconnector and spring, Saiga trigger guard, Saiga hammer/trigger pin retention spring (only used one of the aluminum cross spacers screws? and plug back holes, and trimmed down bolt hold open device (WHAT A PAIN IN THE BUTT! Thank goodness for who ever came up with the dental floss idea!).

 

Hardest part: Drilling the front trigger guard weld! Must be melted down German tank steel, as someone already suggested!

 

It is soooooo sweeeeeeet!

Edited February 9, 2009 by imarangemaster

[pogy 5]

Yes! That front trigger guard weld is a bi_ch. I wrecked a couple of drills before I ground it off with a Dremel tool. The BHO is not worth the bother IMHO but that's just me. Can't wait to see your final product. You should be able to get out on "winter vacation" if your arm allows and try it out.

[WardenWolf 6]

Am I the only one who didn't have trouble with that trigger guard weld? Those titanium trinitride bits went through it like a hot knife through butter.

[imarangemaster 315]

Here's the baby!

 

I still have to get pan head screws for the back two holes, and a shepards crook keep so I can loose the aluminum cross screw and Saiga retention spring.

 

 

[Bad Bob 0]

...Those titanium trinitride bits went through it like a hot knife through butter.

They didn't work for me. Ended up using a diamond bit in a Dremel tool, combined with a little brute force (both applied in an appropriate WECSOG manner ;>)...

[imarangemaster 315]

I only broke 2 drill bits. One cobalt, one cadmium coated. The third try finished it.

[VladTepes 160]

Am I the only one who didn't have trouble with that trigger guard weld? Those titanium trinitride bits went through it like a hot knife through butter.

 

 

i had no problem as well.... in fact i remember while doing the conversion waiting to smoke drill bits or break them... i used the SAME bit on TWO saigas and it was just some old bit in my box i dont even know what it was... i did make a couple progressive holes.. small medium then large.. i dont know if that helped me?

[WardenWolf 6]

I used a progressive technique as well. I used a larger bit once I realized how wide the rivets actually were. Once I was through the plate I worked it side to side some and it popped right off.

[RPK 3]

My mill worked through the spot weld like it was pot metal

Edited February 10, 2009 by RPK

[imarangemaster 315]

The rivets were no problem. Center punched them, drilled them, and they popped right out. The weld, I used progressive bits, two of which broke!

Edited February 11, 2009 by imarangemaster

[7.62smith 1]

I used a "stepped bit" on mine after I put an indention in it with the dremel. The stepped bits cut like nothing else, it made busting the rivets and such very easy compared to a regular bit.

[Bad Bob 0]

FWIW, I always use cutting fluid, and a drill press, and do not abuse my bits - and I still had to go to a Dremel diamond bit. Sounds like 'your mileage may vary'...