what else is needed for complete K-VAR stock?

[sharkforce 4]

the product i am referring to is this set http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16217&cat=251&page=1 , going onto a saiga 5.45 not yet converted. I know the the fire control group needs to be moved forward for the pistol grip, and the buttstock basically drops in place but what about the handguards. what else is needed for those to work on the saiga 5.45?

[jimdigriz 580]

the product i am referring to is this set http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=16217&cat=251&page=1 , going onto a saiga 5.45 not yet converted. I know the the fire control group needs to be moved forward for the pistol grip, and the buttstock basically drops in place but what about the handguards. what else is needed for those to work on the saiga 5.45?

 

You need a standard AK gas tube, and some sort of handguard retainer. The Dinzag retainer works well, but is expensive. The ones over at CSS are cheaper and also work. I have a one of each. In both cases you will need to make small modifications to the rifle for best reliability. I also had to modify the upper handguard slightly, as it was too tight to go on the gas tube I had.

Edited November 28, 2010 by Jim Digriz

[sharkforce 4]

the product i am referring to is this set http://www.k-var.com...&cat=251&page=1 , going onto a saiga 5.45 not yet converted. I know the the fire control group needs to be moved forward for the pistol grip, and the buttstock basically drops in place but what about the handguards. what else is needed for those to work on the saiga 5.45?

 

You need a standard AK gas tube, and some sort of handguard retainer. The Dinzag retainer works well, but is expensive. The ones over at CSS are cheaper and also work. I have a one of each. In both cases you will need to make small modifications to the rifle for best reliability. I also had to modify the upper handguard slightly, as it was too tight to go on the gas tube I had.

 

thanks for the info, is there any real difference in performance between vented and nonvented gas tube, which style is preferred?

[jimdigriz 580]

thanks for the info, is there any real difference in performance between vented and nonvented gas tube, which style is preferred?

 

Not to my knowledge, but the vented ones look cooler. On the other hand, I guess you are more likely to get debris in there. I doubt it matters much.

[sharkforce 4]

i guess i will be waiting for CSS retaining lower bracket to come back in stock... $34.95 vs $80!!

[jimdigriz 580]

i guess i will be waiting for CSS retaining lower bracket to come back in stock... $34.95 vs $80!!

 

That one is more difficult to install and needs a cut across the top of the barrel to secure properly. (Supposedly it will still work without the cut, but mine popped loose within a few shots without the cut). The Dinzag one needs only a small dimple drilled in the barrel for the set screw to engage. Also, the Dinzag one prevents the handguard from riding up at the front, whereas the CSS one needs a little hack to prevent that. (Not difficult, though). I like the Dinzag one best, but the price for the other is compelling. $80 is too much for a handguard retainer.

Edited November 28, 2010 by Jim Digriz

[sharkforce 4]

i guess i will be waiting for CSS retaining lower bracket to come back in stock... $34.95 vs $80!!

 

That one is more difficult to install and needs a cut across the top of the barrel to secure properly. (Supposedly it will still work without the cut, but mine popped loose within a few shots without the cut). The Dinzag one needs only a small dimple drilled in the barrel for the set screw to engage. Also, the Dinzag one prevents the handguard from riding up at the front, whereas the CSS one needs a little hack to prevent that. (Not difficult, though). I like the Dinzag one best, but the price for the other is compelling. $80 is too much for a handguard retainer.

 

what about the Bulgarian retaining bracket?

[jimdigriz 580]

what about the Bulgarian retaining bracket?

 

If you don't mind temporarily removing the FSB and the gas block, it's no trouble at all. ;-)

 

(Also, you would still need to make the cut across the top of the barrel).

Edited November 29, 2010 by Jim Digriz

[sharkforce 4]

what about the Bulgarian retaining bracket?

 

If you don't mind temporarily removing the FSB and the gas block, it's no trouble at all. ;-)

 

(Also, you would still need to make the cut across the top of the barrel).

 

ack, sounds like more trouble than its worth for me.