SgtRaven 531 Posted January 1, 2011 Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 (edited) Hi everyone, Thank you all for sharing your experience and your encouragement (personal thanks and credits to Classy K, NinerRider, TX-Zen, and many others). After careful consideration and being influenced by Suarez Intl videos, I've decided to go for modernized tactical conversion, something I wish I had when in service. Briefly: yes, anyone can do it, even without having drill press, etc. Use your common sense and research on topic (this thread is classic, but somewhat outdated for 5.45 and BHO; nevertheless, it's a "must read"). http://www.cross-con...iga_Conversion/ Speaking of supplies and suppliers: I was very pleased with Carolina Shooter's Supply, Krebs and Dinzag. K-VAR shipping is in transit. 922r parts are top-notch quality. Tapco folder, FCG, Ultimac rail are on par with Russian original stuff. BTW, Tapco folder is much better looking in life, than in the pictures. Installation was a breeze, fit is very good to excellent (no trimming/modifications needed in my case). I smoothed some sharp edges at the hinge. Pin made out of steel. It's tough, very well made, and locks without any wobble at all. I really like Saiga's handguard, and decided to follow Classy K's case of trimming it for Ultimak with Dremmel. Personally, I found that wood cutting wheel and low speed works the best, as plastic doesn't melt. USE SAFETY GOGGLES, take your time and be patient. I used Locktite Blue thread locker (purchased at Lowe's Home Center) for all threaded connection (PG, TG, Ultimak, etc). Going slow and taking one step at the time will take the stress out and get the job done right. Make a checklist of parts and supplies and organize your work area. Make sure you have a good lighting (overhead light suggested). Clean up the space around, just in case you drop small part(s) (thankfully, not my case, but I've had extra disconnect spring on hand). Have few terry towels to rest the rifle on to protect receiver from scratches. Overall, everything was pretty easy. I wanted to keep BHO lever, and placing its spring back was the major pain, but still very "do-able" (I let short leg through the release hole in receiver, inserted the punch from RHS through the spring loop, and then pushed the trigger pin all the way through the loop). Then I pushed the spring's short "leg" upwards through the bottom side hole along the BHO plate, and hooked onto the lever. BTW, set of dental picks (brass recommended) will make this job a breeze! "Naked" receiver bottom was painted with Dupli-Color's Low-Gloss black Engine Enamel: just a perfect match to original paint. I also recommend a bottle of touch-up in low-gloss for future minor fixes. Use quality masking tape while painting; cover major exposed area with plastic trash bag or foil. Stage One is complete and "shootable". Stage Two will add Bulgarian FSB and zig-zag MB, side rail for zoom optics. Ultimak rail-based Red Dot is on order (iron sights will be clear to see with side scope mount). Bulgarian and Dinzag's Bullet Guides are in transit; I will select the best fit, once arrived. Dinzag's is coming as a kit with drill bit, tap and screw. Will be posting updates as I go. Like one huge sports equipment company says: "Just Do It!". Have fun! UPDATE 1 (Returned from the Range): Took it to the local range yesterday (no BG yet). Started with Saiga mag: no issues at all. Nice and light trigger pull; will be learning it as I go. Trying to find the reset point vs. full let go. I like it. Tapco mags were locking in secure, no wobble. 1 out of 3 mags gave me some minor issues: was harder to insert and kept last round from releasing. Today will compare it to other 2. Nevertheless, no other issues. 100 rounds through. Ultimak got warm, but not too hot to worry about the optics on it. Saiga HG feels warmer than AK's original wood, but not uncomfortable. Can't wait to put an optics on! Edited January 3, 2011 by Sgt. Raven 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 (edited) My core Parts List (before FSB/MB, Scope Mount, sling, etc): TRIGGER GUARD-BOLT ON "ROUNDED", TGUARD-ROUNDED, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 17.95, Website TRIGGER GROUP HOLE PLUGS FOR SAIGA CONVERSIONS, 6PLUGS, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 1.00, Website TRIGGER GROUP-TROMIX SAIGA FIRE CONTROL GROUP, TRX-TRIGGER-GROUP, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 45.00, Website KCI TRIGGER PIN RETAINING PLATE FOR AK RIFLES, CATALOG NUMBER 22, Krebs, $ 10.50 , Website Bullet Guide Kit Round Trunnion, 545RTK, Dinzag Arms, $ 25.00 , Website (OR) Bulgarian Bullet Guide, Fits to 5.45 cal, AK-545BG, K-Var, $ 14.70 , Website GRIP AK/SAIGA MOLOT STYLE, MD-GRIP, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 12.00 , Website GRIP AK/SAIGA GRIP SCREW AND BUSHING SET, GRIP-SCREW/BUSHING, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 6.95 , Website RECOIL BUFFER-SAIGA SHOTGUNS, RIFLES, AK47, AK-BUFFER , Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 9.95 , Website SCOPE MOUNT-SAIGA AK47 RAILED GAS TUBE, RAILED GAS TUBE, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 89.95 , Website AK74 5.45X39 SAIGA RIFLE 30RD MAGAZINE, TAPCO-5.45MAG , Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 14.95 , Website SIGHT ADJUSTMENT TOOL AK47 SAIGA, UTG-SIGHTTOOL, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 9.95 , Website TAPCO FOLDING STOCK BLACK, BLK-FOLDING-STOCK, Carolina Shooter's Supply, $ 32.99 , Website Edited January 1, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
paprotective 362 Posted January 1, 2011 Report Share Posted January 1, 2011 Very nice build.. I like how the Ultimak is snuggled into the factory HG.. very clean lines.. al Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) Thanks, Al! Update with Pro-Mag side-mount (iron sights are clear): Edited January 5, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NM0 586 Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 That Ultimak does look sharp with the factory forearm, very clean...Molot grip looks good too. Nice job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
whitetrashrn 74 Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 I agree about that rail as well. Funny I have see a lot of abortions from people making that handguard what it never was supposed to be but the simple cuts you made look great. GreAT JOB. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
supertex 242 Posted January 5, 2011 Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 where did you get the bipod? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 5, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2011 (edited) RE: Bipod. This is UTG, and I've got it from Amazon. It's TL-BP08S, 9-11" in height, "Universal Foldable Clamp-on Bipod ". Originally I've got it for Ruger 10/22, but it fits both well. However, with Saiga/AK recoil, clamp tends to loosen up, and bipod gets wobbly. Not a big deal, still, but I will order another one with Picatinny mount (add-on rails for HG are on order). I'd recommend rail-mounted. Here is their product line: http://www.leapers.c...=bipod&mtrack=m Nevertheless, overall build quality is very good to excellent. Edited January 5, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
supertex 242 Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 very nice, what is the length of the rifle when folded , thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2011 (edited) very nice, what is the length of the rifle when folded , thanks (EDITED) It's 27" folded as it is now. <<<I'll measure once at home and edit this post. I think it's just under 33 in folded. I've got this case (36") and it fits well, even with side rail and scope, and still have about 3" room in it. http://www.amazon.co...ref=oss_product >>> Edited January 7, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2011 (edited) Bullet guide and Bulgie FSB and MB ("zigzag") are in. Removal/installation was easier than thought and feared. I used angle grinder for bulk material removal on both sides of the Saiga FSB, right across the dimples, and followed with Dremmel. Used household-grade cross-generated laser for new FSB alignment, plus fine Sharpie markings for backup. Drilling notches into the barrel required a lot of patience (and good drill bits). I decided to go with roll pins. That's about it, folks! Edited January 17, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted January 17, 2011 Report Share Posted January 17, 2011 very nice, what is the length of the rifle when folded , thanks (EDITED) It's 27" folded as it is now. <<<I'll measure once at home and edit this post. I think it's just under 33 in folded. I've got this case (36") and it fits well, even with side rail and scope, and still have about 3" room in it. http://www.amazon.co...ref=oss_product >>> I hope you enjoy your new rifle. I suggest obtaining some of the Eastern Europe poly mags (such as Circle 10s) that have been tested and approved on various battlefields for over 30 years. They would be a significant upgrade over the Tapco mag. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2011 (edited) I hope you enjoy your new rifle. I suggest obtaining some of the Eastern Europe poly mags (such as Circle 10s) that have been tested and approved on various battlefields for over 30 years. They would be a significant upgrade over the Tapco mag. Thanks, Jim! Will definitely try, as I have enough 922r point. Tapco mags sits tight, but 1 out of 3 giving me troubles from the start: loads only 29 rounds, and jams on the last round. I am not too happy about. (I've used Soviet orange bakelites in the past troubles-free; should stick to original). Edited January 19, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
essohbe 47 Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 I kinda like the Ultimak rail with the factory forearm. Nice rifle. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted March 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Updated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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