stokstad 4 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 (edited) I got my Tapco hot list today and found they are offering galil typ front handguards made to fit Saigas. Pretty cool I think. I may be slow on this and the last to know but I figured Id post it anyways. Saiga Handguard with Rails Price $84.98 Sale $74.99 Edited June 11, 2005 by stokstad Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doerdie 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 (edited) I just saw them to on my e-mail, a bit salty but fills a niche. The handguard without the scope rails is $55.00 http://www.tapco.com/product_information.a...0301&rc=HL0605A Edited June 11, 2005 by Doerdie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stokstad 4 Posted June 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 What I wonder is if that front piece is detachable and if it is would they sell just those. I know there are many of us out here that would love just that retainer. Someone should fill them in. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TWGLADF 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 (edited) go to perfectunion.com there is a forum for tapco related inquiries there. i got with ken@tapco there about getting their u.s. gas pistons predrilled for easier installation. he replied that he would definately look into it that it was a great idea. you may be able to get a quicker response there. Edited June 11, 2005 by TWGLADF Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LeadMonkey 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 (edited) The retainer doesnt look too complicated. Nothing the dremil cant carve Edited June 11, 2005 by LeadMonkey Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stokstad 4 Posted June 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 The retainer doesnt look too complicated. Nothing the dremil cant carve <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have already made one for mine with a dremel but if it was made to be split apart and mounted that way I would have prefered to buy one designed to do it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TWGLADF 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 hmmmmm it seems a front sight tool can be made to work just as well. i'd remove alot of material so it wouldn't be so "bulky" looking. but i bet that it would be easy to work with. i have one thats about worn out so i'll try to experiment with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
napoleon 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 I searched the site for just the retainer and found nothing. I am not really a fan of the galil styled handguards........ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Onepoint 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 They probably don't sell them separate. I basically made the same thing from the front handguard metal cap of a wood cetme handguard. They had them on sale a while back for 5 bucks a piece and I bought a couple. I havent seen the Tapco one, but I would bet they did the same thing I did and have something that extends into the hand guard and expands or bends around the inside lip, that probably wouldn't work on wood handguards or most standard AK ones for that matter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jon elia 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 how do i get on the hotlist? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doerdie 0 Posted June 11, 2005 Report Share Posted June 11, 2005 sign up at the Tapco website. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midwestarmory.com 0 Posted June 13, 2005 Report Share Posted June 13, 2005 Guys I posted this in the market place section but figured I would post it here as well. Im gonna call Tapco Monday and see what I can get these for if things go as planned I could do a group buy hopefully well under retail. I will update my post in the market place. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stokstad 4 Posted June 13, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2005 Check it out http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/index.p...ST&f=65&t=15922 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midwestarmory.com 0 Posted June 13, 2005 Report Share Posted June 13, 2005 I just got off the phone with the guys at Tapco and the lowest I can sell these for is $57 due to Tpaco's dealer program. I could likely work a better deal on a complete furniture combo or handguard/G2 combo. I will keep you guys updated if there is interest. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wolverine 10,360 Posted June 13, 2005 Report Share Posted June 13, 2005 I bet three months from now Blackjacks and DPH will have these for $10 less than current retail at Tapco. That is the pattern to this point. Tapco wants $60 for an six adjustment AK collapsing stock. Black Jacks sells it for $45. If you don't need one today they will come down as they go into distribution. Let's see if Tapco follows through with offering just the from fastner as reflected in Stokstad's inquiry. Wolverine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Onepoint 0 Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 Jeez, no need to cold shoulder Midwest armory, I bet he will have them that low too. And at least he had interest in the board to try a group buy right now not 6 months from now when Tapco puts them on the Hotlist. Infact I don't even think Blackjack carries the handguards at all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midwestarmory.com 0 Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 (edited) I am hoping that the price on these will go down but I honestly doubt it. If you look at many of Tapco's items nearly all of them actually go up in price. The problem me and any other Tapco dealer have is the price on these is about $15 more than standard ones and like I said I really dont think this will change. The other problem when pricing these is that Tapco has minimum pricing for nearly all their products. This means that neither me, DPH or anyother Tapco dealer can advertise their products for less than their required minimum. This isnt our policy but a requirement for being a Tapco dealer. If we dont follower their minimum advertiseable pricing policy we lose our account. For example the minimum advertiseable price for adjustable stocks is $45 every now and then someone might try to drop theirs to less but as soon as Tapco catches it they will cut that person off untill their prices change. I hope that helps explain how I set my prices. If you see these being sold for less quote me the price and I can match it. Also $3.85 shipping for any order is pretty darn cheap, I used to have free shipping but had to change it as well to comply with Tapco policies. Edited June 14, 2005 by midwestarmory.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wolverine 10,360 Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 They probably don't sell them separate. I basically made the same thing from the front handguard metal cap of a wood cetme handguard. They had them on sale a while back for 5 bucks a piece and I bought a couple. I havent seen the Tapco one, but I would bet they did the same thing I did and have something that extends into the hand guard and expands or bends around the inside lip, that probably wouldn't work on wood handguards or most standard AK ones for that matter. Not the cold shoulder, just competitive reality. He may be able to purchase and sell or offer them at a discount rate but his initial comments suggested he likely would not be able to get a reduced price. It's nice that he wants to do a group buy but he is in business just like Scott and Randy. I expected Midwest to step up if he could match or beat their price. Either way, I have already ordered a couple from Tapco at their introductory rate. I want to see if I can harvest the clamp off one. I'm just a no nonsense guy. That can appear frosty at times but the truth is the well runs deep. Wolverine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midwestarmory.com 0 Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 (edited) Wolverine I look forward to hearing back from you about these. I expect that they will be decent quality but look forward to hearing what you & others have to say. Theres nothing wrong with being a smart shopper and competition is a great thing. I wish I could advertise these for less but I just cant due to my agreement with Tapco. However I will be able to meet or beat any price you see these advertised for just shoot me a email. ETA I want to appologize for hijacking this post if any one has any questions please feel free to email me thedukeryan@gmail.com Edited June 14, 2005 by midwestarmory.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites
k_dawg 0 Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 I just do not like the Galil style, and I do not think it is compatabile with my Ultimak. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vjor 2 Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 (edited) Edited June 14, 2005 by vjor Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wolverine 10,360 Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 (edited) Wolverine I look forward to hearing back from you about these. I expect that they will be decent quality but look forward to hearing what you & others have to say. Theres nothing wrong with being a smart shopper and competition is a great thing. I wish I could advertise these for less but I just cant due to my agreement with Tapco. However I will be able to meet or beat any price you see these advertised for just shoot me a email. ETA I want to appologize for hijacking this post if any one has any questions please feel free to email me thedukeryan@gmail.com OK. I got the two Tapco grips today. The new clamp is not an integrated part. It ships separate in the same package with the Galil grip for the Saiga. The backside lip or ridge that fits into the groove of the grip is quite wide. It fits perfect in the Galil grip but is too wide for standard AK handguard equipment including a new TDI grip I have. With a little dremel work the channel on the grip can be widened and the new Tapco clamp would likely work fine. This presupposes you are using a grip that solidly fastens into the receiver such as the new Galil that has an integrated screw hole for alignment with the Saiga's fastener screw. Wolverine Edited June 15, 2005 by Wolverine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stokstad 4 Posted June 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 Is that just stamped steel? Doesnt look like it clamps down on the barrel really. That kinda sucks oh well maybe Tapco will mod it to be more like a regular retainer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SaigaShooter 0 Posted June 16, 2005 Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 How does the handguard feel is it toyish, or sturdy? any flex? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wolverine 10,360 Posted June 16, 2005 Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 (edited) Is that just stamped steel? Doesnt look like it clamps down on the barrel really. That kinda sucks oh well maybe Tapco will mod it to be more like a regular retainer. It is awfully thick/heavy to be stamped. It could be molded steel. It does not appear that it will wrap around the barrel under turnscrew pressure. However, by tightening the clamp there may be enough pressure caused by the screw to pull the two ends in toward the barrel some. Between that, the serration or jagged ridges on the part inserting into the handguard together with the screw over the barrel may be adequate to secure the front end of the handguard. Remember the back in slides into the receiver and lines up with the Saiga screw hole to solidly secure the rear. It sure ain't the real McCoy but then you aren't pressing off and on your parts. Wolverine Edited June 16, 2005 by Wolverine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wolverine 10,360 Posted June 16, 2005 Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 (edited) How does the handguard feel is it toyish, or sturdy? any flex? It's pretty rigid other than the top ventilator piece. I'm not sure it is mil-spec grade but it is pretty solid. My complaint with Tapco's Galil is how wide/bulky the piece is. It doesn't feel natural or comfortable to me. It is wider than say my WASR-10 wooden handgrip. When you angle your hand a little to hold it as if you were firing the Saiga the hump at the ass end of the hand grip is pressing into the bottom of your hand in less than a ergonomically pleasing manner. I wear a size large glove if you are looking for a comparison. I would say it is too large for a smaller hand and too uncomfortable for a larger hand due to the described front and rear "humps" on the bottom of the grip. I'll install one on one of my 7.62's and try it out in the not too distant future and provide some live fire feedback. All things considered you'd probably do just as well splitting a conventional $15-$20 retainer or using a scope ring like one of the members here did. Then you wouldn't have to spend $55 plus shipping to get the retainer. But hey, everyone is different. Maybe somebody actually loves this grip......Who the heck knows!!! Wolverine Edited June 16, 2005 by Wolverine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stokstad 4 Posted June 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 How does the handguard feel is it toyish, or sturdy? any flex? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's pretty rigid other than the top ventilator piece. I'm not sure it is mil-spec grade but it is pretty solid. My complaint with Tapco's Galil is how wide/bulky the piece is. It doesn't feel natural or comfortable to me. It is wider than say my WASR-10 wooden handgrip. When you angle your hand a little to hold it as if you were firing the Saiga the hump at the ass end of the hand grip is pressing into the bottom of your hand in less than a ergonomically pleasing manner. I wear a size large glove if you are looking for a comparison. I would say it is too large for a smaller hand and too uncomfortable for a larger hand due to the described front and rear "humps" on the bottom of the grip. I'll install one on one of my 7.62's and try it out in the not too distant future and provide some live fire feedback. All things considered you'd probably do just as well splitting a conventional $15-$20 retainer or using a scope ring like one of the members here did. Then you wouldn't have to spend $55 plus shipping to get the retainer. But hey, everyone is different. Maybe somebody actually loves this grip......Who the heck knows!!! Wolverine <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I was just curious because I contacted Tapco on a different forum and they said it may be a possibilty that someday they would just sell the retainer. I have already modified a correct retainer to fit over the barrel on my gun but I was hoping to find an alternative that was designed to clamp onto the barrel. I am not sure how long my modified retainer will last seems good now but you never know. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
midwestarmory.com 0 Posted June 20, 2005 Report Share Posted June 20, 2005 I just do not like the Galil style, and I do not think it is compatabile with my Ultimak. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have a modified Galil styled one on my AMD it has a ultimak gastube then a cut in half Galil handguard on the bottom. I think it looks pretty sweet but can get a little pricey. Pics http://midwestarmory.com/page6.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wolverine 10,360 Posted June 20, 2005 Report Share Posted June 20, 2005 I just do not like the Galil style, and I do not think it is compatabile with my Ultimak. I have a modified Galil styled one on my AMD it has a ultimak gastube then a cut in half Galil handguard on the bottom. I think it looks pretty sweet but can get a little pricey. Pics http://midwestarmory.com/page6.html midwestarmory, That is a good application for using a ultimak gas tube on a Saiga. Otherwise you have to either add the expensive lower rail or try hacking the stock Saiga handguard which does not leave much to hang onto. Ask me I know. I carved one up like a pumpkin. If you can live with width of the Galil and the rear end of the grip poking into the bottom of the palm of your hand while in firing position the Galil is a very affordable choice. This new clamp will make it even more sattractive to those on a budget or who are partial to the feel of the Tapco Galil. I have gone forward and installed the clamp on a TDI handguard. The clamp adds quite a bit of weight. Now I have to choose whether I convert another .223 or 7.62 to use it on. Also I will have to install a more solid method of affixing the TDI to the receiver end of the Saiga. Saigas are a little wider than standard AK's. The TDI will insert but it is skin tight and often needs to be trimmed first. It does not sit back far enough to line up with the Saiga handguard screw hole so it's a WESCOG job. I think Indy has done this before on a TDI or similar grip so it can be done. Anyway, cutting the Galil down for use with a ventilated ultimak accomodating a good red dot for quick acquisition is not a bad option. I did buy two of the new Galil's so I still plan on trying the new product on my of the conversions to see if I warm up to feel of the grip. As I said it is wide and the protruding rear is distracting to me, but everyone is different and choice is what it is all about. Wolverine Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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