6x6pinz 4 Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 I picked up an S223 last week and ordered the parts for the basic conversion from Dinzag arms (thanks again for help with another conversion). While looking through another forum I found a gentleman who had done an AR mag conversion which allowed the use of the original Saiga mag. I got the contact info of the guy who makes the adapter and promptly ordered it. The magwell arrived this afternoon and I proceeded to get it installed. It works great in my test area. I need to get it to the range and see how it works with a variety of AR mags. I know it still works great with the original Saiga mag but need to see how it does with different brands of AR mags. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
supersampson12 0 Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 how difficult was the installation? is that a MSA adapter? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cbryan 7 Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 That looks like the Renegade Buck adapter, it only requires a little metal removal to allow the AR mag to seat and feed properly. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
6x6pinz 4 Posted October 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 I ordered it from Mike Thomas, got h is name from a member on another forum. There is no markings of manufacturer so I am not sure if he makes them or is just a third party. Cbryan is correct, there is a little metal that needs to be removed for the AR mag to go in all the way to set properly. This does not affect the operation of the original magazine. Installation (after fitted) is as easy as installing an AK mag. Once the adapter is installed the AR mags install the same as they would in any AR. The big advantage for me is the large collection of AR mags and not having to buy a bunch more mags to feed the Saiga. I can't wait to run the beta mag through it:) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheDeacon 168 Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 (edited) Interesting. Price? In stock and ships in less than a week? Information like this should be shared! Tell us more Comrade! (Better Pic of adapter, more info please?) Edited October 28, 2011 by TheDeacon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Red Star 38 Posted October 28, 2011 Report Share Posted October 28, 2011 also, was any modification to the actual rifle needed, or are the AR magazines the only thing that need modding? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheDeacon 168 Posted October 30, 2011 Report Share Posted October 30, 2011 That IS one of Renegadebuck's adapters. I believe a bit of metal needs to be removed from the front trunnion to clear the AR mag. Will know better in a few days when I have one in hand. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
6x6pinz 4 Posted November 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2011 I finally had a chance to get the rifle to the range and run it through its paces. I put 6 30round mags through it without a hiccup. I switched back and forth with the original saiga mags and the AR mags with adapter. I wanted to make sure the lock up was consistent. I can now say that I am a big fan of this conversion. installation included fitting the adapter to the rifle. This required a minor touch with the dremel to the original mag release, I believe this will be a case by case issue as it was very minor but allowed the release button for the AR clearance when installing. Next the mag well opening needed a little opening up to clear the AR mag. Then the fun part removing enough metal from the front trunion to allow the AR mag to sit in deep enough to lock up and feed properly. Attached are the photos of the areas I had to work on. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
6x6pinz 4 Posted November 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2011 forgot to answer questions $76 shipped to my door I think it took about a week turn around. I did not think it would show up as quick as it did but some times surprises are good. pics of the adapter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheDeacon 168 Posted November 2, 2011 Report Share Posted November 2, 2011 Thank you for the info! Mine will likely be here this Friday so I now have a Saturday project. I was dreading the thought of cutting on the front trunnion, but that doesn't look too bad. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
6x6pinz 4 Posted November 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2011 I bought this Saiga with the idea of doing the basic conversion (trigger group, stock, pg). I ended up doing the conversion before ever firing a shot out of it. I took it to Ben avery to see how it worked and was very pleased then a member on another forum mentions the adapter. My interest was peaked so I ordered the adapter, which came without any instructions or place on the web to look for them. I was a little nervous about just grinding on a new rifle to make an, unknown to me, product work. Very happy I did though. The versatility of having lots of mags available is nice. I see some even put in the bullet guide. I chose not to do this. I have not had one single feed issue so I most likely will not add the guide. I have done the bullet guide on my 7.62x39 saiga so it would run regular AK mags. That is also an easy and very nice modification. Still looking for an alternative for the 308 mag. Will be interested to see what your results are. I have a couple buddies wanting it done to their rifles but would like to see if it works as well on others first. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted November 4, 2011 Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 Thanks for the post! Can you post the link to the source or ordering information for adapter? I see your Saiga is "dimpled", like mine (and all newer shipments, unlike the ones used on YouTube and MSA site). I've got MSA adapter and hacked a heck out of it, and it still far from "drop in" installation. My bad: I paid too much attention to the sales info. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jsunn 3 Posted November 4, 2011 Report Share Posted November 4, 2011 Can you give an idea on the build material- is it steel or aluminum? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheDeacon 168 Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) Steel! Mine is here and I should have it installed by Wednesday. Just in mounting it so far 6x6pinz picture tutorial is dead accurate. very slight cut on the front lip of the trunnion ( used a hand file and a couple minutes, that small a cut ) and trimming the mag release lever side to clear the adapter mag release. Fit against the receiver is snug and stable. Pictures as soon as possible. Sadly, have to go slave to afford the toys. UPDATE! After using a dremel, proper measuring tools and a bit of patience (about an hour and a half) I finished the installation. GI steel, plastic and surefire AR mags fit, lock and drop free with no issues. There has been just one problem, and that is due to excessively rough handling on my part. After I talk to Renegadebuck I may leave the adapter on permanently and dispense with the Saiga mags. And a 60 round mag dump from the Surefire AR mag will make even the most jaded of us smile like a little kid! Edited November 19, 2011 by TheDeacon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Broken-Tengu 2 Posted November 22, 2011 Report Share Posted November 22, 2011 Does anyone know if the mag release button can be switched around to accomodate a left-handed shooter ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheDeacon 168 Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 On the Renegadebuck unit, no. If you look at the first picture in post #9, the curved sqare rod is the mag release. I have a couple ideas to make it ambidextrous by adding a low profile lever on the left side and if they work I'll ask Mr. Thomas if he minds if I post it. On the MSA adapter, I have no idea. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Broken-Tengu 2 Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 On the Renegadebuck unit, no. If you look at the first picture in post #9, the curved sqare rod is the mag release. I have a couple ideas to make it ambidextrous by adding a low profile lever on the left side and if they work I'll ask Mr. Thomas if he minds if I post it. On the MSA adapter, I have no idea. Well , if you ever come up with an idea , let me know , Deac . Thanks , buddy . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
corbin 621 Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 Does anyone know if the mag release button can be switched around to accomodate a left-handed shooter ? I've considered this too, being a lefty. The technique I use with my AR however is to use the butt of the new mag to hit the mag release button. I HAD an ambi release on my AR, but it was too close to the bolt catch and I could easilly hit it accidently during reloading, so I took it off. Maybe a similar technique here? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 The MSA adapter is Ambi. It has a release button on the left side, as well as the right. Any left handed shooters can use this feature with no problem. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bohound 281 Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 I actually use the "lefty" magazine release on my MSA mag adapter. I hit it with my left palm while I'm pulling the mag (I believe in retention, not drop free)... Works like a charm- this is actually the DIRECT release, the "right side" by the trigger finger is via linkage on the MSA unit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted November 25, 2011 Report Share Posted November 25, 2011 (edited) Folks, you really need to see different views of MSA adapter before drawing the conclusion. Is it "ambi"? Yes. Is it symmetrical/interchangeable/reversible? NO. You can smack it with your palm from the left hand side to drop the mag, but have to use your index finger from the right hand side. See this "borrowed" image. Adapters are positioned facing the barrel end (you, the viewer), with larger release rocking lever located on its left hand side, and small push-lever on right. (Added later) Thin walls' part is inserted into AK mag well. Great idea, good looking part, quality fabrication; unfortunately, doesn't fit "dimpled" Saigas without H-E-A-V-Y modifications. Bottom line is to decide what are you going to hack the hell off: adapter or receiver. Edited November 25, 2011 by Sgt. Raven 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheDeacon 168 Posted November 25, 2011 Report Share Posted November 25, 2011 (edited) Ah. so that's the layout then. First time I've seen a pic where the mechanism is shown well. I'm still waiting for the one I ordered to surface. Edited November 25, 2011 by The Deacon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted December 11, 2011 Report Share Posted December 11, 2011 (edited) "Hacked" MSA with PMAG, finally works. Opted for trimming a notch on magazine vs. dremmeling the hell off the receiver's AK mag stop. Added Fuglystick handguard has no relations to mag adapter, but surely works well as stress relief! Edited December 11, 2011 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmeck 12 Posted December 12, 2011 Report Share Posted December 12, 2011 "Hacked" MSA with PMAG, finally works. Opted for trimming a notch on magazine vs. dremmeling the hell off the receiver's AK mag stop. Added Fuglystick handguard has no relations to mag adapter, but surely works well as stress relief! Looking good, I really like the hand guard. Fuglystick, where do you get them? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted December 29, 2011 Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 "Hacked" MSA with PMAG, finally works. Opted for trimming a notch on magazine vs. dremmeling the hell off the receiver's AK mag stop. Added Fuglystick handguard has no relations to mag adapter, but surely works well as stress relief! Looking good, I really like the hand guard. Fuglystick, where do you get them? (Sorry if off-topic: http://www.thefuglystick.com/index.html ) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Share Posted January 1, 2012 Folks, you really need to see different views of MSA adapter before drawing the conclusion. Is it "ambi"? Yes. Is it symmetrical/interchangeable/reversible? NO. You can smack it with your palm from the left hand side to drop the mag, but have to use your index finger from the right hand side. See this "borrowed" image. Adapters are positioned facing the barrel end (you, the viewer), with larger release rocking lever located on its left hand side, and small push-lever on right. (Added later) Thin walls' part is inserted into AK mag well. Great idea, good looking part, quality fabrication; unfortunately, doesn't fit "dimpled" Saigas without H-E-A-V-Y modifications. Bottom line is to decide what are you going to hack the hell off: adapter or receiver. Oooooooooooohh scary scary..... Gotta "hack" it up to make it work? Not really.... People don't get alarmed, it's not difficult at all to make any of the modifications it takes to use the MSA adapter. BTW this "borrowed pic" is mine. And just to let y'all know, I am currently working with a disabled shooter and designing and making a new part that will be available next year (not far in the future...) that will indeed allow the left handed shooter to release the mag with the trigger finger of the left hand, just like the right side works now,... and still have the option to use the regular left side release on the adapter. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JTucker 2 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Share Posted January 1, 2012 I just bought a 223, looking at mag options. I like the AR mag idea. GI mags are everywhere around here, used and new. Go in anywhere and ask for a galil mag, or and 223 AK for that matter, and you get a blank stare. The MSA adapter does look nice, I've done a bit of fab work but not on guns though. I'm a bit apprehensive about taking a grinder to new parts. A little is Ok but how much is really necessary to install this thing? I do have a dimpled receiver. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
veritas_vincit 4 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Share Posted January 1, 2012 I can't wait to run the beta mag through it:) I have an MSA adapter and the Beta mags can't to in far enough to latch, due to interference on the drums hitting the adapter. I'm curious if you'll have the same problem with your adapter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SovietSurplus 3 Posted January 1, 2012 Report Share Posted January 1, 2012 So I'm still confused. Say I'm a left-handed shooter and want to drop the AR mag with my left trigger finger (like a righty does with a stock AR), does it work this way or not? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SgtRaven 531 Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 (edited) Oooooooooooohh scary scary..... Gotta "hack" it up to make it work? Not really.... People don't get alarmed, it's not difficult at all to make any of the modifications it takes to use the MSA adapter. BTW this "borrowed pic" is mine. And just to let y'all know, I am currently working with a disabled shooter and designing and making a new part that will be available next year (not far in the future...) that will indeed allow the left handed shooter to release the mag with the trigger finger of the left hand, just like the right side works now,... and still have the option to use the regular left side release on the adapter. Post updates on the progress of LHS release; I am interested. Speaking of modding: my IzhMash (non-Legion) Saiga was imported by US Sporting Goods, H091644XX. I've got it working and like the final results; I wish my efforts were on a lighter side. Therefore, any shared experience is appreciated. Edited January 2, 2012 by Sgt. Raven Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.