25 replies to this topic

[clayde]

Hello, Does anyone know where I can pick-up a (new or used) Bolt Hold Open Latch for a SAIGA 7.62x39? Thanks in advance...

[canoecanoe]

Are you looking for the factory BHO lever or one of the modified safety levers?

[clayde]

Excuse my ignorance, but what’s the difference?

[Otis Shepard]

One is the bolt hold open that is located inside the receiver that automatically holds the bolt open after the last shot is fired and the other (using the safety lever) is a modification to the external safety lever that can be adapted to holding the bolt open by cutting a notch in the lever and manually catching the bolt in the notch.

Hope this helps.

Edited by Otis Shepard, 06 August 2012 - 10:01 AM.

[canoecanoe]

I agree with the description of the notched safety lever, but the factory internal BHO does not automatically hold the bolt open. It is finger actuated and ia also manually operated. The only auto BHO I am aware of is magazine related.

[clayde]

In that case, I am interested in the factory BHO...

[canoecanoe]

Carolina Shooters has the spring and they carry a BHO lever labeled for the Saiga 12. I don't know if this will also work in a 7.62x39 or not, but I bet they coyuld tell you if you contacted them.

[mogunner]

Did yours originally have one? If not, I believe you'll have to do a bit of modification to your hammer, I'm sure someone will jump in here and correct me if I'm wrong. I left mine off when I did the conversion, plan on modding the safety lever.

[clayde]

Thanks guys for the quick relies. I'll give Carolina Shooters Supply a call & see what they have to offer. Thanks again!

[dayofruin]

I don't use mine. PM me and I'll send it to you. I think I have the spring too.

[BpS12]

Why do you want one for the x39? If I may ask. I don't see the need unless your local ranges require it.

[canoecanoe]

I can't speak for the OP, but I like the feature. Do I need it? No. Do I like having it, yes.

[mogunner]

I like it, but not enough to go through the crap that the vids show in reinstalling it. I'll Dremel my safety lever instead.

[ak karl]

I like it, but not enough to go through the crap that the vids show in reinstalling it. I'll Dremel my safety lever instead.

+1

[W8lifter]

I ended up them out of both of my rifles and haven't missed them.

[whitetrashrn]

I had them in on all my Saigas then one day I noticed it bothered my finger. I felt it once nd couldnt get it off my mind when I was
shooting. Took em all out. Dont miss them a bit..

[canoecanoe]

I worked on the lever to make it much less obtrusive and still guarantee function.

Bottom line, to each his own. Some will like it and want it and some won't.

Edited by canoecanoe, 12 August 2012 - 08:19 AM.

[jamesavery22]

I don't think a S12 BHO lever will work with a rifle. The S12 bolt is held much farther back than the rifle. It might not fit in a rifle. I'll check later.

BHO are valuable. Extra work needs to be done to make them worthy. Hammer has to be grinded down. The lip of the lever should be filed to have more of an aggressive cut that holds/catches the leg of the spring. The "button" part of the lever has to be shortened. Then the whole thing refinished.
Some find that work easy and no big deal.

The value I've gotten out of them is holding the bolt open to cool down the barrel faster than having the bolt closed.

[canoecanoe]

I agree with jamesavery22. I do all that he mentions. No big deal if you have a plan and do this as part of the conversion. It is well worth it to me.

[tchick]

I purchased a converted Saiga so the factory BHO lever had been removed. I shoot left handed so I don't think the factory lever would get in my way as much. If anyone wants to get rid of they're factory BHO parts let me know. I'll gladly pay any shipping costs.

[Krebs Custom]

Krebs Custom doesn't use those parts, either - due primarily to the difficulty of re-installing them. We use our Enhanced Safety, which has a manual bolt hold-open notch and a finger tab to make it easier to move.

[mac66]

My S12 did not come with a BHO. I cut a notch in the safety lever and use it to hold open the bolt. I think the gun cools off faster after extended firing sessions and I like the bolt open for safety reasons ( bolt back, safety on) when it is laying on the bench. I did the same notch on all my non-Saiga AK rifles. Easy and cheap

Edited by mac66, 16 August 2012 - 08:55 PM.

[IPSC45]

jamesavery22 says.... " The "button" part of the lever has to be shortened " .....

..... I wouldn't do that. A shortened button may stay "up" inside the receiver when pushed up......bad day !!!

[canoecanoe]

That can happen if you cut it too short. I mark mine before I remove it from the unconverted rifle and make sure I leave enough material so that this can't happen. Never been a problem for me and I end up with the BHO feature that does not cause a problem with my trigger finger.

Works for me but may or may not be to your liking.

[IPSC45]

Just exchanging these thoughts should be adequate caution for others who may not have thought this all the way through.....thanks for sharing your experiences.

[canoecanoe]

Your's are appreciated as well. Just sharing thoughts and ideas.