joker1656 0 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 I know that many on here do their own conversions. I am considering that, but would prefer to have it done correctly/professionally. If my gun had been purchased for the 2007-2010 prices, maybe I would be more inclined. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I still have under a grand in it, which includes a nice ATI pistol grip and stock, extra high-cap mags, etc. However, it is still in the "sporter" config. Does anyone have knowledge of a reputable gunsmith, specifically qualified to do great work on Saigas, in the northern Indiana area...Indy would be fine too? I think that I could do an acceptable job with moving the FCG, but......I might want more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
yamadog35 28 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 Have you posted over on ingunowners.com? Might get a better response there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwelhse 1,285 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 I'm in your neighborhood and have never heard any positive press about any gunsmith around here... I would mail it in to a specialist. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RoughRider666 47 Posted February 13, 2013 Report Share Posted February 13, 2013 I know that many on here do their own conversions. I am considering that, but would prefer to have it done correctly/professionally. If my gun had been purchased for the 2007-2010 prices, maybe I would be more inclined. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I still have under a grand in it, which includes a nice ATI pistol grip and stock, extra high-cap mags, etc. However, it is still in the "sporter" config. Does anyone have knowledge of a reputable gunsmith, specifically qualified to do great work on Saigas, in the northern Indiana area...Indy would be fine too? I think that I could do an acceptable job with moving the FCG, but......I might want more. Wow, seriously?!? the guns are still the same and the conversion work hasnt changed. nothing a vise, drill, punch and hammer cant handle... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Barrage 33 Posted February 14, 2013 Report Share Posted February 14, 2013 If you're on INGO (and I'd suggest it) there are a few forum members on there whose names I'll send you that could probably at least point you in the right direction. There isn't a *massive* AK-platform following on there, but there are definitely a select few that know their stuff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HateTheSnow 29 Posted February 14, 2013 Report Share Posted February 14, 2013 Not in Indiana, but if you want someone relatively close, I would send you towards Tom Cole at Cadiz Gun Works (Cadiz, Ohio). He's listed in the business section here, which includes info on his conversion packages. I have had the opportunity to see and shoot a good number of guns he has converted, including some of his prototypes. Very impressive work. Plus he handled the warranty work for Russian American Armory for a number of years, so he definitely knows his way around a Saiga. Bottom line, if he had room on his schedule and I needed one done, I wouldn't have any hesitation about sending him one of mine for conversion. There are plenty of others who are capable of doing a top notch job for you, but he's the closest to you that I'm familiar with. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
joker1656 0 Posted February 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2013 I know that many on here do their own conversions. I am considering that, but would prefer to have it done correctly/professionally. If my gun had been purchased for the 2007-2010 prices, maybe I would be more inclined. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I still have under a grand in it, which includes a nice ATI pistol grip and stock, extra high-cap mags, etc. However, it is still in the "sporter" config. Does anyone have knowledge of a reputable gunsmith, specifically qualified to do great work on Saigas, in the northern Indiana area...Indy would be fine too? I think that I could do an acceptable job with moving the FCG, but......I might want more. Wow, seriously?!? the guns are still the same and the conversion work hasnt changed. nothing a vise, drill, punch and hammer cant handle... I am less concerned about screwing up a $300-$450 gun than a gun for which I paid nearly $1000. But, that is just me. Thanks, for the direction. I appreciate it. I will check out Cadiz, and INGO. Thanks, again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dubya 198 Posted February 15, 2013 Report Share Posted February 15, 2013 You'll save alot of money and will be proud if you do it yourself. Just watch video's and stop, jump on this forum and ask questions if you run into a problem. Heck i didn't even know how to get the dust cover off two months ago (seriously) and after 2-3 days of talking and asking question's i had my conversion done in a couple hours (almost everything except front and rear sight). A vise, rubber mallet, drill with bits, screw drivers, a punch, and a Dremel and you're GTG. I 100% understand your concern as i was there not long ago but it really is very easy if you take your time. Just my opinion though, i think you'd be happier in the end. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwelhse 1,285 Posted February 15, 2013 Report Share Posted February 15, 2013 If you do decide to tackle it yourself many of us "locals" have resources available to help. If that's absolutely not an option, and if it was me, I would probably send it to one of our well respected vendors. Lots of good work and solid support comes out of many of them. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Barrage 33 Posted February 15, 2013 Report Share Posted February 15, 2013 I sent you a PM with the names of some local guys on INGO who would be worth getting ahold of on the subject. Several of them have helped users with their own builds in the past (Saiga's in general, not just 12's). Check out this thread as well, there's an AK build party in Indiana that a lot of those same guys will be at. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonnyDingDongs 158 Posted February 16, 2013 Report Share Posted February 16, 2013 <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Maxwelhse" data-cid="864433" data-time="1360970830"><p> If you do decide to tackle it yourself many of us "locals" have resources available to help. If that's absolutely not an option, and if it was me, I would probably send it to one of our well respected vendors. Lots of good work and solid support comes out of many of them.</p></blockquote> ^This. I know a guy in New Haven who would gladly help you DIY for free. If you are set on sending it out, stick with the forum vendors. They have resources and experience far beyond any of the guys around this state. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sweetcostarica 18 Posted February 16, 2013 Report Share Posted February 16, 2013 (edited) I would mail it in to a specialist. +1 Some guys on this forum are really good at doing their own gunsmithing. But for the average Joe it is possible to mess things up. If you can afford it have a professional do you FCG. I was lucky in buying an already converted Saiga 12 in Anchorage. Be careful not to become a "Kitchen Gunsmith" (see video below). Edited February 16, 2013 by sweetcostarica Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clifton 354 Posted February 16, 2013 Report Share Posted February 16, 2013 Send er over to Texas Get a Real Conversion. If your looking for what you can do at home, you can do it your self. If you are looking for alot more then Send it to Tac 47 Industries 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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