Do ALL Saiga 7.62x39 take standard AK mags?

[Dirc]

If/when I buy a Saiga 7.62x39 do I need to watch out for a "California-compliant" version that only takes 10-round mags or anything like that? I remember that some WASR versions had that "feature".

 

[sbcman]

First, change the "if" to just all "when"- everybody needs a Saiga

So far as I know, you only have to keep an eye out for the California stuff if you are getting a build from Arsenal or some other conversion company. These will be clearly marketed as compliant rifles. If you buy a stock version off the shelf and do the conversion yourself (recommended), you have nothing to worry about.

 

[JettaKnight]

By default a stock Saiga in sportster condition will only support the Saiga 10 rounders. You must add a bullet guide to the front trunnion to allow the use of all AK47 magazines. At that point your 10 round mag won't fit without a modification, but who cares about it?

Now don't go thinking you can just add a bullet guide and get 30 rounds. No. At that point you've turned your mild mannered sporting gun into an evil black assault weapon according to the BATFE. And since it has over ten itemized items made in a foreign country you'd be on the wrong side of the law.

Read up on the conversion process here and at the Saiga 12 forums. Specifically, the 922r compliance.

 

[Clay]

the mag opening is a standard opening, and they will all except double stack magazines, but standard 30 round AK mags typically won't lock into the mag catch. Its to tall and needs to be cut down just a bit for the standard mags to fit.

You also need to add a bullet guide.

 

[draftsman]

How difficult is it to add the bullet guide and modify the standard AK mags? The Saiga factory mags are like $30 each for 30 rnd. Seems more economical to install the guide and buy standard mags.

I found a couple posts about the taps breaking while trying to install the guide. WTF do you do if you actually get the broken tap out? Re-tap it with larger tap?

Wondering if a buying a Wasr-10 w/o needed mods would be simpler.

Thanks.

 

[chezuki]

Read, stay legal.

Saiga 922r Compliance / THE LAW - forum.Saiga-12.com

 

[vitamink]

You don't have to modify standard AK mags.

When you get your saiga the magazines it comes with have a slightly higher rear tab and the front of the mag acts as the bullet guide bumping the bullet up as it gets shoved into the barrel. When you do a conversion you use standard Ak mags requiring you to file down the mag catch to standard AK size...You just keep filing until an AK mag fits. Now your mags will fit but they won't function as well since standard Ak mags don't have the bump in the front to guide the bullet into the chamber. To add a bullet guide all you do is buy one, drill and tap a hole, put it in and voila. You can buy kits at CSS. It's really easy to do. Go to carolina shooters supply and order one for the rifle you're converting.

 

[JettaKnight]

I found a couple posts about the taps breaking while trying to install the guide. WTF do you do if you actually get the broken tap out? Re-tap it with larger tap?

Go slow - real slow. Like a quarter turn of cutting then back it out and repeat. When you snap a tap use a nail punch and hammer to push out the tap and/or bust it apart. Drill the hole clean an try again.

I busted two taps. Remember to add a drop of red Loctite.

Wondering if a buying a Wasr-10 w/o needed mods would be simpler.

Yes, but you lose the sense of pride.


If you do modify a sporter Saiga, please familiarize yourself laws concerning this.

 

[indyjoe]

Go slow - real slow. Like a quarter turn of cutting then back it out and repeat. When you snap a tap use a nail punch and hammer to push out the tap and/or bust it apart. Drill the hole clean an try again.

I busted two taps. Remember to add a drop of red Loctite.

Seems like the Loctite would make it harder to tap.

I usually try to use a good fluid while tapping. I forget what mine is called, Tap Magic or something like that.

 

[vitamink]

I've never had a tap break while tapping a trunion. As said before, go slow, 1/4turn then back off to break the chip, use tapping oil. Check and make sure everything lines up then remove the screw and red loctite the thing.

This video explains everything you need to do. Greg Queen is the best at explaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr9XijAw3e8&playnext=1&list=PL53A93B48BF8E7FE0&feature=results_video

 

[draftsman]

I have only tapped threads a couple times before on a lawnmower engine using 3-in-1 oil. Where do you get tapping oil?

Thanks

 

[JettaKnight]

I use cutting / drilling oil. It's now in a squeeze bottle so I don't know the brand or name but I remember that I bought it at Home Depot.

 

[chezuki]

I just used a little WD-40. The key is backing off and breaking the chip, not doing this is how taps get broken.