Where have all the AK's gone?

[Clay]

Here is a document I put together for another INGO member on the price to convert a Saiga to be a copy of an Arsenal USA SGL-21-61. (basic Arsenal 7.62x39 rifle)

Really to convert a saiga to a more or less correct 100 series AK is almost the same price as a SGL.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mO5CLbHdLGfmLtIy2AhFoel-JhYOOPVtc-Ay8LwqonM/edit

 

[Fordtough25]

I still see plenty of them around, and shoot them every once in awhile. My LGS has a couple on the rack, has had them for awhile though. No WASR's, he sold out of them awhile ago and hasn't got any more in.

 

[243rem700]

Does anybody have a ballpark figure to convert a Saiga? I mean the high end.

I spent $429 on parts for converting mine. This included purchasing parts for changing the front sight block, using a 24mm flash hider, and the gas tube and hand guard retainer to use correct AK handguards.

 

[vitamink]

If you want to just do a trigger conversion it's around 100$ over the price of the gun.

BASIC CONVERSION KIT-CSS all Saiga 223, 7.62, 308, 5.45 Rifles and 410 & 20 Gauge Shotguns

You'll then need a stock. If you want a wood stock you can get them for a few bucks. If you want an ace folding stock it's considerably more.

Here is an example of a basic conversion with what appears to be tapco saw and Kvar stock

Personally all i'd do after this would be cut the shroud off the barrel and thread it (if it's not) add a muzzle device and be done (or add a rail).

Purists will continue the conversion to include adding a hand guard retainer and a different gas tube so they can use wood/poly ak furniture to then make the gun looks like this

you can then go further and replace the front sight with a threaded one or one with a plunger pin for your muzzle devices.

Depending on what your needs are you can restore a saiga back to this

or make a modern battle rifle like this

Tws top cover
vltor stock tube
magpul ctr
uspalm grip

EDIT: just saw clay's posting and he is correct, to restore a saiga to arsenal quality you're better off just buying one from Kvar. If you want something similar to the last rifle pictured, you're better off buying a saiga and converting yourself as you won't need the furniture, the proper front sight, the upper and lower hanguard retainers etc etc etc.

As always que if you end up converting a saiga you're welcome to share a spot on the futon and we'll do the conversion together...and that's not a euphemism for anything other than restore the rifle.

 

[canoeman]

Dunhams!

 

[DialTone301]

Just bought an Arsenal from Bud's a couple weeks ago...fast shipping and competitive price.

 

[223 Gunner]

AK's in the classifieds right now.

 

[tacmedic]

Thanks for the input. An hour after I posted this thread, I found a nice GP1975 for sale on the forum and bought it. Thanks again.

 

[vitamink]

I'm about to put up some really rare and expensive one's for sale, but unless you're a collector, you probably won't want them. I've recommended 1000x over just to buy a saiga and convert it. You'll have a blast during the conversion process which will cause you to want to convert more (and do more detailed/accurate conversions) It's a great way to learn about your rifle.

 

[vitamink]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...nconverted_saiga_rifle_7_62_x_39mm_400_a.html

found one for you to convert and join the cool kids

 

[DEC]

Does anybody have a ballpark figure to convert a Saiga? I mean the high end.

Approximately $725 in this Saiga 5.45x39. I converted it myself. Everything is high end. All holes welded shut, complete Duracoat finish.

 

[Scutter01]

There's something fundamentally wrong with a good-looking AK. They should all look beat-to-hell, have a shovel handle for a stock, etc.

 

[DEC]

There's something fundamentally wrong with a good-looking AK. They should all look beat-to-hell, have a shovel handle for a stock, etc.

They ALL start out brand new and shiny at some point.

 

[Scutter01]

They ALL start out brand new and shiny at some point.

I don't think that's true. I think they pre-beat them at the factory to get that "I'll still work even after being buried in mud" look.

 

[pitbull1]

I forgot about Dunhams! Making a trip to see what goods they have in there today

 

[lordjackel]

I forgot about Dunhams! Making a trip to see what goods they have in there today

The Dunhams in Kokomo had 4-5 on the rack yesterday.
Sorry I didn't check price.

 

[Fordtough25]

The INGO classifieds!

 

[rightwinger]

Top Guns in terre Haute have Wasr's for i believe 499 brand new with wood stocks or underfold, The had about 6 of them a week ago

 

[flatoutt]

Not to take anything away from the local vendors, but J&G sales in Prescott AZ always has AK's

 

[Scutter01]

That's gonna be a bit of a drive. Better pack a sandwich.