Saiga 7.62x39 conversion... 95% done

[SKS Ray]

Glutton for punishment

I decided to do another one.

Pinned sight block and gas block on this one so I'm removing them to install a correct lower handguard retainer.

It'll be dressed up in a Timbersmith black laminate stock set when I'm done with it. This is the look I'm going for when this build is done:

 

[flintoid]

7.62 or 5.45?

 

[SKS Ray]

7.62 or 5.45?

7.62x39. I haven't seen any of the 5.45 models around my area yet.

 

[BearArms]

7.62x39. I haven't seen any of the 5.45 models around my area yet.

I have one

Can't decide if I want to do the conversion or not though.

 

[SKS Ray]

The initial conversion process is easy, even drilling and tapping for the bullet guide (which isn't necessary but it does allow you to use standard AK mags).

Its the front sight block and gas block work that is the hardest part of the build. I drove the retaining pins out last night and soaked the blocks down in kroil but haven't really tried to remove them yet. I'm hoping a heavy hammer but I have a feeling I'll have to press them off.

 

[BearArms]

Wouldn't going to the press be a lot easier and cause less damage in the long run?

 

[SKS Ray]

Wouldn't going to the press be a lot easier and cause less damage in the long run?

If I had a press here I'd have been downstairs last night removing both parts. There is one at my shop but it hasn't been used in years and I think its burried. I'll check Monday.

 

[BearArms]

Alright you talked me into it. Instead of pressing of the GB and FSB I'm just going to use this http://www.dinzagarms.com/saiga_762x39/akbor1.html and thread the barrel.

 

[vicpinto]

Ray, any updates?

 

[Dench]

7.62x39. I haven't seen any of the 5.45 models around my area yet.

North Shore Firearms has one.

 

[SKS Ray]

Ray, any updates?

Not yet. I'm debating on cutting off the crimped on gas block and sight block from my first conversion and adding the Bulgarian parts I recently got. Things have been hectic around my place lately.

 

[AllaSnackbah]

awesome thread. learned alot here

 

[joeendris]

Lots of food for thought. Still lots of homework to do before I start in on it though.

 

[millcity]

Anyone know how i can install a sling mount on a kvar handguard? And where to get it from?

 

[SKS Ray]

Anyone know how i can install a sling mount on a kvar handguard? And where to get it from?

To be using a lower handguard you should have a retainer with a sling mount already on it. Even the bolt on ones have a side loop.

 

[millcity]

Anyone know how i can install a sling mount on a kvar handguard? And where to get it from?

To be using a lower handguard you should have a retainer with a sling mount already on it. Even the bolt on ones have a side loop.

Ok. I just saw that thanks!

 

[millcity]

One more thing...how do I install the lower and upper tension springs?

 

[SKS Ray]

One more thing...how do I install the lower and upper tension springs?

K-Var handguards dont use them

 

[millcity]

One more thing...how do I install the lower and upper tension springs?

K-Var handguards dont use them

So its not needed?

 

[SKS Ray]

So its not needed?

No. Yours should have a heat shield in the lower handguard if its from K-Var.

 

[millcity]

So its not needed?

No. Yours should have a heat shield in the lower handguard if its from K-Var.

Ok thanks

 

[joeendris]

Any thoughts on THIS?

 

[jaymce]

Any thoughts on THIS?

Great mount worth the extra $ over cheaper versions. Klinka Optics has been pretty easy to deal with from my experience.

 

[joeendris]

I'll take your word on how easy it is. I just ordered a Tapco kit from CSS, when it comes in, I'll start in on it.
Thanks!

Update:
View attachment 27810

No, it wasn't an hour job. It took me three hours, but hey, it was my first pistol conversion