.308 Saiga.

[gunnysmith]

I finally decided to do something with the .308 Saiga.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov6.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saiganov7.jpg

[LorDiego]

To me, that looks like a post apocalyptic sniper rifle.

I like it. Very much.

[vista461]

Looks great! How does it shoot ?

[k98k792]

I like it!

[hunter_la5]

looks awesome! seems like a good alternative to a dragunov or PSL. let us know how she shoots

[MID]

What are the compliance parts and where did you get them. I would like to build one too.

[nalioth]

What are the compliance parts and where did you get them. I would like to build one too. Just standard AK compliance parts, mid. A saiga ain't nothing but a neutered AK. Converting a Saiga is easier than building an AK from a kit, imho.

[turbothis]

OUTSTANDING! i plan on getting a 223 version of that. they would make a killing if they put off a 8mm and a 54r version too. so retro and practical at the same time. if i was rich or had a real job i would buy one of each.lol

[SSwee]

This is mine in 7.62x39. I've looked at the scopes like you have but can't get off the fence. How do you like yours?
SS

[Player]

What are the compliance parts and where did you get them. I would like to build one too.

i thought that the thumbhole stock didn't need compliance parts

[okie shooter]

i thought that the thumbhole stock didn't need compliance parts
Henry, if you can get a stright quote on interpetation, some have said the grip adds a pistol grip thus needs compliance. Others have claimed(without documentation) the saigas cannot be fitted with high cap mags thus dont need it(but now with 20 rd 308 mags out there they have them). Its a huge grey area especally for the 308 guns. The conversion of the .223 and 7.62x39 are a little more stright foward if you go to high cap mags.

In the greater scheme of things I would kick out for the compliance parts over not. Remember if you use a usa made but stock, three fcg parts and us made mags you get their quickly.

As for the interchange of the fcg, there are some that recomend you use a red star arms group made for the .308 rifles over a standard ak group. Never doing it my self I dont know.

[nalioth]

i thought that the thumbhole stock didn't need compliance parts

If you use a high-cap mag, you've taken the Saiga out of "as imported" status.

[texlurch]

As for the interchange of the fcg, there are some that recomend you use a red star arms group made for the .308 rifles over a standard ak group. Never doing it my self I dont know.

The RSA is the cats meow for a target gun, because it is so adjustable.

The G2 works fine with some minor grinding to clear the cross bolt.

I have one of each in my pair of Saigas....

And the 308 conversion is easier than the 223 or x39, because you don't have to add a bullet guide.

[gunnysmith]

Gas piston, Trigger group, Stock and 20 round magazines are domestic.
I really like the scope.
I have function fired, but not targeted it yet.
The Safety Check
There were some questions posed if my retrofit was safe.
The following photos and video should confirm it is.
Others have had a problem of: with the safety on pull the trigger, when they released the safety, the hammer fell on the firing pin.
As you can see from the video. that will not happen on this Saiga.
The surfaces were stoned, then polished to 800 grit.
The trigger has no problem returning under spring pressure.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigasafetycheck.jpg
800 grit polish

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigasafetycheck1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigasafetycheck4.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/th_Saigasafetycheck3.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/?action=view&current=Saigasafetycheck3.flv)
Video

[jonboy20]

I like it.

[gunnysmith]

The range and target

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/TheRange.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Target.jpg
147 gr mil surplus
Got to tighten the cam lock on the mount. Then I’ll try it again

[turbothis]

looks good to me.:bash:

[gunnysmith]

Scope fix

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment3.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment4.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment5.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment6.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Scopeadjustment7.jpg


After the Scope fix
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/finaltargetfornow.jpg

[jfowl31]

"what that little guy? I wouldn't worry about that little guy."

Sorry, saw the picture of the group with the other hole in the paper, and I just watched Super Troopers a couple days ago.

[drine]

Nice pictures and instructions on your work.

[gunnysmith]

"what that little guy? I wouldn't worry about that little guy."

Sorry, saw the picture of the group with the other hole in the paper, and I just watched Super Troopers a couple days ago.

That hit up and to the left is from another group.
I'm a cheap ass when it comes to targets LOL

[gunnysmith]

Nice pictures and instructions on your work.

Thanks drine

[jfowl31]

That hit up and to the left is from another group.
I'm a cheap ass when it comes to targets LOL

Just busting yer balls... I do the same thing with my targets

[gunnysmith]

Just busting yer balls... I do the same thing with my targets

I wondered why the left twin was aching:icon_biggrin:

[gunguy51]

here's a picture of my saiganov that i built acouple of years ago.
4x16 scope 21" barrel ak- 74 muzzlebrake.
gunguy51

[White Horseradish]

OUTSTANDING! i plan on getting a 223 version of that. they would make a killing if they put off a 8mm and a 54r version too. so retro and practical at the same time. if i was rich or had a real job i would buy one of each.lol

Izhmash does make a 54R version. It is not imported into US because the distributors here think it is not popular enough.

[hunter_la5]

Izhmash does make a 54R version. It is not imported into US because the distributors here think it is not popular enough.

hell, I'd buy one. I got a bunch of 7.62x54r that my mosin cant dispense of fast enough. they'd be perfect for making PSL clones

[White Horseradish]

I'd buy one too. Matter of fact, I know about a half dozen people that would buy one.

Maybe we should pick a distributor and pester them about it...

[gunnysmith]

here's a picture of my saiganov that i built acouple of years ago.
4x16 scope 21" barrel ak- 74 muzzlebrake.
gunguy51

Did you set the FSB back and repin for the Brake?

[gunguy51]

yes the fsb was moved back and the brake was welded the the front site base.

[gunnysmith]

Thanks Gunguy51

[gunnysmith]

Was the FSB welded, and did you have to turn the barrel down to move it back?

[texlurch]

My 308's are posted in this other thread...

http://www.militaryfirearm.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=2751


This is my last target at 100 yds with SA Surplus ammo on a crappy day, out of the 21" Saiganov.. it will do better if I do my part.. It has a 6X POSP scope on it.

I was just going bang-bang-bang, not really taking much time between shots. It tends to string vertically as the barrel heats up.

Slow, more careful shooting yields a ragged 1.5" hole on average with the surplus ammo.

[gunnysmith]

I was going over mine today, and needed to adjust the camlock on the mount again. That probably explains the horizontal stringing I get.
Shooting it will allow it to settle in and stabilize.

[gunnysmith]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigafinal.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigafinal1.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigafinal2.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i221/gunnysmith/Saiganov/Saigafina3.jpg
I’m going to try 168 gr HPBT next

[texlurch]

Was that target from the 100 yd or the longer range?

Mine seem to like the lighter weight bullets better.. like 147 grain.

[gunnysmith]

100 yds. I'm going to try lighter bullets.
Hand loads in the 150gr range.
You may be right, I had to retorque the scope mount, I think it's shot in now.

[Krinkfreak]

Here is my Saiga .308 after being retrofitted back to milspec:

http://www.akforum.net/photos/saiga-20.jpg

http://www.akforum.net/photos/saiga-21.jpg

[gunnysmith]

Did you mill the stock trunion in for the folder?
Was the receiver very hard?
I'm thinking of doing that on a .223
nice looking unit:thumbup:

[Kalash]

My "Red Dragon". Saiga 308 converted by Red Jacket.

[Trueno]

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/3051/trueno01gm4.jpg

Hopin' this comes to fruition.

Stock is photoshopped a tad larger than life but ya get the idea. It'll have the rear sight removed and be scoped only.

26" fluted barrel.

t