Q: Saiga 7.62x39 Mag Conversion Alternative

[red_metallic]

I've been reading through the methodology for converting standard AK mags to fit the Saiga. I would gather that once converted they are real loose when used back in an AK pattern rifle? I'd rather not have to do that and keep separate & unique mags around.

So what if you want to use a standard AK mag without modification to it in a Saiga? Beyond the feed ramp insert, what else must be done to the Saiga in order for standard mags to work? I tried searching this but it seems every thread on the conversion is based around making the mags fit the Saiga rather than making the Saiga fit the mags.

What modifications would it take to make the Saiga fit standard AK mags?

The usual ak-47.net excellent advice & commentary is herewith requested!

:woot

[Lollygagger]

I've been reading through the methodology for converting standard AK mags to fit the Saiga. I would gather that once converted they are real loose when used back in an AK pattern rifle? I'd rather not have to do that and keep separate & unique mags around.

So what if you want to use a standard AK mag without modification to it in a Saiga? Beyond the feed ramp insert, what else must be done to the Saiga in order for standard mags to work? I tried searching this but it seems every thread on the conversion is based around making the mags fit the Saiga rather than making the Saiga fit the mags.

What modifications would it take to make the Saiga fit standard AK mags?

The usual ak-47.net excellent advice & commentary is herewith requested!

:woot

You have to shorten the mag latch attached to the action -they made it tOO LONG on purpose, so standard AK mags would not lock. Just dress down the top of the locking lever till a standard mag locks in the action (and, of course, have a "bullet guide" in the action).

That's it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/Lollygagger/Saiga30-1.jpg

Lollygagger :bye:

[red_metallic]

You have to shorten the mag latch attached to the action -they made it tOO LONG on purpose, so standard AK mags would not lock. Just dress down the top of the locking lever till a standard mag locks in the action (and, of course, have a "bullet guide" in the action).

That's it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/Lollygagger/Saiga30-1.jpg

Lollygagger :bye:

Thanks Lollygagger!

I will sit down with it tonight. It seemed like it was the hump above the locking nub on the magazine that was hitting the mag well and not allowing it to seat. Clearly though you are doing in the above picture what I want to do with mine.

I like the way yours came out too!

[red_metallic]

You have to shorten the mag latch attached to the action -they made it tOO LONG on purpose, so standard AK mags would not lock.

Lollygagger, I hate asking redundant questions. Will you indulge me one more time?

K-VAR has Bulgy 7.62 latches & ramps for sale for $20. Following through all the conversion posts, adding on the Saiga will allow usign standard AK mags to be used with no other changes.

Is that correct?

[Lollygagger]

Lollygagger, I hate asking redundant questions. Will you indulge me one more time?

K-VAR has Bulgy 7.62 latches & ramps for sale for $20. Following through all the conversion posts, adding on the Saiga will allow usign standard AK mags to be used with no other changes.

Is that correct?

I guess all would work fine...

I, being cheap & impulsive, used the "make a bullet guide outta a pc. of pipe" approach (worked fine). A factory guide should work -I have heard of some "relief" being needed to get them around the odd rivet head placed in the action left front locking area -otherwise, the bolt can't fully go forward and lock). I'd think you could finess this.

While a factory latch certainly should do the job (kinda a uneeded PITA to replace in the gun)...why not just SHORTEN your existing latch TILL IT WILL LOCK IN A STANDARD AK MAG? Don't even remove it -with a little care, a Dremel and jewlers files should do the job.

Lollygagger :apileon:

P.S -If you want to, PM me and I'll send you one of the spare bullet guides I've made (and tested)...meaning, your cost for the mod will be ZERO.

[red_metallic]

P.S -If you want to, PM me and I'll send you one of the spare bullet guides I've made (and tested)...meaning, your cost for the mod will be ZERO.

That is a righteous offer, thank you. You don't need to do that though. Before I make a move, I check & recheck to make sure I understand everything. Ideally, it minimizes my screw-ups.