Sheet Metal Thicknes on Saiga Recievers?

[Dr. Gonzo]

I'm interested in getting a Saiga chambered for 7.62x39, but I can't seem to find any information on how thick the reciever walls are. I know tht the .308 v ersion has the 1.5mm thick reciever from the rpk, but are all saigas made like that? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Mike Mizz]

I know that my professionally converted Saiga, ( not the funny looking ones with the trigger way in the back of the receiver), is .053, which at 5:00 am I believe is around 1.00 mm or a touch more. Although mine is in .223 Rem, I love it, but the magazines are like $50 a pop. BUT, it IS an actual Russian receiver right from Isveschk (sp?), right in the same building they build the Russian Federation AK-74's

[Dr. Gonzo]

Thanks for the heads up! I've been hearing nothing but good things about these rifles. The one I'm looking at is a Ak-103 clone built up from their regular 7.62x39 rifle. i know there are more accurate chamberings available now, (.223 and .308) but mag price and availabilty are an issue for me, I'm just kinda impatient like that. I like that saigas are the only Russian Ak type rifles to ever be legally imported to the united states. The Izmash concern is also pretty adamant that anything not built by them is a knock off. Who can say no to the real deal right?

[Mike Mizz]

No one can ever say that the Saiga is a clone, the receivers they use on the saiga's are the same the Russian federation is using for it's century series.
The receiver on mine is Izmash, and the sights are even passable! It is possible to swap out the Monte Carlo stocked Saiga's, but anyone proficient with mechanical aptitude and a few tools can do it.

[Dr. Gonzo]

My bad,

I only say clone because the basic saiga rifle has to be worked over to get the right stock, grip, muzzle break, bayonet lug, magazine compatibility..ect before it's in the 103 configuration. But the end result is a semi auto Ak-103, made with the right original parts, as real as you'll ever see on American shores. And I like that...I like that a lot!

[williamthedog]

i want one of each flavor!