WEC-SAIGA ...Now with O.S.T.

[Netpackrat]

Thanks for the pics. Was your Saiga one of the early units that came without the bolt hold open? Because as far as I know, they all come with that now. Supposedly K-Var is bringing in a version with an automatic last round bolt hold open device, but they require modified mags to work. I can definitely handle the polishing; the trick will be to not get carried away with the wheels and buffs and remove too much material. I'm not sure that I agree with the removal of the side rail as being a positive thing. At some point I might want to stick an optic on there, and the combloc style side rail is far and away the best optic mount for an AK, with the possible exception of the Krebs unit, which probably won't work with an S-12 anyway.

[Combat Controller]

I was thinking of swapping out my forend, have a link for your rail system?

[Netpackrat]

I wanted the option of a left side folder. Also I don't like any of the siderail mounts; I prefer lower profile mounts that are more flexible. That's why I chose the rail system I did (it's not obvious, but it's a lookthrough rail for the iron sights as well). I'm very happy with it:

That makes sense. I have an ACE left side folder on one of my AKs with the side rail, and it clears, but I can't remember if I've ever tried it with an optic actually installed.

[Netpackrat]

What is the silver finish on the metal? Also, what optic is that? I've never really cared for the forward mount, which is probably one reason why I think the side rail is okay. Some of the side rail mounts are fairly low profile, as well:

http://dpharms.com/product_info.php?cPa ... cts_id=338

How do you like the AGP mags? I saw a poll on the Saiga forum, and opinion seemed to be very evenly split between those and Surefires.

[Netpackrat]

Honestly, the only reason I went with Surefires is because AGP refused to ship to me using USPS. UPS shipping to Alaska would have put the price of AGPs way over that of Surefires. Kind of a moot point right now, because nobody has any of either type in stock available to ship. Maybe someday my mags will show up. I found some AGP mags for sale locally, but the shop wanted $65 each for them. Which was odd, because that shop usually has fair prices on most things.

[Netpackrat]

Okay, I just polished the underside of the bolt and carrier, plus the hammer where the carrier rides across it. Polished down to 320 grit with the air sander and backing pad, followed by emery compound on a sisal wheel, and then some white rouge on a spiral sewn buff. I didn't do anything about the mating surfaces of the trigger group, since I'm not all that unhappy with the trigger as-is. Put it all back together, and wow! I was a little amazed at how much difference it actually made. The action definitely cycles by hand more smoothly and with less effort required. I think I am going to do the same for my other AKs, and make it SOP for any future builds.

[AlaskaTRX]

Okay, I just polished the underside of the bolt and carrier, plus the hammer where the carrier rides across it. Polished down to 320 grit with the air sander and backing pad, followed by emery compound on a sisal wheel, and then some white rouge on a spiral sewn buff. I didn't do anything about the mating surfaces of the trigger group, since I'm not all that unhappy with the trigger as-is. Put it all back together, and wow! I was a little amazed at how much difference it actually made. The action definitely cycles by hand more smoothly and with less effort required. I think I am going to do the same for my other AKs, and make it SOP for any future builds.

I'm sure glad that you're my brother and like doing all this cool stuff so afterward I can bribe you with donuts to help me do the same to my guns... /hug

[Netpackrat]

I was thinking of swapping out my forend, have a link for your rail system?

I found another aluminum rail forearm, made by CNCWarrior. It is only a tri-rail, so if you wanted a quad rail for the optic mount it probably won't work for you, but the price is decent and it IS made in the US for 922r compliance. I've ordered from them before (AK muzzle brake) and was satisfied with the service and quality.

I'm sure glad that you're my brother and like doing all this cool stuff so afterward I can bribe you with donuts to help me do the same to my guns... /hug

Mmm, donuts. Well, that and considering that I got you to buy the stupid thing in the first place, the least I can do is help make sure it runs right.

[Combat Controller]

Thanks. It is like what I have already, I might get it anyway as it is metal and then get something to mount on the AK side plate. I want to park a red dot on there just because...

[Netpackrat]

Well, now I am annoyed. I just discovered that a company called Mesa Tactical makes an AR style stock tube with a hydraulic recoil buffer that is made out of metal. And I think with the correct ACE adapter it could be made to fit a Saiga with a conversion block installed, with or without folder. It's expensive, but it probably works better than the Mako recoil buffer I have now, and I'll bet it is way tougher since it isn't made of plastic.

Good news/bad news emails on Monday with regard to my 10 round mags... I got a ship notice from MAA for the 3 I had ordered from them, but Centerfire systems still doesn't have the ones I ordered a month ago, and still doesn't know when they are going to get them. Once I have the MAA order in hand, I am probably going to cancel Centerfire, even if I end up (back) ordering more of them from someplace else.

I can't remember if I have posted this in one of the other Saiga threads, but I also found a site selling made to order gear for the Saiga 12. Mag and drum pouches, etc. What I'd really like to find, is a shoulder bag like one of Suarez's "sneaky bags" that combines internal mag pouches and a dump compartment, covered by a big flap, in a nondescript looking bag. Sort of a "man purse" that is truly a MAN purse.