Convert a Saiga or buy a MAK90?

[stmcelroy]

Well, so far I've got one MAK90. It is in .223 and I stole it for $300 out the door.

Shot it and my AR15 this weekend and immediately fell in love with the AK47 platform.

Now, I want/need a 7.62x39 AK47. Need it because they're fun to shoot, and mags and ammo are cheaper than for the .223

So, what should I do? Find another MAK90 and convert it to PG or buy a Saiga and convert it?

What would be your preference and why?

Thanks,
Steve

[ak01q]

Personally I prefer Comblock over Chinese AK's, so I say convert a Saiga. I have an AK-103 that I got from AK-USA. It's a Saiga conversion and it is a fine weapon.

[Packrat]

I've got both, and they're both good. The MAK-90 was the first AK I owned, and it has served well. I kept it in original form, just reworked the thumbhole stock so it fit my hand better.

I got a Saiga several years ago, and had it converted to AK commercially. It has a 20" bbl, which looks funny, and I didn't care for the buttstock. (The forearm was similar to the original, except of wood and matching the pistol grip and buttstock.) Two years ago I got a 16" Saiga and converted it.

If you're going to convert it, get the Saiga--it's cheaper, and the conversion cost is about the same for both. If you go with synthetic furniture, you can keep the forearm and not have to worry about how to mount a new one. I cheated and used the trigger guard that came with the Saiga, cut off the rear end, drilled through the spotweld, and fastened it in place with screws, leaving the mag retainer separate. If you want wooden furniture, you can make a clip to attach the forearm to the gas block, like the Saiga uses for wood. If you want an AK forearm, you'll have a problem getting the forearm retainer on the barrel. And you'll need to shorten the mag catch a little to get AK mags to fit. About half the mags I've tried work without modification once the catch is shortened. Someone tried wrapping sandpaper around a dowel, putting it into the mag body from the front, and sanding the inside front of the mag lips. This let the cartridges ride a little higher and at a greater angle than before, and those mags worked.

The sheet metal receiver of the MAK-90 is heavier steel, so you will have to trim a little off the stock where it goes into the receiver. Other than that, it's an easy conversion. The MAK-90s take a double-hook trigger if you replace the fire-control group.

It all depends on what you want: the Saiga takes a little more work, but is about $200; the MAK-90 is about $350, but takes less work. I think the MAK-90 is a better rifle, but as I said, I'm prejudiced. You'll get a nice rifle either way.

[stmcelroy]

As much as I want to convert a Saiga, I just don't like the stock foregrip.

I much more prefer the AK47 two piece look.


Having said that, I just bought a MAK90 w/o stocks for $274 out the door.

For the price I think I'll be happy with the conversion or my newest MAK90.

Yeah, another new gun. I'm on the 2 guns a week program right now.

Steve

[Ned]

It sure sounds like one of those late night infomercials but I'll take a chance. Sign me up for your program! I'm currently involved in the '1 gun a year' program and would like to try your system. :small_gri

[Seth Livzz]

Although I have a MAK90 converted to PG configuration, I must tell you to seriously think about the final cost once everything is said and done.

I paid $350 for my MAK, $90 for K-Var furniture, plus an additional $90 for an RSA triggergroup and retainer (which ins't necessary, just nice to have). After all is said and done I could've bought, or come close to, a nice AK from ORF or Inrange without the fuss.

Just some food for thought :wink_smal

[avatarhammer]

the fuss is what it's all about. Nothing like the feeling of doin' it yourself. :)

[IVIETAL IVIan]

Right on avatarhammer!!!!!

I have a fiend that has a pre-ban MAK90 and it is niiice!!!
But it weighs a ton of bricks!!!! The FCG alone is outstandingly clean and smooth!!!

But I am a non-conformist...I chose the SAR-1 for a real cheap way to expand my gunsmithing skills!!! I've put 8K through it, at least, with very few problems that I was not able to fix myself!!

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/18816blackcloud-med.jpg

[Sheik Yerbouti]

I have a fiend that has a pre-ban MAK90 and it is niiice!!!

Around these parts, we usually shoot fiends, especially if they are toting MAK 90s, preban or otherwise.
:p

[darkknight9]

IVIETAL IVIan:

Is the gun in your post yours, or the friends? I am looking for tips on getting/putting on a combo front sight/gas block, and the one in your pic looks GOOD!!!

-dk9