My Saiga Izhmash Kalshnikov restored

[imarangemaster]

Well, I have finally finished my restoration, past the point I have already posted:

Saiga 7.62x39, Manufactured October, 2009. Dimples, factory th14mm L threading under shroud, round trunnion, no chamber step. Obtained from Nate at Mississippi Auto Arms in Oxford, MS.

FSE Faux Krinkov, non-folding stock made of unbreakable Derlin
Texas AK Triggers double Hook FCG (awesome)
US made Molot style pistol grip
Tapco Intrafuse Handguard (minus optional tri-rails).
Unknown mfgr AK Gas tube (?) with vent holes and polymer K-Var upper handguard
Tapco 14mm L M16A1 birdcage flash hider
home fabricated bullet guide
US Palm 30 round magazine
Com-Block SKS sling
Cheaper than Dirt ACE 6 pack shoulder bag (modified)

I did not want to bother with a lower handguard retainer and the short AK handguards. I like the longer coverage (and less burns) of the factory Saiga and Tapco Intrafuse. I added the AK gas tube and top handguard, once again to keep from sizzle of fingertips on the Saiga gas tube. The Molot grips are VERY comfortable. The FSE stock is very light weight, and indestructible. US Palm magazine speaks for itself. Battle sighted at 25 yards for zero, 10 shots in 3/4" with Wolf Military Classic 124 grain HP with 8m3 bullet.

I have had a lot of different AKs in the last 25 years, but I always come back to Saiga!!!!!!

Information

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[jmoore]

Is that a bolt hold open behind the trigger?

I've been thinking of doing a "modern" AK, but I'm leaning towards 5.45x39 this time. My old Krebs' super fancy AK thing (now gone for a couple or three years) was just not everything I hoped it would be.

[imarangemaster]

Yep, Saiga have a manual bolt hold open. It is not activated by the magazine, but still a nice feature. Saiga 5.45s are great. About $350 for the weapon, and maybe $150 to duplicate this one. If I didn't have a CAR-15 faux XM177E2, I would get one of those too... Still may!