Using a DPH steel bolt-on handguard retainer on a Saiga- Tips

[imarangemaster]

I opted for the DPH steel bolt on handguard retainer for my 7.62x39 Saiga "Restoration":

https://dpharms.com/products/saiga_f..._retainer.html.

It works for for .308 (without bushings) or 223. 7.62x39, and 5.45 (with bushings). The bushings have a machined ridge that engages a matching machine channel on the retainer. It is a great system.

It comes with a short set screw that engages the barrel on the .308, or the top of the bushing on the other calibers. I decided to drill an oversized hole through the bushing and use a longer set screw, so that it passed through the bushing to engage the barrel. Where it engage the top of the barrel, I drilled a shallow divot in the barrel so the set screw would sink a little below the surface, and not be able to slip forward under recoil. It works like the lateral groove on the top of a standard AK that the pivot lock bar of the retainer engages. I also used a couple drops of Krazy Glue on the retainers to hold them centered on the retainers.

Information

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[Vincent]

That’s an interesting modification you made to the aftermarket handguard retainer. It looks nice and clean too.

It has been a while since I have converted a Saiga. Pressing the pins out and pressing the front sight and gas port off and back on was PITA.

What do you use to plug the holes in the receiver where the trigger pins were? It looks like rivets.

[imarangemaster]

That’s an interesting modification you made to the aftermarket handguard retainer. It looks nice and clean too.

It has been a while since I have converted a Saiga. Pressing the pins out and pressing the front sight and gas port off and back on was PITA.

What do you use to plug the holes in the receiver where the trigger pins were? It looks like rivets.

I would never bother removing everything to install the handguard retainer. I'm practical, rather than an "AK Purist Snob". I could care less! LOL. Those are little black nylon plugs made specifically to plug the holes in the Saiga after a restoration. Dinzag Arms used to sell them for a buck or two a set. I had several sets from around 2007 or 2008. This was my last set!.

[Kalione]

Great thread. I read your Saiga restoration koolaid thread first and was going to ask you about the hand guard retainer, but you answered it here. I didn't know DPH sold them too. I was only aware of the Dinzag arms variety which are a bit more pricey. My two SAIGAs have yet to be fully converted, I've only converted the grips and FCGs on them, I've been meaning to finish them. But You know how stuff ends up on the back burner. So these two threads were right up my alley. Maybe this will be the impetus to get them finished.