Feat of the Week: Saiga AK
Saiga AK Upgrades
BCM Gunfighter Stock
Stock Adaptor from JMac
Enhanced Trigger from ALG
Front Sight Gas Block Combo from Definitive Arms
Handguard from Kyhber Customs
Sabrewerks KOP Optic Mount System
Sig Romeo 5 Optic
JMac RRD 4-C Muzzle Device
The Gunsmithing Story
This customer shipped us his Saiga AK from Alaska. It was still in the sporterized configuration—it had a traditional shotgun stock without a pistol grip and the trigger was moved back four inches, making the gun long. He had seen our work on other AKs and wanted us to modernize his Saiga rifle, but not only did we desporterize it, we also completely rebuilt the entire gun.
With every new part added to this Saiga AK, we replaced all the rivets. At McCluskey Arms, we have a gunsmith dedicated to AK builds, and he takes pride in perfecting each rivet.
To begin the rebuild, we removed every part and stripped the gun down to its blank receiver. Almost every part on this rifle is new so we had to start from scratch.
We welded the old trigger hole shut, moved the trigger forward again, and added a new trigger guard. After we converted it back to a pistol grip, we took the rear trunnion from a side folding Bulgarian AK and installed it into the Saiga. Then, we added a BCM Gunfighter Stock with a JMac folding stock adaptor.
Next, we cut the barrel down to 14.5 inches and rethreaded it to make it perfectly concentric for a silencer. For a quick detach feature, we pin and welded a QD suppressor mount muzzle device from JMac Customs.
We also installed an adjustable front sight gas block combo from Definitive Arms, a Kyhber Customs handguard, and an ALG Enhanced trigger. For the optic mount and optic, we added a Sabrewerks KOP System and a Sig Romeo 5.
Finally, we converted the receiver to be able to receive standard AK mags. And, before taking it to the range for test fire and tune the gas system, we Cerakoted it black.
Why was the Saiga AK Banned?
In 2014, the United States implemented import sanctions on Russia for their aggression in Ukraine and Crimea. Included in the sanctions was the Kalashnikov Concern, the maker of the Saiga and the company responsible for 95% of all small arms manufacturing in Russia. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of these sanctions preventing most firearm imports from Russia, click here.
Saiga AKs were some of the last Russian AKs to be imported before the ban. They are relatively rare and desirable for this reason.
It’s unlikely we will see a return of Saiga AKs to the U.S. market because the government intends to keep sanctions in place as long as Russia continues to govern Crimea. And Russia shows no sign of backing down. In fact, the Russian Prime Minister claims that Crimea has become fully integrated with Russia. So, for now, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny to get your hands on one of these.
Next Up
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