BlenderWizard's Pseudo-AK

[BlenderWizard]

Well, here it is. My converted Saiga .308. More of an AK than some, but less than others. Either way, it still kicks ass.

-UPDATE-
Removed collapsible stock and replaced with an ATI Dragunov. Feels much better now.

[TPW]

Awesome looking lead slinger! How does it shoot? .308 packs a wallop! If you don't mind my asking, what was your total co$t, and how many man hours did it take?
Good luck with it!

[BlenderWizard]

Total cost was 290 for the rifle + 30 for the trigger + 35 for the gunkote (I gunkoted all the metal) + 25 for the grip + 55 for the stock/adapter(I would not recommend one...they look cool, but that's about it) = $435. I have not shot it yet. And as far as how long it took me, I really don't know. I just did a little work at a time as parts would come in and such. Oh, and my friend at the gun shop gave me the sling, so that didn't cost anything.

[TPW]

Nice Job and a good bang for your buck! Let me know how it shoots!

[BlenderWizard]

I was paricularly impressed that they didn't decide to use a variant of the 7.62x39 barrel on the .308. This is a big fat barrel and, according to the people I have talked to, the 16.5" barrel is a lot more accurate than the 22" on the .308.

[TPW]

Interesting, let me know how it shoots, now you have me interested in getting one in 308 for hunting and just leaving it stock.

[BlenderWizard]

Well, If you're just going to leave it stock, I will tell you the trigger sucks bad. It sort of pulls up instead of back like a regular trigger.

[TPW]

Didn't know that! I go to a local gun shop and see how it feels?
Maybe I can get used to it?

[BlenderWizard]

Well, I snapped a pic of the factory trigger after I removed it. You can see better what I mean about how the trigger feels funny.

[TPW]

WOW! That's some arc! I see what you mean! Damm near like a lever action!

[BlenderWizard]

Yeah, I think most people would not really recommend getting the .308 Saiga unless you're going to do a conversion. I mean, it's not completely horrible or anything, but I have seen some CETMEs for the $300 range. The TAPCO G2 trigger set (FCG) for the AK has a really smooth, light pull, too.

[TPW]

I'll have to give it some serious thought. I'm involved in so many projects now, that I have things all over the house not finished yet. Home ownership is nice, but work never ends. I try to do most of it myself because my budget is tight. Time and money. It will get you either way. Not enough time, not enough money. :(

[BlenderWizard]

Check out the updated pic!