[oldFred]

The trigger in the factory leaves much to be desired. It is very gritty feeling and slow on the pull. A better trigger is a big, big plus to me. I also try to go with the 10 mags per gun, but only have a few guns at the moment. I liked the surefire mags, but the mil-surp ones I have are much better and cheaper.

If you decide you want a pistol grip, dont let yourself go the tapco intrafuse route. it will leave you wanting more in a short time. then you will have to spend more money to go all out. Lots of people have gone that route, just to turn around and go all the way. I did use a Russian Saiga Skeleton stock for some time on my first one. It was very nice. The cheek rest gives great sight alignment. If you like the factory feel, one of these could be all the upgrade you might need. It feels much more solid than the factory buttstock.

I agree on the long trigger pull and something to be desired. However I don't have a gritty trigger, mine is smooth as a baby's butt and tightens up right before the break. After installing the Tapco T6 Intrafuse buttstock and s.a.w. pistol grip I am perfectly happy with it. Since the 5.45 doesnt require a bullet guide and I have 6 bulgarian mags with it, I have NEVER had a single hiccup even bumpfiring 90 rounds through without stopping. Adding a barrel mounted bipod and a 16x-40mm scope I am able rip ragged holes @ 50+100 meters. All the BS about AKs being inaccurate is the typical brainwashing of the american public. All I have to say is, put a scope on your AK and benchrest shoot it, IT WILL AMAZE YOU. Of course this is my opinion and my Saiga-74 is a new production rifle, not assembled from some parts kits. The chrome lined barrel was the sole reason I bought it and being a fan of the 5.45x39 because it doubles the range of the standard AKs 300 meter to 600 meters. Of course another added bonus of this platform is that "no one ever complained an AK wasn't deadly enough", but the AR fanboys often overlook this fact as they praise that 3 part flawed system.

 

[oldFred]

Kurz what state are you in? The lowest I've found a Saiga-47 in GA is $319. Also those of you that have done the conversion, can you just put rivets in the rear holes without welding it? I don't mind the saiga fore-end of the rifle and could get another Tapco T6 stock, but instead of a bullet guide I would just want some Surefire magazines for it or better yet the Izmash 30 rounders (though they will be expensive).