Converting a Saiga

The standard 7.62x39 AK magazine is made from steel and holds 30 rounds, but there are other varieties, too.  Bulgarians made plastic "waffle" magazines with a raised checkerboard pattern; Chinese made slab-sided, red bakelite magazines.  There are also 20-round 'tanker' magazines, 40-round magazines and a few different types of drum magazines.  In 5.45x39 or 5.56x45, there are not so many choices, but there are several to choose from.

Fitting the Magazine (7.62x39 version)

Military surplus high-capacity (greater than 10 rounds) magazines will almost, but not quite fit into the Saiga magazine well.  In my experience, this has been because the magazine catch lever is too long for the catch point at the rear of the magazine.  The fix is simple: reduce the height of the catching surface of the catch lever by just the right amount.

For the 7.62x39 conversion, I am using steel Polish 30-round surplus magazines.  I got them at AIM Surplus, which is also a good source for ammunition of Russian manufacture. I like steel magazines, but some people prefer plastic, like the Bulgarian "waffle" magazines.  For 7.62x39 carbines, this procedure should work for all types of magazines.

1. The first thing to do is to insert the standard Saiga sporter magazine back into the magazine well (or magwell).  From the top, look at the relationship of the magazine feed lips to your new bullet guide and to the bolt carrier rails.  If you want to, take a pencil and mark a few index points that will help you make sure that the position of the milsurp mags is correct.

2. Next attempt to insert the milsurp magazine as you normally would.  You will notice that it will not completely lock into place.  While pulling back on the magazine, take a scribe, and using the catch point as a guide, mark the top of the catch lever under the magazine catch point.

3. The next step is to cut the top of the mag catch lever with your Dremel tool or hack saw.  Be sure that the kerf of your cut touches your scribe line on the top side (above).  Do not cut into the mag catch lever bracket.

4. Once you have made the cut, smooth it up with a small file.  Then test fit the magazine to the receiver.  If it will still not lock up, file a little more and test fit again.  Go slowly.  Remember, it is easier to take a little metal off at a time that to add any back on.

5. When you have a good solid lock-up of the mag, it is time to take the gun to the range for testing.