Hello, I’m wondering what the installation process is for installing an AK-10X style folding stock on a saiga receiver, in particular an Arsenal SGL-21. The stock is from K-Var, this one in particular:
http://www.k-var.com/shop/product.php?productid=17651&cat=330&page=2
Is there any need to drill holes in the receiver or otherwise modify it permanently or can it be installed as easily as any traditional fixed stock?
Thanks.
You need a smith who knows their way around an AK, it’s a complex smithing job to do it right.
Expect $250~$350 to do so.
Thanks for the reply, I guess I’ll have to skip it for now then.
You can buy a 7.62x39 SGL from the factory now with the proper folding stock.
Once K-Var has them in stock again I’ll be installing one on mine. The tricky part was/is getting the correct dimentions for the milling. It finally occured to me to simply purchase a 19.00 Nodak receiver flat and use it as a machining template. More to follow on this project unless I can find another Polish side folder in which case I’ll go that route, last one got snagged before I could bid.
What I have learned thus far from my short but in depth adventure into AK smithing is that they are deceptivly simple or simply complex 
Why would you go to all that trouble when you can buy a factory gun with the folding stock?
Fair question, Im aspiring to broaden my gunsmithing skills. Lucky enough to have a solid machine shop and small arms background from the military and a reputable established smith who is mentoring me.
Its much easier to buy an AI but building a 700 is much more fun…now if my manners stock would just show up I would be happy.
I’m with you there. the pride of ownership that comes with doing the work yourself is worth the effort if you have the skills and equipment to do it.
You aren’t going to be able to do this yourself and have it come out as nice as an AK that is built in a real AK factory.
There is a chance it could come out just fine… I think having to pull both the front end and back end out of the trunnion and not ruin the receiver in the process would be difficult the first time out. The rear portion looks easy enough with a good template but the front could get difficult. There are a handful of AK specific smiths I would trust to this job but not just a guy who is a gunsmith with no AK experience.
Personally, with the SGL folder out there, I would have a hard time tearing apart a perfectly good rifle to swap out the stock. Keep the one you have, or sell it, and get the side folder…
Spooky
I am more than likely goint to send my SGL-21 off to have a 100 series folder installed. I purchased mine new for $499, plus or minus what Templar posted above and I’m still under what a new folder is going for.
The front trunnion shouldnt need to be removed just a notch milled for the front stock latch and I think a hole for the pivot pin.
Really isnt all that difficult if you have access to the proper equipment which I do. The smith in question assembled some 300 parts kits for a local shop so its not like I dont have tech support close at hand
Thus far I have torn mine down once and a few others for friends. What I have learned about AK’s is they are much easier to assemble than to dissassemble. I’m completly fasinated with how ridgid the rifle becomes once assembled when the individual components seem so flimsy stand alone.
I was wrong about the nodak flat, the one I saw was at AK builder http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30062
All that I need is the flat as a template for the locations of the areas that need to be machined. Remove the existing rear trunnion, line up the rivet holes on the flat which will be cut down to three templates (front, rear rt and lft) and attach to Saiga with some custom made “T” nuts machined tight enough to eliminate shifting while machining. From there its just a matter of a few quick passes on the mill followed up by some final file work to square the corners.
Or I could make a fixture and use the DRO to touch off on all axis points referencing from a common location but to be honest that seems overly complicated.
As for why…as already mentioned its a learning endevor so why not. Also resale of AK’s is shit so I would loose way too much by selling mine off to fund a new one. Had they been offered when I purchased this one I most certainly would have bought a folder but they were not so there ya go. I didnt get a deal anywhere close to what mosse-knuckle got I’m into it 780.00 OTD new from local shop. WA makes it difficult to save money from buying on GB as the FFL must collect sales tax in addition to the x-fer fee :sad:
Several Bernal side folders on GB and I’m leaning towards that route instead any inputs on those? Not trying to hijack the thread but that may also be something of interest to the OP as they are drop in side folders. Currently have an ACE which is OK but I would prefer something less LEGO like. The Bernal stock folds to the right which I like and dosnt block the charging handle, the locking mech is the same design as AI uses as well as several other euro folders.
How do you get the stock latch in there with just the notch and pivot pin hole? I’m trying to remember what the part looks like…
I think assembling a kit is much easier than tearing one down with the intention of reusing all the parts. If he has experience doing this and will help you then by all means do it!
Spooky
If that is your guide in 'smithing this thing you’re good to go…
Spooky