Converting a Saiga

AKs and AKMs have been manufactured with a variety of furniture.  The early models had stocks made from solid blocks of wood, probably European beech.  Later models were made from laminated lay ups similar to plywood.  The most modern models, the AK-100 series are manufactured with synthetic furniture, usually black.  Because of the insane gun laws in the United States, there is a cottage industry which has grown up around providing US-made parts, and furniture is one of the easier items to manufacture.  Consequently, almost any variety of furniture in any finish is available to AK builders.

For the next step, we will add the pistol grip.  We do this before adding in the new fire control group because the pistol grip nut sits between the receiver and elements of the fire control group.

To complete this task, you will need:
-  A pistol grip
-  A pistol grip nut
-  A pistol grip bolt or screw
-  A pistol grip screw escutcheon (optional) 

1. The pistol grip nut hole must be cut in the receiver.  If yours has not been cut, see the receiver bottom drawing.

2. Place the pistol grip nut into the nut hole from the inside of the receiver.

3. Push the grip screw through the grip (along with escutcheon if necessary) and screw the pistol grip on to the receiver.  The trigger guard should fit flush into the top front of the grip.  The screw should not protrude inside the receiver beyond the top surface of the grip nut.