Saiga Buttstocks
The most important distinction among Saiga buttstocks is "converted" versus "non-converted" buttstocks. Converted buttstocks are actually just regular AK stocks and fit not only the Saiga, but most other AK-pattern rifles. Non-converted buttstocks are unique to the Saiga platform in that they include a pistol grip, allowing the factory sporter stock to be easily replaced with a pistol grip configuration. However, non-converted stocks will retain the sporter Saiga's poor factory trigger, and the market is much more limited. The choice of whether or not to convert your Saiga will ultimately determine which type of stock you can use.
Additionally, it is helpful to know that there is no difference in the stocks for a Saiga shotgun and a Saiga rifle. The stock attachment is identical in both cases, whether converted or not.
When choosing a Saiga buttstock, it is also good idea to find out which stock angle you prefer. There are two angles of buttstock for AKs, traditional angle (canted downwards) and straight (like an AR stock).
Additionally, it is helpful to know that there is no difference in the stocks for a Saiga shotgun and a Saiga rifle. The stock attachment is identical in both cases, whether converted or not.
When choosing a Saiga buttstock, it is also good idea to find out which stock angle you prefer. There are two angles of buttstock for AKs, traditional angle (canted downwards) and straight (like an AR stock).
Traditional angle stocks offer a good cheek weld for iron sights with comb risers readily available for use with optics, and many prefer the aesthetics over straight stocks. Straight stocks will reduce muzzle climb (though many find this improvement negligible outside of fully-automatic fire) and elevate the shooter's head for comfortable use with optics, but make the iron sights difficult or impossible to use. The respective levels of comfort and convenience offered by each style will vary based on an individual shooter's size, height, and shooting stance, so find a gun shop or gun show where you can handle both styles and see which suits you best.
Once you decide which angle to go with, you have to learn about stock installation, as you may be limited by the amount of work or special tools required for some stocks. There are four approaches to interfacing the buttstock to the receiver of your Saiga, each with benefits and drawbacks.
Once you decide which angle to go with, you have to learn about stock installation, as you may be limited by the amount of work or special tools required for some stocks. There are four approaches to interfacing the buttstock to the receiver of your Saiga, each with benefits and drawbacks.
Bolt-on stocks (no permanent modification)
$40 - $140
A new bolt-on stock can be installed in minutes using only a screwdriver, and non-folding versions are inexpensive, sturdy, and often cosmetically identical to current Russian military stocks. Most (but not all) bolt-on folding stocks are of poor durability, as a traditional AK folding stock is firmly anchored in the receiver with a specialized trunnion of hardened steel. Bolt-on folding stocks place their folding mechanism behind the receiver tangs, adding length and an unsupported stress point. (author's note: Also, they're ugly.)
Backplate/modular stocks (require permanent removal of trunnion tangs with a hacksaw or cutting tool)
$100 - $250
Many American-made AK stocks interface with a trunnion backplate that replaces the stock tang(s). The backplate is a sturdy, low-profile interface that is compatible across a range of manufacturers, but only readily available as a straight stock. If a traditional stock angle is desired, a bolt-on stock will offer better selection.
Folding mechanisms are easily mounted between the stock and backplate, turning a fixed stock into a folding stock, and these backplate folding mechanisms are generally fairly sturdy. However, backplate folders will never be as compact or durable as a dedicated, hardened-steel folder trunnion, though they are much cheaper and easier to install.
Replacement trunnions and stocks (requires special tools and expertise)
$150 - $300
This option is only for folding or underfolding stocks, and is the most expensive and labor-intensive option for a Saiga. However, it’s also the lightest and most durable option, and it’s how the Russians do it. The factory stock trunnion on your Saiga must be removed by drilling out the rivets, and the replacement trunnion is riveted into place and the stock attached. In most cases, new rivet holes will also need to be drilled and some sidefolding or underfolding stocks will require that the Saiga's side scope rail be removed.
AR stock adapters
$100 - the moon (AR stocks can be very expensive)
There are a number of bolt-on adapters on the market to allow AR-pattern stocks to fit an AK-pattern like the Saiga. Bolt-on and backplate versions are available as well as folding mechanisms, allowing a range of customization. However, to this author's knowledge there is no adapter that maintains the AK's traditional stock angle, so installing an AR stock is only an option for shooters comfortable with a straight-stock AK.
$40 - $140
A new bolt-on stock can be installed in minutes using only a screwdriver, and non-folding versions are inexpensive, sturdy, and often cosmetically identical to current Russian military stocks. Most (but not all) bolt-on folding stocks are of poor durability, as a traditional AK folding stock is firmly anchored in the receiver with a specialized trunnion of hardened steel. Bolt-on folding stocks place their folding mechanism behind the receiver tangs, adding length and an unsupported stress point. (author's note: Also, they're ugly.)
Backplate/modular stocks (require permanent removal of trunnion tangs with a hacksaw or cutting tool)
$100 - $250
Many American-made AK stocks interface with a trunnion backplate that replaces the stock tang(s). The backplate is a sturdy, low-profile interface that is compatible across a range of manufacturers, but only readily available as a straight stock. If a traditional stock angle is desired, a bolt-on stock will offer better selection.
Folding mechanisms are easily mounted between the stock and backplate, turning a fixed stock into a folding stock, and these backplate folding mechanisms are generally fairly sturdy. However, backplate folders will never be as compact or durable as a dedicated, hardened-steel folder trunnion, though they are much cheaper and easier to install.
Replacement trunnions and stocks (requires special tools and expertise)
$150 - $300
This option is only for folding or underfolding stocks, and is the most expensive and labor-intensive option for a Saiga. However, it’s also the lightest and most durable option, and it’s how the Russians do it. The factory stock trunnion on your Saiga must be removed by drilling out the rivets, and the replacement trunnion is riveted into place and the stock attached. In most cases, new rivet holes will also need to be drilled and some sidefolding or underfolding stocks will require that the Saiga's side scope rail be removed.
AR stock adapters
$100 - the moon (AR stocks can be very expensive)
There are a number of bolt-on adapters on the market to allow AR-pattern stocks to fit an AK-pattern like the Saiga. Bolt-on and backplate versions are available as well as folding mechanisms, allowing a range of customization. However, to this author's knowledge there is no adapter that maintains the AK's traditional stock angle, so installing an AR stock is only an option for shooters comfortable with a straight-stock AK.
Now, armed with an understanding of AK stock angles and interfaces, browse the incomplete but representative slice of the Saiga buttstock market below.
Disclaimer
This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or generally in cahoots with any of the below manufacturers or product lines.
The below products are not claimed to be the best or worst available, they are merely listed to provide a "jumping off point" for a prospective buyer's search. Whenever possible the link will be directly to the manufacturer, but that does not always mean the product cannot be found elsewhere.
Prices are listed only to provide a general idea, not a guarantee. Prices may change over time.
This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or generally in cahoots with any of the below manufacturers or product lines.
The below products are not claimed to be the best or worst available, they are merely listed to provide a "jumping off point" for a prospective buyer's search. Whenever possible the link will be directly to the manufacturer, but that does not always mean the product cannot be found elsewhere.
Prices are listed only to provide a general idea, not a guarantee. Prices may change over time.
Tapco T6 - A bolt-on collapsible AR-style stock. Versions available for both converted and non-converted Saigas.
$40 - $55
Mako Group folding AK stock (polymer joint) - An unusually sturdy bolt-on, folding Israeli design with an integrated adjustable cheek riser. Although this is a straight stock, it is designed to sit low enough for comfortable use with iron sights. Only for converted Saigas.
$140 - $150
Generic AK buttstock - Sturdy and simple, this bolt-on buttstock mimics the aesthetics of a Russian military-issue buttstock. Also available in laminated wood. Only for converted Saigas.
$45 - $55
Ace Skeleton Stock - A simple and lightweight backplate-mounted stock. Backplate not included with purchase. Only for converted Saigas.
$60 - $70
Russian folding stock - A military-issue folding stock with replacement trunnion. Only for converted Saigas.
$260 - $300
CNC Warrior folding stock tube - A bolt-on adapter that allows any mil-spec AR-pattern collapsible stock to be installed. This is only the folding mechanism and dummy buffer tube (AKs do not have a buffer mechanism like the AR). No stock is included. Only for converted Saigas.
$120 - $140
Kushnapup Stock System - A bullpup stock that replaces the stock and forearm, but also requires additional parts, such as sight rails. Only compatible with non-converted Saigas. See our product review for the Kushnapup here.
$440 - $460
$40 - $55
Mako Group folding AK stock (polymer joint) - An unusually sturdy bolt-on, folding Israeli design with an integrated adjustable cheek riser. Although this is a straight stock, it is designed to sit low enough for comfortable use with iron sights. Only for converted Saigas.
$140 - $150
Generic AK buttstock - Sturdy and simple, this bolt-on buttstock mimics the aesthetics of a Russian military-issue buttstock. Also available in laminated wood. Only for converted Saigas.
$45 - $55
Ace Skeleton Stock - A simple and lightweight backplate-mounted stock. Backplate not included with purchase. Only for converted Saigas.
$60 - $70
Russian folding stock - A military-issue folding stock with replacement trunnion. Only for converted Saigas.
$260 - $300
CNC Warrior folding stock tube - A bolt-on adapter that allows any mil-spec AR-pattern collapsible stock to be installed. This is only the folding mechanism and dummy buffer tube (AKs do not have a buffer mechanism like the AR). No stock is included. Only for converted Saigas.
$120 - $140
Kushnapup Stock System - A bullpup stock that replaces the stock and forearm, but also requires additional parts, such as sight rails. Only compatible with non-converted Saigas. See our product review for the Kushnapup here.
$440 - $460
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