Gun Talk Saiga 5.45 legion Ivhesk

Revanchist · May 8, 2026

Side folders are great and all but I like the fixed stock. Is that surplus plum? If so, definitely keep it as is.

BluecollarGreenthumb · May 8, 2026

Revanchist:
Side folders are great and all but I like the fixed stock. Is that surplus plum? If so, definitely keep it as is.

No it’s the US ones but if I don’t go the side folder route I’m definitely going to get Russian surplus plum. I have a Saiga SGL 21 also and figured I should do one a Side folder.

Revanchist · May 8, 2026

BluecollarGreenthumb:
No it’s the US ones but if I don’t go the side folder route I’m definitely going to get Russian surplus plum. I have a Saiga SGL 21 also and figured I should do one a Side folder.

Just so you know, most, if not all, Bulgarian plum furniture is Russian made. I've seen the stocks and lower handguards on Apex Gun Parts and the top ones are available on kvar. If you decided to go that route.

Bakedlite87 · May 11, 2026

It’s a beautiful Ak man congratulations

Sovietcollecter · May 15, 2026

Nice haul dude! you got a GEM.

Muggy · May 19, 2026

Sweet rifle; I'd do the side folder conversion if it was my rifle. It is up to you if you want to use Russian or other manufactured parts. A Russian AK-100 side folder uses the 5.5 hinge pin while other models and countries used a 4.5 pin; so keep that in mind. The angles are different between the two rear trunnions. You'll also want a side folder pistol grip reinforcement plate to strengthen the receiver. KVAR currently has Russian folding rear trunnions and stocks.

BluecollarGreenthumb · May 22, 2026

Muggy:
Sweet rifle; I'd do the side folder conversion if it was my rifle. It is up to you if you want to use Russian or other manufactured parts. A Russian AK-100 side folder uses the 5.5 hinge pin while other models and countries used a 4.5 pin; so keep that in mind. The angles are different between the two rear trunnions. You'll also want a side folder pistol grip reinforcement plate to strengthen the receiver. KVAR currently has Russian folding rear trunnions and stocks.

Aha that’s what the Pistol grip plate does-reinforcing the Receiver due to drilling a hole for the folding stock assembly? Thanks for the info and I’d prefer to do the 5.5. So Northwest gun supply did a Childers receiver on my no. Matching Bulgarian parts kit and I can assume it’s a 4.5? It’s a metal Triangle folder, Cattle Dog is a paid Model………

BluecollarGreenthumb · May 22, 2026

Revanchist:
Just so you know, most, if not all, Bulgarian plum furniture is Russian made. I've seen the stocks and lower handguards on Apex Gun Parts and the top ones are available on kvar. If you decided to go that route.

Hey thanks for the info and appreciate the Help! Newer to the AK world and any time I can avoid a mistake by asking/posting/reading for help and tips I’m all for it

BluecollarGreenthumb · May 22, 2026

BluecollarGreenthumb:
Aha that’s what the Pistol grip plate does-reinforcing the Receiver due to drilling a hole for the folding stock assembly? Thanks for the info and I’d prefer to do the 5.5. So Northwest gun supply did a Childers receiver on my no. Matching Bulgarian parts kit and I can assume it’s a 4.5? It’s a metal Triangle folder, Cattle Dog is a paid Model………

Hey Muggy if I send it in for the poly folder to get Done by NWGS do I ask them to also do the Pistol grip reinforcement plate and provide the plate/ where do I get a plate for the grip?

Muggy · May 23, 2026

BluecollarGreenthumb:
Aha that’s what the Pistol grip plate does-reinforcing the Receiver due to drilling a hole for the folding stock assembly? Thanks for the info and I’d prefer to do the 5.5. So Northwest gun supply did a Childers receiver on my no. Matching Bulgarian parts kit and I can assume it’s a 4.5? It’s a metal Triangle folder, Cattle Dog is a paid Model………

Yes, the plate is used to reinforce that area of the receiver. Without a fixed stock to fill in the back of the receiver the bottom of the back of the receiver has lass support and can bend when the rifle is dropped on the pistol grip. The plate makes that a non-issue.

The Bulgarians did use the 4.5mm pin, as they were never given the 100 series data pack.

Muggy · May 23, 2026

BluecollarGreenthumb:
Hey Muggy if I send it in for the poly folder to get Done by NWGS do I ask them to also do the Pistol grip reinforcement plate and provide the plate/ where do I get a plate for the grip?

I don't know where you can find an original Russian plate, but AK-Builder and Childers has them in stock. You'll also need a new rear trigger guard rivet; Kvar has the proper style, "AK-021R". This rivet stops the disconnector from over traveling and also allows force to transfer into the receiver and help minimize trigger slap. You need to use a disconnector with a half or full tail; otherwise the disconnector won't make contact with the rivet.

It is up to you if you want to add on the reinforcement plate. I added one onto my SAIGA for a 103 conversion. If you want a more clone correct build, then add the plate. In reality, you'll most likely never need to add one unless you expect to fall onto you rifle and have all of your weight rest on the pistol grip.

The plate is welded on so you'll definitly have to repaint and possibly re-park your receiver. The rear of the trigger guard is then placed above the plate and riveted to the receiver through the plate.