AK Gunsmith recommendations?

[m4brian]

Northern VA?

Midatlantic?

Thanks.

[Bret]

Be more specific. What are you needing to have done (or what's the problem)?

[m4brian]

Swap gas block and FSPs, put on a HG retainer.

Also, install a side mount on a VZ 58 - MAYBE cut 15" pin on muzzle cover(CSA) and pin/tac a permanent device.

[Bret]

Does the barrel have the two slots for the handguard retainer?

[m4brian]

Does the barrel have the two slots for the handguard retainer?

No - Saiga with commercial front end. I've seen this done on youtube and it ain't rocket science -albeit can affect handguard orientation.

[Bret]

I'd send the Saiga to Two Rivers Arms. However, be prepared to wait. They're good, so they have plenty of demand for their services. For sure I wouldn't have a gunsmith cut the slots that's never done it before.

For the vz.58, I'd contact Czechpoint USA. They seem to be out of most firearms, so perhaps they have time to work on guns.

[MadAngler1]

If you don’t mind shipping to Louisiana, I recommend Vincent Buckles

https://mesakineticresearch.com/

[SteyrAUG]

InRange did most of the Vz58 conversions. They used to be "go to" AK guys, not sure about currently.

[m4brian]

Thanks for the input. If I were looking to change the rifle substantively, or turn it into a real custom project, I think I'd take on shipping, etc. and send it out to one of these.

Correct me if I am dead wrong, but repopulating the FSB and GB and adding a retainer is a pretty low risk operation. Even drilling and tapping the VZ receiver for a side rail, and fitting a pin on muzzle device is not that involved for a class III licensed smith. There is one less than an hour away, and does plenty of AK work - even builds. (Admittedly, if it was a custom build I'd ship).

Am I all wet?

[Bret]

The hardest part will be cutting the hand guard retainer slots. If he can do that without taking the barrel off, then he'll likely be able to do everything else. If he's built AK's professionally, then he should be good to go.