SPA AK From Cabelas?

It's not a bad rifle, according to the reputation. Higher quality than is put out by Century Arms pretty much for certain.

The issue is it's produced as a sporter rifle and only accepts single-stack 10rd magazines, not standard double-stack AK mags. In order to use standard AK mags, one would need to cut out a wider mag well in the receiver, in addition to doing all of the other necessary modifications to achieve 922R compliance, hence the lower cost. Much like Saiga sporter rifles are also priced in the $300's.
 
CAI imported a bunch of AKs and hogged out the single-stack magwell to take standard mags so it's possible I imagine, but I would be very leary of doing it without finding a bunch of info about it before hand. The saigas might need a bit more work to get to a true AK configuration but it's been done to death so you can easily find detailed step-by-step instructions. I did a .308 and I'm happy but I didn't have to worry about converting it to take different mags, just moveing the trigger.

the saiga is a proven rifle for an entry-level AK or if you can inspect it before hand it's possible to find a good WASR-10 but I'm not sure what those run these days.
 
The saigas might need a bit more work to get to a true AK configuration but it's been done to death so you can easily find detailed step-by-step instructions.
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It's my understanding that these rifles are considerably MORE difficult to convert than your run-of-the-mill Saiga.
 
It's my understanding that these rifles are considerably MORE difficult to convert than your run-of-the-mill Saiga.
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I would tend to agree. The Saiga comes from the factory accepting double-stack magazines, if it's a 7.62x39 one needs only to install a bullet guide to use standard AK mags, that's much easier than properly milling out a larger mag well. Both would likely needs trigger groups and/or other parts replaced in order to be 922R compliant.
 
It's my understanding that these rifles are considerably MORE difficult to convert than your run-of-the-mill Saiga.
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Beats me, I've only ever done a saiga. I'm just going off the picture of it but it looks like all that needs to be done is widen the magwell then get a stock and PG for it. I did forget about 922r but a saiga requires drilling and grinding the bottom plate off and the trigger guard.
 
I think (IIRC) there's a guy on this forum who did convert that exact rifle to a more standard configuration (the result was a VERY handsome AK actually), but it seemed like it was a ton of work.
 
I know this rifle as a Zastava PAP and have one.

I ain't no gunsmith, so let me classify my remarks first with that. But as I understand the situation, it is indeed different than a Saiga conversion. It is something to do with the angle of the rear of the rifle ("slant-cut receiver" maybe?) which is NOT standard for Saigas nor other AKs. So it is NOT just a matter of taking off the included thumbhole stock, popping on a new one, and going. Because of this angle , new stocks don't 'properly' attached or should I say are not supported right. It was explained to me that while you physically COULD attached the stock, it would not at all be the same as attaching say a stock to a Saiga or even a normal M70, because of this lack of support.

I can't for the life of me remember the famous AK Stock producing company from California, somebody here knows who I'm talking about, anyway when I got the rifle I Called them and asked for a stock set. He basically said sorry I Can't in good faith sell you one because it's going to break, its not supported right, and I really don't want to be having to deal with "Hey your stock broke on my rifle!" when it is apparent it will indeed break.

Having said all of that, it is definitely done before, and I've seen some awesome examples, but it requires like real gunsmithing/ real tool use etc, you gotta get down and dirty and manufacture a little- it's not just bolting on a scope to a picatinny rail etc. And I actually was told and just saw a shining example on glocktalk, the best idea is actually to use an AK - to- AR/M4 stock conversion kit... that still requires some metal work but in the end hooks up much more stable-like and looks absolutely awesome.

hopefully some small part of what I just said made some sense to someone.
 
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