Got a Saiga 7.62x39

[14GDHPs4ME]

Well the decision I made after my "can we handle another 'what should I get'" thread was to get an AK. My birthday's on the 3rd, but since yesterday was the last day our ccw's are to be recognized for the purchase of firearms here in NV without a Brady fee, I went out as soon as I got my stimulus check.

I found a new Saiga 7.62x39 for $299. I also purchased four 30-round surefire Saiga mags for $40 apiece and 500 rounds of ammunition for $180 (got ripped on the ammunition).

Anyone have experience with these firearms? It seems like a nice gun, and even though it's got a full rifle stock and a 20" barrel is it still technically considered an AK-47? Does anyone know if it will take any replacement stocks other than the one offered on their "option" model? I'd like to install a pistol grip/folding stock on this thing for the sake of shortening it a little (the reach is long) and I can be happy with a longer barrel.

Please speak up, anyone who has one of these?

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w231/krisdrayer/Guns.jpg

With the new family!

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w231/krisdrayer/AK.jpg

[G31Steve]

Hey nice birthday that's mine also! And coincidentally I gifted myself an early present in the form of a Romanian SAR1, hey we both have good taste in guns also!

You can convert the Saigas to pistol grip but its takes some work,Ive not done it but plenty of guys here have done it and there are some good sites out there with how-to's.

[Pierre!]

Glad to hear you beat the CCW "price increase"... I will get dinged $50 in the next couple of weeks on this stupid little event.

You might want to check these sites:
http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/
http://www.savvysurvivor.com/saiga_rifles.htm

I was going back and forth, and landed on a Vector AK47 instead. I like the Saiga looks, but their accessory market didn't seem as broad.

Oh Yah - Check AmmoMan.com for ammo. I think you will like what they got. Don't wait a long time... rumor mill says ammo goes up soon!

Enjoy, may see ya out at Pyramid Range

[Forgoten214]

Pictures anyone? Hey does anyone know where i can get the pistol grip kit for the Saiga?

[mini14jac]

Pictures anyone? Hey does anyone know where i can get the pistol grip kit for the Saiga?

It's not really a "kit".
Check the links above, and the Saiga forum.
http://forum.saiga-12.com/
It takes a couple of hours worth of work, and you have to replace the trigger assembly, but you can turn a Saiga into a very nice AK.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/mini14jac/Saigapolymer2.jpg

[oneshortofpar]

Well the decision I made after my "can we handle another 'what should I get'" thread was to get an AK. My birthday's on the 3rd, but since yesterday was the last day our ccw's are to be recognized for the purchase of firearms here in NV without a Brady fee, I went out as soon as I got my stimulus check.

I found a new Saiga 7.62x39 for $299. I also purchased four 30-round surefire Saiga mags for $40 apiece and 500 rounds of ammunition for $180 (got ripped on the ammunition).

Anyone have experience with these firearms? It seems like a nice gun, and even though it's got a full rifle stock and a 20" barrel is it still technically considered an AK-47? Does anyone know if it will take any replacement stocks other than the one offered on their "option" model? I'd like to install a pistol grip/folding stock on this thing for the sake of shortening it a little (the reach is long) and I can be happy with a longer barrel.

Please speak up, anyone who has one of these? I'll post pics in a couple hours!!!!!

Great rifles for the money, have had mine for about a year. Will shoot anything you put down it. I went ahead and went with the skeleton stock on mine. The folding stock is possible but it takes some work, if you google it I think a guy gives step by step info and pics as well as where to order it from. Enjoy!!!

[Forgoten214]

It's not really a "kit".
Check the links above, and the Saiga forum.
http://forum.saiga-12.com/
It takes a couple of hours worth of work, and you have to replace the trigger assembly, but you can turn a Saiga into a very nice AK.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/mini14jac/Saigapolymer2.jpg

Nice, Yeah i didn't see the post before me. Do do take regular AK magazines correct? [762x39 model]. I have it in 308.

[14GDHPs4ME]

Glad to hear you beat the CCW "price increase"... I will get dinged $50 in the next couple of weeks on this stupid little event.....

.....Enjoy, may see ya out at Pyramid Range

Man where the heck is that range anyway? I drove for so long looking for it and just couldn't find it! Please help because my car won't get me to any of the "alternative" locations around here.

[14GDHPs4ME]

Nice, Yeah i didn't see the post before me. Do do take regular AK magazines correct? [762x39 model]. I have it in 308.

Actually, when I first bought it I got 4 standard AK mags for $20 a pop. Guy at the gun store said I'd have to file off some excess material from the locking lug, but it didn't work. Even after I almost had it right, the mag wouldn't feed a round. I had to take them back and pay the difference to buy the more expensive, compatible magazines. Supposedly these rifles only come with 5 or 10 round single-stack mags, but surefire mags makes the 30-rounders especially for the Saigas.

[WayaX]

The change to an AK requires a conversion and some dremel work. Adding the pistol grip is really a personal preference. If you're more familiar with an M1A/M14/Mini-14 than an AK, leaving it with the "hunting" set-up is just fine. The conversion to make it accept AK mags is a good one to do, however. You can ship it off to tromix to have it decked out fancier than some people's AR's if you wish.

I think overall you'll be very pleased with it. I had one in .308 Win that was absolutely amazing and I regret selling.

[mini14jac]

Nice, Yeah i didn't see the post before me. Do do take regular AK magazines correct? [762x39 model]. I have it in 308.

To take AK mags, you have to remove a little material from the top of the mag catch.
When you get mags so they'll lock in, you need to add a "bullet guide" just in front of the mag well, to get reliable feeding.
The procedure for that, along with a lot of other good data is in the links provided.

The general consensus on the Saiga forum is that converting the gun to use high-cap mags means you'll be in violation of 922r unless you add a few more U.S. made parts.
That's why you see very few that are standard configuration, with high-cap mags.

I didn't want there to be any possibility that I had violated the law, so I did the full conversion.
Mine has 5 U.S. parts right now.

[mac66]

Here is a photo of mine with what it would like like with a 20 round AK mag for demonstration purposes only. That mag will lock in place but won't feed. I prefer to keep it looking like a standard rifle. Boy, the prices sure went up. I paid $169 for mine back when they were imported by EAA.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/mac66/100_3156.jpg

[fwm]

Actually, when I first bought it I got 4 standard AK mags for $20 a pop. Guy at the gun store said I'd have to file off some excess material from the locking lug, but it didn't work. Even after I almost had it right, the mag wouldn't feed a round. I had to take them back and pay the difference to buy the more expensive, compatible magazines. Supposedly these rifles only come with 5 or 10 round single-stack mags, but surefire mags makes the 30-rounders especially for the Saigas.

It is probably illegal with the 30 round mags.
You have a 'sporterized' AK that has two many foreign parts to shoot as a Self Defense gun (more than 10 round mags) You will need to replace at least one part with an American made part and an American made mag that holds more than 10 rounds. 922 something or other.

You can go here http://forum.saiga-12.com/ for more concise information.

Edited to Add:
I like this grip/stock on my gun. No changes are made to the frame for a pistol grip, it just bolts in. Not all people like it. Some say the stock is too short.

http://65.28.93.48/DSC03744.JPG

[Pierre!]

Hey 14GDHPs4ME,

The easiest way to get you directions is to send you to:
http://www.wnpl.org

You then select directions from the "menu bar" and voile, there is the map and written directions.

You will see my name on the Contact Us page... I am the Public Relations Guy for the club. If you are interested, check out the Production Pistol matches - great introduction to competition where we can coach you if you would like... and reasonably priced with a very agreeable time commitment.

Let me know if you need more info, and I'll PM my email addy to you...

HTH

[14GDHPs4ME]

It is probably illegal with the 30 round mags.
You have a 'sporterized' AK that has two many foreign parts to shoot as a Self Defense gun (more than 10 round mags) You will need to replace at least one part with an American made part and an American made mag that holds more than 10 rounds. 922 something or other.

How would the magazine be considered a "part?" Saying that my gun is legal with one mag but illegal with another and it has nothing to do with capacity just blows my mind. Arent the original 10-round mags non-U.S.? And when you say"...to use as a defensive gun" do you mean that it's legal for target practice but not so for home defense? I'm just really curious as to why the gun store would send me out the door with a setup that made me a criminal, so please tell me you're joking:upeyes: This is my first AK, and I'm unaware of the laws regarding the number of parts that have to be american or even why. All I know is: The surefire company makes the magazines specifically for that firearm and advertizes as such; the FFL dealer sold me the firearm and the mags side by side on the same day; the mags fit and function; I am a law abiding citizen. Everything else is way over my head so please help!

[gconan]

How would the magazine be considered a "part?"

Or rather 3 parts. US made mag body, spring, and follower I think.


Saying that my gun is legal with one mag but illegal with another and it has nothing to do with capacity just blows my mind. Arent the original 10-round mags non-U.S.?

The original 10rd non-US mags are always fine because they are 10 rounds only. It is the more than 10 round mags that possibly make it in violation. That Rifle was imported past a certain date as a 10rd rifle. To be legal with the 30rders you have to add USA parts to the gun to make it a US made Rifle. Your new 30rd US made mags will count as three parts to the good, but you will need a few more US made parts. See a Saiga forum for the details. Just don't use the 30rders untill you do the conversion (parts changeover).

[Petipa]

I've got a converted 308 Saiga but I don't think you need to do that I plan on buying a 7.62x39 Saiga also and will leave it stock. :cool:

[RMTactical]

Saiga makes an excellent weapon for the money. You will be pleased with it.

[elpinta]

How would the magazine be considered a "part?" .... the FFL dealer sold me the firearm and the mags side by side on the same day; the mags fit and function; I am a law abiding citizen. Everything else is way over my head so please help!

Welcome to the retail world!
My AK was missing the 10 rd. factory mag, so they just 'gave' me a 30 rounder.
Well, I may or may not be legal, so I am researching this thing.

This is not very clear, but of course, the feds are involved.

So, just because our own ignorance, a retailer can make you a felon: I would suggest looking into it; I am.

As I am also looking into a folding stock, I may just get a bunch of 'legal' parts and settle on a 'for now, for sure' legal gun.

Gee, one would think this was Kalifohnia or something!

[14GDHPs4ME]

This is a quote from the website of Surefiregunmags.com (the company that made my 30-rounders): "Sure fire is in the business to make a mag outstanding, with our technology of the polymer innovation our mags meet the requirements for three 922r compliant parts." Any further interpretations on the matter? It still boggles my mind that everybody else with an AK can put a 30 round magazine on their rifle but I can't. This is killing me:steamed:

[my762buzz]

This comes up almost every day on several forums.
The import laws only allow certain types of weapons
into the country. Generally, the laws are set currently
to not allow high capacity rifles to be imported.
Just so no one trys to skirt the import law, another law was in place
on the books since around 1990 that says you can't just
take an imported rifle and simply modify it to make it similar
to any thing that wouldn't be kosher to import in the first place.
If it wasn't in that configuration when the law went into effect,
you can not retroactively convert. This sort of thing is pretty clear
in different other laws. Hell, even pre clinton ban guns were not to
be further modified during that ban like adding new things, yes there are
ATF letters that say exactly what I just stated. That ban is over but the import ban lives on. Search out the issue on the ak type forums there is
virtually months of reading material that people have posted online even
ATF response letters on that same subject. Its pretty simple to search out
and comply so you won't admit on a public forum that your comiting a felony.
Thats just not a good idea.

[J1923]

Man where the heck is that range anyway? I drove for so long looking for it and just couldn't find it! Please help because my car won't get me to any of the "alternative" locations around here.

I did the same thing first time I went out there, but I found it after turning around at Pyramid Lake. It's in Palomino Valley. I was hoping to buy something before the deadline but still haven't got my tax rebate check, guess I'll save it for ammo. Do have my eye on a Arsenal version of the AK (local distributor for Arsenal, Inc., and many AK parts, is the hardware store in Fernley - they sell a lot of 7.62x39 ammo, too), or an LCP.

Have fun.

[14GDHPs4ME]

I think my last post on this thread says it all. These magazines are made in the U.S.A. and comply with 922. Is this being ignored completely or does someone actually have something decent to say about it? I didn't modify anything.

[my762buzz]

They only happen to make polymer mags completely made in the usa.
Those polymer mags only count as 3 parts "as quoted." You Saiga happens to have 14 countable parts based on the official list, look it up.
That means if you had a Surefire polymer mag you would still have 11
countable parts which is not close enough. You happen to have steel
euro mags not made in the usa, but modified by surefire.
There is a difference. Sorry to lay down what you might not want to hear.
I am sure you appreciate sincere honesty. I been in the ak game for years
and know the rules. If you think I am making this up read this
http://vectorarms.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2
All Vector AKs are built on U.S. made, NoDakSpud receivers or Global Receivers using the required U.S. parts to comply with 922r rules.

[my762buzz]

http://www.tapco.com/html/faq/menu/faq.htm
According to Section 922-R, what makes an AK-47 non-compliant is the number of foreign made parts from a specified list of parts. You may not have more than 10 of these restricted foreign parts (Sec 922R).

[my762buzz]

http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=19536

"Thank you for visiting ATF's Website. I apologize for the delay in responding,
but our FTB was backlogged with inquiries.

As stated on our site, generally, we do not answer technical questions via
e-mail, but I contacted our Firearms Technology Branch (FTB) and was advised the
following:

"Modifications to Imported SKS and AK Type Rifles

ATF's Firearms Technology Branch (FTB) received many letters asking about the
legality of making modifications to imported semi-automatic rifles and shotguns.

The Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), 18 U.S.C. Section 922®, specifically states
the following:

It shall be unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any
semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun
prohibited from importation under the Section 925(d)(3)...as not being
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes...
Also, 27 C.F.R. Section 478.39 (formerly 178.39) states-

"...(a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more
than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph © of this section if the
assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not
being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purpose.....

( The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

(1) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a
licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof
or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or
(2) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or
experimentation authorized by the Director under the provisions
of[§478.151(formerly 178.151)]; or (3) The repair of any rifle or shotgun which
had been imported into or assembled in the United States prior to November 30,
1990, or the replacement of any part of such firearm.

© For purposes of this section, the term imported parts [tabulated below]
are:


(1) Frames, receivers, receiver
castings, forgings, or castings.
(2) Barrels.
(3) Barrel extensions.
(4) Mounting blocks (trunnions).
(5) Muzzle attachments.
(6) Bolts.
(7) Bolt carriers.
(8) Operating rods.
(9) Gas pistons.
(10) Trigger housings.
(11) Triggers.
(12) Hammers.
(13) Sears.
(14) Disconnectors.
(15) Buttstocks.
(16) Pistol grips.
(17) Forearms, handguards.
(18) Magazine bodies.
(19) Followers.
(20) Floor plates.

As a result of a 1989 study by the U.S. Treasury Department regarding the
importability of certain firearms, an import ban was placed on military-style
firearms. This ban included not only military-type firearms, but also extended
to firearms with certain features that were considered to be "nonsporting."
Among such nonsporting features were the ability to accept a detachable
magazine, folding/telescoping stocks, separate pistol grips, ability to accept a
bayonet, flash suppressors, bipods, grenade launchers, and night sights. The
exception for this criteria is curios and relics in their original military
configuration i.e. the Yugoslavian SKS 59/66. Yugoslavian SKS 59/66 rifles can
be modified by removing offending features (as in the State of California) but
not adding features.

Determinations regarding the suitability for sporting purposes are made on a
case-by-case base and often will require review by the Firearms Technology
Branch. Rifles that are prohibited from importations include:

1. Semiautomatic versions of machineguns
2. Rifles chambered to accept a centerfire cartridge case having a length of
2.25 inches or less (includes .223 and 7.62 X 39); AND
3. Rifles that have the ability to accept a detachable large capacity magazine
originally designed and produced for a military assault rifle or be easily
modified to accept such a magazine with only minor adjustments to the rifle.

Non-sporting features may be removed from SKS and AK type rifles without
violating 922®, i.e. bayonet, bayonet lug, bipod, grenade launcher, flash
suppressor, and night sight. Any additions to SKS and AK type rifles would
make them nonsporting firearms that would be in violation of 922®. These
additions include: replacing the thumbhole stock with a pistol grip and
military style stock and/or modifying the firearm to accept a high capacity
magazine.

In order to modify SKS or AK type rifles and avoid any violations of 922®, you
will have to replace the foreign parts, except for 10, with U.S.-made parts. As
previously stated, no more than 10 of the above 20 foreign parts can be
installed after the modification.

You can remove the Night Sights, Grenade Launcher, Grenade Launcher
Sight, Bayonet, and Bayonet lug without repercussion as removal of items has no
bearing under Federal law."

Your proposal makes the following changes:

(1) Frames, receivers, receiver
castings, forgings, or castings.
(2) Barrels.
(3) Barrel extensions. None on SKS
(4) Mounting blocks (trunnions). None on SKS
(5) Muzzle attachments. Removed
(6) Bolts.
(7) Bolt carriers.
(8) Operating rods. None on SKS
(9) Gas pistons. Replaced with US part
(10) Trigger housings.
(11) Triggers.
(12) Hammers.
(13) Sears.
(14) Disconnectors.
(15) Buttstocks. Replaced with US part
(16) Pistol grips. None on SKS
(17) Forearms, handguards. Replaced with US part
(18) Magazine bodies. Replaced with US part
(19) Followers. Replaced with US part
(20) Floor plates. Replaced with US part

The resulting firearm would have items 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14

Since the proposed rifle would only have 9 imported parts, the modifications
would be legal under Federal law."

If you have any further questions, please call them on 304-260-1700.

[14GDHPs4ME]

OK so what can I replace with ease? I'll remove the 30-rounders from the equation for the time being, as I've got no interest in violating a money-grubbing IRS law. You say I need to replace 3 parts just to use these magazines that were sold to me by my FFL with this rifle? Does surefire hold any liability for advertizing this false legality? Does my FFL hold any liability for selling me these magazines along with this rifle? Do I hold any liability for using what I was sold by a fedrally licenced dealer and a false-statement-making magazine manufacturer? Like I said this is my first AK-type rifle and I was never in this to purchase a shady combination. I'll just take it back.

[my762buzz]

Surefire sells mags but holds no liability only the configurer does.
Dealers don't give a rats ___ about laws that will not effect them.

You got 14 parts as is
replace at least 4 foreign parts you decide:
buttstock, handguard, magazine follower, magazine body, magazine floorplate, trigger, disconector, hammer, gas piston, anything else is just not
worth replacing. My advise is forget about replacing magazine parts and
just get a drill, hammer, drift pin and do the official parts conversion
by simply replacing the trigger group 3 parts and buttstock 1 part.
That will get you down to 10 foreign parts.
http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/index.htm
replace these trigger parts
http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/images/Saiga223_disassembly17.jpg
with $31.99
http://www.tapco.com/Show_image.aspx?id=2ff7128f-3e53-4924-b535-e77005d8e79f&s=s

replace original buttstock $48
with http://www.k-var.com/shop/images/AK-020BUSW.jpg

[my762buzz]

Or, you could just stick with anykind of 10 rounders and then there is no need
to do parts compliance.

[mini14jac]

OK so what can I replace with ease? I'll remove the 30-rounders from the equation for the time being, as I've got no interest in violating a money-grubbing IRS law. You say I need to replace 3 parts just to use these magazines that were sold to me by my FFL with this rifle? Does surefire hold any liability for advertizing this false legality? Does my FFL hold any liability for selling me these magazines along with this rifle? Do I hold any liability for using what I was sold by a fedrally licenced dealer and a false-statement-making magazine manufacturer? Like I said this is my first AK-type rifle and I was never in this to purchase a shady combination. I'll just take it back.

From what I've read, dealers all over are selling guns that are already converted to use 30rd mags. :dunno:
While they could get arrested, if you purchased the illegal gun, then you are liable for owning the illegal gun, in the eyes of the law.:upeyes:
Remember the old saying "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."?

I went through the exact same thing when I bought my Saiga.
If an AK rifle is legal in your state, just convert it.
You'll end up with a very cost effective AK, and a Russian one at that. :supergrin:
A converted Saiga is far superior to a WASR or some of the other "low end" AKs.

Here's a document I put together about 922r:
Saiga and 922r
Rifle Parts
(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
(2) Barrels
(3) Barrel extensions
(4) Mounting blocks (trunions)
(5) Muzzle attachments
(6) Bolts
(7) Bolt carriers
(8) Operating rods
(9) Gas pistons
(10) Trigger housings
(11) Triggers
(12) Hammers
(13) Sears
(14) Disconnectors
(15) Buttstocks
(16) Pistol grips
(17) Forearms, handguards
(18) Magazine bodies
(19) Followers
(20) Floorplates

On your Saiga you have:
1 Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
2 Barrels
3 Mounting blocks (trunions) only 1 front
4 Bolts
5 Bolt carriers
6 Gas pistons
7 Triggers
8 Hammers
9 Disconnectors
10 Buttstocks
11 Forearms, handguards
12 Mag body
13 Mag follower
14 Mag spring
15 Pistol Grip (if converted)

To use 20 or 30 round imported mags (that count as 3 imported parts)
for a total of 15 parts, you may need to install up to 5 of the following:

1 USA made Hammer
1 USA made Disconector
1 USA made Trigger
1 USA made Buttstock
1 USA made Pistol grip
1 USA made Upper and Lower Forearm set
1 USA made gas piston

Total of 7 USA made parts give or take on a simple conversion.
Remember 10 or less imported parts on any rifle.


But, I'm not a lawyer, and don't work for the ATF, so proceed with caution.
Better safe than sorry.

Or, if you like the gun in it's "sporting" configuration, just get a refund on the Surefires, and buy 4-5 extra 10rd mags.
I'm sure those would be more than adequate in any home defense situation.

The Saiga is cool rifle, even if left stock. :cool:

[Myke_Hart]

Saigas rock. Easy to convert if you want to. Yes we have the stupid 10 foreign parts rule for high cap AK's. Saigas are made with 100% russian parts.

So to make the Saiga High capacity legal you have to reduce the number of foreign parts down to 10.

Here are mine!

7.62
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll264/myke_hart/Rifles%20Black/IMG_3261.jpg

.223
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll264/myke_hart/Rifles%20Black/IMG_3255.jpg

[SDGlock23]

Congrats, I just bought the very same Saiga 7.62.39 3 or 4 days ago. It's currently in the process of getting "converted".

[14GDHPs4ME]

Ok I'm on board with this idea. If I just keep those 30-round magazines off the gun for now, am I within the letter of the law? I'm not remotely knowledgeable enough to dive into most of these conversions (I think I could handle the stock lol), and I don't even know where I can find the parts to do it. I'm gonna go down to the gunstore and have a nice long conversation with these guys this morning and I'll be back to report. I didn't decide to buy an AK so that I could have 10-round mags, so that is absolutely not an option for me. If I wanted 10 round ANYthing I'd just move to California. I gotta admit....this slap-in-the-face learning style is sort of exciting.:upeyes:

[fwm]

Ok I'm on board with this idea. If I just keep those 30-round magazines off the gun for now, am I within the letter of the law? I'm not remotely knowledgeable enough to dive into most of these conversions (I think I could handle the stock lol), and I don't even know where I can find the parts to do it. I'm gonna go down to the gunstore and have a nice long conversation with these guys this morning and I'll be back to report. I didn't decide to buy an AK so that I could have 10-round mags, so that is absolutely not an option for me. If I wanted 10 round ANYthing I'd just move to California. I gotta admit....this slap-in-the-face learning style is sort of exciting.:upeyes:

My friend, a dealer, did the same to my son. No 10 round mags in stock so he handed him a 30 round mag. He goes to his relatives farm to shoot it.

You only need to change one part if the mag is all American made. I would change the gas piston. Relatively simple to do, no drilling, reconfiguring, or changing anything. Just push out the retaining pin, unscrew the piston, put in the new one and put in a new pin. (Some people have have good luck using pieces of nails as the pin)

Thing about this type of modification is it is still a sport version with the ten round mag in it, so you can still hunt with it with a ten round mag in it. With the other changes suggested, you could not.