Avoiding a future batf seizure. Saiga conversion

[Jackal]

I purchased a Saiga sporting rifle and am in the process of turning it into an AK-47 type gun. But this poses some interesting questions I just thought of today. I can do this if I stay compliant with 922. But given the new HR 1022, which is still infant, most of my gun's components would be illegal to possess with intent to manufacture.

So my goal is to build the thing as fast as possible. However, how would I be able to prove down the road that I made everything while it was legal (now) as opposed to down the road when it may not be (after 1022).

I can easily see them looking for a reason to bust people in this situation and I don't see how you could readily prove you didn't illegally put the gun together; especially in my case where the bill of sale will say saiga sporting rifle which is definitely not an ak47. AKUSA gives you a letter of BATF approval when they ship you a gun. Would anyone recommend trying to get this approval letter? I was thinking also I could take a picture of the completed gun and print it out on a piece of paper, listing off all of its components, and then have it dated and notarized so its an official document.

What are some suggestions?

[Pa. Patriot]

In the hypothetical scenario you've made, the prosecution has to prove you built it after. Not you proving you built it before.

[righteousbarbarian]

I'm sorry for the off topic, but you think that's going to get passed? that would be terrible.

[JayBell]

obvious solution is to keep the receipts for the parts.

I'm in the process of converting mine to take M16 mags, via the Galil adapter.
I have many more mags for M16, than 223 AK mags
Plus my 100rd betamags will fit when i'm done

Almost done, just have to finish fitting the adapter.
Its a lot of grinding...somone did a FAQ article on saiga12 forums.

[Jackal]

I'm sorry for the off topic, but you think that's going to get passed? that would be terrible.

Possible. More people jumped on board after VA Tech. The psychological implications of all that are startling. You have cause and effect. Make an event shocking and everyone screams for the irrational but 'obvious' solution.

I will keep all receipts, but that isn't good enough for me. I just don't know if writing the batf about the whole thing is the best idea either. I am going to document the hell out of the whole process.

Someone else suggested mailing info and pictures about it to yourself and then keeping the unopened letter.

[JayBell]

theres really nothing you need to do to "cover your ass"...if just keeping receipts and doing it isn't enough, pehaps you should just leave the gun unaltered.

not to be terribly rude here, but stop the girlish vapors, and just do the parts conversion and be done with it...i just dont understand the hesitation...the conversion of my 223 to 922r complaint parts took less than 3hours start to finish.

theres no need to write the ATF(letters have been written all about 922r conversions), its legal to convert the gun over provided you have enough US parts.

I've been 922r converting stuff since 1997(gasp, DURING the AW Ban, oh NOES!!!), I'm not worried about anything.

1. they know when the gun was imported
2. they know when you bought it
3 they will know when you bought the new parts if they have your receipts

just do it!

[scoutjoe]

as long as your parts are US stamped...and you keep the receipt and you got your parts count right you'll be fine. besides don't you think the ATF has something better to do than try and prove that you did a hack job in your basement after the ban that hasn't been passed yet?

[The Drew]

If it bothers you that much... Just go out and buy a real AK.... Trade the Saiga for it if you like to save a few bucks... But, it seems to me like you have more concerns than the money you're gonna save by doing this conversion...

[phillyd2]

Best of both worlds - just buy a Made in USA Stamp

[scoutjoe]

Best of both worlds - just buy a Made in USA Stamp

I could peel a sticker off an apple or something like that, then stick it on my gun