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Posted: 4/21/2008 9:43:10 AM EDT
I have a Norinco Hunter (Type I) with the long trigger and trigger guard.  I would like to
convert it to a normal AK trigger and guard so normal AK furniture can be used.  I assume I would have to make sure my parts count was right.  I am mainly concerned with the difficulty of a conversion like this.  I think I could change out the trigger group and guard and drill the hole for the pistol grip.  Has anyone done a conversion like this on the hunter?  I have seen the Galil conversions but I am not interested in cutting and welding on the receiver.

Thanks,

Wayne
Link Posted: 4/30/2008 4:09:42 PM EDT
[#1]
OK lots of views but no advice.  How about I post a picture?  Here is my Norinco Hunter receiver:



What kind of furniture can be made to work with this rifle?  I can replace the trigger group with a USA normal style trigger.  I can see that I have to replace the trigger guard.  Once I do that will I need to drill a new hole for a pistol grip?  Here is the bottom of the receiver:



For the foregrip, my rifle does not have the hardware to hold them in place.  How do I correct this?  Here is the barrel and gas piston tube:



Also, I would like to replace the gas piston with a US model, is mine the standard length?

Ideally I would like a black stock, pistol grip and foregrips, and possibly thread the barrel for a muzzle brake.  Assuming I can get the furniture to work I will end up with 6 USA parts (trigger group & furniture), is that correct?  If I add a USA made muzzle brake that would be 7?  Then a USA gas piston would be 8?  Would that cover me legally to make this conversion?

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Wayne
Link Posted: 4/30/2008 5:23:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ranchhand] [#2]

This one's not finished but it's close.


Link Posted: 4/30/2008 5:34:02 PM EDT
[#3]
Ranchhand,

 Very nice.  What did you have to do to get the pistol grip attached and the trigger guard worked out?

Thanks,

Wayne
Link Posted: 4/30/2008 5:49:12 PM EDT
[#4]
I got it this way. You will need to remove the old trigger guard and mag catch assy, the new one is 1 piece.  I believe that you will need to add a hole for the rear trigger guard rivet then you use the old hole for the grip.  
Link Posted: 5/15/2008 3:24:48 PM EDT
[#5]
All right.  I have made some progress.  I am waiting for parts to come in but I started hacking on the hunter.  I put in the US FCG the day I got it.  Yesterday I drilled out the rivets for the trigger guard:



I reshaped and trimmed the trigger guard.  I will need to do some final tweeking but this is what it should be like when I weld it to the mag release tower:



And just for grins, a mock up with the pistol grip:



I need to install the US gas piston and I am waiting for a black polymer butt stock.  It won't fit but I am hoping to be able to modify it to work.  I also need to work on attaching the foregrip.  That will be a chore since there is no sight block or retaining fixtures like a normal AK.

-Wayne
Link Posted: 5/15/2008 4:07:51 PM EDT
[#6]
Since you have to modify it anyway, you might check Cheaper Than Dirt.  They had a Cetme/HK furniture set for $10 that you might be able to modify.  
Link Posted: 5/15/2008 4:15:10 PM EDT
[#7]
not many people convert these rifles because it isnt easy at all. it can be done, just keep at it and keep us updated.

sorry im not much help, i just wanted to keep encouraging you.

Link Posted: 5/15/2008 11:07:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wthompson] [#8]
height=8
Originally Posted By jhereg:
Since you have to modify it anyway, you might check Cheaper Than Dirt.  They had a Cetme/HK furniture set for $10 that you might be able to modify.  


I went to their site and searched but did not locate this.  Do you have a link?

Thanks!

Wayne


Found it.  Very interesting.  I may have to think about that.  I got my black polymer butt stock but it is TINY!  It is almost 4 inches shorter than the hunter stock!
Link Posted: 5/17/2008 6:14:38 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wthompson] [#9]
A little more progress.  I worked on the butt stock and made it work but there are some gaps such that it does no make a smooth transition from the receiver to the stock plus it is WAY too short.  I may end up reshaping the original and painting it black.  

I printed out a AK builder template and taped it to my receiver to locate the trigger guard rear hole and the pistol grip attachment block.  The trigger guard hole was easy but the hole for the pistol grip attachment was a challenge.  I needed a rectangular hole and the old rear trigger guard hole was in the middle of it.  I ended up drilling several holes around the perimeter of the location indicated on the template, clearing out the remaining metal between the drill holes and then hand filing the final shape of the hole.  The task was not helped by the fact that I could not find my dremel tool!  It is shaping up nicely.  I have the pistol grip installed and it is great.  Here are some pics:

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2808/dscn1871cy1.th.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2892/dscn1872ho2.th.jpg

Things remaining to do:

1.  Replace the gas piston with US model  Done!
2.  Weld front of trigger guard to mag release tower and rivet rear of trigger guard to the receiver.  Done!
3.  Work out way to secure US foregrip to the rifle.  I may end up copying the method used on the original foregrip and basically end up clamping it to the barrel.  Used another method, see my post below.

I plan on going out shooting next weekend and plan to try it out then!

-Wayne
Link Posted: 5/17/2008 6:25:36 PM EDT
[#10]
Dinzag Arms makes handguard retainers for use on Saiga conversions, these might work with your hunter too.
Link Posted: 5/18/2008 4:06:25 PM EDT
[#12]
height=8
Originally Posted By FightingHellfish:
Dinzag Arms makes handguard retainers for use on Saiga conversions, these might work with your hunter too.


Thanks for the lead.  The retainer looks good but is a little pricey.  It did lead me search for other Saiga hand guards and I found a Tapco Galil style like the one I have but with integrated barrel clamp for $44.95.  

-Wayne
Link Posted: 5/18/2008 10:18:15 PM EDT
[#13]
hi,

Ypu can purchase a retainer for your project from copes distributing as well as most other AK needs. There shipping is very affordable. I would press the SB and GB off and do it rite. The TAPCO HG and Retainer looks like a hunk of metal. The press work is easy and yor can complete with an auto keygrip puller set. Hargor freight has them for 9.99. Here is a pic of my AK was a saiga
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/jroberts1968/PICT0011-1.jpg
The first 2 are Wasr 2 and my 5.45x39 7.62x39 556x45 7.62x51

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/jroberts1968/Picture004.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb282/jroberts1968/PICT0001.jpg
Link Posted: 6/1/2008 5:33:39 PM EDT
[#14]
how is the conv comming?
Link Posted: 6/6/2008 10:38:13 AM EDT
[#15]
The milled Norinco Hunter I bought should be here any day now.

Thanks for the pics.......Im eager to start my conversion.
Link Posted: 6/11/2008 1:01:33 AM EDT
[#16]
Any updated pics?
Link Posted: 6/11/2008 6:15:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Greg_W] [#17]
I am still slowly compiling parts for my conversion but this is how it looks so far...(actually it has a muzzle brake on it now too)

I haven't changed the trigger guard out yet(although it is on the todo list) I just flipped the original around.

The other problem with the front handguard is how it attaches to the receiver...
Link Posted: 6/14/2008 1:22:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wthompson] [#18]
Well, I have finished mine.  I ended up using a Tapco Saiga front handguard because it came with a retainer for the front of the handguard.  I ended up using some 3/8in by 1 1/2in aluminum flat stock to make a rear retainer for the handguard.  Here are some pics:

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/8701/dscn1923zl6.th.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4531/dscn1922ma2.th.jpg

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1530/dscn1925jx1.th.jpg

In the last image you can see the aluminum piece I made for a rear retainer.  I am very pleased with how my Hunter turned out.  I need to decide what kind of finish I want for it.  I am torn between just touching up the bluing and going all out for parkerizing.  I learned a lot doing this and even used a wire feed welder to secure the modified trigger guard, which was my first time ever to weld anything.

I got my Saiga foregrip here:  http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/
But you can also get it direct from Tapco.

Here are the parts I ended up with:

Double hook US trigger group
TAPCO SAW-Style Pistol Grip AK-47 Synthetic Black
TAPCO Saiga Galil Style Handguard
TAPCO gas piston
K-VAR NATO length length Black polymer buttstock

So I have 7 US parts on the gun and that should be MORE than enough and now the Hunter looks like a Killer!!-Wayne
Link Posted: 7/23/2008 3:45:03 AM EDT
[#19]
I finished my norinco hunter, here is a pic for now and i'll updated the changes i made in a bit!


Link Posted: 7/23/2008 9:39:35 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ultramagbrion] [#20]

Originally Posted By wthompson:
Well, I have finished mine.  I ended up using a Tapco Saiga front handguard because it came with a retainer for the front of the handguard.  I ended up using some 3/8in by 1 1/2in aluminum flat stock to make a rear retainer for the handguard.  Here are some pics:

img76.imageshack.us/img76/8701/dscn1923zl6.th.jpg

img255.imageshack.us/img255/4531/dscn1922ma2.th.jpg

img375.imageshack.us/img375/1530/dscn1925jx1.th.jpg

In the last image you can see the aluminum piece I made for a rear retainer.  I am very pleased with how my Hunter turned out.  I need to decide what kind of finish I want for it.  I am torn between just touching up the bluing and going all out for parkerizing.  I learned a lot doing this and even used a wire feed welder to secure the modified trigger guard, which was my first time ever to weld anything.

I got my Saiga foregrip here:  http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/
But you can also get it direct from Tapco.

Here are the parts I ended up with:

Double hook US trigger group
TAPCO SAW-Style Pistol Grip AK-47 Synthetic Black
TAPCO Saiga Galil Style Handguard
TAPCO gas piston
K-VAR NATO length length Black polymer buttstock

So I have 7 US parts on the gun and that should be MORE than enough and now the Hunter looks like a Killer!!


-Wayne


nice

Ive had mine on the back burner now for too long. I need to get crackin.
Link Posted: 8/1/2008 10:01:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: wthompson] [#21]
Here are a few more pictures on what I did to get a butt stock to work and the aluminum plate I made to secure the foregrip.  First I noticed that stamped receiver butt stocks looked very similar to the Hunters at the part that goes into the receiver.  The Hunter receiver is kind of unique so I knew that no matter what I would have to do modifications if I wanted a US made stock.  Here is a photo of the original stock along side my modified KVAR NATO length polymer stock:

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8654/dscn1993iu6.th.jpg

I had to trim the polymer stock a little to fit into the milled receiver, wish my cuts were better:

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/2798/dscn1994mr5.th.jpg  http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/8554/dscn1995lj8.th.jpg

Here are some closeups of the stock in the receiver:

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6568/dscn1992gr2.th.jpg  http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/8433/dscn1991sh8.th.jpg

For the fore grip retention I made a piece out of some flat aluminum.  Because I am an idiot I drilled one side too big to tap and I didn't have any helicoils so I reused the screw and nut used to retain the original Hunter fore grip.  I also had to drill a hole in the fore grip but It is not too bad.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/7311/dscn1998yw8.th.jpg  http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8080/dscn1997dx8.th.jpg  http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/82/dscn2000cn0.th.jpg  http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9097/dscn1999dk5.th.jpg

The fore grip has a funny shape that I had to match which is why there is a bevel in the aluminum piece:

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/2682/dscn2001lb9.th.jpg  http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9823/dscn2002ip2.th.jpg

And another gratuitous fully assembled pic:

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3129/dscn1990th8.th.jpg

Hope this helps explain what I did to convert my Hunter.

-Wayne


ps.

Couldn't resist posting a picture of my assistant and the real killer of the family:

http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/1153/dscn2004ou0.th.jpg

Not the Glock21 but my toy poodle Jax.  So far this summer he has killed 2 rabbits, 3 lizards and a snake.  He's my little 8 pound bad ass!

Link Posted: 9/7/2008 11:01:54 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 762AP] [#22]
Pic of one of my Hunter conversions/Galil:

Link Posted: 10/5/2008 9:01:43 AM EDT
[#23]
OK I have custom built quite a few rifles...I just bought a norinco hunter to convert to a "real" AK style weapon. I will also keep this post updated with pics. anyone finish theirs yet?
Link Posted: 11/20/2008 8:01:19 PM EDT
[#24]
Here's my hunter bitches....well, the top one is an ORF-a-Dorf special that I fit with an AR mag adapter. The one in the middle is just a standard conversion that someone else mounted a scope to. The one at the bottom was converted to 5.56 with a Norinco barrel, Yugo gas block & launcher, Bulgarian front sight, Galil bolt and handguard and US FCG and furniture. Yea bitches.

Link Posted: 11/20/2008 9:13:03 PM EDT
[#25]
Very nice guys!
Link Posted: 11/29/2008 11:09:27 PM EDT
[#26]
I converted a hunter by cutting off the slanted rear end and welding on a Yugo rear. I also installed a standard chinese barrel.

Question: Do all mags fit loose in the hunter? All my mags wobble side to side.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/3285DSC07124.JPG
Link Posted: 11/30/2008 8:50:36 PM EDT
[#27]
My mags seem good even the Galil mags sit well with little side at all.
Link Posted: 12/3/2008 7:48:54 PM EDT
[#28]
jim1of6...great job!  I also changed my barrel out and welded a reciever stub...I chose original Chicom w/tang so I can use any AK stock. can you post some more pics of how you got there?  also my mags fit perfect in my hunter.. here's a few pics, I'm still waiting to paint it...

before the weld...


after the weld...

Mock up till I get her done...


all sanded and ready for duracoat...
Link Posted: 12/5/2008 12:22:55 PM EDT
[#29]
unfortunately I don't have any pic's that show each step.

I'm not sure where I got the rear trunnion but the Yugo stock might have come from an insurgent's rifle. He didn't need it anymore. I measured 5 times before cutting and welded it up with my flux core buuz box. Chinese barrel and misc. handgaurds.

I'm planning on getting an ACE folder and railed handgaurds someday.
Link Posted: 12/24/2008 10:43:00 AM EDT
[#30]
I forgot to post the finished pic here...
Link Posted: 6/5/2009 11:11:19 PM EDT
[#31]
Is this thread still breathing??



I've finally got started on mine.

I cut the barrel back to 16" , and installed an AR birdcage flash suppressor .

I drilled out the rivets and moved the trigger guard forward with some 10x24 button head allens.
I Dremeled out a new square hole for the little AK angled grip block, and re-tapped the block's hole to 1/4x28 .

I didnt have a decent AK grip........and I dont like em anyways.....so I started to look at what I had laying around. I had a spare MIAD that I took off my AR10.

The design of the MIAD is very close to the opening on an AK, and the square block just about squeezes into it .I scraped a little plastic out where the block would fit into, ran a drill down from the top of the reciever , through the block , and drilled a new hole thru the grip. It went right between the existing holes in the MIAD.
Its mounted with a standard length AR allen bolt and a large washer.
Pretty rigid. It doesn't look too bad , and once I remove the tang on the bottom of the receiver , it ought to be just about right.

(And yes , I know about the ACE $6 adapter block....but I was bored)

Im going to modify an ACE broom handle stock and mill an aluminum block to mount it in.........maybe put a folder on it.

I havent decided on what I want to do for a front handgaurd yet........maybe Galil style.....or something unique. I dunno yet.

Damn the purists



Link Posted: 7/3/2009 7:36:03 PM EDT
[#32]
I'm the 'lucky' owner of a NH with a broken trigger.  I've looked under every rock on the Internet  trying to find one.  I know I could have a conversion done, but I'm seriously short of cash.  Anybody refer me to anywhere that even has one used one for sale?  I eagerly read every thread I can find about a DIY conversion, but welding receivers, metal work, and fabrication are far beyond my skill set.  As this is the one exception to the 'plug-and-play AK' I'm stumped.

Numrich/e-gunparts?  Nope.  No love.

Any ideas?



Link Posted: 7/4/2009 9:26:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: speedmind] [#33]
Originally Posted By PennaOhio:
I'm the 'lucky' owner of a NH with a broken trigger.  I've looked under every rock on the Internet  trying to find one.  I know I could have a conversion done, but I'm seriously short of cash.  Anybody refer me to anywhere that even has one used one for sale?  I eagerly read every thread I can find about a DIY conversion, but welding receivers, metal work, and fabrication are far beyond my skill set.  As this is the one exception to the 'plug-and-play AK' I'm stumped.

Numrich/e-gunparts?  Nope.  No love.

Any ideas?





you can convert it for 35.00 and under, tapco trigger (new 30 and cheaper used) plastic pistol grip with nut/bolt 5.00. No welding is needed. All you need to do it the following:

drill out the rivets on the trigger guard - you will not need to cut the trigger guard like some people have done.
turn the trigger guard 180 degrees and slide it under the mag release housing - you will have room to drill a hole to secure down inside the release housing.

you then will need to tap a hole for the other end of the trigger housing.

All that is left is to square out  the original rear trigger guard hole.

you can sand down the stock as needed. - Dont mess with the front handguard, I did an it looks like poop.






Link Posted: 7/17/2009 8:32:33 PM EDT
[#34]
So I got around to pressing the barrel out so my Class 2 could thread and finish the muzzle.
I used a cheap 14/1 thread AR type flash hider to keep the looks of the Galil, then the refinish.
Turned out decent.
I'll take it out this weekend and run some through.


Link Posted: 11/22/2009 6:12:17 AM EDT
[#35]



Originally Posted By 762AP:


So I got around to pressing the barrel out so my Class 2 could thread and finish the muzzle.

I used a cheap 14/1 thread AR type flash hider to keep the looks of the Galil, then the refinish.

Turned out decent.

I'll take it out this weekend and run some through.



http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/93105.jpg

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/93106.jpg


That does look rather nice........let us know how she does.
 
Link Posted: 11/22/2009 7:14:12 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ultramagbrion] [#36]
Link Posted: 11/28/2009 1:05:55 AM EDT
[Last Edit: evlblkwpnz] [#37]
</a>" />
This was my first time doing a conversion or making a stock. I am happy with it, except for the stainless machine screws in the handguard. One of the original screws was missing when I bought it. Anyone happen to have some left over from a conversion? email me

ETA: Details
Tapco G2 doublehook FCG
Tapco OD Grip
Tapco piston
Reworked NHM-91 buttstock

I reworked the trigger guard and tucked it in the mag catch, drilled and tapped the reciever, and used a allen head machine screw to secure the rear of the trigger guard. The threaded the barrel and installed a YHM Phantom type flash hider.... thank you ak47mays for the help
Link Posted: 12/3/2009 8:06:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ultramagbrion] [#38]
Link Posted: 1/20/2010 10:46:33 AM EDT
[#39]
I was going to comment about your gun- but would rather discuss the hottie laying on the couch in the garter belt in your file shack album. I clicked on your first pic to enlarge it and was taken to your album and bam! Nice work!
Link Posted: 5/18/2010 12:55:36 PM EDT
[#40]
Guess I should have posted this here instead of in the Duscussion forum.
I finished it:



Just got the rear piece of the Galil receiver welded on, filed down and refinished.
I'm pleased with the project, took a while and a lot of work, but looks good.




Link Posted: 5/19/2010 9:29:40 PM EDT
[#41]
Originally Posted By 762AP:
Guess I should have posted this here instead of in the Duscussion forum.
I finished it:



Just got the rear piece of the Galil receiver welded on, filed down and refinished.
I'm pleased with the project, took a while and a lot of work, but looks good.

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/000_6799.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/000_6800.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/000_6801.jpg
http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/000_6802.jpg


Beautiful !!
Link Posted: 5/23/2010 12:39:51 AM EDT
[#42]
Originally Posted By evlblkwpnz:

One of the original screws was missing when I bought it. Anyone happen to have some left over from a conversion?




I just got your e-mail.........no prob , I got em buddy

Shoot me your address and they're yours

Link Posted: 8/19/2010 1:00:06 AM EDT
[#43]
tagged for inspiration to mod my Hunter (though I think it's pretty damn sweet as-is)
Link Posted: 8/19/2010 2:04:59 AM EDT
[#44]
I owned a few.....three new in box dirst cheap with the green wood and the three five round mags from a gun store closing in the mid nineties,sold them as collecters and used the money to buy  preban AKs
Link Posted: 1/9/2011 9:50:21 PM EDT
[#45]
Here's one I just redid as an ARM.
I posted pics of it as an AR once I got the rear receiver part welded on, now it's complete
Ooooooh, bipod!

Link Posted: 4/2/2011 9:22:54 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ultramagbrion] [#46]
Originally Posted By 762AP:
Here's one I just redid as an ARM.
I posted pics of it as an AR once I got the rear receiver part welded on, now it's complete
Ooooooh, bipod!

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv235/762AP2/000_8149.jpg


Looking good !
Link Posted: 8/18/2011 10:03:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ultramagbrion] [#47]
Modified a tool post bolt for the bolt handle , welded it up last week. Not sure , but I think I should have used a smaller bolt . Sure feels good .

We'll see how it looks down the road with a few more mods , I can always cut it off and go with a different handle  . . .In definitely like how it works , easy + fast to reach over with weak hand to cock.

Link Posted: 9/13/2011 8:02:31 AM EDT
[#48]
WHAT are you guys using for the front sight/gas block?  I've given up on my "Tabuk lite" approach, and would like to know what front end hardware you all are using.
Link Posted: 9/29/2011 9:10:17 AM EDT
[#49]
I'm in the same boat, my bolt and nuts flew off while i put my hunter on the atv cradle. If anyone still has a few i will gladly pay
Link Posted: 10/1/2011 8:52:37 AM EDT
[#50]
Originally Posted By Slap_Fire:
I'm in the same boat, my bolt and nuts flew off while i put my hunter on the atv cradle. If anyone still has a few i will gladly pay


Sorry buddy , I gave away the set I had to another ARFcommer in need , earlier in this thread
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