Saiga conversion, need help drilling

[okshooter6]

I am in the process of converting my saiga .223. I am having a problem drilling a hole through the trigger guard and trigger plate. I have removed the trigger plate from the receiver with the trigger guard still being attached to the plate due to the spot weld holding it on. Here is the page I am on with the conversion:
http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/Step_3.htm

I really want to re-use the trigger guard but can't for the life of me drill through it. I have used 3 different drill bits. 1/8th steel, 1/8th kobalt titanium, 1/8th dewalt cobalt bit and haven't had any luck at all getting a hole started. I have created a pilot hole as best i can but the metal seems to be incredibly hard unlike the soft rivets that I had to drill out to remove the trigger guard. I have tried slow speeds, high speed, drill press, hand drill and nothing seems to work. Wondering if it would be best to take it to a machine shop?

 

[Rob72]

KP Supply can hook you up. I'd suggest the 4 flute, stub length, or you can diamond file it, or you can rough it out a bit more with a carbide burr, then try powering through with the drill.

Well crap, it won't direct-link. You want to search "Carbide drill," and they're on pages 43-46 or so of the catalogue.

 

[Teeeroy]

Sure hope you get it figured out, because I wanted to try and convert my 7.62 this winter. Don't know if I will if you run into too many snags, though.

 

[okshooter6]

@Rob72 - Looks like I have lunch plans with KP, thanks for the tip.
@TeeeRoy - With an exception of this problem the conversion looks fairly straight forward. Once i get past this it should be smooth sailing.

 

[Rob72]

oks, if that doesn't get it for you, LMK, I have a solution, it's just a time consuming PITA.

 

[okshooter6]

@Rob72 - You are the man! First off James at KP is awesome. I called to make sure they had the carbide bit in and when I got there I left my wallet at home. I told him I would be right back with money and he told me i looked trustworthy. He let me take the bits home and told me to just call him when I got home with my debit card. Amazing service. And the carbide drillbit cut through the metal like it was butter. Problem solved!

 

[shortgrass]

Spot anneal with an oxy/acc torch. Use a small (0 or 00 or 000) welding tip. Just enough heat to turn the shinny spot a blue color, don't let it get away from you though, take your time.

 

[Rob72]

First off James at KP is awesome.

Yep, I can't recommend them enough.