Saigas
 

I found in a local gun store, which by the way was very busy, a saiga 7.62 x 39 for $309 (with 20 inch barrel) and $319 for a regular.

They also had two 7.62x51 saigas for $500 a piece.

My question is if this is a good deal for the saiga, the cheaper ones, and which barrel would you go for?

This would be my first rifle.

Thanks.

Re: Saigas
 

The Saiga is a great value in a quality, robust, Russian-built Kalashikov...

The going rate these days is ~$300 for the 7.62x39 or .223... and ~$500 for the .308s. They were cheaper 6 months ago, but seem to be getting scarcer these days hence the price increase, IMO.

Many guys on the Saiga Forum recommend the stiffer, shorter barrels for accuracy and handiness in all the calibers. I own all three calibers and really like the 16 inch barrels...FWIW.

BTW, the importer RAA says they will be bringing in the Saiga in 5.45x39 next year, pending BATF approval.

Saiga Forum here:http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?act=idx

Re: Saigas
 

Damn, I think I will go buy that gun if they still have it on Monday.

Re: Saigas
 

I have both, and I actually paid more for the longer barrel one because they are not easy to find. That said, I would say buy both.

But if you only can get one, get the short barrel. It's simply easier to maneuver when you're holding it.

Re: Saigas
 

Re: Saigas
 

Haven't priced a .308 lately (they seem harder to find, which should tell you something), but those are good prices for the 7.62 x 39s. Atlantic has them for $329, and then you have to pay shipping (usually $20) plus the FFL fee ($25 - $50).

Let me play Devil's advocate for a minute, though. About 1/4 to 1/3 of the way down the linked page, you'll find deals on an AK-style Saiga - the big visible difference is it has the pistol grip. The T-6 version below it is only $20 more - you get the T-6 tactical stock, PLUS the old stock in case you want to change it back.

http://www.classicarms.us/

Yes, these rifles are about $200 more. BUT, they take regular AK hi-capacity magazines, which are readily available and fairly cheap. If you want extra mags for those Saigas you're seeing at the gun shop, you'll pay big bucks for them - even the 10 rounders. Those don't take regular AK mags, and 30 rd. mags will run you about $40 each. Just something to think about.

http://www.classicarms.us/images/Picture-251.jpg

That said, while the folks at Classic Arms are great people, they're sometimes slow to update their website. I've called about stuff before only to be told they've been out of that item for awhile. But to go back to your original question, yes, those are great prices on those Saigas.

Re: Saigas
 

Thanks Lars,

Saiga mags are a bit expensive...the only downside I can see. But the money you save on the rifle will buy you plenty of mags.

Also, I prefer the carbine stock to the conversion for fast, point-shooting.

Re: Saigas
 

Also good points. Bottom line is that there are lots of options, and you can make decisions based on your preferences.

The upside with the conversion is that if you have other AKs, or you're thinking about adding more later, you can buy lots of hi-cap mags cheap, and not worry about intermingling them.

So which would I choose? Easy - I got both! :biggrin:

Re: Saigas
 

That's a good deal, I'd go with the standard AK - 16 inch and convert it to take standard AK mags.

I just got one online for 275 but with the shipping and FFL fee I'm paying 320 for the 16". I haven't seen them any lower.

A couple days after I got mine they are now selling them for 325, glad I didn't waste time.

My advice is jump now, they're not getting cheaper.

Re: Saigas
 

How hard is it to convert one to take AK mags?

Re: Saigas
 

Relatively simple. But, the problem is once you modify the rifle to take standard high capacity AK mags you have violated BATF regulation 922r regarding assembly of an illegal weapon that is not for "sporting purposes".

That is why many people go ahead and either pay to have the conversion done or do it themselves. The rifle then will have no more than ten factory imported parts, it becomes "Made In The USA", according to BATF, and legal to use high capacity mags.

More information is available on the Saiga Forum website. http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showtopic=18530

My recommendation is to leave the Saiga the way it is, shoot it, enjoy it. But, if you must have one in the standard AK configuration, then save your money and buy a Romanian SAR-1 or WASR-10, a Bulgarian SAM-7, or one of the nicer US-built versions: Lancaster, Vector, Red Jacket, etc. JMHO

Regards, SC

Re: Saigas
 

Yugo AKs are also excellent, though harder to come by than a few months ago.

Stock up on mags while ye can.

Re: Saigas
 

Today I purchased a 7.62x39 Saiga for $345 out the door. It is still in the box that the Russians sent. I also got a free box of 20 rounds for what its worth.

Re: Saigas
 

Congratulations...

spare mags here: http://www.mississippiautoarms.com/i...ex&cPath=25_35

Re: Saigas
 

Man am I a noob with this thing. It is covered in a dry chemical substance for preservation. How exactly am I supposed to clean this stuff off? I have never had a new gun before.

Re: Saigas
 

Is it a dark, sticky, grease-like substance...cosmoline? It should clean off with a kerosene or diesel fuel soaked rag or take it to a car wash and blast it off with hot soapy water.

Re: Saigas
 

The local shop I went to yesterday had about a half dozen or so. All were on his used rack. He was asking $315+7% sales tax.

Re: Saigas
 

It might be a good idea to convert it to accept AK mags. I believe this conversion should neither help nor hurt towards 922r compliance�5 rounds and 10 rd AK mags can be used with no worries. This seems to be an affordable source for 5 & 10 round mags: https://www.dkmags.com/page20.html

The 922r kicks in if you want to ad the �evil� features: High capacity mags, pistol grip, flash hider, etc. Imported post ban rifles aren�t �allowed� to have these features. If a rifle has more than 10 imported parts it is considered �imported�. If you replace enough parts with US parts it becomes �domestic� and is �allowed� to have �evil� features.

The magazine counts as 3 parts when attached to the rifle. I believe a Saiga with a US made stock and US made high capacity magazine is considered 922r compliant.

Here are a couple of nice Saiga US made stocks: http://www.mississippiautoarms.com/i...roducts_id=339 and http://www.mississippiautoarms.com/i...roducts_id=267

Here is some information about Saigas and 922r compliance. DYODD! http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=80&t=90168

Converting a Saiga to accept AK mags is pretty easy. Here is some information about how to do it: http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/step_8.htm and http://www.cross-conn.com/Saiga_Conversion/step_10a.htm

It is probably best to buy one part - a bullet guide, for the feed ramp. http://www.dinzagarms.com/saiga_762x...ga_762x39.html

I have read that the bullet guide can be JB welded into place but I think I would want it welded by a professional or tapped.

922r is federal. Certain states have their own debilitating laws so be aware.

The above is my understanding and could be incorrect and should not be construed as advice. DYODD :36_1_30:

Congratulations on your new purchase. Now go break it in, learn to disassemble and reassemble, and clean it�learn how it works. :565:

Good Luck

By the way, if you do not plan to reload, definitely consider �cheap�(er) steel cased mil-surp ammo. The Saigas will eat it up so why pay more than necessary?

Re: Saigas
 

Thanks for all the info you are a major wealth of knowlege...... I book marked all those sights.:ok:


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