Questions on Saiga .308 and AKs

[boomstik45]

I have been looking at getting a Saiga .308 partially because I like the .308 cartridge and wanted a low-priced assault-style carbine/rifle chambered in that round that would be reliable. However, I don't know much about the guns. I've just read in another post that there are 20 round mags available for these rifles, no longer limiting them to the 8 or 10 round mags previously available. But how accurate are these rifles, and at what ranges? Basically, I'd probably be satisfied with being able to hit a pie plate consistently at 100 yds, but being able to be that accurate up to 300yds or so would be even better. Also, are they AK-reliable? I'd like to make a decision on getting one of these before the availability dries up or some stupid ban law is imposed on us...AGAIN.

Also, I've been looking at AKs. Two nice ones I've liked are the AMD-65 and the Yugo underfolder. I may not be able to afford Arsenal, Vepr, or Vector any time soon, so these are the best of the lot I've seen so far. The romanian Wasr bunch ain't bad, but they're not as nice as the two I mentioned above. The only bad thing about 7.62x39 right now is it still isn't as readily available as .308, and it's not inherently as accurate. But my question on the AKs: are the AMD and Yugo pretty good for the money? I've seen them in the $469-$575 range. I have to admit, with the solid side folding stock, muzzle brake, and forward grip, the AMD is SWEET lookin'.

 

[Kymasabe]

Saiga .308's...I had one with the 22" barrel, was extremely accurate. Had no problem hitting paper plate sized targets at 100 yards with iron sights. Scoped, I'm sure the gun is capable of much better.

.308 easier to get than 7.62x39? I'm not too sure about that. I've been hearing that South African .308 surplus is drying up and I haven't had too much trouble buying 7.62 recently.

AK reliability? Yup, the Saiga is totally AK reliable, same operating system, strips the same way. If you have $500- $600 to spend on an AK, you chould go to www.globaltrades.com and check out the Armory USA SSR-85C2. I paid around $550 for mine and it's a great gun. Fit and finish is excellent.

 

[rangerruck]

have no worries or fears in getting the Saiga. In fact, I will go out on a limb and say they are more acc than any other ak style rifle on the market today, unless you go custom. I have 2 of these, one in 223 and 76239, and i used to have the 308. All were short bbls, and I can easily say that they are all moa. the 308 could do it with several diff types of milsurp even. mostly with all former british subjects ammo, including us, and also most of the nazi-laden S. american countries. the 223 is just sick accurate, i don't even bother to scope it anymore, it is just too easy. Saiga doesn't make the purdiest, or best fit and finish rifles, but they do the bbl right. cold pour , hammer forged , chrome lined.
I also don't believe it is a fluke , that I happened to get three, one of each cal, that was very accurate. I bought a 223 about 3 yrs, ago, it was super accurate, sold it, ( was thinking boltie only, Haa!) then got another one less than a year ago. They are both as accurate as i could remember.

 

[rangerruck]

one more thing, if you go with the 308, do a conversion on it, because the factory trigger group on the 308 will make you hurl. go to fbmg or check this site for your conversion pleasures. Either do it yourself or get one of these fine folks to do it.
http://forum.saiga-12.com/

 

[boomstik45]

Thanks guys, the info helps. Hopefully I can make one into a christmas present for myself. Heh, heh! I appreciate you relaying your experience. I can't stand getting the old "well a buddy of mine said..." type of stories.

Rangertruck, I got that info from Correia as well on FBMG. I think i will do exactly that.

 

[boomstik45]

Sorry, that was Rangerruck, not Rangertruck.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Even though you're across the country, give Correia over at www.fbmginc.com a call. He's also a moderator on this forum. I'm having one built right now. Putting a large diameter colapsable folder on it and a pistol grip as well. Make sure to pick up a few 20 round mags from them also.

It is not really cheap. But that stock is worth every penny, and you end up with a 20 round 2 moa 308 when you're done. Other cheaper stock options are avalible, but the one I'm talking about is perfect for high round count outings, shooting in different seasons, and for compact storage as well.

 

[boomstik45]

Thanks Ben. Do I have to buy one and then send it, or can I buy it built/modified that way from FBMG? Also, I hate to ask this, but what range are we talking about price-wise? $500-$600?

 

[boomstik45]

Nevermind, I found the answers on the site. Stupid me.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Boomstick45, send Correia a PM. He'll be glad to clear up any questions you have. Ask him about the stock I use.

 

[rangerruck]

Not needed! funny actually.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

The Saiga IS an AK. It is nothing more than a sporterized AK-100 series rifle. So in fact, it is better than an AK as it has all the modernizations Kalshnikov and Izhmash have done in the last 15 years.


Saiga is equal to or better than Arsenal in quality.