Saiga 5.45 AK conversion - worth it?

[wojownik]

I just saw a Saiga 5.45 converted, asking $825. Plum furniture, CNC muzzle brake, about 200 rounds through it. I've been out AKs for a while now. Is this a decent asking price for this particular type of rifle?

 

[wojownik]

no opinions?

 

[OldFashioned]

Was a time I'd have been all over that but I know for awhile 5.45 was insanity to find... That said I have much want

 

[dfariswheel]

Depends on whether it's a conversion by someone like Arsenal INC, or something done in someone's basement.
Quality of conversion determines the price and desirability.

 

[kozak6]

Maybe fair to a little high? There's one on gunbroker at a buy-it-now price of $705. But it's only rear converted and not plum. If the plum one is fully converted, then it's a good deal.

But are you really sure you want a 5.45?

 

[wojownik]

Yep - I want a Ak-74 clone in 5.45. I know, 7n6 imports are banned, and 5.45 ammo is no longer dime per round But I have 3000+ rounds of 7n6 already, plenty of EG mags, and commercal 5.45 is available.

In 5.56, I would want a wz. 96 Beryl clone. Atlantic has a Beryl style, but the caliber is wrong (7.62) and the butt stock is wrong (standard AK polymer, rather than Beryl collapsible). Creative innovation, but IMHO they totally missed the mark for 5.56 shooters who want a "real" configuration.

That would be my next project someday. And see here at https://skfb.ly/KqLn for a pretty cool 3D rotating view of the Beryl. Me want...

Maybe fair to a little high? There's one on gunbroker at a buy-it-now price of $705. But it's only rear converted and not plum. If the plum one is fully converted, then it's a good deal.

But are you really sure you want a 5.45?

 

[rizbunk77]

It is probably a quality and accurate AK. What is that worth to you? I had one unconverted with a Russian scope on it hitting blue rocks at 150 yds. Should have kept it.

 

[krinko]

Some 5.45x39 rifles---



Top is an East German SSG 82 with Zeiss Jena glass. Middle is a Colt & Wesson M4 with Nikon M223 scope. Bottom is a Saiga/Arsenal full conversion which now wears a Russian PK-A red dot.

The 7n6 from Factories 3, 60, 270 and 539 can get sub-MOA when fired through the Green Mountain barrel of the Colt and Wesson---surprisingly, Silver Bear will do the same.
Silver Bear also works well in the SSG 82 and really well in the 74, so it would seem to be a first rate substitute for 7n6, if it's unavailable.
Go 5.45!
-----krinko