[JL]

I would appreciate any input on these. 'Saw one with a 16" bbl for $215.00 NIB...Mag availability/cost? Accuracy? How well are these put-together? These seem to be an attractive alternative to the "as-new" Yugo SKS. 'As new SKS at my local gun-shop--$200.00...............Saiga--$215.00.........Thanks for your input.

[rugerfreak]

First of all----find a new shop----the prices are too high for either the Saiga or the SKS.

[Nightcrawler]

Maybe where YOU live.

Sure, the dealer cost for a Saiga 7.62x39mm is $149. The dealer is trying to make a profit, though. I don't think $200 is that bad, though I would try to negotiate down a bit.

10 round Saiga mags are available from CDNN Investments (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/saig7610mags.html) for $18.99 apiece. Ironic that they're more expensive than 30 round AK mags (the Saiga won't accept these mags, but it can be modified to), but they're proprietary.

From what I've heard, the Saiga is an extremely nice Kalashniclone, and is as accurate as any are. It has the side bracket for scope mounting, and fit and finish are reputed to be top notch. Saigas are often the platform for AK-103 conversions.

They're made in the former Soviet Izhmash plant, where military AKs were made. 16" or 20" hammer forged, chrome lined barrel. A better gun than, say, the Ruger Mini-30 (IMHO) and less than half the cost. (Sure, the Ruger can accept 20 and 30 round mags, but good luck finding ones that WORK...)

I say go for it. Great little truck gun or utility rifle, in my opinion.

[Tropical Z]

I have a 16" and 20" Saiga 7.62x39 and both are wonderful rifles.Quality is first rate ( i got my first one after gagging while examining the SAR2 i had just received).The SAR2 is lllllloooooonnnnnngggg gone and the Saigas remain.The mags are also first rate.The price is fair IMHO.;)