Saiga .223 over AR

[pinstripe]

I have been looking for a carbine length rifle that fires the 5.56 (.223) round. I have noticed that the prices of the Saiga carbines are around 1/2 of a base AR carbine. I own several AK47 type rifle, but not a saiga. I am needing some info on the saiga .223 rifles from owners of said rifles. I am use to the function and mechanics of the AK47s and am not really entertaining the thought of paying a grand for another rifle, but I would be able to ssave a month or so and get a saiga if they are worth the money. What do you think?

 

[451 Detonics]

I just have never seen any semi auto platform that would outperform the AR in .223. The Sigs and Benelli's come close but we sold the .223 AK variants in our store they perform about the same as they did in 7.62X39...ok but nothing special. They were reliable but so is a Mini-14. As long as you don't expect target accuracy out of it the Saiga should do ok for you.

 

[northark147]

The trigger on the Saiga .223 is horrible as it comes.

 

[M1key]

Saigas are worth the money. Triggers can be improved with a $10 hammer spring:

http://store.carolinashooterssupply.com/servlet/-strse-328/AK47-Saiga-JT-Engineering/Detail

Convert to pistol grip config. with a G2 trigger and they are even better.

M

 

[ChileRelleno]

Saiga in .223/5.56 is a great buy.
Average 3-4MOA, some do 2-3MOA.
Triggers are much better after conversion, and can be tweaked into something respectable.
Red Star Arms makes a good adjustable trigger.


Saiga vs AR
Two completely different animals in every aspect, boils down to what you expect from it
Saiga = Minute of Man
AR = Minute of Gnat's Arse

 

[sansone]

I just have never seen any semi auto platform that would outperform the AR in .223. The Sigs and Benelli's come close but we sold the .223 AK variants in our store they perform about the same as they did in 7.62X39...ok but nothing special. They were reliable but so is a Mini-14. As long as you don't expect target accuracy out of it the Saiga should do ok for you.

agree

 

[ironhead7544]

I like my Saiga .223. Havent converted it yet. If you want a .223 AK then it the cheapest way to go. Converting it to pistol grip is simple.

But, the AR is a bit more accurate and can be easily converted to different calibers.

Comes down to a money thing. For what you want, I would get the Saiga.

 

[Roadkill]

I have 4 AR15s and a couple of other rifles in .223. Of the non AR15s the Saiga is the best of them but my lowest level AR15 out shoots my best of the others.

The Galil is also a good shooter

and this Norinco does well also.

 

[Buck Kramer]

The trigger on a stock Saiga blows, so in that case I'd get an AR. BUT, if you plan on doing the conversion, go for it.

 

[HavelockLEO]

I say go with what ya want/can afford, if you decide to do the stock and trigger work yourself you'll know alot about your rifle once youre done, but that can be said about anyone that tinkers with thier rifles. In the end the choice is yours.