7.62 Semi Auto Help

[JCook5003]

Hey Guys-

I really want to buy a 7.62x39 Semi Auto rifle before the the beginning of the year.

I dont really want an SKS, and have pretty much limited it down to either an AK variant or a Saiga.

So on to my questions, there are so many AK variants out there from $300 all the way up to $1000.....my question is which ones of the cheaper ones are the most reliable and highest quality, I was overwhelmed when I started looking at all the choices.

Second question, how do people seem to like Saiga's? I know the shotguns are very popular, how about the rifles? Quality, Reliability?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[rocinante]

I have the saiga rifle that I converted myself but you can buy them in pistol grip configuration now. In an AK what is not to like? the downside is non standard handguard but other variants have that problem too. Like? brand new fresh from the factory in Russia where their military builds their AKs. Quality material is excellent steel and fit is good generally. Finish is not so good. But I trust it to go bang every single freaking time regardless. The kit aspect and god knows who put it together aspect of most other AKs turned me off and toward saiga. Besides for 230 at the time what was not to love?

A third option 7.62x39 option would be the czech vz58. Really nice semi.

 

[Mike2]

Ive got a couple different ak variants one is made by Norinco, its the mak 90 I know its a cheap piece of crap but I have put almost 8,000 rounds thru it with only a couple of hang ups from cheap ammo. The other is my Polytech AKS 762. I have ran a couple mags thru it but am "Saving it for later" it was rather pricey. Now that being said, my choice of the two would have to be the Norinco, sad to say but I know it will fire as long as the ammo is half way decent. IMHO

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Why don't you buy an AR-15 chambered in 7.62x39? Then you have the option later of switching calibers just by changing out the upper.

 

[H2O MAN]

I've owned nothing but MAK-90s and now own a pre-ban Norinco and Poly Tech AKM.
All are excellent examples of the civilian AK47.

 

[Oberfeld]

Yugo M70 is agood choice. You can't go wrong with a mak 90. But as mentioned before; I would go with an AR15 upper in 7.62x39. C-products makes nice 30 rd magazines now.

 

[Grayrider]

Depending on your budget you may want to consider a VZ58. It is not an AK, but is an excellent choice for a 7.62x39 carbine. I am sure they will hold their value quite well in the event of any new bans.

John

 

[everallm]

Are you set on an AK variant or open to other platforms?

There are AR platforms and C-Products have gotten the 7.62x39 mags down pat. There is also the Robinson Arms XCR which has a number of happy users as well.

 

[benEzra]

I have a Romanian AK (2002 model SAR-1) and am very happy with it.

 

[JCook5003]

Well one of the reasons I didnt really want an AR in 7.62 is the price....I was mostly drawn to the Saiga becuase the have a great realiability record and only cost about $300 new, where as an AR is $800 and up.....$500 buys a lot of ammo, or even another gun.

My future plans are to buy the 7.62 rifle then buy an AR-10 or M1A Knock-off

 

[JCook5003]

budget is hopefully in the sub $400 range.

 

[foghornl]

Am I gonna be the only one to say it?

OK...

{Now installing self into asbestos bloomers}

Ruger Mini-30


My 7.62x39 semi-auto is a Yugo 59/66 SKS

 

[rhinoh]

Took the words right outta my mouth
I like my Mini30 except it doesn't strike the primer hard enough to set off all cheap surplus ammo...tried an extra power hammer spring too, it helped but still not 100% with Wolf, so I hand load brass just for it
Have an AK too, while ugly it goes boom every time

 

[H2O MAN]

Have you looked at the 7.62x39 Norinco Hunter and Poly Tech National Match rifles?

 

[trigga]

i have the romanian wasr10 and i love it. $399 + tax and i was out the door. the quality is a little rough but it is an ak and it will fire. i would recommend the yugo one because it is better quality. still you can't go wrong. i've only got this thing for a few months and i've already put 1200+ rounds through it and still works flawless. my friend got an sks with scope and i can hit better grouping at 100 yards than he can with his.

 

[benEzra]

Am I gonna be the only one to say it?

OK...

{Now installing self into asbestos bloomers}

Ruger Mini-30

That may not fit within the stated budged constraints, especially if you figure in the cost of good magazines:

budget is hopefully in the sub $400 range.

 

[Shade00]

Isn't a Saiga an AK-variant? As in, the only Russian-made Kalashnikov you could still buy new?

Get your hands on some AKs at shows or stores. Honestly, I like the Saigas, but brand new WASRs can be a steal if you find one without horrible magazine wobble and with a straight front sight base.

 

[JCook5003]

Well guys thanks for all the help, but as luck would have it, I wound up stumbling on a good deal on an SKS. So I figured for the gun and 1000 rounds of ammo under $300 I figured I was doing alright.

Thanks For the help.

 

[The King of Pants]

Damn right you did!