7.62x39 saiga

[303 hunter]

I am considering buying a Saiga in 7.62x39 for plinking, and maybe close range deer hunting. I already have a 21" 308 saiga that produces decent accuracy. I am not interested in converting to AK status, just want some opinions on the 7.62x39 version out of the box (with a scope)for general purpose shooting/hunting. Thanks for your input

 

[JohnnyK]

I would use the .308 for deer... did you convert the .308... it's got the weirdest trigger I've ever seen for an AK

 

[jodavk]

I have the 16" 7.62x39, OEM skeleton stock version. I've tried red dots and scopes on it, using the UTG QR AK rail mount and the Belarus made QR AK rail mount. Both mounts are reliable and hold zero well; the Belarus made is definately more solid and more $$. The OEM skeleton stock, with flip up cheek rest is a big plus for optics use. Overall, I think you would be happy with one for plinking and hunting. The only negative is that with the mount and glass, it gets alittle top heavy. Pick a light optic and you will be happier.

 

[mac66]

I have Saiga in 7.62x39 w/16" bbl. It makes a dandy little kick around rifle. I left mine unconverted since I have other AKs but I did add a bullet feed guide so I can use 5 round AK mags which I had a bunch of. In terms of accuracy, it is a 4 or 5 MOA rifle with the stock sights. I have not mounted a scope though I was thinking of putting a Tech Sight rear peep sight on it

I intended to hunt with the Saiga but having killed a number of deer with the 7.62x39 (out of a Mini 30 and SKS), I was not impressed with the x39 as a deer killer. Too many deer ran away from me only to have to be tracked. In a couple cases the 123 gr. soft point bullet broke up on the shoulder bone. The heavier bullet loads I tried had inconsistent accuracy. My 30-30, 375 Marlin or 308 all slam deer so I don't see any reason to use the x39 on them anymore.

 

[303 hunter]

How is the trigger on the 7.62x39 Saiga? I had to do quite a bit of polishing on my 308 to smooth it up. It still has a long pull, but it is a lot smoother.

 

[flyskater]

All Saiga stock triggers regardless of caliber are horrible. But once they are converted whether it be Tapco G2 or dual stage trigger they are a shooter.

 

[R.W.Dale]

How is the trigger on the 7.62x39 Saiga? I had to do quite a bit of polishing on my 308 to smooth it up. It still has a long pull, but it is a lot smoother.

Due to the funky angles in the 308 even a bone stock x39 trigger is like mana from heaven by comparison.

308 saiga trigger = rusty stopped up caulking gun.

Other stock ak triggers = new well oiled swingline stapler.

Bad but not bad and weird like the 308

posted via mobile device.

 

[Double Vision]

My Saiga is a lot of fun and accurate enough with a cheap red dot sight. To me, the iron sights are miserable.

My wife tried the Saiga for the first time last weekend and loved it! It is the largest rifle caliber she has shot to date and really enjoyed it.

It was also interesting to observe her handle the rifle. She had no mis-steps with it and it was quite intuitive for her although she had never shot it before.

Good luck!

 

[Girodin]

All Saiga stock triggers regardless of caliber are horrible. But once they are converted whether it be Tapco G2 or dual stage trigger they are a shooter.

The standard 308 (not v21 with slant receiver) has a trigger that is so much worse than the others it is not even funny. A trigger that must be pushed up??? Seriously??

The x39 and others are at least usable. That said they are very poor triggers. The wishbone linkage adds problems. I imagine it could be improved upon. However, even if one didn't care one with about otherwise making the gun more AK like, the improvement in the trigger would be worth going to a new trigger. Other advantages such as balance and ergonomics will just be gravy.

I still have one unconverted saiga and every time I pull the trigger on it I am reminded anew just how much of difference there is with the horrible wishbone linkage in place. I forget just how bad it is until I get that one out and pull it. Pulling that trigger side by side with a converted gun the difference is night and day.

If one really wants to the AK trigger can be tuned up rather nicely. The saiga wishbone is likely going to be "meh" at best even with considerable effort. The 308 trigger is unbearable.

 

[mac66]

I converted my 308 Saiga just because of the trigger. My x39 Saiga's trigger was ok enough that I didn't convert it.

 

[M1key]

^^^mine was good out of the box. Added a JTE hammer spring and it was even better. Better than either of my Ruger Mini-14 or Mini-30, a few of my ARs, and even the Bulgarian Arsenal.

I since converted to PG, but even the new Tapco G2 was not that much better.

YMMV

M

 

[M1key]

double post

 

[SSN Vet]

However, even if one didn't care one with about otherwise making the gun more AK like, the improvement in the trigger would be worth going to a new trigger.

The single hook G2 gave my 16" x39 a pretty darn good trigger. It breaks right around 5# (as measured on a Lyman digital)