AK SGL21 Question

[giggitygiggity]

What is the deal with the SGL21 series AK's? Do these function like all the other AK's or is this just another 7.62x39mm rifle? Also, what is the difference between the SGL21-61 and SGL21-71? Additionally, can the muzzle brake be removed? It seems that it really adds length to the barrel. How long is the barrel?

Also, how easy are these to modify? Would I be able to remove the standard buttstock and add an underfolder or other buttstock? Lastly, how do the SGL21's compare in durability, reliability, and accuracy to other AK's? Any experience, advice, recommendations, pictures, etc. welcomed and encouraged. Thanks.

 

[Girodin]

Would I be able to remove the standard buttstock and add an underfolder or other buttstock?

I do not believe the have a underfolder trunion so while I'm sure itcould be done it would take some work. Any stock for stamped receive AKs should work.

Do these function like all the other AK's

All other semi auto AK platform rifles yes more or less with the potential for very minor variation depending on how the other semi autos are built (ie one could have an adjustable trigger in other semi auto AK or things like that)

Additionally, can the muzzle brake be removed?

I believer they are threaded. I wouldn't run around with bare threads though.

How long is the barrel?

I'm just guessing here since you can look it up/contact the vendor as easily as me but I believe they are 16"

Lastly, how do the SGL21's compare in durability, reliability, and accuracy to other AK's?

They are as good as any others.

Depending on what you are after there are cheaper AK options that might work just fine.

 

[ny32182]

I just received mine yesterday. Seems to be a good, classic style AK, which is what I was looking for. The fit/finish is head and shoulders above a WASR; maybe slightly below my old VEPR, but not much. I think at $499 they are a pretty good deal. I would have been more hesitant to say that at $850 or whatever they were going for before.

 

[Sam1911]

Read this page: http://www.k-var.com/shop/home.php?cat=353

That will explain what the differences are between their different catalog numbers. Some are different color stock sets, some are NATO length buttstocks, some Warsaw pact length, etc. Just have to read the text under each one to see what you're getting.

That muzzle break is the current design compensator/break used on most new AKs. They work surprisingly well. It tells you in the text that they are threaded on, so yes, they can be removed.

Otherwise, it's an AK. Should be a good one.

-Sam

 

[Ian]

Would I be able to remove the standard buttstock and add an underfolder or other buttstock?

The stocks that will fit on any given AK are a function of the rear trunnion in that AK. The standard stamped receiver, fixed-stock rear trunnion will allow you to easily interchange Tapco folders, German/Polish/Romanian wire sidefolders, and most all fixed stocks. The rear trunnion for an underfolder is specific to just underfolders. Same goes for the AK74 style triangle (and full-profile) sidefolders; they won't accept any other type of stock. Hungarian AMD-65 wire folders are also limited to only using their specific stocks.

The SGL21 appears to have a normal rear trunnion, so you could use a fixed stock or German/Polish/Romanian wire sidefolder.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Which is better: Warsaw lenght or NATO lenght buttstock? What is the difference? Thanks.

 

[Girodin]

The NATO stock is about an 1.25" longer IIRC. Which is better depends on you and which fits you better.

 

[Sam1911]

If you wear body armor or are of a petit stature, the Warsaw pact length stock may fit you very well. If you are an aveage sized adult, American, male (just a guess...), who is not shooting with the added bulk of body armor, the NATO length stock will feel a bit more like other rifles you're probably used to.

A lot of action/practical/tactical shooters these days have adopted a more "squared-up" stance when shooting rifles quickly and while moving and the shorter stocks do very well for that kind of thing. They are not generally as comfortable for folks who are used to an upright, bladed, "target-shooting" rifle stance.

-Sam

 

[Girodin]

I think a lot turns on Sam's second point. I used to think the Warsaw stocks were too short, which for me they are if I shoot bladed. When I shoot squared up, like one does with this type of rifle the Warsaw stock is the better fit. Or you could go with a collapsible stock and put it where you want (which for me is very close to the warsaw length stock most of the time).

 

[giggitygiggity]

Does anyone have any pictures of SGL21 rifles? I can basically find the generic picture. However, I am more interested in seeing up close features, finishes, etc. There are better pictures at Gunbroker, but I think they had cosmoline or some kind of oil on them or were used, so they weren't a good depiction of a new SGL21.

 

[ny32182]

I don't know what the finish is on mine, but it appears to be a slightly porous uniform very dark grey/black finish. Not unlike what you might see on an AR receiver in appearance I'd say. Maybe slightly smoother.

I have not taken pictures of it yet, but I don't think my camera would be good enough to give a detailed look at the finish anyway.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

If you haven't already, gig, checkout the forum at saiga-12.com. There's a long thread in the 7.62x39 discussion group dealing with the SGL-21s. Quite a few have ordered them. One of the members posted several photos of his plum-colored stock version. Very nice.

Ordered mine (a -71) yesterday. Figure the sale prices won't last. They've already upped the price on the colored stock options.

I've got a couple of unconverted x39 Saigas that I like very much. As AKs go, they're quite well made. The SGL-21 is simply a Saiga properly converted from sporter configuration to AK config. They're 922(r) compliant and will take Mil surplus magazines.
Bob

 

[giggitygiggity]

Is there a rail on top to mount optics. Kvar's website says there is, but from the youtube videos and pics that I've seen, there is not. Thanks.

 

[hank327]

Is there a rail on top to mount optics. Kvar's website says there is, but from the youtube videos and pics that I've seen, there is not. Thanks.

The scope mounting rail is on the left side of the receiver in the Russian style for a side mounted quick detachable scope mount.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

Rail's on the left side of the receiver. It's not picatinney, it's what's standard on an AK. You'll need something like the UTG mount which mates with the AK rail and will then provide a picatinney rail above the receiver and another on the left side. The UTG usually goes for under $40 depending on the version. Most places that sell AK parts carry them. They work OK, but some don't like them.
Bob

 

[giggitygiggity]

I've heard that the finish on the SGL21 comes off easily and that it is like paint. Is this true. Would this be good cause to either buy a cheaper AK that I would not care about busting around or a more expensive AK with a better finish?