Atlantic "Russian Red Classic" vs other Saigas

[Hammer059]

Now bear with me here. I'm not an AK expert, but I do like them and have some experience with them. I currently own a DDI and the Polish classic from Atlantic.

I really like the looks of this rifle: http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/com...russian-rak-ak47-classic-detail.html?Itemid=0

From what I understand, it's a converted Saiga with beautiful furniture. Sounds like it's a quality rifle all around.

However, what (if anything) sets this apart from other Saiga rifles, such as those by Arsenal or others? Is the finish better? Is it better put together?

What justifies the (almost) $1,400 price tag?

Please feel free to chime in!

 

[rcmodel]

Probably the import ban on SAIGA's by the POTUS in July of last year.

What's here now is all there is going to be here.
When they are gone, they are gone.

Supply & demand let's you set your own price.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/20...ns-import-izhmash-kalashnikov-saiga-firearms/

rc

 

[Hammer059]

Good point, rcmodel.

Does that include parts kits though? Or just complete firearms?

 

[WVsig]

With the Red Russians you need to look closely at the build quality. The stocks are not Russian but are made in the USA and done to look like a Russian Stock. I have not seen one in person but have heard reports of only fair build quality. The good thing is that Atlantic stands behind the rifles they sell. IMHO they are not worth what they are asking but they are getting it.

Check out the Russian AK47 Saiga from Legion. Exceptional build quality

https://www.legionusa.com/legion-akm-saiga-rifle-7.62x39mm-russian-orange-wood.html

In the same price range and it has a AKM 1000m sight leaf. Has genuine Russian surplus orange wood furniture, along with a textured grip bakelite pistol grip. They are also built from converted Sagia sporters but they do a better job.

For my money I think the current WASR 10s are the best value in AKs right now. The QC is much better than it used to be and you can refinish the stocks and you have a great "russian" looking rifle at less than half the cost of the Russian RAK AK47 Rifle Red Classic.

 

[Hammer059]

"For my money I think the current WASR 10s are the best value in AKs right now. The QC is much better than it used to be and you can refinish the stocks and you have a great "russian" looking rifle at less than half the cost of the Russian RAK AK47 Rifle Red Classic."

Good point. I've been hearing good things about the new WASR's and I've actually been thinking about getting one of those, too.

Are the new WASR's coming with a double-stack bolt?

 

[mshootnit]

If you are looking at $1000 +. Do yourself a favor and order an SLR107FR.http://www.arsenalinc.com/usa/SLR-107FR.html
This is a video of the SLR in action, notice the sight and mount, and the pcord around the folder. Thats a nice touch. This is the model I have
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aiQr5QRO3-E

 

[kozak6]

Let's ballpark it.

$600 base Saiga
$250 front and rear conversion
$200 fancy refinishing and parts plating
$180 fancy wood
$100 barrel threading
$70 misc parts- G2 trigger, gas tube, slant break, mag, etc

That brings us right to $1400. That sounds about right for a deluxe Saiga conversion, although it's a little disappointing that they didn't weld up the extra rivet holes. Also, consider that Atlantic Firearms is a class act and will treat you right.

If you are a handy sort of guy and/or don't need deluxe everything, you can do a lot of the work yourself and save a lot of money.

 

[Hammer059]

That's a good way of putting it, Kozak6.

Now I just have to justify to myself the need for it

 

[Jackal]

Or, just get a Wasr, some sandpaper and some red stain....

Its an AK. If the sights are straight enough to zero, the trunnion is forged and mags lock in well, your good to go. The quality gap between the cheapest and the best AK's is FAR smaller than most any other rifle designs produced.

For my money, Norinco AK's win.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Yeah, a WASR would be a really good call. The stocks are just bare plywood, which would make it very easy to refinish however you wanted.