Is it a bad idea to trade my RWC Saiga 7.62x39?

[ba ba booey]

I have an unfired RWC Saiga 7.62x39 I bought new years ago. Its unfired and pristine. This one is the "basic" conversion, the bullet guide is welded in to accept AK magazines and the back end is completed. The front end is still in sporter configuration, as pictured in this link:
Izhmash RWC Saiga 7.62x39mm AK47-Style Rifle IZ132L - Gunprime

Anyway, I have watched the value on this rifle go to 'da moon. Recently, I found someone who wants to trade me his Aug, valuing the Saiga at $1500. Its hard for me to gauge that, because a lot of the ones that are selling are either unconverted or fully converted.

I've always wanted an Aug, and trading the Saiga would make me a lot less guilty over the purchase price. Question is, is this a mistake? It would be hard to get one back and they will never be imported again. Still, the same can be said of a Mak90 which ceased being imported in the 90s, (and is valued at less that the Saiga.)

What say you ?

 

[brunowbe]

Do you plan on shooting the Aug? If yes, trade for it, if no, what does it matter as either way you have an expensive display piece.

Just remember that it is highly unlikely for Russian AKs ever to be imported again . If you want to replace it, it's going to cost you. On a side note, my converted Saiga is my favorite 7.62x39 rifle of the several I own.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Well, do you want the Aug more than the Saiga?

Me? I’d keep the Saiga.

 

[sequins]

The Steyr AUG is a really, really cool gun. I just adore them. Always been one of those rifles I just can't stop thinking about, like a SCAR. They're just so COOL.

That said, they just aren't rare of special. Your Saiga is special man unless you need to shoot an aug ASAP I'd say why trade a gem for a pebble?

 

[Ignition Override]

A gun club shooting buddy has a fully-converted, (unfortunately no wood or original nice metal ), Saiga in 7.62x39 with an AR-styled butt stock. .
The primary emphasis is that the seller/converter did a Very reliable conversion , so the plastic and spray painted camo can be tolerated.

The club buddy won't sell it, and I asked him about his plans for the Russian "AKM",

My buddy also knows that the vast majority of AKM owners do Not own a Russian "Kalashnikov" (slightly loose wording)........and never will.

ba ba booey : have fun with whatever you decide. The gun in the photo looks Very cool , the Real McCoy compared to anything else.

“The grass is always greener on...".

 

[Navy87Guy]

I bought a Saiga Sporter and converted it about 15 years ago. I have no regrets and I don’t think I will ever get rid of it. (I also have a Saiga S12 converted to AK-style). The conversions were very easy (even for a non mechanical guy like me) and I think they resulted in some pretty awesome guns. I had picked up a Lancaster AK, but I decided I didn’t need a second one with the Saiga. If you ever plan to own an AK, keep the Saiga and convert it.

I actually carry the original Russian trigger from the AK on my keychain…just because it’s kind of unique!

Here’s the evolution of the AK:




Here’s the S12:

 

[HPJeep]

I have a 308 Saiga like yours pictured above but had an Ace side folding Galil style stock installed. And like yours the value has shot up. Never really shoot it it and thought of trading it. But I know they'll never be imported again and I will probably just keep it. Do what you want!

 

[d2wing]

It's up to you. Which do you like better. If dont shoot it it doesn't matter. I have never been a fan of converting Saigas. But if I wanted a AK action rifle Saiga is the only one I would own. If someone wants to give me $1500 for mine I'd sell it. Not many rounds through it. I hasn't been fired in years but I like having it in my safe.