PSL vs. Saiga .308?

[Hammerhead6814]

So I've got a shot at either a PSL or a Saiga .308. Browsing the walls of a Pawn Shop here in KC the owner had them listed within 20 bucks of one another, so price isn't the issue, it's function.

PSL owners vary from the first time buyer who's disappointed to the long-time owner who's figured his rifle out over time and loves it. Saiga .308's, looking at the Saiga forums, have some room for improvements that gradually improve it's function (look-up members: "Desert Dog" and "Tritium").

But I'm still stumped. PSL will have cheaper ammunition, but the Saiga can accept a Krebs rail which will actually (as far as AK's go) give it a great scope. The PSL can be a pieced together hack-job from some of the reviews I've seen. Saiga's will also have a much greater range of accessories.

Which one?

 

[rbernie]

Saiga, because it's in 308, has 20rd mags available, and is of better quality. Get the shorter barrel for the better accuracy than the longer one. (Yes, I have owned both..)

 

[elmerfudd]

IME, Saigas have much better build quality and slightly better accuracy. A PSL is basically just an oversized WASR10 that shoots the 7.62x54R, and it's only marginally better. I've got the 54C, which is a Romanian built gun and not a parts kit, but it required some work to get it to shoot reliably, (smoothing out the rough metal on the rails and the mags), and the scope rail isn't properly lined up with the bore. Additionally, the trigger originally felt like I was dragging a file across a piece of broken glass. For an AK they are reasonably accurate. I get a fairly consistent 3 MOA with some smaller groups and to be fair I haven't worked up a handload for it. I've found Czech Silvertip to shoot just as well as 7N1 out of it too, although the 7N1 shoots better out of my M39.

All the Saigas I've owned on the other hand have been pretty good rifles right from the start that only got better once they were converted. I've found that most of them are 2 MOA rifles if you use good ammo.

 

[jpwilly]

The Siaga would be my vote the PSL is neat but the 7.62x54R surplus is all corrosive the rifle is long and the barrel is thin. 2-3 quick shots before it starts stringing shots. Don't get me wrong the PSL is a very robust rifle that fills it's role but you can get better rifles for the same money.

 

[t165]

I've never owned or shot a PSL but I liked my first 308-1 saiga so much I purchased another and stuck it in the safe in case anything happens to the first one I'll have a spare. Now...If they would just chamber the saiga in a 7.62x54r I would be tickled pink. I know...performance wise it is a wash but I would buy one anyway.

 

[rockheadd]

I went through the same decision for the past 2 months. I read every post on every forum available. Here is how I finally made the decison:
1. Which is more reliable? Saiga hands down
2. Which round will be readily available longer? .308
3. Which is more accurate? Tough call, edge to PSL for 2 rounds, then Saiga (barrel heats-up and you have to wait 45 sec. min to get any accuracy)
4. Ammo choices? .308 by a huge margin
5. Aftermarket parts? Saiga
6. Cost? Saiga .308 should run around $500, maybe a little more. The PSL's seem to be holding at around $740
7. New or used? Saiga wins
8. Looks? PSL by a mile until you convert the Saiga
9. Kick? PSL is softer
10. Corrosive? 54r is, .308 isn't and the Saiga's chrome lined
11. Accuracy out beyond 400 yds? Slight edge to the PSL from what I've read (if you believe what you read. There are those that swear their PSL's are 1.5 MOA and those who swear their Saigas are 1.5 MOA. Averages actually lean towards 2-3 for the PSL as well as the Saiga. Alot depends on the ammo)
So there ya go. Figure on at least $250 to convert the Saiga with bare minimum upgrades. If your serious, you can really pump some $'s into it.
Bottom line is that for around $750 you can have either. Think of the difference as a choice between a used Ferrari and a brand new F-350 with all the options (but better gas milage). Do you want sexy, but tempermental and high maintenance or cute and an awful lot of fun to be around?
I chose cute and she just arrived on Wednesday...

 

[PAPACHUCK]

I never considered the PSL, but I'm quite happy with my Saiga 308. It has a 21" bbl and has now been converted to true AK configuration. I used Dinzag internals, and K-Var NATO length OD furniture group.

I wish I'd bought two when I bought mine for less than $330.

 

[RatDrall]

Saigonov!