Range report: Saiga M3-EXP-01
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Dave Markowitz
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Nice range report.
I wish we could get the Saigas imported into the USA in that configuration. Due to a trade agreement with Russia, all we can get are the Saiga Sporters, which a number of 'smiths convert into pistol-grip config. Mine is like that. I'm still waiting to get to the range to try my new PK-01V red dot sight and new fire control group.
I wish we could get the Saigas imported into the USA in that configuration. Due to a trade agreement with Russia, all we can get are the Saiga Sporters, which a number of 'smiths convert into pistol-grip config. Mine is like that. I'm still waiting to get to the range to try my new PK-01V red dot sight and new fire control group.
igor
Member
This is Finland, where they were made... I went to the military depot shop in Hämeenlinna. They're selling all the green or OD waffles made by Exel as the Army has adopted the black, yet stiffer version as standard issue. I got eight waffles of which only two needed a bit of tuning to work properly: the newest versions with the lanyard loops and square takedown buttons seem stiffest.
They're also selling older, well used Sako/Valmet steel mags... but as I could notice, you'll get a decent one only with luck. They're all pretty beat up. Then they've got lots of Suomi MG drums and Sten box mags... and an endless supply of Mosin parts and furniture.
They're also selling older, well used Sako/Valmet steel mags... but as I could notice, you'll get a decent one only with luck. They're all pretty beat up. Then they've got lots of Suomi MG drums and Sten box mags... and an endless supply of Mosin parts and furniture.
igor
Member
Jaeger, if your Bulgarian is anything like the one I tried, you've nothing to be jealous about... 
it provides everything a Sako would have for 1/3 the price. I'm definitely getting one in the future.
it provides everything a Sako would have for 1/3 the price. I'm definitely getting one in the future.igor
Member
Yes, an SVD would be nice... they are around but quite costly. Getting new ones out from Russia has been a pain lately, I've heard. The fun part is that
I could even get an SVDS since it's longer than our min. OAL for "rifles" with the butt folded...
The SVD is issued to some troops here, as an extended range squad weapon. Those with serious countersniper training get the new TRG's. Until recently they were working on Mosin-based TAK-85's.
I could even get an SVDS since it's longer than our min. OAL for "rifles" with the butt folded...
The SVD is issued to some troops here, as an extended range squad weapon. Those with serious countersniper training get the new TRG's. Until recently they were working on Mosin-based TAK-85's.
igor
Member
The M85 is rarely seen on the net... here is a pic that might give some idea, a few obvious technical details in Finnish. You need a Java-enabled browser, point to "Kivääri 85" on the list. On this page you'll find more pics and plenty of unintelligible text. Enjoy!
The Tarkka-Ampujan Kivääri 85 (Sharp Shooter's Rifle 85)is a victory of gunsmithing over aging hardware when the budget is very limited. It's a Mosin receiver sans safety with a free-floating bull barrel, bipod etc. Optics vary, I've seen Swarowski, Schmidt&Bender and... a third make, which was it? Zeiss, obviously. Or then again not... a variety of good scopes anyway.
Its critics say there's still too much target rifle in it. I wouldn't know, not being sniper trained. It's very comfortable to shoot and very, very accurate. I'd guess a several thousand were made, very few have come to the civilian market (there's one on sale now for 2000€). The 85 is being (very slowly) phased out by the TRG-42 in .338LM.
The Tarkka-Ampujan Kivääri 85 (Sharp Shooter's Rifle 85)is a victory of gunsmithing over aging hardware when the budget is very limited. It's a Mosin receiver sans safety with a free-floating bull barrel, bipod etc. Optics vary, I've seen Swarowski, Schmidt&Bender and... a third make, which was it? Zeiss, obviously. Or then again not... a variety of good scopes anyway.
Its critics say there's still too much target rifle in it. I wouldn't know, not being sniper trained. It's very comfortable to shoot and very, very accurate. I'd guess a several thousand were made, very few have come to the civilian market (there's one on sale now for 2000€). The 85 is being (very slowly) phased out by the TRG-42 in .338LM.
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Omega_7
Member
igor
Member
Omega, where did that come from? Are the enhancements made in Russia?
michiganfan
Member
Igor who did you take the gun to. i have a 223 that I would like converted to take hi caps. And what does he charge thanks walt
igor
Member
I think transportation to and from Espoo. Finland (that's not a U.S. state, it's a country in Scandinavia, between Sweden and Russia) would be cost prohibitive... not to mention the red tape involved.
not to mention the red tape involved.michiganfan
Member
Damn red tape again.
Omega_7
Member
Igor
It was posted over at ak47.net Supposedly this is the current militarized version and it is available to Russian civilians with up to 10 round mags. So much for America's vaunted 2nd amendment !
It was posted over at ak47.net Supposedly this is the current militarized version and it is available to Russian civilians with up to 10 round mags. So much for America's vaunted 2nd amendment !
igor
Member
michiganfan,
Omega, I've got to look into this... if the Russians can have'em, so can we, if only the czar's authorities get their exporting red tape together. There was some material somewhere on a Moscow trade show last fall that hinted something like this was on the way.
Omega, I've got to look into this... if the Russians can have'em, so can we, if only the czar's authorities get their exporting red tape together. There was some material somewhere on a Moscow trade show last fall that hinted something like this was on the way.
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