Saiga .223 specs?

[19-3Ben]

So, I'm kinda thinking about getting a Saiga in .223/5.56. But I can't seem to find specs anywhere on the web.
Doing searches here on THR, it seems that rate of twist is 1:10, but I can't seem to find weight, or OAL.

Also, it seems that people have generally good reviews of them, but if anybody feels like chiming in on how you feel about the Saiga .223, feel free. I'm kind of on the fence about it simply because I am operating on a pretty limited budget. I already own a pristine (i mean like beautiful) Yugo SKS and about 1100 rounds of x39, a bunch of stripper clips, and the bandoleer vest. So I'm kinda invested in the SKS. I know, simple solution is to get a Saiga in x39. They are banned in CT along with all other "AK-types." For some reason though, the .308 and .223 Saigas are not "AK-types" under CT's AWB.
But I might have to sell the Yugo to fund the Saiga. So any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. These would be generally "just in case"/SHTF/range guns. No hunting or anything like that in mind.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Got one recently. Unbeatable for the price. Really like the mechanism and design, and quality is very good. Ergos are poor, just as you've always heard AK ergos to be. Sights seem fine in handling, but at the range I can't even get on paper (same day I was shooting 1" groups with an AR). I think this is just an alignment problem that I will solve soon, but wasn't the greatest omen.

Saiga is readily adaptable to a scope with several scope mount options. I will probably get a mount soon because the iron sights are not easy to adjust and the sight radius is very short.

I would not be inclined to sell a pristine SKS to buy a Saiga, as the SKS is also very nice, has more collector value, and may be harder to replace in the future as the supply of mil surp dries up. Saigas are great rifles, but in stock form probably won't ever be collectible.

If you can afford both, I wouldn't hesitate to get a .223 Saiga.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Here's Russian American Armory's site. http://www.raacfirearms.com/Saiga.htm

Last I knew, twist was 1/7" on the 5.56 model.

 

[19-3Ben]

grrrrr....i was afraid that was going to be the answer.

 

[nalioth]

Keep the SKS.

 

[Girodin]

I wouldn't sell the SKS and all the stuff you have already to get a .223Saiga. I would try to save up and buy the saiga as well though.

 

[19-3Ben]

Simple- thanks for the website. I couldn't find it. My GoogleFu is weak tonight.

Well, the website says it's 3.8kg, which means 8.3 lbs. Not a very light rifle. hrm...
I've only ever picked up the .308 ones, and i don't remember how heavy they felt to me.

 

[19-3Ben]

alright. you guys have me convinced. The SKS stays. It has to. it was only a momentary consideration. forgive me, for I was impure of heart. I was weak, but I have learned from the error of my ways, and will keep the beautiful SKS close to my heart.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Well, the website says it's 3.8kg, which means 8.3 lbs. Not a very light rifle. hrm...

This may be moot after post #8, but I just picked mine up (16" bbl) and I think 8.3lbs is about right. It feels pretty handy and is easy to point, but in weight it's not super light.

 

[sarduy]

saiga are 1:10

 

[rangerruck]

a saiga in 223 usually has outstanding accuracy, you proly can do moa with it, I don't even bother to scope mine anymore, for what it's purpose is.
As far as twist goes, it is supposed to be 1/10. At least that is what a dude named Clyde at RAAC says. Some dudes will swear they have a 1/9, though, and there are rumours that they will be coming out 1/7, but that is gossimer at this point... i would say stick with a 1/10 or 1/9, that will get you up to about 70 grainers.

 

[Prince Yamato]

When it comes to discerning what you want and what to sell, follow this advice from Martha Stewart:

If you don't really use it that much, if it lacks sentimental value, and if it's not a totally irreplaceable heirloom, then don't feel bad about selling it.

It's a Yugo SKS, they're never going to be super valuable. By the time they have any value, we'll be importing new SKS rifles from China again.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

The .223 Saiga's are excellent for the money.

 

[csd4682]

Z-Michigan, be carefull when scoping the .223 version. I had the saiga .223 and put on the russian sniper scope, and could never get it sighted in. For somereason some of the side mounts are not aligned properly and you will never get a good zer when using the russian scope. I havent heard of it effecting standard scopes, I guess because you can move the rings some to help with adjustments. Without the scope I could rip a pie plate to pieces at 100 yards. Best gun on the market for the money.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Appreciate the tip. Looks like my next step is one of those press-type sight adjustment tools for the windage.