Saiga .223Rem or 7.62x39 (or maybe .308)

[nero45acp]

I decided to buy a Saiga rifle with the 16.3" barrel length, but I'm having a hard time deciding if I want it cambered in 5.56 or 7.62 and I'd appreciate some suggestions and input. I'm planning on using this as my SHTF carbine, and for range/outdoor shooting/plinking. I prefer the more traditional rifle stock, so I don't plan on converting it to a pistol grip configuration. The only change that I'll make to whichever one I get is to put a Mojo micro-click sight on it. Also, I'll be buying a number of Surefire hi-cap mags for it.

So based on the above, and figuring in cartridge effectiveness, barrier penetration, ammo costs/availability (including potential future cost/availability), weight (factoring in load mags), and felt recoil which chambering would you'll recommend?

Also, because I already have a Spanish FR-8 chambered in 7.62 Nato/.308, and I like the wood stock of Saiga 308, I've toyed with the idea of getting one of those with the 16.3 barrels.



http://www.raacfirearms.com/Saiga.htm

http://www.raacfirearms.com/Saiga_308.htm


Thanks.



nero

 

[SSN Vet]

first thing....

go to this link, read it from top to bottom and make sure you understand all of the 922R implications.

http://www.dinzagarms.com/922r/922r.html

Do you plan on reloading for this rifle?

If so, that will make the .223 VERY affordable.

 

[rangerruck]

I say the x39. a round that can do quite a bit inside of 200 yds, and within 100 yds, penetrate quite a bit as well....

 

[brooks]

I have the plain Jane Saiga. 7.62x39. It is fun to shoot, never fails and ammo is cheap. The Mojo would be an improvement but the red dot from Tantal makes it a more accurate rifle. I loaned mine out and the fellow shot his deer this year. Energy is about the same as a 30-30.

 

[lipadj46]

I know this is the rifle forum but how about a Saiga 12 for sh#ts and giggles ? I can't think of anything much more potent than a Saiga 12 loaded with 10 rounds of buckshot within the proper range of course. Otherwise if it is a rifle I would go with 7.62x39 for cheap ammo but 7.62 Nato would be great but the ammo costs are crazy these days.

 

[saigafreake]

Ive got all 3 id go with the 7.62x39 or the 223 due to ammo prices and availabity of mil spec mags.

 

[rbernie]

7.62x39 is more versatile than 223 and is also (in Russian import form) the least expensive of the three options.

The 308 is much more powerful than the 7.62x39 and 223, and will win most any contest that requires energy. It will also have the stoutest recoil and the slowest shot-to-shot recovery times, and will cost far more to shoot than 7.62x39.

Most folk are asking several hundred dollars more for the 308 version than for the 223 or 7.62x39 version.

I think that the 7.62x39 is the best compromise of energy, utility, and economy (important if you intend to practice enough to get proficient).

 

[Txhillbilly]

I like the 223 Saiga,but then I also have several AR's,Bolt Action's,and a Mini 14 in 223 and I also reload. The Saiga is a decent little gun,but I have always hated the AK style open sights so my Saiga does have a scope on it. It shoots better than the Mini 14 but nowhere near any of my AR's,or Bolt's.

 

[benEzra]

I like the .223 caliber better, but my own AK is 7.62x39mm.

Advantages of the .223 are a wider selection of good HD loads, a much flatter trajectory (and hence greater effective range), and less recoil; .223 AK's of all stripes also tend to be a bit more accurate than the 7.62x39mm versions.

Downsides of .223 are that ammunition is a bit more expensive right now (though a new import ban would turn that upside-down), and it isn't as suitable for deer hunting as 7.62x39mm due to the smaller bullet (but could certainly be so used in an emergency, with proper load selection).

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks for the replies/info thus far.

Is the Saiga considered equally reliable in both .223 and 7.62x39 chamberings?


nero

 

[rbernie]

I have both, and they are equally reliable. Converting both to AK configuration is equally easy.

Once converted, the 7.62x39 can use cheap and readily available standard AK magazines. The converted 223 will use not-as-cheap and not-as-readily-available magazines.

There are some decent 7.62x39 soft-point commercial loads (including Brown Bear) that are suitable for hunting and SD use, if you don't want to run FMJ.