Saiga .308 Comparison

[WinkingTiger]

Do any rifles compare with the Saiga .308 in terms of the value and relability.

I would prefer and auto loader but I'm open to a lever action if they are in the same price range and nearly as relaible.

 

[Deer Hunter]

So, are you looking for something LIKE a saiga .308?

It's extremely reliable, very sturdy, fairly accurate, and cheap. You are going to be hard-pressed to find a deal that good these days.

 

[WinkingTiger]

Thanks for the reply,

I would love to have an AR-10 or an M1a
but my current financial situation puts one of them completely out of the picture.

 

[Deer Hunter]

What would you be using the gun for?

A Saiga, while most people will be unwilling to hear this, will not limit the average shooter in terms of accuracy. It'll be more reliable than the AR-10 and be easier to maintain than the M1A.

It's an outstanding rifle, don't let the price fool you. I have the .223 version and it gives me 2 MOA with Wolf and Baurnal.

 

[jakemccoy]

I like my Saiga 308. However, before I bought, I wasn't expecting it to feel so heavy during use. If I ever had to hike with a rifle, I'd probably prefer something like an M4 - lighter gun, smaller rounds, more ammo to carry.

On the other hand, the Saiga 308 is a reliable brick. It's relatively easy to clean. It's more accurate than I am.

 

[jackdanson]

I love my .308 saiga. As the other guys said, it is more accurate than I am. It is kind of heavy, but a decent sling helps. Never had any problems with mine. Its an AK platform.. easy to work on/reliable. The only negs I can think of is that

A. Hi-cap mags are expensive!! 40-50 a pop
B. If you want optics you almost have to go Russian, all the other "ghetto mounts" I've used never work as well. That being said, the Russian POSP/KOBRA scopes are great for the price.

I strongly reccomend getting one... I wanted an M1A, but I don't really see the need for one now that I have my saiga. (Notice I said I don't see a NEED, not "I don't want one"!!!)

 

[WinkingTiger]

I would like to use the rifle for deer hunting and target shooting.

I don't own a center fire rifle and this would be my first purchase.

 

[MiddleAgedKen]

Is there a particular sling you like?

 

[Avenger29]

Hi-cap mags are expensive!! 40-50 a pop

Mags for an M1A ain't cheap, either. Plus, you are saving a ton over buying a M1A or an AR-10, so you can afford to buy some mags...

You can also convert the Saiga to eeeviilll AK configuration, if you desire. Go with FBMG, Inc for the mags...

 

[WinkingTiger]

Wolf Ammo

Have you guys ever shot this kind of ammo out of the saiga?
http://ammoman.com/images/bbox_rif_308win-2.jpg

It has a steel case and I wanted to know if it is too hard on the internal parts (extractor, etc).

I have stayed away from the steel cased wolf ammo in 9mm cause I heard it is a harder metal than brass and can damage parts.

 

[WinkingTiger]

Wolf Ammo

Have you guys ever shot this kind of ammo out of the saiga?
http://ammoman.com/images/bbox_rif_308win-2.jpg

It has a steel case and I wanted to know if it is too hard on the internal parts (extractor, etc).

I have stayed away from the steel cased wolf ammo in 9mm cause I heard it is a harder metal than brass and can damage parts.

 

[jakemccoy]

^I recently ordered 2,000 rounds of that stuff from Cabela's. (It's been on back order for several months.) I here it works good in a Saiga 308, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[jackdanson]

I usually shoot the cheap federal power-shok through mine. Wal-mart has it for about $12 per 20, only slightly more than wolf, and it is pretty good quality stuff.

That being said, I shoot wolf 7.62x39 through my other saiga and I've never had any problems.. Usually the AK platforms are fine at eating up whatever you give them, I don't think the .308 would be any different, but you might not get the accuracy you want.

This rifle will work fine for your uses. Just don't expect bolt action accuracy, I've never done any official testing, but I probably get about 2-3 moa using the federal, if I am shooting well. I can get shots within an inch at 50 yards. Plenty well enough for deer and target shooting.

 

[rangerruck]

the new stg-2000's are supposed to be coming out real soon in 762.nato, and in 762.54 R.

 

[O.S.O.K.]

Your original post

The answer is yes - an SKS. However, they are chambered in 7.62x39 which is similar to the 30-30 Win in power.

They have the advantage of being able to load them with stripper clips and they hold 10 rounds. SKS's do make viable deer rifles - especially in "woods" type hunting where shots are under 100 yards.

If you want the .308, there is no better deal out there IMHO.

 

[grimjaw]

The reason that the Saiga, in .308 or 7.62x39, beats an SKS is the scope mounting options.

jm

 

[R.W.Dale]

I feel that a used Rem 7600 may also be worth consideration. For the following reasons.

A the price can be right for the savvy shopper

B As reliable as anything out there, even the vaunted AK

C The biggie Accuracy; rem 7600's shoot every bit as well if not better than bolt actions of similar weight. All of them I've shot have shot MOA or better.

D Lots of aftermarket tacticool doodads, Stocks and accesories that fit the 20ga 870 also fit the 7600 excluding forearm

E Mounting optics or aperture sights is a snap

 

[jpwilly]

^^^ Is that a rifle or a shotgun. He he he.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

My 21" Saiga .308 with Black Hills 168gr Match ammo is scary accurate. With mil-surp it is still MOBG.