Saiga .308 questions???

[Northslope Nimrod]

Leaning toward Saiga in .308. Here are some questions.

1. What are the cons of going with a .308 v. a .223 in these Saigas? (I'm wanting the .308 so I can use it for hunting large game if I so choose)

2. I think I understand what a converted .223 is....but what is a "converted" .308? Why would I want a converted model over a stock model? (does it have to be converted to accept the larger mags?)

3. If I get a "converted" .308, where the the best place to get one and how much are they?

4. Are there any issues puting a scope on it since I am left handed. (ie: since the usualy mounts are side mounts) I HAVE to have a scope on it.

PS: Will the price of .308 stay where it is now....in proportion to the .223? OR will one get more or less expensive (proportionate to the other) Make sense?

 

[rbernie]

You do not have to convert a Saiga 308 to use US-made hi-cap mags. FBMG and others sell rifles that have been converted, if you are so inclined; I'd start with FBMG and see what they have. They have a left-side scope rail onto which a BP02 mount will attach quite well and center a scope low over the dust cover. This is quite suitable for hunting and target practice.

As far as chambering is concerned, 223 is cheaper but is not as suitable for hunting (especially not deer-sized game) as is 308.

 

[nalioth]

Keep 922r in mind when you use mags over 10 rounds (aka "non sporting mags") with a factory Saiga.

 

[rangerruck]

I am left handed and have had two. You need to get one as soon as possible, as they are allready upwards of 500 bucks, and will cross 600 very soon, especially if you know who gets elected. scoping them for a lefty is no prob, they are accurate, and will be more so with a scope, they will deff benefit.
I say they do need to be converted, as the factory trigger on the 308, is something just on this side of satan's playground. Terrible, sharp, cutting your finger like a straight razor, long pull, pulls in two directions, just absolute crap.
It needs a new trigger group, pistol grip , and stock. As for anything else , that would be up to you.

 

[chris in va]

Heck, no need for even the pistol grip. Just change out the trigger, put a rail and scope on it, couple other parts for 922. Probably work just fine for hunting.

I also understand RAA is importing the 7.62x54R version soon, although I can't seem to find it on the Izhmash site.

 

[spur0701]

I don't think you can change the trigger (or hammer or sear) without doing a conversion to a pistol grip confiruration......the way it comes from the factory is a bastard configuration with some non-standard (for an AK) parts that moves the trigger rearward on the receiver.....it's not a hard conversion to do....I've done 8, 2 308s and 6 12 ga's.....never had a problem with one.

 

[nalioth]

I don't think you can change the trigger (or hammer or sear) without doing a conversion to a pistol grip confiruration

You most certainly can.

Dinzag can help with that.

 

[aka108]

I wouldn't want to carry a Saiga around all day long. Not a good carry rifle.

 

[Dumptruck]

What is the recoil like on the Saiga .308? I regularly shoot Mosin Nagants so that isn't the issue. I was more concerned with if you put an ACE stock on it whether or not it would be too light.

 

[thereisnospoon]

Keep 922r in mind when you use mags over 10 rounds (aka "non sporting mags") with a factory Saiga.

I think the mag actually counts as three US parts toward 922r, so you're okay there.

Converting is a matter of wether you like a PG or straightline stock, nothing else. No magic in a converted rifle, except is scares the crap out of liberals and bed-wetting hoplophobes.

 

[jackdanson]

What is the recoil like on the Saiga .308? I regularly shoot Mosin Nagants so that isn't the issue

I had a 16 incher and it was brisk, but acceptable. IMHO Mosins are worse. Concussion was brisk also.

 

[nalioth]

I think the mag actually counts as three US parts toward 922r, so you're okay there.

Except the factory Saiga rifle has 14 countable parts.

You'll need another US part in it for 922r compliance with US mag usage.

 

[rangerruck]

yeah, but as soon as you pistol grip it, or change the trigger, you are fine with the 308 saiga. i found the 308 recoil, plus the addition of a blackjack buffer, to be very 243-ish...

 

[orvpark]

I'm a big fan of the .308 Saiga, recoil is very mild for a full sized cartridge thanks to the gas system and the weight of the gun. The thumbhole style stocks like mine is very comfortable for me compared to the Monte-Carlo style stock. My trigger isn't too bad either, though that doesn't always seem to be the case.

Personally I see no reason to convert a .223, once you do you get into AR price range.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

What is the weight of the .308 unconverted Saiga compared to say...an M1 Garand?

Any scope issues when you are left handed?

 

[nalioth]

yeah, but as soon as you pistol grip it, or change the trigger, you are fine with the 308 saiga. i found the 308 recoil, plus the addition of a blackjack buffer, to be very 243-ish...

. . . but what if someone wants to just use 25 round US made mags in their factory gun?


Not everyone has a desire to convert.

 

[LKB3rd]

Keep 922r in mind when you use mags over 10 rounds (aka "non sporting mags") with a factory Saiga.

Adding any "scary features," like mags over stock capacity, pistol grip, or muzzle device requires 922r compliance. If you use an all us made magazine over stock capacity (8 rounds on the .308, counts as 3 us parts) you'll need to change 1 additional qualifying part.

 

[nalioth]

If you use an all us made magazine over stock capacity (8 rounds on the .308, counts as 3 us parts) you'll need to change 1 additional qualifying part.

No, only mags over 10 rounds are "non sporting".

 

[SN13]

Basically, if you have an 11rd+ mag in a NON-CoNVERTED Saiga You are in violation of 922r.... You must replace something inside with a US part.

Some of those parts are:

Stock
Handguard
Trigger
Disconnector
Hammer

14 Parts in a Saiga.

3 in a US mag (Must be all US, Floor-plate, Follower, Body)

That leaves 1 more to be legal...

Change out the hammer. CHange out the Disconnector, Change out the trigger (Dinzag) and you can leave it with the monte-carlo stock.



Just fair warning.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Personally I see no reason to convert a .223, once you do you get into AR price range.

What kind of AR do you get for $500, +-? The cheapest AR that I personally would want to own would probably be the DPMS Sportical, and that's $700 or a bit more.

 

[Dumptruck]

Who does a good conversion for the .308?

 

[ROMAK IV]

I don't know about a non-converted Saiga 308, I have had a Hesse converted Saiga 308 for many years. Mine also has the Brazed on muzzle brake and the long barrel, so my experience with regular Saiga 308's is limited. Personally, I have handled the "add-on" pistol grip stock, and it is no substitution for a conversion, IMHO. You might try one and see how it feels to you, I would rather just have the stock configuration. The FBMG mags and the surefire mags, are about equal, but different. The FBMG mags look like stock and seem to be higher quality, but hold only 20. The Surefire mags hold 25, and include a BHO feature.