Saiga, AK, or SKS
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MMcfpd
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The SKS is probably the best bang for the buck, but if that's not driving your choice I'd try a Saiga. Very much a personal preference thing, though, and if you can, try to get an opportunity to shoot one of each before you buy.
In terms of quality, capacity, and flexibility I think the Saiga wins hands down. I don't have any experience with the Saiga .223, but I've read good reports here and on the Saiga forum I have in my signature.
I have owned a Saiga 308 converted to the traditional style, and have nothing but good things to say about the brand.
I don't personally care for the lack of detachable magazine or capacity of the SKS, but many like them.
As for AK, well, a SAIGA is an AK. It is easily converted back to its traditional configuration. AK is a nebulous term that encompasses everything from entry-level AK-style rifles like Century products, to mid-level rifles like Vector and Lancaster Consulting, to high-end rifles like Converted Saigas, Arsenals, Tromix creations, and builds from companies like Krebs.
In terms of flexibility, I prefer a Saiga over a SKS. In terms of AKs, I prefer the Saiga over entry-level and mid-level AKs. In terms of accuracy, I prefer a Saiga over just about any AK. And dollar for dollar, a Saiga is a great buy-- probably more value than getting a high-end AK.
But if you get a Saiga already professionally converted, you'll pay a premium price-- but then again it is then right up there with the high-end AKs.
-- John
I have owned a Saiga 308 converted to the traditional style, and have nothing but good things to say about the brand.
I don't personally care for the lack of detachable magazine or capacity of the SKS, but many like them.
As for AK, well, a SAIGA is an AK. It is easily converted back to its traditional configuration. AK is a nebulous term that encompasses everything from entry-level AK-style rifles like Century products, to mid-level rifles like Vector and Lancaster Consulting, to high-end rifles like Converted Saigas, Arsenals, Tromix creations, and builds from companies like Krebs.
In terms of flexibility, I prefer a Saiga over a SKS. In terms of AKs, I prefer the Saiga over entry-level and mid-level AKs. In terms of accuracy, I prefer a Saiga over just about any AK. And dollar for dollar, a Saiga is a great buy-- probably more value than getting a high-end AK.
But if you get a Saiga already professionally converted, you'll pay a premium price-- but then again it is then right up there with the high-end AKs.
-- John
The only satisfaction is to get both eventually- its what I had to do.
An SKS is neat, but for range plinking it can get old reloading constantly. And for serious HD or any civil crisis, 10 rounds isn't going to cut it. Sure you can look at mags, etc, but then why not just get an AK in the first place?
An SKS is neat, but for range plinking it can get old reloading constantly. And for serious HD or any civil crisis, 10 rounds isn't going to cut it. Sure you can look at mags, etc, but then why not just get an AK in the first place?
SKSs are neat range toys as some said.
AKs are your next bet. WASRs are nice, but apparently ordering them online is a bad idea. Only buy one if you have a chance to inspect it, or else you can get bad sights and loose piston block/receiver. Its pretty much accepted that its better to just save up the extra 70-80 bucks for a Yugoslavian M70 model instead. After seeing one up close, I came to the same conclusion.
I know jack about Saigas, but the fact that you can convert one into an AK that is something other than a 7.62 (.223, .308, etc.) makes it seem that, if you know exactly what you want out of the AK family, you can make exactly what you want, and for not much more money than a quality AK. (People here said that after converting, they spent a total of about 500 bucks on the gun--thats the average price for a good AK usually)
AKs are your next bet. WASRs are nice, but apparently ordering them online is a bad idea. Only buy one if you have a chance to inspect it, or else you can get bad sights and loose piston block/receiver. Its pretty much accepted that its better to just save up the extra 70-80 bucks for a Yugoslavian M70 model instead. After seeing one up close, I came to the same conclusion.
I know jack about Saigas, but the fact that you can convert one into an AK that is something other than a 7.62 (.223, .308, etc.) makes it seem that, if you know exactly what you want out of the AK family, you can make exactly what you want, and for not much more money than a quality AK. (People here said that after converting, they spent a total of about 500 bucks on the gun--thats the average price for a good AK usually)
bill larry
Member
The Yugo SKS is a beautifully crafted rifle that is accurate and reliable. Because it is cheap does not mean it is not a quality weapon. IT IS. I have three and they all shoot great, way better than any of the WASR's or the other AK's I owned.
I have a Saiga in .223 with the little side mounted scope. I did not expect much from it and was blowm away by its accuracy. It has no business shooting that well.
Remember though, if you buy a Saiga to convert it you will spend 3 to 4 times on it compared to a Yugo SKS.
I have a Saiga in .223 with the little side mounted scope. I did not expect much from it and was blowm away by its accuracy. It has no business shooting that well.
Remember though, if you buy a Saiga to convert it you will spend 3 to 4 times on it compared to a Yugo SKS.
tnieto2004
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SKS .. use stripper clips and it will be the fastest to reload as well
Anteater1717
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All three are good gun's. Choose based on ergonomics and whether or not you want detachable magazines.
silverlance
Member
Well, there's always the SKS-M and SKS-D. basicaly an SKS with a detachable AK magazine well =) really nice guns, best of both worlds.
chris in va
Member
I had a Yugo SKS. Sold it and got the Saiga. Much happier with it.
AK's are fun but nice ones cost some pretty good cash.
Eh? Nah. x39 16" Saiga runs about $250, slightly more than the old SKS. Conversion parts, $150. Just takes some man hours to convert.
AK's are fun but nice ones cost some pretty good cash.
Eh? Nah. x39 16" Saiga runs about $250, slightly more than the old SKS. Conversion parts, $150. Just takes some man hours to convert.
stubbicatt
Member
The SKS is a neat rifle in its own right, all milled steel and whatnot. The thing I don't like about the SKS and where I prefer an Kalashnikov action is when it comes to cleaning the thing. For whatever reason I just can't seem to get the gas tube clean in that area behind where the piston reciprocates. No big deal if you shoot modern ammo, but if you shoot corrosive ammo not getting a steel part clean of firing debris takes on a whole new sense of anxiety.
I feel pretty certain that the Saiga will be the more accurate rifle between the two, and they are more readily scoped too.
I feel pretty certain that the Saiga will be the more accurate rifle between the two, and they are more readily scoped too.
MD_Willington
Member
I have 4 10 round magazines for my Saiga .223 and 4 35 round Galil magazines for my Saiga .223
Stripper clips or 8 loaded magazines... which is faster?
Stripper clips or 8 loaded magazines... which is faster?
rocinante
Member
I bought the yugo sks and then bought a saiga and converted it. If I just wanted to get off cheap I could of left either one alone and had a decent rifle. I went stupid overboard on tapco stuff for the SKS and regret it. The SKS is officially my boy's gun and I put back to stock because he thinks the wood, stripper clips, and bayonet are uber cool. No regrets modifying the saiga at all. Good guns both with acceptable accuracy.
classicarms.us has 300 romy and a 350 romy that seems to be a better build. I think I am going for one just to have a backup for my saiga. You know red dawn or some other SHTF may happen. never know but two rifles that fire the same magazines is nice.
classicarms.us has 300 romy and a 350 romy that seems to be a better build. I think I am going for one just to have a backup for my saiga. You know red dawn or some other SHTF may happen. never know but two rifles that fire the same magazines is nice.
KBintheSLC
Member
I agree that a Yugo M70 is worth the extra cash. However, it is more than $70-80 above the WASR. My M70 underfolder was $525 locally for a new one. They had WASR's for $350. =$175 more for the Yugo. On the other hand, it is at least twice the rifle.
I doubt this is true. It's hard to beat a stack of good 'ol detachable 30 or 40 round of mags.
tnieto2004
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I am speaking from having a pile of ammo and loading each magazine before shooting or using the stripper clips .. Of course a stack of magazines pre-loaded would be faster .. But when I have my AK and my SKS .. The SKS makes it easier to load the ten then to sit and load the 30 round mag's .. I guess that is the logic I used when I wrote that!
Just my $.02
I own a Saiga .308 and it is a great rifle for the money. The recoil is not bad at all. Easy to disassemble and clean. Accurate Iron Sights. Great with a bipod. Only downfalls I have found is (1) Trying to find magazines for it and (2) Sighting in my scope on it, which I think is more because its a 16x scope and was trying to sight in on 25 and 50 yds. but figured I would mention it. Good Luck with the purchase!
Lets see.....I own a Saiga-12, Saiga .308, and a Saiga 7.62x39. I think I would have to say Saiga The SKS is great and all but for the prices they're going for, I'd rather have an unconverted Saiga for $260. Save up your pennies and then do a full conversion. Then you'll have yourself a made in Russia "AK". Of course you could just buy both.
The SKS is great and all but for the prices they're going for, I'd rather have an unconverted Saiga for $260. Save up your pennies and then do a full conversion. Then you'll have yourself a made in Russia "AK". Of course you could just buy both.- Status