Well...another Saiga thread, but having a hard time deciding between a Saiga 223 or a pretty nice SKS i found. The SKS is a Yugo, but its in ncie shape with a composite stock, hi cap mag and a bayonet. The Saiga is new, but a totally stock sporter. The SKS is $230..the Saiga $285. I want the gun primarily for plinking and just..well just because. Leaning towards the SKS cause of the AK style stocks and hi cap mags. If anyone has a good reason to avoid a Yugo SKS I appreciate hearing about it. Thanks.
Saiga or SKS
- Thread starter megjur
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The Deer Hunter
Member
I would get the Saiga. The Saiga is just an AK with a "sporter" stock put on it anways and with a couple hours and some know how you can make it look like a actual AK-47.
nalioth
Member
High capacity mags on an SKS are hit and miss. You also should consider the 922r laws possibly being broken with the SKS. You don't know what else may have been 'shade-tree gunsmithed' on the SKS.
My vote is for the Saiga.
My vote is for the Saiga.
MIL-DOT
member
i'm gonna say saiga,too. $249 for the x39 at classicarms.
I've had both the Saiga .308 and 3 SKSs.
The Saiga is limited by mag capacity and a crummy trigger.
Keep the SKS, get an AK, or fix the Saiga's deficiencies (which essentially means converting it to an AK).
I chose to keep 2 SKSs, sell the Saiga, and get an AK with double hook trigger (sweet!).
No regrets here.
The Saiga is limited by mag capacity and a crummy trigger.
Keep the SKS, get an AK, or fix the Saiga's deficiencies (which essentially means converting it to an AK).
I chose to keep 2 SKSs, sell the Saiga, and get an AK with double hook trigger (sweet!).
No regrets here.
chris in va
Member
I had a Yugo SKS. It was somewhat of an impulse buy as I really wasn't looking to spend $$$ on a decent AK but wanted the same action.
After a few months and mentally trying to figure out how to lighten up the darn thing, I realized it was time to sell and get a Saiga.
The Saiga is brand-new and you can eventually convert it to an AK if you want. If I had to do it all over again, Saiga no question.
After a few months and mentally trying to figure out how to lighten up the darn thing, I realized it was time to sell and get a Saiga.
The Saiga is brand-new and you can eventually convert it to an AK if you want. If I had to do it all over again, Saiga no question.
RockyMtnTactical
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You really cannot lose, both are great...
rangerruck
Member
Saiga, hands down.
aaronrkelly
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The SKS in the condition you describe is probably crap-tactical'ed out. If its the Dragunov style composite stock its even worse, as that stock requires you to remove the action out of the stock for simple cleaning tasks. If its not the Drag style stock then your good to go on THAT issue. The hi cap mags are MOST likely going to cause you severe reliability problems, which can be corrected by sticking the stock 10 rounder in it......IF they kept it. I wont even buy a modded SKS anymore, they arent worth the trouble.......UNLESS they kept all the parts. An SKS is NOT an AK47.....and I really wish people would stop trying to make them so and appreciate them for what they are.
The SAIGA is the way to go out of the two options, lighter, handier, removable magazines that WORK.
I wont even get into the possible legal issues with the SKS not being 922r compliant.....which it probably isnt and I would require a receipt of the replaced parts before I would believe it was.
I find this odd, considering the SKS is NOT an AK......and the SAIGA IS an AK. Its a sporter configuration, which CAN be changed. Even if you dont change it your still getting the reliable AK action.
Heres my .223 AK with Russian POSP scope.....
The SAIGA is the way to go out of the two options, lighter, handier, removable magazines that WORK.
I wont even get into the possible legal issues with the SKS not being 922r compliant.....which it probably isnt and I would require a receipt of the replaced parts before I would believe it was.
I find this odd, considering the SKS is NOT an AK......and the SAIGA IS an AK. Its a sporter configuration, which CAN be changed. Even if you dont change it your still getting the reliable AK action.
Heres my .223 AK with Russian POSP scope.....
Baron357
Member
Yeah go with the Saiga. I would stay away from any converted SKS, like said above that is not what they are suppose to be. If you want an AK then buy an AK. The Saiga is a nice rifle and you can get the "thumb-hole" stock pictured in the link below and have a pretty handy and mean looking gun.
http://www.raacfirearms.com/Saiga_option.htm
http://www.raacfirearms.com/Saiga_option.htm
Domino
Member
No problem with the Yugo SKS in its stock form. The weapon you describe is questionable as to its legality and functionality. If you want an AK type weapon than just go ahead and get the Saiga. You will be happier in the long run. If you decide that you want an SKS, I would advise you to get a stock non-modified one and see how you like it.
There are basically two major types of SKS owners. Those who like the SKS for what it is, and those who want to make it an AK of which it is not.
That bieng said I have modified a few SKS rifles and I have had good results. It took a lot of research to do it legally and properly. Also, I have made no perminant mods to my paratrooper which can be restored fully to its original condition. The Yugo was a $100 clunker with no original parts but it happens to shoot pretty good. The rest of my SKS's are going to stay stock.
Norinco Paratrooper
Yugo 59/66
MD_Willington
Member
I do like the SKS as well, have used Russian, Chinese, and Yugo...
I also own a nice Saiga 223, and would like to get a 7.62x39...
Even if you leave the Saiga in OEM configuration, you can still get reliable removable 10 round magazines that work all the time, my 4 work all the time, I did put the 5 required parts on, but still use the 10 round magazines.
Up to you ultimately, I'd like to get a nice Yugo in OEM configuration..
besides, you guys keep buying up all the Saiga's they'll have to bump up the prices.. LOL
I also own a nice Saiga 223, and would like to get a 7.62x39...
Even if you leave the Saiga in OEM configuration, you can still get reliable removable 10 round magazines that work all the time, my 4 work all the time, I did put the 5 required parts on, but still use the 10 round magazines.
Up to you ultimately, I'd like to get a nice Yugo in OEM configuration..
besides, you guys keep buying up all the Saiga's they'll have to bump up the prices.. LOL
TOU
Member
I have both (My SKS is and will stay stock.)...go with the Saiga, you won't be disappointed.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
I'd recommend the Saiga.
Here's a link to the SKS..its at a reputable local gunshop which is up on the legal ins and outs of fireamrs.
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=17432
http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=17432
nalioth
Member
After seeing the pix, I'd really recommend you stay away from the SKS. It has had its mag well cut up and ground on so that an AK magazine will fit. The wood gas tube cover is most likely foreign, which negates the 'us made forearm' part of the stock (gas tube cover must be made in the US for 'forearm' to count).
I'll withhold comment on Collectors Firearms, but as usual, that SKS is way overpriced.
I consider it almost ruined.
I'll withhold comment on Collectors Firearms, but as usual, that SKS is way overpriced.
I consider it almost ruined.
Domino
Member
I don't think the magazine was cut up so that it would accept AK magazines. AK magazines don't lock in the same was as a detachable SKS mag. That looks like a detachable SKS magazine made by Pro Mag Industries...
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/SKS_Promag_Polymer_Detachable_SKS_30rd_Magazine.html
Other than that, the rifle is certainly not 922r compliant and is illegal and somewhat overpriced. Like already said, the front handguard needs to be replaced. Also, it would need a US made gas piston and op rod. The grenade launcher might need to be replaced with a US made muzzle break as well.
Check here for information on the legality of that weapon...
http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?board=12.0
aaronrkelly
Member
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Now Im for SURE saying pass on that SKS. Its a piece of poo. Not 922r complaint, aftermarket unreliable magazine....where to start.
On top of that
That a TAPCO T6 stock, its an AR style stock.
On top of that
That a TAPCO T6 stock, its an AR style stock.
After seing the link to federal compliance it does seem like the SKS is in violation. Looks like a Saiga instead...looking at them in more detail..I do like the stock look so I may just keep it that way.. Thanks guys..as always good sound advice without being condescending.
I have both and like both. I don't like the extra weight of the Yugo models of the SKS. Only mods to my SKS's are a Choate conventional stock on 2 of them that had original stocks in very poort condition. Otherwise, I like them as is (preferring the lighter Chinese models particularly the paratroopers). Having said that I also vote Saiga. It would be brand new with less variation in quality control (and therefore accuracy between rifles). I have no problem with mine in the "sporter" configuration. The 10 round mags will work period, can be changed quickly, and I found that I prefer them in that they do not protrude below the stock of the rifle so far getting in the way. About the only thing I might do to my Saiga is try one of those MOJO peep sights. Mine accidentily became my "go to" rifle despite having a variety of other rifles that many others would choose before the Saiga. Has worked out really well for me.
FMJMIKE
Member
I love my Saiga .223/5.56 rifle...........
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