Saiga Update

[Mauserguy]

I recently got a new Saiga rifle. My initial impression was that the rifle was clumsy, too muzzle heavy and that the length of pull was excessive. Yesterday I had a chance to shoot her a bit more and can now say that it is muzzle heavy, and the length of pull is fine, but the length of stretch from the stock wrist to the trigger is uncomfortable.

The rifle functioned very well, and I found one quality that was very pleasing. On most rifles that I have shot with tangent rear sights, the impact of the bullet does not really follow the rear sight setting. That is to say that if you shoot a three hundred yard target with a three hundred yard sight setting the bullet will generally not the center of the target.

With the Saiga, I was very pleased to find that the bullet impact was dead on at 100 yards and 300 yards.

I've purchased all of the parts to convert the Saiga into the standard AK pattern, but given that I live in California, I don't think I will convert it, given that I would have to install a magazine lock or monsterman grip. It just doesn't work in California.

At any rate, I think I will like this rifle, even though it is not quite right.
Mauserguy

The Saiga:

 

[nalioth]

Nice picture, but could you maybe put a small one inline (linked to the big one, of course)?


. . . and of course there's nothing wrong with a Saiga in any shape or form.

 

[CnRnut]

Looks nice.

Convert the thing. The "mag latches" don't look that bad.
I only wish NY would let them "fly". I'd love to convert my S-12.

 

[ECVMatt]

I shoot mine a lot out in the desert too. I really love mine. The Saiga feels light to me, and the trigger is just about right. The quality is first rate for the AK world and it has become my favorite desert rifle. My sight shot just like yours. I am thinking about picking up another one for my son.

Nice Pic...

 

[hammerklavier]

I suppose you think you can just convert it if you ever "need" to or if laws change or you move. But couldn't you say the same about the mag lock, that you could just remove it if the situation warrants?

 

[Mauserguy]

I like having detacheable magazines, so I really don't want to install a magazine lock. I would rather live with it as it is for now.
Mauserguy

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Nice! I had one in .308 that I just sold, extremely accurate and reliable. Quite heavy though, in that caliber. I think I'd like to pick up another someday, maybe in 5.56.

 

[dobeman]

I hear ya.

I have a Saiga 223 with the standard stock and a Saiga 7.62x39 with the RAA skeleton stock. Initially, I didn't like the skeleton stock, but after a few shooting outings, I love the skeleton stock pistols style grip much better than the standard stock on the 223. Actually, after this weekend, the standard stock length of pull is horrid, the reach to the trigger is horrid and the trigger pull is horrid. At least on the 7.62, with Siaga factory trigger, I'm comfortable pulling on the clumsy Saiga trigger.

I know I know.. convert it. But I don't want to.