Saiga vs. AK

[N3rday]

I was just wondering...how reliable are the Saiga rifles based on the AK action, compared to the actual AK?
I am referring to the Saiga in .308 and the one in 12 Gauge.
Especially the 12 gauge, because I'll probably get a Mosin Nagant as a first gun, and a shotgun as the second

 

[Murphster]

The various AK's I've owned have been flawless in function. This includes VEPRs (3), a Polytech, and one from Global Trades/Arsenal USA. Last weekend, I picked up a Saiga in .308 - got the one with the 16" barrel.
Have put only 100 rounds through it, so this isn't an in-depth evaluation, but it, too, was flawless in function. No problems at all. It's my impression that they're built on a reinforced RPK frame. Seems rock solid.

Conversions aside, the Saiga comes with an 8 round polymer magazine. Earlier magazines (I've read) were easily convertible to 10 rounds. Saiga must have wised up because the easy conversion isn't doable on mine. No other magazine will fit the Saiga (although I think Krebs can modify them to use a Galil magazines.)

For under $300 out the door, I'm happy with what I got.

 

[000Buck]

I have shot 4 Siagas in 308, I have two, my cousin, and my father. Between them there are over 1000 rounds through them and they have all run flawlessly. Great gun for the price. Considering the costs of other 308s, theyd be a great gun for twice the price.

I have lots of 308 mags and they are all convertable to 10rd. Just cut some length off of the follower legs in all of mine. Are the legs on your Siaga mags already short or something?

 

[Murphster]

You're just the person I need to talk to. The legs that stick up from the magazine plate on mine are probably the same size they've always been. The follower itself, however, is very long, box shaped, and has no legs. If you remove the legs that stick up from the magazine plate. the follower still stops at the same point in its downward movement because it's a lonnnnng follower. The point is - if I cut off the legs that stick up, it makes no difference. I'm wondering if the followers are being made longer to stop the conversion.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The few Saiga's I've seen had Izhmash receivers - so the same factory that builds Russian AKs is building the Saiga receivers.

 

[000Buck]

Woah, you're right, the newest mags I got from EAA, are like what you describe.

Its still easy though, cut part of the two legs off the bottom plate. Then cut part of the bottom of the follower off, the three sided part that is open in the front. Its really easy with a dremel. Not hard with a hacksaw either. Just make sure you dont cut too much off and make an 11 rounder.