Saiga vs SKS

[Chainsaw]

How would these two rifles stack up against one another? I am thinking of purchasing one of these two and wonder if the Saiga would be an easier rifle to reload with available 10 round removeable magazines vs. using stripper clips for the SKS?

Other points I'm pondering on each of these rifles;
Reliability
Accuracy
Fit and Function
Use in adverse climates and conditions

Any help you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Sharpshooter223]

As far as reliability I have both and neither have ever misfired or jammed and i've ran over 1,000 rounds through each. The disadvantage with the saiga is you can only get the 10 round mags for now as far as I know. For the sks you can pick up 30 round mags cheap. Loading the saiga by hand is easier than loading the sks by hand. The sks clip can also be a pain in the ??? to get in sometimes where the saiga's clip is easy. The saiga is a little lighter and easier to handle. If you are just gonna be messing around with it shooting no further than about 50 yards I would go with the saiga simply because it's easier to handle and the clips are easier to get in and it's easier to load. But if you want accuracy past 50 yards go with the sks. With my saiga i'm getting 1" groups at 25 yards and with my sks i'm getting 1/2 inch groups so not to big of a deal there. But at 100 i'm getting 3" groups with my sks and 7" groups with my saiga. Both are open sights. Regardless of which one you decide on I would suggest you try the Wolf 122gr HP first because they shoot very well.

 

[itgoesboom]

The SKS is only harder to load if you are using detachable aftermarket mags, which I would recommend against at this point.

With either gun you have 10 rounds, but with the Saiga you have to drop your mag, then insert another, chamber a round and then you are set.

With the SKS, when it runs dry, all you have to do is insert a stripper clip and push down, release the bolt, and you are done.

Plus you can get 20 stripper clips for the price of one Saiga mag.

If you can afford a high cap capable AK, get that. If not, get the SKS over the Saiga.

I.G.B.

 

[Aikibiker]

It really depends how much you like to tinker and play around with your guns. A Saiga can be converted to it's original configuration fairly easily and legally. There are all sorts of accessories on the market for AK's at the moment. Slightly less so for SKS's.

If you just want a rifle and don't plan to do anything with it except shoot it go with the SKS. If some where in the back of your mind you think that some day you might like to start changing your rifle around or add things, go with the Saiga. No matter what you pick you can count on it to be very reliable and have absolutely terrible stock rear sights.


My $.02

 

[Dave Markowitz]

One thing I didn't notice anyone pointing out is that it'll be easier to put optics on a Saiga. While the 7.62x39mm's ballistics don't really cry out for a scope, a red dot sight would be a nice option. IMO, SKS scope mounts tend to be somewhat of a kludge.

Other things to consider:

* I think that the SKS safety is more ergonomic than the AK type safety found on the Saigas.
* You can get Saigas in .223 and .308.
* The detachable mag on the Saiga makes it easier to unload, without dumping all your rounds as you must with an SKS.
* The Saiga's AK gas system is a little simpler than the SKS gas system.
* AK triggers are better than SKS triggers, IMO.
* The Saiga can be modded to accept standard capacity mags.

Either rifle is a fine choice.

 

[hansolo]

Chicom SKS

I bought my first centerfire rifle last Summer; an unissued SKS. I love it!
The Saiga isn't approved for sale to us "serfs" in California, but I'd buy one if I could. I am a relative newbie to longuns, but I have no problem loading my stock fixed 10 round magazine with stripper clips. And I agree: try the cheapo Wolf HP's....I've heard the heavier soft points may not feed as well.

P.S. The NEW, IMPROVED Wolf has a "polymer coating" so you don't have to worry about the old lacquer(I never had a problem, but some folks say they do )

 

[Preacherman]

I agree with Dave that it's much easier to put a scope or red-dot sight on a Saiga than on a SKS. Another advantage to the Saiga (except the .308 model) is that you can drop in a Red Star trigger group, for a really excellent trigger - something the SKS can't provide.

 

[Feanaro]

I can only attest to the SKS but it is reliable, reasonably accurate and cheap to own and feed. I'd advise against trying to fit a detachable magazine to it though. Most are... crap, pretty much.

BTW, I actually prefer the SKS trigger to the AK. But your milage may vary.

 

[Chainsaw]

So far it sounds like the Saiga is;

Easier to load and unload
Easier to mount optics on
Reliable
May have a better trigger
Can be adapted to a better trigger group
available in 3 calibers vs. 1 for the SKS
has removeable magazines standard

While the SKS
reliable
is possibly more accurate
has stripper clip loading that is inexpensive compared to the 18-24 dollar Saiga mags
has only the option of removeable magazines

Any other ideas on this?...........Chainsaw

 

[rde]

Great question. I have both...because I like both equally well. Both are equally simple, rugged, and absolutely reliable. Don't think you can go wrong with either. Two of the best bargains in rifles.

SKS. Probably going to be used. A little more politically correct without a removable magazine (avoid the duck bill mags and stick with the factory 10 rounder). It is a Self-contained rifle (no removable magazine issues to deal with..buy, fumble with, drop, rattle around, etc.). Can reload with stripper clips quickly with a little practice. Safety is more convenient. Spare parts are abundant as well as some nice aftermarket stocks (such as the Choate Conventional). Last shot bolt hold open. Very simple no nonsense grab and go rifle. Scope options are not good but don't see the point in a scope with an SKS.

Saiga. Brand new. Already has a nice synthetic polymer stock installed. Has built in accessory rail which makes it easy to add a scope (or red dot) if that is important to you. 10 round mags are reasonable priced and can be changed quickly (personally expect reload times to be about the same depending on practice). The mags are well made and hard plastic so they do not rattle. Do have the option to make a conversion to a standard AK configuration if that is important to you later on (but not to me). Not only available in the standard 7.62X39 but also available in 5.56X45 (223) and the 308. No last shot bolt hold open (but the newer models do have a mechanism that allows you to manual lock the bolt open..at least mine does). Personally think the Russians determined they could use the Saiga to get around the import ban WHILE trying to heavily tap into the used SKS market that has been strong for a long time (SKS has been out of production for something like 20 years and they still keep selling)...AND provide some more options while they were at it.

I just don't know which is really the best choice...which is why I have both. Buying both means you spend the same or less (depending) than you would on a mini-14 and have not 1 but 2 more capable rifles (in my humble opinion).