saiga vs. su-16

[HSBB]

Looking for a relatively inexpensive plinking/SHTF .223 and leaning towards the Saiga:



Then I stumbled across the Kel-Tec (which is roughly twice the price):



Advantages seem to be:
* made in US (no 922r problems)
* accepts AR mags
* bipod front end
* collapsible

While these things are very nice, I'm not sure they justify the considerably greater hit in the wallet... Thoughts?

 

[Beagle-zebub]

The Kel-Tec might be lighter, and it's got that rail on the top. If you are a reloader, you might want to investigate whether the Kel-Tec abuses brass to near the degree that the Saiga does.

 

[kcmarine]

Saiga. 'Cause you're just gonna love it when you buy it

 

[Hoppy590]

the saiga has benefits. its much cheaper and 2 mags would be enough for range time. but it WILL destroy brass

but the SU16 takes hicap mags. readily available, and cheap mags. which makes it a better SHTF gun

 

[Deer Hunter]

Unless you are thinking about converting the Saiga, which is what I did when I wanted a .223 carbine, perhaps the keltec gets the nod.

 

[SaMx]

I've heard bad things about the durability of the su-16, which means the saiga got the nod from me.

 

[daddyo]

SU16 does have a lifetime no questions asked warranty, but I've had zero problems. I was definitely torn between Saiga and Keltec, but the warranty and all the compliance stuff swayed me toward Keltec. Just my choice, they're both great guns and actually more similar than you would think as the Keltec is rod actuated like the AK's.

 

[SSN Vet]

Handled a Keltec once a few years ago.....
I was not impressed by the bipod front stock set up.
Seemed flimsy to me.

 

[fal 4 me]

I took my 7.62x39 saiga with 4x24 POSP scope out for he first time yesturday. The combination is great, though it will take some time to get use to the offset mount of the scope. Still right 3-4 moa with golden tiger and wolf black box. Paid 260 plus tax for the rifle at a gun show and 125 plus tax at kalinka optics, so the set up cost around 400 total. I plan on leaving mine stock, except for maybe 1 U.S. made part so I can use the American made high cap saiga mags. I'm seriously considering buying the same set up in .223 simply because I enjoyed shooting it so much and I hear the .223 can be more accurate than the 7.62x39.

I've never shot the SU-16. When it first came out I thought it looked kind off neat, but I went with a midlength ar instead. I would only consider the SU-16 if I lived in an area where ARs and similar firearms were not available and the SU was. Either stock or converted, I've heard few complaints about saiga rifles. In my opinion a great value for your hard earned dollar.

 

[railroader]

I have both. I give a slight nod to the saiga 223. The keltec has a better trigger and is easier on brass. The trouble with the saiga and brass for me is it launches it so far I can't find it. My saiga isn't converted because I'm in california but if I lived in another state the 1st thing I would do is convert it which will improve the trigger when the trigger parts are swapped out. Also the finish on the saiga is basicly paint. But when it comes to reliability the saiga runs and runs. Accuracy for both is pretty close. One thing with the keltec you should know is in regards to full size scopes. With a full size scope it will have to be removed everytime you clean the rifle. The piston assembly has to be tilted up to pull it out of the back of the rifle. The scope will be in the way. With my keltec I current have a very compact simmons scope it which doesn't have this problem. Red dots are fine too. Mark

 

[sig2022shooter]

go with the saiga, theyre the best value going right now for a carbine i think. for the price of the su-16 you could build one sweet genuine russian AK.

 

[rangerruck]

I 've got both, and they both have their advantages.
keltec;
light, very! accepts all kinds of ar stuff, anything you can put on a ar rail, you can put on these, including your BUIS.
clean, clean, piston clean!!! my baby, I have put about 500 rounds through, and have not bothered to clean it yet.
very good accuracy.

Saiga; heavy duty, combat tough , ready to eat it-type weapon.
will not fail, ak reliable.
pretty accurate.
you will have to convert to take hi caps, brings your price up to the kel tec

on the keltec, only get a C or D version, everything else is crap.

 

[HSBB]

great feedback

Thanks all, especially those who own both weapons!

Reviews of the KelTec are very positive, but the Saiga seems to edge it for pure bullet-proof value. That's what I expected, but it's nice to have it confirmed by those with more experience.

 

[MD_Willington]

Plastic or Metal?

Drop in a new US piston and you can keep the Saiga looking stock, but use US high cap magazines...

 

[frankd4]

Saiga

I have a Saiga in 223 922r complient FCG, gastube, pistal grip and promag
mags count for three parts my 223 does not mangle the brass I reload for it
23.75gr of WCC844 hornady 55gr FMJ and wolf primers. I love that dam thing
it's soooo much fun.

 

[azhunter12]

I would go with the saiga.

 

[Starship1st]

I vote: Saiga, but I am a little bias.

 

[guntotinguy]

Saiga...definitely Saiga.

 

[chupacabrah]

Saiga...because I love mine

 

[SammyIamToday]

Both are good (own both) and for different reasons.

The Keltec is lighter, you can fold it in half and put it in a backpack. Has the edge in accuracy.

The Saiga will be slightly more reliable and definitely more durable.

You can't really go wrong with either one.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

In my experience, the Kel-Tec isn't 100% reliable. The Saiga is an AK. 'Nuff said. You can also get the Saiga in 7.62X39 and convert it to a true AKM.