Semi Auto .308 Saiga or PSL?

[JohnnyK]

Hello All,
so I am wanting/needing/ got to have a new rifle in either .308 or 7.62 x 54r... I'm wanting a PSL for how it looks or a Saiga .308.. I already have a Saiga 12 so, I'm familiar with the platform... any opinions what I should get? what's the best value, most accurate 308 semi Auto... should I consider something else? Thanks, Johnny K Sr

 

[10mm Mike]

PSL's used to be a great buy, but the supply started to dry up and more haven't been imported in any quantity in a while. That means, while you can still find PSL's, they are pretty expensive now and not such a great deal anymore. For that reason, I'd get a Saiga.

Also I have both, but haven't got around to shooting either yet.

 

[6x6pinz]

I have both but prefer the PSL. The ammo is MUCH cheaper and I don't see enough accuracy difference between the two to make any civilian difference.

 

[fpgt72]

Sounds like you want the PSL but would take the Saiga....if you are like me, get what you really want...and wait till it comes your way. It may take longer but you never know what will fall in your lap the next day. I went into a shop to buy some sub sonic .22 and there was a PSL hanging on the wall...go figure.

As far as shooting them I have never shot the Saiga but I can tell you that I am very happy with the PSL shooting box Partizan 150grain ammo....who knows how it will do after I feed some of my own reloads in it.

On top of that it looks SO COOL

 

[CnRnut]

I also have both,and will say get the PSL.
If I had to do it over,I'd get one without the issued scope,
and then get a better unit.

 

[JHenry]

PSLs are a dodgy supstitute for the russian svd. If you want a true 7.62x54r long stroke recoil semi auto rifle without paying massive inflation due to the ban you have two options.

1. The PSL(which i have looked into and some of the reviews are spotty at best)

2. you could aquire a 7.62x54r Molot Vepr and have yourself a stock made to mimick that of the military version. This option is considerably more expensive(probably around $1500 more or less) but the finished product would turn out much better imho.


Or you could hold out until the embargo on Russian firearms is lifted and people just bring them in like they do with MN or Saiga sporters

 

[6x6pinz]

Odd, once again the guy who is against a particular firearm is the one who does not own or even shot one, curious!

 

[Girodin]

PSL is nice because ammo is cheaper.

Saiga is nice because there is better bullet selection.

The saiga is also nice in that higher capacity mags are available. I'm not sure which I'd give the aftermarket edge to. The TWS rail will soon be out for the PSL. I'm not sure if either side has any real advantage in stock, trigger, or handguard options.

Other options include the Vepr 7.62x54r or Vepr 308.

what's the best value, most accurate 308 semi Auto... should I consider something else? Thanks, Johnny K Sr

From the experience of my own S308 build, I will tell you the price can start to climb quickly to that of various AR guns. If I was primarily after accuracy I wouldn't go with a PSL or a 308. I would look at an AR-10 variaty, possible an FN AR, or a SCAR.

what are you planning to use this rifle for? that would greatly influence my decision.

For a plinker the lower cost of ammo might well push me to the PSL.

Fort a battle rifle I'd prefer the S308.

For a true precision gun I wouldn't get either.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Honestly, the Vepr 54r is very much a fancied up PSL. The receiver is the same, I believe, based off of an RPK receiver. The VEPR mags are $50+ a piece for a 5 round magazine if you can find them, the PSL mags are $20 a piece and can be found easily. There are lots of aftermarket accessories for the PSL.
The VEPR does have a heavy, match grade barrel. However, the PSL is capable of getting 1 MOA groups with good 7n1 ammo, though quality is definitely less frequent than the VEPR.
Honestly, I just dont really see the advantages of the VEPR. However, PSL prices are rapidly approaching those of a VEPR.

 

[JHenry]

part kits put together by dodgy companies, if i refuse to buy an ak build from them why would i break on the PSL.

Im sure some are really good and function fine but at the same time you know not every one will be perfect. Plus if you go through online reviews, a common problem with them is the recoiling mechanism butt against and damage the receiver. With the Molot being built on 1.5mm steel rather than 1mm the problem is not as bad.

And a word of common sense, if a "sniper" is built on the platform as another but is designated for accuracy, why would it be cheaper then a quality verison built to 47 standars. PSLs are what they are, if you want one go for it, but at least read all arguments for or against any firearm you want and weigh your options

EDIT: you can buy a buffer and install it to minimize reciever damage too. and i may have been wrong about PSL receiver being only 1mm, that epends on who put it together

 

[savage1r]

Why not Zoidberg?...er... Both? The .308 is low recoil, common ammo but expensive to feed. The psl has some kick and fun as hell, cheap to play with.

 

[fpgt72]

Well I can tell you that I have one of those Dodgy TGI mix master guns and the thing just flat works and I am a very happy camper. I OWN the thing and can only speak from my hands on experence with my ONE rifle. Out to 100 yards the thing will hit what I aim at. I have noticed that if you shoot enough to get the barrel hot it will start to drift around a bit...but it is a pretty light barrel....no real shock there.

As far as feeding and such I have only run two kinds of ammo in it the above talked about Partizan and some old Wolfe steel case stuff that I had that was old as dirt. I have not shot any surplus stuff out of it as I was not sure if it was below the magic 150 grain weight, and cleaning it would be a real bi@ch.

I researched and do research everything I buy on the internet, be it a new gun or a washing machine. You have two groups of people the people that are experts that never even touched what they are talking about and those that own what they type about and will give you the real story on their PERSONAL experence...not some re hashed internet story.

When looking at a PSL or ANY used firearm you need to lay fingers on it if at all possible. I have only bought one thing over the internet (an SVT-40) and while the rifle was great when I got it...I was a wreck while it was in shipping.

I will just toss up a pic of mine with my watchman holding the rifle....he is a real bear to deal with

 

[JohnnyK]

Thanks for the comments guys... I would mainly use the rifle as an over the fireplace showpiece that would get used at the range or once it proves itself truly reliable after atleast 500-1000 rounds at 3-gun as you only need 1 shot in .308 or larger to "neutralize" target compared to 2 shots for smaller rounds... I love the AK platform and have found all the AKs I own to be pretty accurate up to 100 yards including my WASR 10/63...
as far as ammo, I LOVE Brown Bear and it's pretty much the same cost for 7.62 x 54 as is .308... I don't use corrosive surplus anything eventhough its much cheaper... only noncorrosive ammo for my babies... I love that 308 Saiga has 25 round aftermarket mags compared to 10 round only for PSL... anybody here try the 25 rounders for 308 Saiga? my Saiga 12 loves factory 5 rounder and 20 round drum but is picky as hell with 10 round stick mags... one stick that works perfectly with one saiga will not work at all in another... loose tolerances with AKs can be annoying sometimes... I had to return sticks multiple times to pmag to finally get one that works... are Saiga 308 aftermarket mags the same way?
I also like how saigas are not just stamped receivers like PSL.. I'm wanting a decent rifle that can his 8" steel targets from 200-300 yards without much problem as that's what the typical long range shot at 3-gun consists of...
I already have an AR but mine shoots 7.62 x 39... it's all the AR I care to have...

 

[JHenry]

yea im not much of an ar guy either, although i would love a heavy barreled ar-10 with a wood stock set.

 

[Girodin]

I had to return sticks multiple times to pmag to finally get one that works... are Saiga 308 aftermarket mags the same way?

Pro mag is your problem.

I only have sure fire mags for my S308. They work for me. Others report good results with FBMG/Uinta mags and CSpec mags.

I also like how saigas are not just stamped receivers like PSL

The s308 is a stamped receiver gun. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you are saying.

I'm wanting a decent rifle that can his 8" steel targets from 200-300 yards without much problem

Either gun should be capable of doing that. For three gun (he man I assume) I'd get a 16" 308. Higher mag capacity and a handier weapon IMHO.