Should I buy an SKS or a Saiga??

[wcoats]

I'm looking to buy a semi-auto range toy for plinking, target shooting, and range fun. I'm trying to decide between getting a Saiga in 7.62X39. I've been hearing great things about them, and like that I can buy one that's brand new. I am also considering an SKS. Are SKS's more or less accurate than a well built AK, such as a Saiga? Looking for recommendations from people on which to buy. Opinions from people who own both would be great.

Thanks for any help!

 

[wcoats]

They both would work for my purposes, but I'm looking for opinions on which is better?
my thoughts are as fallows on advantages of each.

SKS: milled receiver, wood furniture.

Saiga: it's a brand new AK, i've heard they are very accurate

any other thoughts??

 

[benEzra]

Accuracy with iron sights should be comparable. More importantly, it is much easier to add an optic to a Saiga than to an SKS. I personally prefer detachable magazines also.

Milled vs. well-made-stamped receiver is pretty much a moot point. The stamped receiver is lighter and just as durable.

 

[zhyla]

AK's are lighter. Stripper clips are slightly inconvenient. SKS prices are kind of high imho. I prefer the AK.

I wouldn't describe either of these guns as "very accurate". They get the job done, but they don't lend themselves well to accurate sighting.

 

[WesM]

If you get the Saiga, would you leave it in an unconverted configuration, or would you convert it to pistol grip and give it the ability to take AK mags?

If you plan to shoot mainly from the bench, you may consider the SKS (assuming that it is in factory condition). The fixed 10 round mag is much more conducive for shooting from a benchrest, or from a prone position. The Saiga with a factory mag may be similar, but if you convert it to take the 30 round mags, will be much higher off of the bench/ground than the SKS with 10 rounds. There are smaller AK mags available, such as 20 rounders that help with the AK.

Shooting from a standing position, not that much difference. The sight radius on an SKS is a few inches longer, which leads some to believe that it might be a little more accurate overall.

I have had a Chinese SKS, a Yugo SKS, and a converted Saiga. I enjoyed the Chinese SKS and the Saiga, didn't enjoy the Yugo SKS as much. The heavier receiver, along with the grenade launcher and other "stuff" made the Yugo just a little too heavy for me. I would still love to find a good Russian SKS though.

Good luck, whatever you choose!

 

[wcoats]

If I get the Saiga, I'll probably keep the configuration it comes with, at least for a little while, but would be interested in putting in the bullet guide to make it take standard AK mags. If I make it accept standard AK mags, but don't put a pistol grip do I need to worry about 922 compliance?

 

[Jguy101]

If I make it accept standard AK mags, but don't put a pistol grip do I need to worry about 922 compliance?

You'll need to replace four parts with US equivalents. Since mags count as three parts, you can do use hi-caps legally in an unconverted Saiga as long as they're American (Go with Master Molder thermolds, not ProMag's crap) and you replace one more part on the 922(r) list, like the handguard or the gas piston.

 

[Avenger29]

I'd go with the Saiga and convert it when you feel like it.

 

[rangerruck]

saiga...

 

[srfalke]

Saiga

 

[thriftyjoe]

Nice dilemma!

 

[WesM]

get both!

 

[offthepaper]

Saiga again.

 

[Maverick223]

I greatly prefer the Saiga, and would highly recommend that you convert it.