SKS or AK?
- Thread starter InterWebGuy
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Funderb
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chinese or yugo sks.
InterWebGuy
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Assuming I wind up getting a Saiga (given it's got the same price & capacity of an SKS), how far-fetched are my dreams of hi-cap mags and a pistol-grip/thumbhole stock? Will a converted Saiga feed normally from standard milsurp AK mags or would I need to buy expensive (and eventually rare) saiga mags? Do many conversion attempts fail or is it a sure thing; are the conversions reliable?
Thanks - IWG
Thanks - IWG
azhunter12
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You can use regular mags in the 7.62*39 model with a bullet guide. To have a pistol grip or hi cap mags you have to have 5 or more US made parts. 3 come from fcg, 1 for stock, and 1 for pistol grip.
Go to the saiga 12 forum. there is a wealth of info there and pictures of peoples converted guns so you can see what is possible.
I bought two saigas one in 7.62 and one in .223 for under $600 for both. If you convert it your self you are looking at at least $100 in parts. You'll be able to configure it just how you like and you will have a better gun than a surplus SKS or AK.
I bought two saigas one in 7.62 and one in .223 for under $600 for both. If you convert it your self you are looking at at least $100 in parts. You'll be able to configure it just how you like and you will have a better gun than a surplus SKS or AK.
SSN Vet
Member
neither....
get a Saiga....and for the same money (or less) you will have....
1. a brand new rifle manufactured at the flag ship Russian arms plant.
2. a chrome lined barrel.
3. a reliabel, detachable 10 round mag.
4. the famously reliable, yet amazingly simple Kalashnikov action (which replaced the Simonov action SKS)
5. easy to reliabley mount optics as the side rail comes installed.
my advise....get a 16" x39 or a 16" .223
you can convert it into a very nice military config. AK at a later date, for about $150 in parts and it's a fun project.
The days of the $247 Saigas are gone....but they can still be had for ~$275 at Stanley's Pro Shop, Classic Arms or Fuzzy Bunny Movie Guns.
get the Saiga and you won't regret it.
Check here and you can see mine with some of the details listed http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=350473
get a Saiga....and for the same money (or less) you will have....
1. a brand new rifle manufactured at the flag ship Russian arms plant.
2. a chrome lined barrel.
3. a reliabel, detachable 10 round mag.
4. the famously reliable, yet amazingly simple Kalashnikov action (which replaced the Simonov action SKS)
5. easy to reliabley mount optics as the side rail comes installed.
my advise....get a 16" x39 or a 16" .223
you can convert it into a very nice military config. AK at a later date, for about $150 in parts and it's a fun project.
The days of the $247 Saigas are gone....but they can still be had for ~$275 at Stanley's Pro Shop, Classic Arms or Fuzzy Bunny Movie Guns.
get the Saiga and you won't regret it.
Check here and you can see mine with some of the details listed http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=350473
InterWebGuy
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SSN Vet - thanks, this is probably what I'm going to do, given the prices and reputations of the Saiga 7.62's (going with 7.62 so I can use it for deer and such as an all purpose rifle). A few (3) questions:
(1) Is there an advantage in getting the 20 inch barrel over the 16 inch one?
(2) How easy are the conversions to do, and would you recommend installing the bullet guide? I've researched the conversion process, but first-hand experience/knowledge/horror stories are always helpful
(3) Given that we seem to be from the same area (well, state at least), do you know of any Saiga enthusiasts in the area? I'd really like to get the chance to talk to some knowledgeable folks first hand about my rifle once I've gotten one (everyone in my neck of the woods has gotten a bit uppity as soon as I get to the "Russian" part )
Thanks (and thanks to everyone else for all the helpful replies!),
-IWG
(1) Is there an advantage in getting the 20 inch barrel over the 16 inch one?
(2) How easy are the conversions to do, and would you recommend installing the bullet guide? I've researched the conversion process, but first-hand experience/knowledge/horror stories are always helpful
(3) Given that we seem to be from the same area (well, state at least), do you know of any Saiga enthusiasts in the area? I'd really like to get the chance to talk to some knowledgeable folks first hand about my rifle once I've gotten one (everyone in my neck of the woods has gotten a bit uppity as soon as I get to the "Russian" part
)Thanks (and thanks to everyone else for all the helpful replies!),
-IWG
jpwilly
Member
Saiga is a good choice for you!
Carl N. Brown
Member
The Norinco SKS is a shooter. The Yugo SKS is a collectible curio&relic that is a shooter secondarily.
I look at the grenade sights on my Yugo M70AB2 AK this way: the grenade sight can protect the gas tube from getting dented.
I look at the grenade sights on my Yugo M70AB2 AK this way: the grenade sight can protect the gas tube from getting dented.
cluttonfred
Member
On the Saiga option...
Classic Arms has the 16" barrel models in stock:
SAIGA... 7.62X39.....16.3" BBL... SYN.......$249.95
SAIGA... .223 CAL...16.3" BBL... SYN......$259.95
And you can now find pistol-grip stocks that will fit an unmodified Saiga, including from the factory. They also have a special on the long-barreled Saiga in 7.62x39 with a scope mount. You shouldn't have much trouble ordering one of those through your local dealer or one of the distributors listed on their site.
Personally, I much prefer the ordinary, straight-stock Saiga or other low-profile semi-auto rifle like a Mini-14/Mini 30, M1 Carbine, etc. A sporterized SKS is also unlikely to draw too much attention. I don't need an EBR to feel secure, and 5-10 rounds at a time is plenty.
But your mileage may vary. ;-)
Classic Arms has the 16" barrel models in stock:
SAIGA... 7.62X39.....16.3" BBL... SYN.......$249.95
SAIGA... .223 CAL...16.3" BBL... SYN......$259.95
And you can now find pistol-grip stocks that will fit an unmodified Saiga, including from the factory. They also have a special on the long-barreled Saiga in 7.62x39 with a scope mount. You shouldn't have much trouble ordering one of those through your local dealer or one of the distributors listed on their site.
Personally, I much prefer the ordinary, straight-stock Saiga or other low-profile semi-auto rifle like a Mini-14/Mini 30, M1 Carbine, etc. A sporterized SKS is also unlikely to draw too much attention. I don't need an EBR to feel secure, and 5-10 rounds at a time is plenty.
But your mileage may vary. ;-)
Average Joe
Member
SKS, Russian if possible.
Ignition Override
Member
As for an SKS, I've read for days on various websites (Simonov, SKS and the AWB etc) about the various pluses and minuses of the Russian, Yugo and Chinese Norincos (are all such Chinese rifles now on 'GunBroker.com' etc Norincos?).
Let's say that you are just a plinker and don't need the most accurate gun and will not pay a typical price for a good Russian SKS-the extra money can buy ammo for more frequent shooting. Already have two Mosins and Minis in both calibers.
Between a good-looking Norinco and a Yugo, which do you buy if you have an amateur eye for gun component age and wear?
Let's say that you are just a plinker and don't need the most accurate gun and will not pay a typical price for a good Russian SKS-the extra money can buy ammo for more frequent shooting. Already have two Mosins and Minis in both calibers.
Between a good-looking Norinco and a Yugo, which do you buy if you have an amateur eye for gun component age and wear?
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A Russian or Yugo are very accurate, more then adequate for informal range use or hunting. The extra cost, such as it is, justifies the purchase – plenty will be left over for ammo. In my experience the Yugo would be the one to get.
Rugged, reliable, accurate, almost maintenance-free, and chambering a superior round make the SKS the way to go.
Ignition Override
Member
Thanks.
Just to make the choice more difficult, what if you find a Norinco rifle with good-looking wood and metal.
On average, would it be just as durable and reliable as a Yugo or Russian?
Just to make the choice more difficult, what if you find a Norinco rifle with good-looking wood and metal.
On average, would it be just as durable and reliable as a Yugo or Russian?
Famaldehide Face
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A bullpup converted SKS with 30rnd magazine and full auto capability
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