SKS vs Unconverted Saiga 7.62x39

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mp5a3

Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2009
Messages
366
Any opionions from people who have show both. How do they compare accuracy-wise, trigger, weight and handling, sights, etc..

I probably prefer the looks of the SKS slightly (I like classic looks) but the Saiga's are only $349 brand new and the capacity is similar (8 vs 10 round)
 
The stock Saiga handles pretty poorly, it's front heavy too. Unless you live in CA, I'd convert the Saiga.
 
A good deal on an SKS is at or below $350. The SKS is also a fully-machined rifle, and while that doesn't affect its effectiveness much, it does affect pride of ownership. The SKS is moderately heavy but reasonably balanced; the Saiga slightly lighter but unbalanced in "sporter" form. Accuracy will probably depend more on the individual rifle you happen to have than on the design differences. Sights are very similar, but longer sight radius on SKS.

Overall, if you don't plan to convert the Saiga back to intended configuration, the SKS will probably be more fun to shoot and possibly more practically accurate due to the balance and sight radius.
 
Yeah, that one's easy. If you're going to use the gun AS IS, get the SKS. It's a great rifle. Solid, reliable, little recoil, and a lot more accurate than most of the folks shooting them.

If you're buying a Saiga...do so with the plan of converting it.

-Sam
 
The saiga is just fine without "converting" it. It's also a brand NEW rifle. Most are more accurate than your average SKS as well.
 
Save up a few more bills and get a Russian SKS. There is your beauty and performance all rolled into one package. Probably going to be around $400-$450 for a nice Russian, but I think the looks of them are worth it. Plus, you know you have the real deal when it comes to a SKS.
 
The saiga is just fine without "converting" it. It's also a brand NEW rifle. Most are more accurate than your average SKS as well.
Click to expand...

+1

Nothing wrong with a "stock" saiga.
 
Nothing wrong with a "stock" saiga.
Click to expand...
Have to disagree, the handling is atrocious, and the trigger is horrible...besides you can convert one for about $100.00USD, and if need be you can wait until you have the cash to convert...if dead set on leaving it bone stock...get the SKS. Oh, and FWIW I own neither but have fired my fair share of SKSs and AKs, and own a Saiga-12 that is 1000% better post-conversion. :)
 
Last edited:
plus, the saiga can take regular type ak mags with a little dremel work, and conversion, and this is just me, but I absolutely hate, HATE, sks mags, with that stupid boomerang /bolt handle looking thingly hanging off the front of it!!! I am trying to just imagine, how inconvenient they must be, what do you carry them in, what pouches are made for those, can you carry 8 at a time, do they look totally gay, etc., etc. They really bug me to a deep level.
 
An unconverted Saiga is, for all intents and purposes, a NEW AK from the original AK factory. Balance is a really big deal when I'm wearing a tweed jacket, shooting trap with my fud friends. In a fighting rifle... not so much. It takes an act of God to stop a Saiga. I'll take the Saiga any day over an SKS.
 
If you're a reloader and hope to reload 7.62x39 for your gun, then you'd be better off with the SKS. The Saiga does weird things to the brass where the shoulder meets the case neck. Some kind of Russian gun control/law enforcement provision. Works the brass pretty extensively. I'd expect you'd get neck splits from your first reloading. I got neck splits right-away when I tried some ammo I'd reloaded for a Mini-30.

That's the only real beef I have with the unconverted Saiga 7.62x39. The .223 Saiga meets the legal requirement differently and you can reload for it.

These days, people should probably have reloading in the back of their mind for any gun they buy. I didn't really do my homework on the x39 Saigas I bought, but like 'em fine anyway.
Bob
 
Balance is a really big deal when I'm wearing a tweed jacket, shooting trap with my fud friends. In a fighting rifle...
Click to expand...

Give that man a cigar.

Having both unconverted Saigas and SKS', I'd probably opt for the SKS, but just by a nose.
 
The stock Saiga trigger is worse than the standard SKS trigger. It can be made better than the SKS trigger, but only by converting the Saiga back to AK config. The sights on both are pretty equal. I find the sporter stock on the Saiga to be more comfortable than the SKS stock. Of course, the Saiga has a detachable box magazine, and that has considerable value to some.
 
It can be made better than the SKS trigger, but only by converting the Saiga back to AK config.
Click to expand...
+1, if you are careful and slowly file the trigger hole for proper fitment you will be left with an excellent trigger on the Saiga. When I did my conversion, I used a cheap Tapco kit and adjusted it to about a 2lb. pull with no creep. It is by far the best AK trigger I have used and rivals 95% of AR triggers. It makes a heck of a difference. :)
 
I am impressed with the unconverted saigas. I hate the look and feel of most sks's and all modified sks's. the dingy little stock on an AK irritates me and is amazingly uncomfortable to use. I will take the saiga..without finagling.... any day over either of the others... and I actually like the sites and trigger.... there is no reason for that rifle to have a "match" quality trigger. it is a beat around gun that will take whatever you throw at it... Dressing the thing up seems somewhat like sporting out a gremlin. What is the point.... really?
 
there is no reason for that rifle to have a "match" quality trigger.
Click to expand...
I disagree, when you can have one for about $20.00USD then it is very worthwhile...why not? I agree about dressing up a 7.62x39 Saiga with $500.00 worth in accessories and conversion parts...but the $100.00 that it takes for a simple upgrade is a good investment. :)
 
It depends on the SKS. I have a Yugo and an unconverted Saiga.

The triggers are comparable but the SkS is longer, much more front heavy and does not have the easily available quality magazines.

I will take the Saiga every time.

My Saiga has been much more trouble free also.
 
Both rifles are worth owning. SKS has the better handling qualities. The Saiga is easier to field strip (though the SKS isn't hard). The Saiga is significantly more accurate than just about any other semi-auto AK. The SKS and Saiga are pretty much at a dead heat as far as accuracy goes. SKS stripper clips are a lot cheaper than Saiga mags, which are pricey. I own both and can't say enough good things about them.
 
The ergonomics of my Norinco SKS seem much better than those of an AK or Saiga.
There are no sharp edges etc on the SKS, but I've only tested an AK clone, not a Saiga.

For a little more money, the Russian SKS is reportedly the best, and only the Yugo has the forward
center-of-gravity grenade launcher.
The Yugo is no carbine, sort of like a MN 91/30.

For really deep and broad SKS info, "SKSboards" is interesting (they even have a forum for Albanians).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

J
  • Locked
SKS.... Saiga
Replies
24
Views
1K
jakemccoy
J
C
  • Locked
Saiga vs SKS
Replies
9
Views
1K
rde
R
M
  • Locked
7.62x39 urge: Saiga vs. Yugo SKS?
Replies
11
Views
1K
Tropical Z
T
F
  • Locked
Various 7.62x39 Rifles
Replies
3
Views
833
Doug S
D
C
  • Locked
Saiga or SKS-I want a new toy
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
billyp32
B
Back
Top