So You've Decided You Want A Saiga

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Wasz

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Alrighty. Ive done some reading, Ive done some learning. First off thanks to everyone who replied to my other post. I do understand that time and money would be better spent on training and practice than on a new rifle. I cant really do that online so much, so Im going to do some shopping instead.

Ive decided that I like what Ive learned about the Saiga. Im thinking Id like it chambered in 223. This way I think it would be a little better suited to having the SO shoot it as well as people who are new or newer to guns. As well as some other considerations. Its also a platform that can be modified in the future if I wish.

This leaves me with a couple questions. First 16 vs 20 inch barrel any major differences in accuracy or feel? (front heavy rear heavy?) Does anyone sell them only converted to take high cap magazines in a legal format? If converted to take high capacity magazines will the 10 rounders still function?

Thanks again.
 
I do not know about the 20 inchers, but eh 16's in all cals have been super accurate for me. you can either get a dremel and make regular mags work, or you install a bullet guide just in front of the chamber, and then all mags will work, including saigas' mags, you will still have to dremel the regular ak mags, though.the bullet guides take about 5 minutes to install, and are about 15 bucks. go here. http://forum.saiga-12.com/
 
The 16" is very accurate, at least mine is. For me, portability is an issue, so short is good. You can get conversions done by Tromix and Krebs. There are detailed instrucitons at saiga-12.com on how to do it yourself with a dremel. They are a real hands-on group over there.

I have one of the the 30-round Surefire mags that require no conversions (spendy mags, but good) and plan to add an Ace folding stock+pistol grip set that requires no change in the trigger group, so I can convert it back to stock configuration if needed.
 
I could not verify it but I believe the Rate of Twist in the 223 Saiga was 1 in 12. That would limit you to bullet weights below 60gr. M193 and its equivilants would be the best choice. Read the Ammo Oracle if you haven't already.
 
Allmons: Ill be waiting for that report :D

I think Id like the 16in version. And maybe I can just stick to the expensive mags because I dont have the equipment to work on magazines or to drill and tap the reciever.

Gaz: Youre a little over my head on that one sorry.
 
wasz -

I bought it and brought it home. Good balance, excellent price. You get a 10 round magazine an oiler and a self-contained cleaning kit. I love the way it handles. Did not get to shoot it yet!

Looking on the net for magazines, they are pricey but readily available. As someone else noted, I love the carbine 16" barrel. The stock might be a little long for my old, chunky body. The foregrip is well designed and executed.

The safety is very tight and is the typical AK style handle. The rifle has an optical mount already attached on the side.

All this for HALF the price of a Mini 14 or AR 15 clone. So far I am quite pleased.

:D
 
You will enjoy it. More accurate than a Mini and less finicky than the AR. The beauty of the AK types is the simplicity of design.
 
Took her to the range today -

Limited recoil, surprising accuracy and FAST handling ( 16" barrel ). So far I'm limited to the one mag that came with the gun, but no stoppages and no feeeding problems.

I fired Remington .223, Black Hills and Wolf ammo. The gun digested anything I threw at it. And it WAS more accurate thab the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle I took to balance the test out.

I do believe it is a keeper!

:)
 
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