WASR or Saiga
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RockyMtnTactical
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Saiga is what I would choose. Much better quality.
Zach S
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Emphasis mine...
That's easily changed through use.
I have a Saiga in .308 and a WASR side-folder Century build. The Saiga has the RAA stock and a POSP 6x24, no trigger conversion. With three mags I have around $900 in in. The WASR came with all Tapco furnature and a G2 trigger, all the commie extras and 2 20 rnd SurFire mags for $380.
If all you want to do is plink and have fun, go with the WASR- I've never had a faliure of any kind and it eats any x39 I've fed it. Not too accurate, but it wasn't intended to be a sniper rifle.
If you want a rifle that that you could trust your life to, fire everytime you pull the trigger and have about a 1.5 to 2 MOA go with the Saiga.
If my house was on fire and I could only grab one or the other, Saiga lives, WASR melts.
It all depends on your intentions and wallet. Bottom line--Saiga is a rifle, WASR is a fun plinking machine. I enjoy both
If all you want to do is plink and have fun, go with the WASR- I've never had a faliure of any kind and it eats any x39 I've fed it. Not too accurate, but it wasn't intended to be a sniper rifle.
If you want a rifle that that you could trust your life to, fire everytime you pull the trigger and have about a 1.5 to 2 MOA go with the Saiga.
If my house was on fire and I could only grab one or the other, Saiga lives, WASR melts.
It all depends on your intentions and wallet. Bottom line--Saiga is a rifle, WASR is a fun plinking machine. I enjoy both
Have an SGL21 Saiga with a PSOP 4X scope on it. Using Wolf Ammo it was minute-of-coke can accurate at 100 yards, in gusting winds with a somewhat inexperienced operator. Also, without the scope I could not actually see said coke cans at 100 yards. With the scope for aiming I was able to make 'em jump and hop with each shot while shooting from the bench with crap blasting ammo, FWIW.
I've done about half a dozen Saiga conversions now and how much money you spend is largely up to you.
This was an insanely cheap build that I did some time ago.
I didn't even have money for a stock set at the time, so I made my own furniture from an old oak plank I had lying in my wood pile. When that picture was taken I had probably spent $50 total on the conversion. Of course I did have a few hours of labor making the stock set. I got the gun itself for only $200 with a half dozen mags included. I've put some more money into it since then, but I'm still only in it about $350.
This one I spent some money on. It's got an Ace folder on it, plus an RSA trigger. With the mags, trigger and everything, I'm probably in this $750-$800.
War Squirrel
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Go for the WASR. Yes, it is ugly, crude and relatively inaccurate, but it is also extremely fun. Besides, if you drop it or beat it up, it won't matter; It already looks like crap! The money saved can go to ammo.
Personally I'd be afraid of scratching up a Saiga too much... but I love an aged WASR.
Romani for me any day.
Personally I'd be afraid of scratching up a Saiga too much... but I love an aged WASR.
Romani for me any day.
christcorp
Member
All depends on what you mean by conversion. You don't have to spend any more than $60 to have a pistol grip stock that can be put on a saiga without any work at all. Just 5 minutes to unscrew the old stock and put on the new one. Me personally, I don't mind the original sporter stock on the saiga. I might convert it later, but for now, the regular stock is decent. My saiga is chambered for .223, so regular ak magazines weren't an option anyway. But the 10 round magazine is enough for me for defensive purposes. And I bought a couple of Surefire 30 round mags on sale for $25, so I'm set. And no, I don't really care about 922r because. 1) The ATF only really cares about the manufacturing and importation of. They aren't visiting your local range. Even if they did, they wouldn't know what they are looking for, and frankly don't care. 2) If I ever NEEDED TO USE a 30 round magazine, not WANT, but NEED; then our country will be in a world of shiite and the last thing anyone will care about is if you have a 922r compliant rifle.
Unless you're SELLING the rifle, the whole 922r issue is a total waste of breath. And even greater waste of money. Unless you want to modify the gun anyway. But it doesn't cost much to convert the rifle to the way you want it. When I bought my MAK-90 in the early 90's, the first thing I did was get rid of the thumbhole stock. I'm a lefty, and it wasn't really cut for a leftie. And i didn't care about 922r. When I sold it, I put the original stock back on it. Go with the Saiga. It's a better rifle. And don't get a headache about this whole 922r B.S.
Unless you're SELLING the rifle, the whole 922r issue is a total waste of breath. And even greater waste of money. Unless you want to modify the gun anyway. But it doesn't cost much to convert the rifle to the way you want it. When I bought my MAK-90 in the early 90's, the first thing I did was get rid of the thumbhole stock. I'm a lefty, and it wasn't really cut for a leftie. And i didn't care about 922r. When I sold it, I put the original stock back on it. Go with the Saiga. It's a better rifle. And don't get a headache about this whole 922r B.S.
Hammerhead6814
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I didn't believe it until I saw it, but .223 Saiga's can shoot with low-to-middle end AR's. Check the Saiga forums or Perfect Union (now with less politics!), some guys have found the right scope, mount, and ammo and are some how getting three round groups within an inch. I kid you not.
I'm in the process of finishing a blotched conversion of a .223. When shipping resumes I'll put it to the bench and see if I can't replicate some of the results I've seen.
I'm in the process of finishing a blotched conversion of a .223. When shipping resumes I'll put it to the bench and see if I can't replicate some of the results I've seen.
Izzy77
Member
Exodus,
I think you may be confused, WASR's comming in now have chrome line barrels and are made off of military and contract parts kits ( not necessarily new ones either, but usually not shot out). All wasr's are made in a sporter configuration for importation purposes. ( single stack, thumbhole stock, tack weld muzzle nut)
You may be thinking of the GP75 made w/ a mix of Romanian parts, but assembled by century w/ US barrels. I saw one of these and the barrel was not crowned at ALL, just cut.
WardenWolf
member
The new WASR's are showing up with threaded muzzles and removable brakes in standard AK 14x1 LH threads, and double stack mags. AIM Surplus and J&G Sales both have them, and I'm guessing this will be the standard for all new WASR's.
I have a Saiga .223 I did a conversion on. I also have a Romanian PSL, and just bought a WASR 10 underfolder. Honestly, the new WASR's are nice. It's got a chrome-lined barrel and a removable slant brake, which I'm replacing with an upsized AK-74 style brake. The magazine has some side to side wobble, but not anything that I anticipate being a problem. The rest of the build quality is excellent, with a Tapco G2 trigger group and tight-fitting parts. The action is very smooth for an AK. It's overall a rock solid gun.
Why did I buy the WASR if I already have a converted Saiga? One, the Saiga is the 20" variety, and two, the .223 version has an extremely heavy barrel. This combines to make a rifle that's long, unwieldy, and too heavy to shoot accurately standing up. Third is that .223 ammo is expensive, and fourth, that heavy barrel heats up like crazy. Because of these things, I have the rifle set up with a bipod and a Romanian PSL stock, rather than a standard AK configuration. It's a great hunting rifle, and a great target rifle, but it's not a good camping gun or a "for fun" gun. It's a tool with a specific purpose and range of use, but it's not practical in the assault rifle role. Had I gotten the 16" Saiga 7.62x39, it would be an entirely different story.
The WASR underfolder is thus my "fun" gun or woods gun. It's also potentially a truck gun, given its compact nature. Ultimately, I wanted an AK that's really an AK, not something that just works like one but is huge and heavy. The underfolding stock also appealed to me, since I could use it with the stock folded if I wanted. I got what I wanted: a solid, compact rifle that is comfortable to hold and carry, fires a respectable round, and didn't break my bank. I think I did well. I got pretty much what I wanted out of the Saiga, too: a smaller version of my PSL, suitable for smaller game.
I have a Saiga .223 I did a conversion on. I also have a Romanian PSL, and just bought a WASR 10 underfolder. Honestly, the new WASR's are nice. It's got a chrome-lined barrel and a removable slant brake, which I'm replacing with an upsized AK-74 style brake. The magazine has some side to side wobble, but not anything that I anticipate being a problem. The rest of the build quality is excellent, with a Tapco G2 trigger group and tight-fitting parts. The action is very smooth for an AK. It's overall a rock solid gun.
Why did I buy the WASR if I already have a converted Saiga? One, the Saiga is the 20" variety, and two, the .223 version has an extremely heavy barrel. This combines to make a rifle that's long, unwieldy, and too heavy to shoot accurately standing up. Third is that .223 ammo is expensive, and fourth, that heavy barrel heats up like crazy. Because of these things, I have the rifle set up with a bipod and a Romanian PSL stock, rather than a standard AK configuration. It's a great hunting rifle, and a great target rifle, but it's not a good camping gun or a "for fun" gun. It's a tool with a specific purpose and range of use, but it's not practical in the assault rifle role. Had I gotten the 16" Saiga 7.62x39, it would be an entirely different story.
The WASR underfolder is thus my "fun" gun or woods gun. It's also potentially a truck gun, given its compact nature. Ultimately, I wanted an AK that's really an AK, not something that just works like one but is huge and heavy. The underfolding stock also appealed to me, since I could use it with the stock folded if I wanted. I got what I wanted: a solid, compact rifle that is comfortable to hold and carry, fires a respectable round, and didn't break my bank. I think I did well. I got pretty much what I wanted out of the Saiga, too: a smaller version of my PSL, suitable for smaller game.
rd2007
Member
go with the WASR, but look for an UF, not a side folder.
There was just a thread about this a week ago or so and my reason for the WASR is still the same. It's more authentic looking. The Saiga is too pretty.
There was just a thread about this a week ago or so and my reason for the WASR is still the same. It's more authentic looking. The Saiga is too pretty.
The Sarge
Member
Peach State Guns has the .5.56 and the 7.62X39 Saiga's right now for $319...I fail to see how your gonna get anymore gun for that kind of money frankly.
Buy a pre-converted saiga from www.k-var.com
GunsBeerFreedom
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I own both and am happy with them, but I'd recommend a Saiga over the WASR based on quality. If you can find a good WASR though, don't pass it up, that's rarer than a quality Saiga.
nalioth
Member
Um, the "new WASR's" are just your usual WASR 10/63 model. Nothing "new" about them.Mike the Wolf said:
The WASR-10 (no suffix) has no muzzle device (or threads, for that matter) or bayonet lug (as the 10/63 does).
All WASRs come into the country with a slimline mag well, which Century opens up prior to sale. WASR-10s are available, but you don't see many because folks want their threaded muzzles and bayo lugs.
Interesting, where would I find the suffix? I have 2 WASR 10s both with threaded muzzles, slant break, bayo lugs, chrome lined barrels. Both Centuries. Also, is there any truth to the rumor that barrel importation has been banned? I've heard this several places and the US barrel manufactures don't offer an inexpensive chrome lined barrel.....
Quentin
Member
Some WASR 10/63s like mine have the bayonet lug filed down and a muzzle nut welded on. Don't really care about the bayonet but I should remove the nutto see if there're threads under it so I could add the slant brake.
GP WASR-10/63 will be stamped right on the left side of receiver. Haven't seen a plain WASR-10 but suppose it's the same but no suffix.
hk404me
Member
Get Saiga (7.62x39) and leave it alone. The Saiga gets a lot less attention than a WASR-10. Take the extra money you'd spend on the conversion and get some 'Surefire' Hi Cap Mags (bad luck with Promags for Saiga). Maybe even add a compensator (can't have a flash hider in Cali). And if your as blind as I am, a scope. Can't hit what ya can't see...
I have put every brand of import ammo and it has never missed a beat. It's a blast to shoot.
That's my .02 cents.
I have put every brand of import ammo and it has never missed a beat. It's a blast to shoot.
That's my .02 cents.
nalioth
Member
I own a WASR and actually just put my money on the table for a Saiga .308
At the gun shop I used to work at, we sold a LOT of both rifles and the owners of both seemed very happy. I think the idea, like many others have said already, is to buy for what you plan to use the rifle for, rather than trying to wrap a possibly ill-suited rifle around your intended use.
My WASR is a fun gun to shoot paper, cans and water jugs with, and for familiarizing friends with the basic concept of an AK. It handles any ammo I can dig up, has never malfunctioned and is actually quite accurate and enjoyable to shoot. I'll probably throw some "tacticool" mods on it like a different stock and grip, etc.
On the other hand, I purchased a .308 Saiga for a pretty good price with the intention of building a short to mid-range hunting rifle. I think for the money the Saiga is a great value.
If it's plinking and fun you want and money is the deciding factor, the WASR is probably just fine, but I tend to agree that the Saiga is a higher quality rifle capable of more serious rifle-related things.
Don't know if any of that helped but it's my 2 cents!
Hope everyone has a great day!
Josh
At the gun shop I used to work at, we sold a LOT of both rifles and the owners of both seemed very happy. I think the idea, like many others have said already, is to buy for what you plan to use the rifle for, rather than trying to wrap a possibly ill-suited rifle around your intended use.
My WASR is a fun gun to shoot paper, cans and water jugs with, and for familiarizing friends with the basic concept of an AK. It handles any ammo I can dig up, has never malfunctioned and is actually quite accurate and enjoyable to shoot. I'll probably throw some "tacticool" mods on it like a different stock and grip, etc.
On the other hand, I purchased a .308 Saiga for a pretty good price with the intention of building a short to mid-range hunting rifle. I think for the money the Saiga is a great value.
If it's plinking and fun you want and money is the deciding factor, the WASR is probably just fine, but I tend to agree that the Saiga is a higher quality rifle capable of more serious rifle-related things.
Don't know if any of that helped but it's my 2 cents!
Hope everyone has a great day!
Josh
Not in my experience. I have a quality reciever mounted scope on my saiga and the best groups I can get @ 100 yards is around 2.5". Mind you, those are the BEST. Yes, I have tried many different types of ammo (it likes remington varmint loads the best). I could do that with my old armalite with iron sights, not even trying very hard, with most any brass cased ammo. Scoped it could approach 1 moa with the right ammo.
I still like the gun (more or less), but I wouldn't compare accuracy to that of even the crudest ARs.
Zach S
Member
5whiskey, what mods have you done? I've seen a few range reports here (and elsewhere, probably) where members would get 1" groups at 100 yards out of their Saigas with cheap wolf ammo.
However I dont remember the caliber.
However I dont remember the caliber.
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