Which AK74 setup

[Cal-gun Fan]

Which one of these two AK-74s would you prefer and why? Its basically a fun gun, but i can see myself using it for small game up to coyotes.

1. SGL-31-61
-Duracoated in Russian Camo (The one on the DSA website).
-Stock furniture
-Lower handguard will have folding bipod attached.
-Midwest Industries M1913 Side rail with Leatherwood CMR mounted.

2. IZ-340 Saiga (The one w/the already converted front end)
-Converted
-Rear trunnion changed to allow for a folding stock
-AKS-74 triangle folding stock
-Bakelite grip, AK-74 laminate handguards
-Russian AK-74 muzzlebrake
-POSP 4x24 scope

 

[JustinJ]

I have a POSP scope which sits way too high to get a decent cheeck weld so i can only use it on my arsenal with a comb riser pad. I guess it would also depend on who converted the second one and how it was done.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Forgot to mention, I've found that with a triangle folding stock (or for fixed stock AKs, the RBP non-folding triangle) will work with an SVD cheekpad, so I would use that when I have the optic attached. The main reason for the POSP with that setup is the looks.

 

[mshootnit]

#2 would be awesome if built right.

 

[JohnnyK]

I have 2 saigas and really enjoy both... I vote Saiga... Made In Russia...

 

[snakeman]

sgl

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

They're both saiga's. The only difference is that the SGL is converted by Arsenal USA and the other would need to be converted by me/other builder.

 

[Inebriated]

Just depends. Convenience would go to Arsenal. Pride and maybe a little savings, go with Saiga.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Saiga would be more expensive actually. The parts would cost around $1000, including the rifle, and that isn't counting the cost to have someone alter the rear trunnion to accept a folding stock. So probably $1300 all said and done w/scope.

 

[Inebriated]

I'm not seeing how you're getting $1300...

Gun - $300
Arsenal Folding stock - $160
Bakelite grip and handguards - $50? $60?
Gas tube and lower handguard retainer - $95
Front sight with threads - $45
Brake - $25-$30

That's $690. Bump to $750 for a trigger group and bullet guide, and you're coming to Arsenal's price without really any of the items you want. Now I'm sure I missed something, but if you just do the Saiga, you should come in well under $1300. Probably more like $800. And all the work can be done by you.

EDIT - Forgot the scope... $200 for the scope + $30 for a mount. So $1000. I guess I'm getting closer to your number.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

Nope. Here is the breakdown of each:

1. SGL-31-61 $900 with shipping/tax/dros
-Duracoat paintjob $200
-bipod $70
(Scope and mount i have already).
Total: $1170

2. Saiga IZ-340 $520 w/shipping/tax/DROS
-Folding stock $170-240, depending on what country etc.
-Bakelite grip/handguards-$75
-Brake-$40
-conversion parts $80

Keep in mind the IZ-340 is the new 5.45 saiga that has the front end conversion ALREADY done. It has the correct handguards, gas tube, and front sight/bayonet lug/threads. It costs more than the standard IZ-240 model.

That adds up to $895, plus $150 for a scope brings it to about $1050. I do not have the skill/tools to replace the rear trunnion with the folding trunnion, so I would need to have somebody do that. Most places can do that for about $200-300, so right at around $1300 total.

 

[Inebriated]

So why go with another trunnion, if you can get the drop-in Arsenal stock?

 

[BigMag]

Im going to order a IZ 340 from Atlantic to work on as a conversion. This will be my first one. I have not decided yet if Im going to go classic or tacticool.

 

[fireman 9731]

I think number 2 sounds great, but get a different scope from Kalinka Optics instead of the PSO type.