AK or Saiga?

JhankG · 06-16-2008, 12:23 AM

Which one would you guys suggest? If I got the Saiga, how much would I have to spend to make it look like an AK? If I were to buy an AK, how much more accurate would the Saiga really be? If I wanted to get something better than the WASR and am willing to spend $500, which AK would you suggest? I like the looks of the Polish Tantel with the side folding stock, what are the reviews on those? Thanks in advance, I know I am asking a lot of questions!

Irishman · 06-16-2008, 07:36 AM

Be careful of the Century Tantals as they are reported to have barrel issues.

Saigas are AKs. Conversion will cost ya. One converted will run around $700 and be aware of what you're getting. Clamp-on LHG retainers for example are bullshit in my opinon. You can do your own conversion if you have the ability.

Start turning over rocks and kicking tires. You're in a good southern state with plenty of gunshops to search in.

WASRs are fine first rifles, was mine.

MAKs are great rifles, convert from thumbhole.

I found two of my VEPRIIs for $600 each but ya really gotta search these days for a deal like that.

Find ya one of these-

Here's a very nice milled MAK90-

Here's a SLR101 and you can find these for around $750-

Get to lookin.

Irish

Pred · 06-16-2008, 07:49 AM

Umm... a converted Saiga does NOT cost $700. Whoever had one for that price, smack them for me please. It will however cost you about $550 for a Saiga thats been converted, as it takes a little work to do it right. An unconverted one will cost you around $300. You could find a good unconverted Mak-90 for under $500, then it would be up to you if you wanted to keep the thumb hole stock. You could also get lucky and find a Yugo under folder for around that, my guess is close to the $550 mark. At a local show this weekend I saw 4 AK's on one table, all under $400. Three of them were in .223 and the 4th was a Romanian "G". I should have bought one, but by the time I went back the Romanian was gone and I really didn't feel like having to buy another set of mags for an AK.

Irishman · 06-16-2008, 08:10 AM

GunBroker.com guns: saiga conversion 762x39 mega saiga (item: 102060628 ends: Jun-17-08 09:14:37 PM)

GunBroker.com guns: Saiga AK 7.62x39, dempled,extra Y, 922r compliant (item: 102441996 ends: Jun-22-08 09

36 PM)

GunBroker.com guns: Izmash Saiga AK 47 7.62x39 takes AK mags NIB AK47 (item: 102008228 ends: Jun-17-08 11

36 AM)
No forward conversion on this one.

GunBroker.com guns: New Krebs KCI/Saiga 7.62 (item: 102413171 ends: Jun-22-08 01:25:05 PM)

You can find these all day long and most guys want in the nieghborhood or an average of $700.

Irish

[quote=Pred;538175]Umm... a converted Saiga does NOT cost $700. Whoever had one for that price, smack them for me please. It will however cost you about $550 for a Saiga thats been converted, as it takes a little work to do it right. An unconverted one will cost you around $300. You could find a good unconverted Mak-90 for under $500, then it would be up to you if you wanted to keep the thumb hole stock. You could also get lucky and find a Yugo under folder for around that, my guess is close to the $550 mark. At a local show this weekend I saw 4 AK's on one table, all under $400. Three of them were in .223 and the 4th was a Romanian "G". I should have bought one, but by the time I went back the Romanian was gone and I really didn't feel like having to buy another set of mags for an AK.[/quote]

Ya have to know what you're looing at. Most have no clue. There is a lot of shit out there at $400 and a lot of guys building junk and offering for sale too.

Irish

JhankG · 06-16-2008, 08:23 AM

Here is the converted Saiga for $550.

AIM Russian Saiga 7.62x39 Rifle Russian Saiga 7.62x39 Rifle

So would you guys rather have that converted Saiga for $550 or an AK for the same price? What AK is comparable for around $550. I really like wood furniture but if the Saiga is worth it I can do without.

Irishman · 06-16-2008, 08:31 AM

GunBroker.com guns: Maadi AK47 7.62x39 (item: 102108642 ends: Jun-18-08 02:56:06 PM)

Here's a good buy if you wanted to pile on.

Irish

Quote:

Originally Posted by JhankG

Here is the converted Saiga for $550.

AIM Russian Saiga 7.62x39 Rifle Russian Saiga 7.62x39 Rifle

So would you guys rather have that converted Saiga for $550 or an AK for the same price? What AK is comparable for around $550. I really like wood furniture but if the Saiga is worth it I can do without.

Well it's not in stock. Not a full conversion. No threaded barrel. No LHG retianer.

The cost is in haveing the HG retainer journal cut, barrel turned and threaded, parts such as GB and FS and GT and HGs, etc...

Irish

Pred · 06-16-2008, 08:59 AM

Your confused on an AK vs a Saiga. A Saiga IS an AK, it's just a true Russian built gun thats imported as a low cap, and either sold that way or converted here in the states with all the required US made parts. Saigas are good guns, it's just all in what you want.

JhankG · 06-16-2008, 09:17 AM

I now understand that they are the same gun. I guess I should have said "converted saiga" or AK. What AK should I be looking for in the $550 price range?

Irishman · 06-16-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JhankG

I now understand that they are the same gun. I guess I should have said "converted saiga" or AK. What AK should I be looking for in the $550 price range?

GunBroker.com guns: Maadi AK47 7.62x39 (item: 102108642 ends: Jun-18-08 02:56:06 PM)

Here is the answer to your question.

Irish

Pred · 06-16-2008, 09:51 AM

In the $550 range, a converted Saiga, Mak-90, WASR-10, Maadi, and if your lucky, a Yugo underfolder or maybe a used Arsenal.

JhankG · 06-16-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishman

Well it's not in stock. Not a full conversion. No threaded barrel. No LHG retianer.

The cost is in haveing the HG retainer journal cut, barrel turned and threaded, parts such as GB and FS and GT and HGs, etc...

Irish

Other than auction sites, where can I find a fully converted Saiga? Is the one I showed in my link not worth $550?

Pred · 06-16-2008, 04:05 PM

Atlantic Firearms:

Atlantic firearms - AR15 & AK47 rifles - Olympic arms at wholesale prices.

Niko911 · 06-16-2008, 09:41 PM

damn the saiga 12 guage for 500, damn people on gunbroker can be real ripoffs, had no idea they where only 500. might have to dump my plans on gettin a wasr and get the 12gauge ak, and most ak stocks are all universal so i can put a new stock on that shotgun ak??

Irishman · 06-16-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niko911

damn the saiga 12 guage for 500, damn people on gunbroker can be real ripoffs, had no idea they where only 500. might have to dump my plans on gettin a wasr and get the 12gauge ak, and most ak stocks are all universal so i can put a new stock on that shotgun ak??

Please Note : We are sold out and are not sure when more will arrive , this is due to high demand and the Russians are not shipping complete orders into the US . We are not taking a waiting list or pre orders at this time ,please feel free to check back in July to see if the situation has improved.

Ya gotta read the fine print. These have not been available now for about a year and don't get your hopes up.
Irish
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Guys I just moved from the Tampa area to the East TN.
I know the AK market pretty well and the Tampa market was GREAT. I'm very disappointed now that I'm out in the sticks as there is little to choose from and with the cost of gas it's not worth chasing around deals. My point is that ya really got to get out and find them and I understand how hard it is if you're not in a AK friendly area.
Ya might be getting in a little late too., good deals are getting hard to find.
Ya totally dismissed the Maadi I linked to, this tells me you guys don't know what to look for yet. You are passing up a real good deal.

Irish

ttwinsupra · 06-16-2008, 10:18 PM

get a yugo m70 b1 you can get them for under 500 and there way better than a wasr. lol im always gonna be pushing this gun i love it

i would not spend near 500 for a saiga just cuz u can find them unconverted for soooo cheep. like $250 on gunbroker adding the grip looks hard cuz u need to move the triger. just go yugo

JhankG · 06-16-2008, 11:49 PM

What are your thoughts on Lancaster and Vector? I would love to get a new rifle with the Russian red furniture. I will take a look at the Maadi that was linked to as well, but I do not want to buy from gunbroker. If you can tell me a place to order from I would definitely be interested.

Irishman · 06-17-2008, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JhankG

What are your thoughts on Lancaster and Vector? I would love to get a new rifle with the Russian red furniture. I will take a look at the Maadi that was linked to as well, but I do not want to buy from gunbroker. If you can tell me a place to order from I would definitely be interested.

My stepfather has bought from both and both are of high quality. Just get your walet out.

Irish

Check with Atlantic Firearms.

Irish

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I've posted this here before.
I like the Saiga 308 because it's such a clean and easy conversion. I've decided to leave the front end alone including the hand guard. I made this A2 style butt and the FCG is also custom by me.
My Saiga 12 will get the full treatment along with redesigned hand guard.
If you want Russian and you're gonna pay the dough hold out for a VEPRII.

Irish

BTW-
I replaced the entire TG and it's riveted correctly, it's not the slip in and screw down bullshit ya find on most conversions.

Irish

billy · 07-01-2008, 09:42 PM

06-16-2008, 12:23 AM	#1
JhankG Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 26	AK or Saiga? Which one would you guys suggest? If I got the Saiga, how much would I have to spend to make it look like an AK? If I were to buy an AK, how much more accurate would the Saiga really be? If I wanted to get something better than the WASR and am willing to spend $500, which AK would you suggest? I like the looks of the Polish Tantel with the side folding stock, what are the reviews on those? Thanks in advance, I know I am asking a lot of questions! Last edited by JhankG; 06-16-2008 at 01:16 AM.

06-16-2008, 08:10 AM	#4
Irishman Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parrottsville TN Posts: 82	GunBroker.com guns: saiga conversion 762x39 mega saiga (item: 102060628 ends: Jun-17-08 09:14:37 PM) GunBroker.com guns: Saiga AK 7.62x39, dempled,extra Y, 922r compliant (item: 102441996 ends: Jun-22-08 0936 PM) GunBroker.com guns: Izmash Saiga AK 47 7.62x39 takes AK mags NIB AK47 (item: 102008228 ends: Jun-17-08 1136 AM) No forward conversion on this one. GunBroker.com guns: New Krebs KCI/Saiga 7.62 (item: 102413171 ends: Jun-22-08 01:25:05 PM) You can find these all day long and most guys want in the nieghborhood or an average of $700. Irish [quote=Pred;538175]Umm... a converted Saiga does NOT cost $700. Whoever had one for that price, smack them for me please. It will however cost you about $550 for a Saiga thats been converted, as it takes a little work to do it right. An unconverted one will cost you around $300. You could find a good unconverted Mak-90 for under $500, then it would be up to you if you wanted to keep the thumb hole stock. You could also get lucky and find a Yugo under folder for around that, my guess is close to the $550 mark. At a local show this weekend I saw 4 AK's on one table, all under $400. Three of them were in .223 and the 4th was a Romanian "G". I should have bought one, but by the time I went back the Romanian was gone and I really didn't feel like having to buy another set of mags for an AK.[/quote] Ya have to know what you're looing at. Most have no clue. There is a lot of shit out there at $400 and a lot of guys building junk and offering for sale too. Irish Last edited by Irishman; 06-16-2008 at 08:15 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

07-01-2008, 09:42 PM	#18
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,157 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	__________________

06-16-2008, 07:36 AM	#2
Irishman Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parrottsville TN Posts: 82	Be careful of the Century Tantals as they are reported to have barrel issues. Saigas are AKs. Conversion will cost ya. One converted will run around $700 and be aware of what you're getting. Clamp-on LHG retainers for example are bullshit in my opinon. You can do your own conversion if you have the ability. Start turning over rocks and kicking tires. You're in a good southern state with plenty of gunshops to search in. WASRs are fine first rifles, was mine. MAKs are great rifles, convert from thumbhole. I found two of my VEPRIIs for $600 each but ya really gotta search these days for a deal like that. Find ya one of these- Here's a very nice milled MAK90- Here's a SLR101 and you can find these for around $750- Get to lookin. Irish

06-16-2008, 07:49 AM	#3
Pred Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,873 Blog Entries: 3	Umm... a converted Saiga does NOT cost $700. Whoever had one for that price, smack them for me please. It will however cost you about $550 for a Saiga thats been converted, as it takes a little work to do it right. An unconverted one will cost you around $300. You could find a good unconverted Mak-90 for under $500, then it would be up to you if you wanted to keep the thumb hole stock. You could also get lucky and find a Yugo under folder for around that, my guess is close to the $550 mark. At a local show this weekend I saw 4 AK's on one table, all under $400. Three of them were in .223 and the 4th was a Romanian "G". I should have bought one, but by the time I went back the Romanian was gone and I really didn't feel like having to buy another set of mags for an AK.

06-16-2008, 08:23 AM	#5
JhankG Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 26	Here is the converted Saiga for $550. AIM Russian Saiga 7.62x39 Rifle Russian Saiga 7.62x39 Rifle So would you guys rather have that converted Saiga for $550 or an AK for the same price? What AK is comparable for around $550. I really like wood furniture but if the Saiga is worth it I can do without.

06-16-2008, 08:59 AM	#7
Pred Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,873 Blog Entries: 3	Your confused on an AK vs a Saiga. A Saiga IS an AK, it's just a true Russian built gun thats imported as a low cap, and either sold that way or converted here in the states with all the required US made parts. Saigas are good guns, it's just all in what you want.

06-16-2008, 09:17 AM	#8
JhankG Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 26	I now understand that they are the same gun. I guess I should have said "converted saiga" or AK. What AK should I be looking for in the $550 price range?

06-16-2008, 09:51 AM	#10
Pred Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,873 Blog Entries: 3	In the $550 range, a converted Saiga, Mak-90, WASR-10, Maadi, and if your lucky, a Yugo underfolder or maybe a used Arsenal.

06-16-2008, 04:05 PM	#12
Pred Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,873 Blog Entries: 3	Atlantic Firearms: Atlantic firearms - AR15 & AK47 rifles - Olympic arms at wholesale prices.

06-16-2008, 09:41 PM	#13
Niko911 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 134	damn the saiga 12 guage for 500, damn people on gunbroker can be real ripoffs, had no idea they where only 500. might have to dump my plans on gettin a wasr and get the 12gauge ak, and most ak stocks are all universal so i can put a new stock on that shotgun ak??

06-16-2008, 10:18 PM	#15
ttwinsupra Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 209	get a yugo m70 b1 you can get them for under 500 and there way better than a wasr. lol im always gonna be pushing this gun i love it i would not spend near 500 for a saiga just cuz u can find them unconverted for soooo cheep. like $250 on gunbroker adding the grip looks hard cuz u need to move the triger. just go yugo

06-16-2008, 11:49 PM	#16
JhankG Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 26	What are your thoughts on Lancaster and Vector? I would love to get a new rifle with the Russian red furniture. I will take a look at the Maadi that was linked to as well, but I do not want to buy from gunbroker. If you can tell me a place to order from I would definitely be interested.