Saiga vs. SKS

thrillbilly · 10-20-2009, 07:18 PM

about 300$ for a norinco....from 280$(kinda "used" looking) to almost 400$(nice paratroopers) is the local range. They have dropped about 50-75$ in the last month...the "scare" is kinda over. A buddy bought one in a private sale 2 months ago for 175$...a little rough looking, but a spray paint job and new stock fixed that...it shoots great.
lol my bro bought his NIB norinco for 90$ in '92-3...the used ones were about 70$ then.

thrillbilly · 10-20-2009, 07:22 PM

I've never seen a albanian or yugo here....all local SKSs are norincos for some reason.

ArkansasHunter · 10-20-2009, 07:41 PM

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Rex in OTZ · 10-20-2009, 09:14 PM

If I had to sink that kind of dough into a rifle it would have to be in a caliber I consider for hunting.

The .308 is nice but if I had my druthers it would be a .243Winchester
or the 30-06springfield (there are 30-06 Saiga's)
Id just as soon buy a used Browning BAR civilian sporter then you can go in calibers up to .300WinMag! One my highschool buddies had a nice Belgan in .270Winchester.

jmp8927 · 10-20-2009, 09:28 PM

The Siaga is more reliable because of the AK-47 action and from all accounts, just as accurate, if not more so. It's also shorter and lighter. The main thing that makes me choose the Saiga over the SKS is the SKS's way overly complicated trigger assembly. There is no sense for it. Thus, my vote goes to Saiga.

thrillbilly · 10-20-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex in OTZ

If I had to sink that kind of dough into a rifle it would have to be in a caliber I consider for hunting.

The .308 is nice but if I had my druthers it would be a .243Winchester
or the 30-06springfield (there are 30-06 Saiga's)
Id just as soon buy a used Browning BAR civilian sporter then you can go in calibers up to .300WinMag! One my highschool buddies had a nice Belgan in .270Winchester.

7.62x39 will kill deer (the only local BG animals besides feral hogs). At any rate, this is a fun gun...or a SHTF gun. I have hunting rifles....270Win (THE KING!) 30.06 (really my wife's gun LOL) 30/30 and 12G slug guns...as well as my MNs in 7.62x54R.

thrillbilly · 10-20-2009, 10:00 PM

After learning more about the stupid communist 922r compliance issues involved with making the saiga use AK mags...I have almost gave up the notion. A SKS will have to do me I reckon.
IMO if you are a law abiding citizen who keeps his nose clean...you should be allowed suppressors, full-auto, explosives, and whatever the h*ll else ya want and can afford!

as KnightRider stated once "the 2nd Amendment aint about duck hunting"!

this is really pissing me off...

petrol · 10-22-2009, 03:59 AM

Wow, I guess I over paid on my Yugo SKS. I did buy at the hight of the 'scare'.
I was fondling a Saiga the other week in the gun store and the salesman told me if i ever take it out of state i'd have no problems popping a 30 rd AK mag on it.
I fully agree with you about suppressors. I'm a sound guy and would love to stick a silencer on my 1911.

FS00008 · 10-22-2009, 04:28 AM

Yea, all new Saigas are fine for AK mags, but you will need to add a bullet guide for reliable feeding.

mav359 · 10-25-2009, 07:19 PM

Saiga. I have a Saiga x39 (converted) and 308 (not yet). It IS an AK, just with extra linkage in the trigger group, its easy to convert, if you want to, but, its just not necessary, if you dont.

Icemancometh · 10-27-2009, 08:01 PM

Yugo SKS, Cherry's Import, NIB $170.00 at a local store that was going out of business.

Cyrano · 10-27-2009, 09:05 PM

I have to go with the SKS instead of a 7.62x39 Saiga for SHTF use because of its simplicity of operation and ease of maintenance versus the Saiga's AK-type internals.

I have another reason as well. A large magazine encourages wastage of ammo because you always have another shot right behind the first one. On the other hand, if you only have ten rounds, you are going to think before you shoot and not waste ammo. If you are in a situation where you can't readily resupply, you will need to make every shot count. The SKS predisposes you to that mindset. That's something to consider when selecting your SHTF guns.

Ten Man · 10-28-2009, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrano

.......A large magazine encourages wastage of ammo because you always have another shot right behind the first one. On the other hand, if you only have ten rounds, you are going to think before you shoot and not waste ammo. If you are in a situation where you can't readily resupply, you will need to make every shot count. The SKS predisposes you to that mindset. That's something to consider when selecting your SHTF guns.

To me, a large magazine just means I don't have to change them as often, so I don't have to carry as many. I will still carry the same number of rounds.

No matter how many rounds your magazine holds, you STILL need to make every shot count. Otherwise, what's the point of shooting and giving away your position? LOL

Archetype_wyo · 10-28-2009, 09:12 AM

The SKS does give more for a prone position than the Saiga does.

Rusted Angel · 10-28-2009, 11:18 AM

I have one of each and I love them both but if you want to get something cheap, get the SKS because after the modifications you want to make in the AK it could get more expensive but if you make a modification in the SKS to take detachable mags, it will cost a lot less and there is planty of mags for the SKS (20,30,50 and 100 rounds)

Rusted Angel · 10-28-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragunov

I live in Sac, I paid $320 for my Norinco and $370 for my Romy, look around for your next one. I'm sure you can find a better deal next time.

A Saiga in .223 is around $425-450 up here.

Very expensive or I just got two good deals, I paid for both (saiga and SKS 7.62x39) just a little less than $200 each more than 3 years ago but now days everything is more pricy.

Metronome · 10-28-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusted Angel

Very expensive or I just got two good deals, I paid for both (saiga and SKS 7.62x39) just a little less than $200 each more than 3 years ago but now days everything is more pricy.

Difference is location; California is always more expensive. Saigas (if you can find one) are easily in the $450+ range around here, and even though I got my 'CA Approved' Yugo for $199, most SKS are at least $350 now.

Rusted Angel · 10-29-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metronome

Difference is location; California is always more expensive. Saigas (if you can find one) are easily in the $450+ range around here, and even though I got my 'CA Approved' Yugo for $199, most SKS are at least $350 now.

I agree, SKS are at least $250 -$300 up here, I like to have another one but not for that price.

View Poll Results: Saiga vs. SKS for SHTF
Saiga (7.62 rifle model)	11	28.95%
SKS	27	71.05%
Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll

10-20-2009, 07:18 PM	#21
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,611	about 300$ for a norinco....from 280$(kinda "used" looking) to almost 400$(nice paratroopers) is the local range. They have dropped about 50-75$ in the last month...the "scare" is kinda over. A buddy bought one in a private sale 2 months ago for 175$...a little rough looking, but a spray paint job and new stock fixed that...it shoots great. lol my bro bought his NIB norinco for 90$ in '92-3...the used ones were about 70$ then. __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-20-2009, 07:22 PM	#22
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,611	I've never seen a albanian or yugo here....all local SKSs are norincos for some reason. __________________ *" I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-20-2009, 07:41 PM	#23
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,215	SKS Rifles One of the most prolific rifles ever made, the SKS rifle is chambered in 7.62x39 and is a great, affordable rifle for the collector and shooter.Zastava SKS 7.62x39, Excellent Condition $399.99 Item #: SAMM5966AIE Available online, ships in 48 hrs. Call for in-store availability. [Add to Cart] __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

10-20-2009, 09:14 PM	#24
Rex in OTZ Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NorthWest Alaska Posts: 975	30-06 Saiga/Browning BAR If I had to sink that kind of dough into a rifle it would have to be in a caliber I consider for hunting. The .308 is nice but if I had my druthers it would be a .243Winchester or the 30-06springfield (there are 30-06 Saiga's) Id just as soon buy a used Browning BAR civilian sporter then you can go in calibers up to .300WinMag! One my highschool buddies had a nice Belgan in .270Winchester.

10-20-2009, 09:28 PM	#25
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 2,277 Images: 18	The Siaga is more reliable because of the AK-47 action and from all accounts, just as accurate, if not more so. It's also shorter and lighter. The main thing that makes me choose the Saiga over the SKS is the SKS's way overly complicated trigger assembly. There is no sense for it. Thus, my vote goes to Saiga. __________________ Fear not, for I am with you; Be not discouraged, for I am your God. Last edited by jmp8927; 10-20-2009 at 09:30 PM.

10-20-2009, 10:00 PM	#27
thrillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozark Hill Country Posts: 2,611	After learning more about the stupid communist 922r compliance issues involved with making the saiga use AK mags...I have almost gave up the notion. A SKS will have to do me I reckon. IMO if you are a law abiding citizen who keeps his nose clean...you should be allowed suppressors, full-auto, explosives, and whatever the hll else ya want and can afford! as KnightRider stated once "the 2nd Amendment aint about duck hunting"! this is really pissing me off... __________________ " I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."* John Wayne

10-22-2009, 03:59 AM	#28
petrol Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 566	Wow, I guess I over paid on my Yugo SKS. I did buy at the hight of the 'scare'. I was fondling a Saiga the other week in the gun store and the salesman told me if i ever take it out of state i'd have no problems popping a 30 rd AK mag on it. I fully agree with you about suppressors. I'm a sound guy and would love to stick a silencer on my 1911. __________________ Hoping for the next Thomas Paine.

10-22-2009, 04:28 AM	#29
FS00008 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,657 Blog Entries: 3	Yea, all new Saigas are fine for AK mags, but you will need to add a bullet guide for reliable feeding. __________________ "Safety? Is for gun to shoot, not for be on safety Love Ivan" -texnmidwest about Mosins

10-25-2009, 07:19 PM	#30
mav359 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 15	Saiga. I have a Saiga x39 (converted) and 308 (not yet). It IS an AK, just with extra linkage in the trigger group, its easy to convert, if you want to, but, its just not necessary, if you dont.

10-27-2009, 08:01 PM	#31
Icemancometh Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bluegrass State Posts: 30	Yugo SKS, Cherry's Import, NIB $170.00 at a local store that was going out of business. __________________ "What the hell you doin' with that lawnmower blade?" " I aim to kill you with it."

10-27-2009, 09:05 PM	#32
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 6,928	I have to go with the SKS instead of a 7.62x39 Saiga for SHTF use because of its simplicity of operation and ease of maintenance versus the Saiga's AK-type internals. I have another reason as well. A large magazine encourages wastage of ammo because you always have another shot right behind the first one. On the other hand, if you only have ten rounds, you are going to think before you shoot and not waste ammo. If you are in a situation where you can't readily resupply, you will need to make every shot count. The SKS predisposes you to that mindset. That's something to consider when selecting your SHTF guns.

10-28-2009, 09:12 AM	#34
Archetype_wyo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo, Wyo Posts: 1,731	The SKS does give more for a prone position than the Saiga does. __________________ The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. —Patrick Henry

10-28-2009, 11:18 AM	#35
Rusted Angel Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 66	I have one of each and I love them both but if you want to get something cheap, get the SKS because after the modifications you want to make in the AK it could get more expensive but if you make a modification in the SKS to take detachable mags, it will cost a lot less and there is planty of mags for the SKS (20,30,50 and 100 rounds)