Saiga vs. SKS

[thrillbilly]

I (as most of ya'll know) have been looking at "assault" rifles for awhile now. I was kinda set on the SKS...but have been reading about the Saigas in the AK forum, and got intrigued.

SKSs are neat, and I've shot them so I know how they operate. The ammo is the same for both, so that isn't a issue (I would most likely go with the 7.62 saiga). The only drawback to the SKS in my mind is the mag capacity. I also like how the Saiga will be a NIB weapon and not a used gun that has went through who knows what. Not that I mind Surplus, it's just a plus in the saiga column. I understand I would have to mod the saiga a bit to use AK mags.

The price difference isn't a lot between the SKS and Saiga...I would like to keep this EBR kick of mine as cheap as possible, so the AKs, ARs, mini-14s, etc. are out. LOL I would go ahead and get a M1A if I was going to spend that kind of dinero.

I would value any first hand experience or even sound opinions.
Thanks

[Metronome]

I vote for SKS! I am biased as I own an SKS and have never fired a Saiga, but the ones I have handled seemed functional enough. My biggest complaint against the Saiga is the cheapness of the stock; an aftermarket stock would be mandatory for me. But then the reason I vote for the SKS is the amount of aftermarket parts and accessories available.

[larmus]

i think if it comes down to internal mechanisms... the "AK" internals versus the "SKS" internals... the AK was made for rapid fire, spray and pray and durability, thats why its been on every battlefield since its inseption... The SKS on the other hand was not made for full auto use or rapid fire... it was intended for semi-auto ease of loading and precise shots (totaly my opinion).

I have fired both versions and like both weapons, but in the end i have bought an SKS because it was what i could aford at the time, i actualy want both because of both the aspects i listed above... hope this helps some...

[FS00008]

SKS is great but heavy.

Saiga is great+light+it's easy to modify it to take AK mags. SKS limited to 10 round mag if you want it to work reliably.

[pico]

SKS is easy to load with the stripper clips. I have the Saiga in 7.62x51, which makes it a high powered rifle nothing like the AK47. It really depends on your environment, but if I was choosing between the AK47 and the SKS, I would go with the SKS. It is more accurate, at least from my personnal experiance. The SAIGA in 7.62 NATO is much better than either, as it brings the AK47 reliability but also the accuracy of the very potent larger round. You can modify the SAIGA to also take surplus G3 mags, from what I have been told, but this would probably not be legal. I changed out the required parts with TAPCO made in the USA ones to make it compliant, and them picked up a dozen of the 20 round mags. I skipped on the 25 so I could easily carry them in G3 pouches.

[Ten Man]

I've owned and shot SKS, AK47, and Saiga.

I'd take the Saiga over the SKS ANY day, especially for the price! Especially since you posted this on the Survival Forum.

[Seven©]

Originally Posted by thrillbilly

I would like to keep this EBR kick of mine as cheap as possible.

Get an SKS.

Originally Posted by thrillbilly

I understand I would have to mod the saiga a bit to use AK mags.

And to convert them to use AK stocks/pistol grips costs even more.

I bought a Saiga with the mindset of "Heck yeah! Imma make me a cheap AK! woot!" Then I done the math with the help of the guys at forum.Saiga-12.com .

I sold the Saiga for a $50 loss. And was happy about it.

YMMV

[EtherialOne]

I actually have a couple of Yugo SKS's one very yearly model (5 digit SN) and one Later. As well as a Siaga in 7.62x39. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot the Saiga yet, but have shot other rifles with the same basic action.

In looking at the Saiga I've had it for months and not shot it yet- that says a lot. It feels Ok to handle, but it's definitely pretty crude in assembly. and the included 10rd plastic clip doesn't inspire any confidence. I did purchase some aftermarket clips (also plastic but appear to be better made) that look a little better, but when it comes down to it even though it's based on the AK-47 design which is exceptional. If I had it to do over I think I would spend my money elsewhere.

As for the SKS... I would be hard pressed to trade it. Reliable, pleasant to shoot very well built (at least the Yugo's ... have to say I looked at several of the Chinese variants and think they fall inbetween the Yugo and a Siaga in fit finish and quality). I also would say if you can find an earlier model (without the longer bayonette and grenade launcher) they have a better balance, or spend the money on a Tapco Stock and take off the extra front end weight. but in either case you will have a very functional weapon that is much more solid than a Siaga. Oh and for what it's worth I haven't had any luck with the aftermarket hi-cap mags for the SKS so far.. but the stripper clips work great once you get the technique down.

Anyway, just my 2c. Definitely feel the real value is in the SKS.

[Rifle_Shaman]

Siaga hands down anyday. Im looking at getting a .223 12g and .308 one. There the only russian AK you can get ure hands on. Will it cost more then a WASR 10 ect ya after a full conversion but ITS BRAND NEW not a parts kit. I know what ever AK i bought id change out the trigger for a better one so i cant hold that additional cost against the siaga, prolly change the furnature unless i lucked out big time on the AK knock off. Plus it has more personal value when you did it your self. They all come with the side rail also, ive seen some knock offs with and with out it. Idk about the SKS's optics mounting options. Ive never heard many good things about detachable mag SKS.

[tclu1308]

thrillbilly I went through this same sort of decision process a while back (ended up buying a different rifle entirely) and I have spent some time fondling and firing both an SKS and a Saiga. I liked them both to an extent but neither one really felt right in my opinion. The SKS seemed awkward to me as the butt just didn't want to fit comfortably, and seemed as if it had been carved out of a stump by some guy in a hurry. It was, however, surprisingly accurate and I did well (imho) with the open sights out to 100 yards, which was as far out as I shot with it. The Saiga I thought was more comfortable, but the trigger seemed a bit far forward, which is what happens I guess when you try to make an AK w/out the pistol grip. As another poster mentioned this is a real pita to fix, or so I've observed (never tried it). The Mag modification I think is not very difficult at all. I've never actually done that either, but when you hold a Saiga modified mag up to a real AK mag one can see that there is a difference which I think has to do with the angle the bullet slides out. There is a thread on this in the AK forum but I can't remember if the modification is in the mag or if you have to install a feed ramp or what. All I know is it's possible and I have fired saigas that accepted 30 round mags.

I voted Saiga in the poll but that's just me. I was not overly impressed with the buttstock of the saiga either, but as you mentioned, a new saiga is, well, new. I think either rifle would be a decent purchase and you are a bigger guy so the comfort issues I had might not be issues for you.

for what its worth, one of my cousins got rid of a sweet AK in favor of keeping his saiga. I thought he was nuts but hey, everyone has their preferences.

[thrillbilly]

I am going to handle a few saigas and refresh myself on how they feel. I don't intend to make a AK out of it...I like a sporter stock just fine. The only mod I would do is the feed ramp for the AK mags. Other then that I won't put any more money into then necessary.
I already know I like the SKS...only drawback I have is the 10rd capacity. I would be almost as well off just using my 5 shot BAs and reloading as needed.


Thanks again for all the advice and input.

[Metronome]

Know of anywhere that sells aftemarket parts, if something could be done about the plastic stock, I would take a second look at them (they actually scream to be had in 5.45x39mm)

[thrillbilly]

Originally Posted by Metronome

Know of anywhere that sells aftemarket parts, if something could be done about the plastic stock, I would take a second look at them (they actually scream to be had in 5.45x39mm)

LOL I have been eying the .308 Saiga...but I think the hi-cap is only 7.62x39 (AK mags). I like the SKS/AK round though, so it's no big deal, it's cheap too.

[Lobo0311]

Originally Posted by Metronome

I vote for SKS! I am biased as I own an SKS and have never fired a Saiga, but the ones I have handled seemed functional enough. My biggest complaint against the Saiga is the cheapness of the stock; an aftermarket stock would be mandatory for me. But then the reason I vote for the SKS is the amount of aftermarket parts and accessories available.

+10, I love my SKS, I tend to stick with what I know. The whole " If it aint broke..." thing

[Dragunov]

Either/or. They're both good weapons and nearly equal. If it came down to it though, SKS. The advantages I see here are the furniture of the SKS is sturdier. If you break the stock on a Saiga, you're screwed. It would be much harder to break an SKS. SKS has fewer parts to maintain and worry about. I happen to like the integrated 10rnd magazine on the SKS. You can't lose it under duress, I'ts reliable, harder to get dirt/sand/mud in it and easier to maintain. If you drop a Saiga mag full of ammo in gooey mud, you have a cleanup before you commence fireing. Drop an SKS in the mud, you can shake it off and it goes "BANG". Stripper clips full of ammo are lighter and less bulky than mags, easier to maintain and can be used as fast as a magazine with practice. If you lose or break a Saiga mag, You're screwed. If you break a stripper clip, you'll either have another one or can hand load the SKS. Losing a mag is not an issue with the SKS. I don't consider a 10 round capacity to be an issue at all.

SKS can fire rusty ammo if needed. I don't know about the Saiga.

SKS = Time and endurance tested.

Saiga = Other than the reliable and stable AK action, the rest of it is NOT time and endurance tested.

I will have to say though, my next rifle will be a Saiga in .223 as I do like the weapon.

[ArkansasHunter]

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[petrol]

being as you live in one of the free states I would consider this.


Romanian AK-47 WASR10/63M Rifle + 500rds of Brown Bear 7.62x39 Package.

it's less than I paid for my SKS.

I have discovered there seems to be a CA legal AK. I'm going to look into it. of course, I'm more interested in looking into living in another state.

[thrillbilly]

Petrol- I don't want to spend the AK money...If I was to spend 500$ or so right now...it would be on a rem700 in .300winmag.
I loitered around the local gunshop today talking to the owner (a buddy of mine) and he has a couple of SKS norincos right now, one paratrooper and one "normal" one. I do really like the SKS system....and my wife likes it, so I may just get one of those. I am kinda torn though....may just pick up a Saiga later. Seems like a Saiga will be a little over 100$ more then the SKS...that's enough difference for a stock and some ammo and stripper clips for the SKS. LOL it's hysterically funny how short the stock on those SKSs are...I don't know HOW ya'll leave them original! I would put a new stock on first thing....it feels like a kids youth model!

[petrol]

How much are sks's in your area? I'm pretty sure I paid around $600 + for mine.
But that's one of the many downsides to ca. Higher wages but everything else costs
A fortune. Btw make sure you fill up your gas tank in AZ. It gets at least. Buck more expensive
One you get into ca.

[Dragunov]

Originally Posted by petrol

How much are sks's in your area? I'm pretty sure I paid around $600 + for mine.
But that's one of the many downsides to ca. Higher wages but everything else costs
A fortune. Btw make sure you fill up your gas tank in AZ. It gets at least. Buck more expensive
One you get into ca.

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.