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Saiga vs sks
Corbinn
Member Posts: 28 ✭✭
Would the saiga 7.62x39 be a better investment than the sks as far as accuracy and durability goes?
Comments
Greg
Plus the Saiga will take hi-cap mags with no problem.
Pleas note: The Saiga will NOT take hi-capacity AK magazines--at least not without modification. People at gun shows like to "half-modify" the latch on the Saiga so that a standard high-capacity mag. will latch in the magazine well, but it will NOT function properly if you try to use it! You either need to modify the magazine itself, or the Saiga inorder to get the high-cap. mag capability with it.
Specific to Corbinn's question:
First (and I suspect it's just a matter of semantics) I would not consider buying either a Saiga or SKS as an "investment." Both are guns you buy to shoot; they are unlikely to go up in value.
I own both a 7.62x39 Saiga and two SKS's. The differences I can think of at the moment:
I wouldn't say there is much difference in accuracy and durability between the two. The Saiga--effectively an AK--is slightly simplier in design, lighter and a better canidate for high-cap. mag. conversion.
The finish on the Saiga, while durable and effective, is removed with normal cleaning solvents (Hoppes #9 will soften and remove it). The SKS--usually blued--can be soaked in just about any solvent you like with no ill effects.
The SKS has a complete forward hand-guard--which it helpful in preventing burns when handling while hot. The Saiga doesn't use the AK's front hand-guard so you can't grip it fully on the forward stock while it's hot. Additionally, the forward stock can become very hot during extended fire; I made mine look like Swiss cheese to help keep it cool.
You can get an SKS for atleast $50 cheaper than the Saiga right now.
I'll post more "differences" if I think of them later.
Thank you competentone, I forgot to mention that I had to file a little off the magazine latch to get it to fit. Took ten minutes and my 30rd'er works like it was made for it.
As for the investment concept, I guess I question that as well, but another factor to consider is that the Saiga has a built in scope base, so mounting a scope is a piece of cake. However, when it comes to aftermarket bells and whistles, the SKS is the hands down winner. With all of the stocks , comps, scope mounts, bipods, etc., etc. The SKS has a great many options to be had.
In general, they both have their positive and negative points.
LRARMSX@MCHSI.COM
1. Detachable Mags
SKS- Yes their are all sorts of duck billed SKS "detachable" 30rd mags out there. Most of them I've found are crap. The 1 or 2 in six that did work were a pain to load & unload into the rifle. One almost needs 3 hands to get the mags into the gun. One hand to hold the rifle, one hand to keep the bolt pulled back, & one hand to change the magazine. Not very tactical! I've tried some of the other gizmo's out there for detachable mags as seen at gun shows... good luck.
Best thing I found is the 20rd fixed Chines mag. I can load 20rds in there by hand and then just use 10rd strippers after I blow through the 20rds. With modern technology it seems stupid to rely on stripper clip technology.
Saiga- Limited to 10rd mags but they change out real easy, just like an AK. Could carry more mags with you if needed. Also there are lots of shops that will change over Saiga's to use full cap mags. I know of a place that sells them for $8ea.
2. Scope Mounts
SKS- I have tried some of the replaceable top cover mounts, let me tell you the are not easy to get on. Most require lots of filing. The one I tried I bought at a gun show for $20. Never got it to fit.
Saiga- It has a side rail as mentioned above. Clamp on the ring mount & you are done.
3. Reliability
I think they are both super reliable.
Don't get me wrong if you leave that SKS in the factory configuration, it will work great. I guess if I had to choose I would go with the Saiga. But now I'm to that point where I can honestly say... BUY BOTH. These guns aren't that expensive. Start with one of the 2 and you can always buy the other. As far as collectibility, I really don't see either one going up hugely. However I remember when Russian SKS rifles sold for $75 w/ ammo included. Missed out on that one.
I'm thinking of starting to collect SKS's. They are neat rifles.
Regards,
Thank you competentone, I forgot to mention that I had to file a little off the magazine latch to get it to fit. Took ten minutes and my 30rd'er works like it was made for it.
You've fired it with just the magazine latch modification? This modification is normally not reliable--it will (sometimes) fire some, but intermittent stoppages will occur. It needs a feed ramp for 100% reliability (the "ramp" exists on the front of the Saiga magazine, where the AK mag. has a "notch.")