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January 6, 2016, 01:52 AM | #1 |
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Is a basic Saiga .223 worth post-ban prices?
We are in west TN.
This question-from my perspective-only concerns those with the original smaller magazines, which were Not converted to the preferred config. I've been really happy with my semi-auto rifles: a pair of M-1 Garands and pair of Yugo M59 SKS. For the long-term, ARs don't interest me and the appeal of a .223 produced by Kalashnikov has more appeal than a Mini 14 (had one). The possible objective is to spot a very used Saiga .223 at a Really discounted price, for a FTF deal in west TN. I have no interest in converting any rifle or handgun. Last edited by Ignition Override; January 7, 2016 at 03:45 AM. |
January 6, 2016, 02:10 AM | #2 |
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I had a Saiga, converted it myself.
Look at it this way. It's an AK, not known for accuracy even if you spring for the awkward scope mounts. I really don't see a Saiga being any better than your Mini, and frankly having owned a Saiga I would much rather have a newer Mini. IMO of course. Also, on the flip side if you can get it at a really good price, say $250, it might be somewhat of an investment. |
January 6, 2016, 04:08 AM | #3 |
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The post ban 223 Saiga makes sense if you live in a non-free state where the post ban configuration gives you some legal leeway.
That being said, if you want a semi-auto 223, an AR is a better platform. Of course some states make it harder than others to own an AR-15. But if you just want a plinking rifle or handy truck gun, the Saiga rifles are pretty good for that role. Jimro
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January 6, 2016, 06:34 AM | #4 |
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I have a tricked out Saiga 308 that I like because it loves cheapass steel cased ammo. That's a benefit to having a Russian made weapon.
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January 6, 2016, 10:57 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
Your words "very used" is cause for concern though. |
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January 7, 2016, 12:05 AM | #6 | |
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For what they are going for these days (just because they can't be imported), I'd get a very decent AR.
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January 7, 2016, 03:54 AM | #7 |
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Mike38:
The suggestion of evaluating a well-used Saiga, in terms of external wear, is only because the various sellers' initial asking prices, or all of the highest bids for 'nib' Saiga .223s on GB (to me) are ludicrous. I appreciate your questioning the factor of possible wear. I'm 60, was only bitten by the gun bug at age 52, and might buy "just one more" semi-auto .223 rifle before retirement, but mostly before Hillary's possible win in the election. There is no interest in converting any gun, or paying extra for any gun which was converted. Last edited by Ignition Override; January 7, 2016 at 03:59 AM. |
January 7, 2016, 04:51 AM | #8 |
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well Ignition Overdrive, i say buy the Saiga, they may not be the most accurate 223/5.56, but they do have the AK reliability and AK simplicity though, which is a valuable asset in it self.
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Rugers:SR1911 CMD,MK 3 .22lr 6",Sec. Six '76 liberty .357 4",SRH .480 Ruger 7.5",Mini-14 188 5.56/.233 18.5", Marlins: 795 .22lr 16.5",30aw 30-30 20",Mossberg:Mav. 88 Tact. 12 ga, 18.5",ATR 100 .270 Win. 22",S&W:SW9VE 9mm 4",Springfield:XD .357sig 4", AKs:CAI PSL-54C, WASR 10/63, WW74,SLR-106c |
January 7, 2016, 05:19 AM | #9 |
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IMO Its only worth it if you can get the Saiga for $500 or less. If you are going to pay more than that, then an AR15 is a better investment.
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January 7, 2016, 07:07 AM | #10 |
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Worth it or not, good luck finding one.
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January 7, 2016, 07:09 AM | #11 |
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There will be AR's until they are banned. There will be no more Saiga's, ever.
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January 8, 2016, 06:06 AM | #12 |
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From the OP it sounds like you want a 223/556 that's not an AR but you never mention what you are willing to spend.
My favorite least costly semi auto 223/556 that is not an AR is my Daewoo DR200. There are aftermarket stocks if you don't like the thumbhole stock, mine has an Ace. It's one damned good rifle. Glancing at gunbroker people are asking just over a grand. They are worth that. It is more fun to shoot than my Bushmaster AR. |
January 8, 2016, 06:15 AM | #13 | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
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Rugers:SR1911 CMD,MK 3 .22lr 6",Sec. Six '76 liberty .357 4",SRH .480 Ruger 7.5",Mini-14 188 5.56/.233 18.5", Marlins: 795 .22lr 16.5",30aw 30-30 20",Mossberg:Mav. 88 Tact. 12 ga, 18.5",ATR 100 .270 Win. 22",S&W:SW9VE 9mm 4",Springfield:XD .357sig 4", AKs:CAI PSL-54C, WASR 10/63, WW74,SLR-106c Last edited by silvermane_1; January 8, 2016 at 06:21 AM. |
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January 8, 2016, 12:59 PM | #14 |
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I don't know about never seeing them again, we just need a common sense president in office to repeal the ban, granted getting a common sense president in office is a bit of a stretch.
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January 8, 2016, 04:18 PM | #15 |
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I like my Saiga .223
Not a fan of pistol grip rifles although I do own a few. Mine is a good truck gun, and with the scope on it, it's accurate enough. The steel cased ammo point is a good one too |
January 8, 2016, 05:13 PM | #16 |
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Can you expand a bit your aversion to the AR? Honestly, it's very hard for any semiauto rifle to beat an entry level AR-15 in 5.56/.223 at that price point. They are cheaper than a Mini-14 and not much more than a Saiga/AK but offer high reliability, accuracy and upgradability.
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January 9, 2016, 03:03 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
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Rugers:SR1911 CMD,MK 3 .22lr 6",Sec. Six '76 liberty .357 4",SRH .480 Ruger 7.5",Mini-14 188 5.56/.233 18.5", Marlins: 795 .22lr 16.5",30aw 30-30 20",Mossberg:Mav. 88 Tact. 12 ga, 18.5",ATR 100 .270 Win. 22",S&W:SW9VE 9mm 4",Springfield:XD .357sig 4", AKs:CAI PSL-54C, WASR 10/63, WW74,SLR-106c |
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January 11, 2016, 12:26 PM | #18 | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
The AK may be not quite as accurate as the AR, but it is so much more robust and much simpler in operation and maintenance. It's more compact as well. With a good quality optics mount like the RS Regulate siderail mount, you can mount a red dot or magnified optic on there and do nearly anything one needs to with a 16" 5.56 carbine.
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January 17, 2016, 12:40 AM | #19 |
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DMK:
That's a very appealing gun. Has Kalashnikov USA made firm plans to start producing the sporterized Saiga rifles in 5.56 and 7.62x39? Last edited by Ignition Override; January 19, 2016 at 10:18 PM. |
January 17, 2016, 11:15 AM | #20 |
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Thanks Ignition Override! It definitely appeals to me!
As I said in the other forum (and for the benefit of other readers), it's my understanding that Kalashnikov USA has no affiliation with the Russian Companies such as Izhevsk, Izhmash, Kalashnikov Concern, or Molot-Oruzhie that produce Saigas, Veprs, etc. http://rbth.com/news/2015/07/13/kala..._us_47717.html The US company is deceiving customers with their name. They may make a great rifle (or not) but it's not a great way to start a reputation.
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January 19, 2016, 10:27 PM | #21 |
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DMK: Thanks for the clarifications. Unlike many of you guys/gals, my guns are never modified.
It's mostly because nearly every one is a milsurp (Garands, unique Yugo SKS etc), all of which were bought because they were all original, and as for modern rifles, quite frankly I'm too lazy or afraid of making a mistake. Not too swift for age 60. |
January 31, 2016, 04:27 AM | #22 |
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Quentin2:
It's nothing against the ARs. For two years I've had "immed. access" to a friend's Colt AR, all day long (he never uses it), but haven't even touched it. Despite the many excellent features and better ergos than many rifles, it doesn't 'grab' me, as they used to say. As for basic Saiga .223s from the box, just read that the action has no feed ramp. Is this lack of a feed ramp ever known to be an issue using original Russian 10-rd. factory magazines? |
January 31, 2016, 10:15 AM | #23 |
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It's not a "feed ramp", it's a bullet guide.
In the case of my Saiga 5.45, my rifle not only fed and functioned with the OEM Saiga 10rd mags, it worked just as well with surplus polymer mags. When I did the conversion, which was simple, I did install the bullet guide. Feeding seemed markedly smoother.
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