[Free Vulcan]

I wanted to run it past our think tank of gun aficionados to get their opinions. Is there anything that should steer me away from this gun, or are there better options out there (within the same price range)?

This is the best price I've seen on any AK variant. JG Sales is the largest advertiser in Shotgun News, they seem to be professional and reputable. Anyone had good or bad dealing with them?

[wtc911]

Good rifle. Good price. I’ve got it in .223.

[RandallFlagg]

Got a pic?

Nothing better than gun porn in the wee hours...

[grobdriver]

Depends on what you want it for.
http://savvysurvivor.com/saiga_rifles.htm

[MindBender26]

I have a Siaga in 12 guage as my “house” shotgun.

Not pretty, not “finely” made, but has 12 round capacity and works first time, every time.

Very pleased.

Goo luck.

[Wildbill22]

Time is right, they are legal to buy, today anyway. AWB legislation has Obama’s drool all over it though, so better hurry.

Been a while, but I think 5.45 X 39 ammo is cheaper, but ballistics advantages of each is another topic. Go for it.

Before the ban is passed, be sure to get an AR as well. I sold my Century Arms SAR-1 and SAR-2 for an M-4 styled AR. I love shooting the AR.

[School of Rational Thought]

You should not be buying anything until you pay me the money you owe me - $500.00!

;-)

[Samogon]

Saiga is an AK scion, with all inherited traits, minus battle proven robustness and “theoretical” ability to fire in full auto. For the same price, I would get an AK. If you want more accuracy and don't care for full auto - quality SKS would be my choice.

[Roger_Wildcat]

I had no bad dealing with JG Sales. My purchase from them is a CZ-82, a PSL-54c and two Mosin Nagent M1891/30s. All are surplus weapons. Prices are more reasonable compared to the gun stores in my area.

[S. Ruger]

I don’t know about the rifle, but I’ll point out that your tax refund was not “generous,” its yours, repaid to you without interest.

(BTW, any serious working rifle should have iron sights, so you get my “yes” on that score.)

[smokingfrog]

These come with a 10 round polymer magazine and the rifle is not suitable to use standard AK high cap magazines. These Saigas are made in Russia by Izhmash and imported by TGI.

Rifles are at a good price, but the magazine issue would be a deal killer for me.

You can get a high cap AK from classicarms.us for about $420.

[Niteranger68]

Just curious....are you more interested in the AK action or the 7.62x39 round? There are some very decent Kalashnikov variants available in 5.45x39 and obviously 5.56x45.

[esquirette]

Actually for the same money there is a 10 rd ak available from centerfire systems. Bulgarian thick wall stamped receiver
Completely combat parts, (no made for export parts and with all the appropriate ak furniture, chrome lined styer heavy barrel. Undoubtedly the best ak on the market today. With the only downside being the 10 rd magazine. Current price $379.
$100-$150 for the professional, legal modification to accept High cap mags. Centerfire Systems and JG sales are both reputable companies

[Durus]

The saiga in 12 gauge is interesting. As a rifle it’s another AK variant that is about the same as all of them.

[Last Dakotan]

We have one - used for deer hunting.

So long as you don't expect tack driver accuracy you'll be happy.

[Lando Lincoln]

I own 2 of ‘em. Not bad and never a bit of trouble.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

The picture on #11 is not the same model you requested info about. Here is a photo of that you want;

The action and manufacture is on the level of "cheap" and you may regret the problems you may have if you buy it. It is highly inaccurate, and some of the reviews I have seen do not sound real good. I would never consider buying a stamped piece of junk like this. (My opinion, since I have been seriously spoiled by H&K 91's, Winchester pre-64 Mod 70's and Remingon 700's.)

[mrmeyer]

I have a 16” carbine in 7.62x39 I bought back when they were going for $179. I took 2 wild boar hunting in Florida with my brother’s .308 Saiga. They’re a great value even at today’s prices.

[Apogee]

Been a while since I owned one.
I see from others that promags makes some high cap magazines for it now - they either did not or I was not aware of it at the time. IIRC, the chamber was flat, no ramp into it, and a standard AK mag would slam the round into the wall below the chamber.
Seems like I ran into talk about legality issues when it came to adapting the weapon to take the mags, or the mags to take to the weapon. I don’t know about all that.
Decent 7.62x39 accuracy, not much different from an SKS, so not great.
Probably not the sturdiest weapon, issues with reliable aftermarket mags, etc...
For around the same price, if that is the round you want, I would go with some other posters and say spring for an AK.

[goseminoles]

I have one. Love it. Bought it for 250.

[Free Vulcan]

Thanks everyone for the input.