No experience with the 308 Saiga, but I have converted a x39, and a 12 GA Saiga.

 

I've read that it isn't difficult to move the grip forward and add the bullet feed. Did you encounter anything noteworthy?

 

Click the below link for 3220 topics for your enjoyment on the Saiga .308.

:thumb:

http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?showforum=6?

 

I almost joined this site, but they wanted money. Kinda turned me off.

 

Yes, I have one with the original monte carlo style sights and have shot it fairly extensively. It is quite accurate; best groups are with Remington UMC .308, followed by S & B, then Russian steel case ammo du jour. I have only used the factory 8 rnd mags which have worked flawlessly.

What do you want to know?

 

Did you have to recrown? Any other modifications? How good is the accuracy? 2 minutes? Better? Worse?

Any issues with the Russian ammo? If I don't buy a pile of once-fired brass, I might stockpile black box....

 

My best friend has one and I've shot it a few times. I didn't like how long the trigger pull was and the stock felt odd in my hand, even for a Monte Carlo stock. Magazines are expensive, too.

I was, however, highly impressed by the fact that it has practically no recoil! What a far contrast from my bolt action 308 Remington 700.

Overall, it is a well made gun with a nice fit and finish relative to the AK and AK-variant world.

 

Good information, especially comparing it to the Remmy.

I've heard you can modify the rifle to take CETME mags. This effort also requires modification of the mags.

 

I think it is a good, solid gun and a great value considering it's a 308 battle rifle for under $600.

Part of me wishes that it had a muzzle brake, though! I know I'm just splitting hairs.....

 

Goethic,

Thanks for the reply.

I picked mine up yesterday. The gun shop owner threw in a box of Federal 150gr FMJBT.

I'm looking at scope mounts as I already have a scope for it in my pile o' scopes drawer.

I was surprised at the looseness of the piston/cylinder. There's sure to be a lot of gas blow-by. I wonder what kind of MVs this system will produce.

 

You are very welcome BLACKHAWK FAN. A couple of suggestions... 1. stock up on some factory mags (you don't want to run into a problem if this administrobstruction bans Russian imports similar to Clinton's ban on Chinese firearms imports), and, 2. If you are looking for a quality scope mount that slides onto the side rail, check out the website for k-var.com

Good luck with your new rifle and don't worry about the looseness... Your rifle will function when others are gummed up.

 

I don't own one, but I shoot with a buddy who does. His is bone stock and it outshoots my FAL for accuracy. I've never seen it choke on any ammo. It could use a trigger job and better sights or optics. But it's definately a solid contender.

 

I own a saiga 308 and I'm in the middle of a pistol grip conversion. Moving the trigger group on the 308 is a lot easier than the x39. I've bought the dinzag trigger group and I'm getting my barrel threaded. I'm going to add a muzzle brake/ flash hider. I'm also going to cut off the tang on the rear of the rifle and add an internal stock adapter. I'll post some pics when done. I highly recommend converting the rifle. The stock trigger is horrible. I would never consider owning an unconverted Saiga after having shot a converted.

 

The conversion is easier than the 7.62 version? Good to know, since, as you say, the trigger is horrible. Thought I could live with it until I installed the TAPCO thingie. The pistol grip positions the hand in such a way that it's like lifting weights getting that trigger to break.

How did you thread the end of the barrel? On mine, the front sight has a shroud that protects the crown. It's pinned in two places. I'm thinking I may have to remove the front sight and cut it back a bit before threading. Might as well recrown while I'm there....

 

There are certain advantages, IMHO, top having my Saiga "unconverted." I maintain all of the reliability and hard hitting .308, but it helps one to "fly under the radar" as it looks more like a hunting rifle to the average person than a military style EBR... One does not have to look tacticoool to be tacticoool....

 

Unfortunately, mine didn't come with the montecarlo buttstock.

 

Both types are Surefire. They each cycled with no issues. So far so good....

 

I don't have one but admit that they look interesting and was sorely tempted to buy one when they first came over.

I have not shot one ... but I HAVE shot the Saiga 12 gauge.

To be honest ... I don't like the mag. I just cannot keep my forearm from running afoul of the magazine of this long rifle.

I also worry about replacement parts and magazines.

I do own a Springfield M1A and an L1A1 (Brit Fn FAL) however. For my money (I guess about $400 to $500 more then the Saiga) The M1A is the better rifle. A bit choicy about magazines perhaps ... but a better rifle.

oddshot

 

I do own a Springfield M1A and an L1A1 (Brit Fn FAL) however. For my money (I guess about $400 to $500 more then the Saiga) The M1A is the better rifle. A bit choicy about magazines perhaps ... but a better rifle.

oddshot

Can you really get a M1A for $400 or $500 more than a .308 Saiga ???

elgin

 

Thanks for the info.

I had no idea the 'street' price was so low.

List price on the cheapest M1A is $1,750.

elgin

 

I have to thank you ... I had no idea that prices on M1a's had gone up so much.

I just did a quick snoop ... The BEST price I could find on the web ... for a "Standard" no frills ... $1,400 and change.

National Match and etc. approach $3,200.

And they didn't have any in stock!!!


http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=9935_13987_14156

Takes your breath away.

My Brother-in-Law tells me he saw one in a Pawn Shop a couple of days ago for $700.

He said it looked "real" used.

I might just have to go down and give it a look. Might be worth investing a little into.


oddshot

 

Gabe Suarez (Once Source Tactical) out of Prescott is offering steel 20 round mags. Haven't bought any yet, but since Gabe is offering, I'm sure they'll be reliable. Since they're made of steel, they don't need the supporting ridges the polymers have and should pack nicer with a quicker, smoother draw from the pouch.

 

If you pick up any of those 20 round steel boxes through Suarez International, let us know what you think - fit, function, likely durability, build quality.

Thanks in advance...