Is a basic Saiga .223 worth post-ban prices?

[Ignition Override]

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.

 

[chris in va]

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.

 

[Jimro]

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

 

[kcub]

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.

 

[Mike38]

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.

What is a Saiga 223 going for now-a-days? I bought one about 3 years ago for $400. Really like it. It's not what would be considered accurate, but mine will hold "minute of man" at 300 yards. That's about all that can be expected out of them. Eats any and all ammo I feed it.

Your words "very used" is cause for concern though.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Is a basic Saiga .223 worth post-ban prices?

No. I have 2 of the 7.62x39's and they are what they are . . . AK's. Good rough & tumble guns for mid-range.

For what they are going for these days (just because they can't be imported), I'd get a very decent AR.

 

[Ignition Override]

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.

 

[silvermane_1]

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.

 

[Justice06RR]

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.

 

[Targa]

Worth it or not, good luck finding one.

 

[amd6547]

There will be AR's until they are banned. There will be no more Saiga's, ever.

 

[kcub]

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.

 

[silvermane_1]

There will be AR's until they are banned. There will be no more Saiga's, ever.

^amd6547 makes a very valid and convincing argument right here Ignition Overdrive, there will not be anymore Saigas being imported.

Your words "very used" is cause for concern though.

^Mike38 makes an interested point, however i would trust a "very used" Saiga over any "very used" AR any day of the week, and twice on sunday .

 

[Targa]

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.

 

[Cornhusker77]

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

 

[Quentin2]

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.

 

[silvermane_1]

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.

^Quentin2, is your post "aimed" at me or Ignition Override?

 

[DMK]

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.

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.

I converted my 5.56 Saiga last year after owning it a few years. It's still a work in progress, but I love this gun and actually prefer shooting it to the AR-15. This is coming from a guy that has long owned 8 ARs in four different calibers.

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.

 

[Ignition Override]

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?

 

[DMK]

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.