Keep Saiga 7.62x39 #2 or trade for Saiga 308?

[Lexustech48]

Like the title states, I have a 2nd Saiga unconverted in 7.62x39 in my collection. Recently had to sell my DPMS LR-308 to help fund the rebuild of my Shelby after an on track incident with a GT-R.

I know the current run on Saiga rifles and their ban on importation has made it really hard to find new in stock, especially on uncommon chamberings. Found a place that has a Saiga 308 in stock.

Should I trade a Saiga 7.62x39 for a Saiga 308? I've become an AK guy for sure and woud love a Saiga 308 but not sure if the cartridge difference is enough to do it.

Opinons appreciated!

[supermario]

I love both. The 7.62x39 is alot cheaper ammo, HOWEVER, its much more difficult to find non magnetic ammo for x39. The 308 ammo is pricier to shoot but its almost all non magnetic. I think the 308, since the ammo is easier to find if you have to shoot non magnetic.

As a matter of fact, walmart sells 7.62x51 for the same price you would pay for non magnetic 7.62x39

[Cadre]

Wait you have a shelby. Since you have two trade one

[Mr. Gillious]

I would just keep the 7.62x39. It's more common. I'm personally not a big fan of the saiga 308. If I want a 308 i'd just get an AR10 or M1A or 700. That's just me though.

[Nick Adams]

I would make that trade in a heartbeat. You already have one in 7.62x39. There are a ton of AK variant 7.62x39s in the for sale section, but not a lot of .308s. Since Saigas are banned by executive order, I'd expect the less common calibers to be worth more.

[geoint]

What barrel length is the Saiga 308? If its 16" that thing is probably worth twice as much as the 23" models! Im only kind of joking


Everybody wants a compact 308 carbine (and why wouldn't they?). And anybody who wants precision isn't buying Saigas anyways... Which is why 16" models sold out months and months before the longer models.

Same thing with VEPRs. Damn I wish I had gotten a 16" 308 VEPR when they were still available. Oh well

[Lexustech48]

A VEPR would have been a nice option, but alas, availability and price are keeping me away.

Its the 20" barrel version, and I envision it being a battle rifle style that needs to be minute of bad guy accurate out to 100 yards. I had wanted the LR-308 to fill that role had I kept it, but damn, was it heavy and the 24" SS barrel was too long and too heavy.

As it is Ill try Monday to make a deal on the 308, with eventually having the barrel cut to 18 inches. As nice as it would be to just keep the 2nd 7.62x39, Id love to have a battle rifle in the mix that packs a punch with a proven round, and is (literally) AK reliable and easy to maintain. And you know, fire in any known operating environment it could possibly be subjected to.

Man, what a difference a year makes.... AK's (Saiga's specifically) have won me over!

[wpage]

Go with the plentiful and cheap ammo. Forget the 308.

[Glockrocks]

18" is a good compromise, also look to add original wood furniture if you plan on keeping it mag lock free.

[Lexustech48]

Well, I have a few AR grip adapters for my two Saigas. The idea being to use Monsterman AR grips (cut to fit of course) as my non pistol grips. I almost prefer that grip style over a pistol grip now. Monsterman owner Clinton was able to find 1 leftover Laminate wood AK grip that Im going to use with a featureless wood furniture set for the 7.62.

If I can get the 308, Ill probably convert it to a Monsterman grip with the fixed Mapgul AK stock. Leave the front end conversion for another day if at all.

Was thinking possibly a 7.62x54R VEPR from Legion, but not a real big fan of having to deal with a rimmed cartridge, let alone source extra mags. At least the Saiga 308 has factory mags available that are reasonable to get, and SGM and Csspec are available too.


Ammo will be trusty Wolf ammo, she wont be no brass queen.

[geoint]

If you're cutting the barrel you may really want to find a type 2 VEPR. Not having to deal with the front sight block will save you a ton of time (or money if hiring a smith). I know you want the saiga due to price but based on what you're planning to do to it, this seems like a decent option to consider imo.


I had a 762x39 VEPR with type 2 sights that I had a smith cut and thread for a suppressor. Such a fun gun! God I miss Texas

[Lexustech48]

I was going to contact ar15barrels about some work I want done to my 7.62, probably have him work on the 308 at the same time should I get it.

Just found this little gem if i wanted to convert after the barrel is cut:

http://venomtactical.com/products/venom-tactical-saiga-308-gas-block

Does the type 2 VEPR sight offer any advantage over the standard AK FSB?

[Click Boom]

If just "minute of bad guy to 100 yards," the 7.62x39 is plenty good and way cheaper.

[Lexustech48]

hmmm.... did I mention Id like a rather large hole in the badguy when its all said and done?

[Belloc]

I just picked up a Saiga 308 and think you should go for it.


Perhaps some gratuitous .308 Saiga pics will sway you.
This one is not mine, but it gives me ideas as to the direction I am thinking of going.
More Saiga .308 photos here: http://forum.saiga-12.com/index.php?...thread/page-25