Saiga 5.45 vs 7.62x39

[DoctorExplosivo]

So I'm taking the plunge to get my first AK platform rifle. I was originally set on getting the 5.45 Saiga because the availability of cheap surplus ammo. However, I wasn't aware of the fact that most ranges have banned the use of steel core ammo. So shooting the 5.45 wouldn't be much cheaper than 7.62x39. Atlantic is selling the 5.45 for 369.99 and the 7.62 for 339.99 shipped. What are the pros and cons of each and which would be a better choice? (Effective Range, cost, accuracy). This is primarily going to be a fun-plinking rifle but flexibility would be nice. I would like the ability to shoot longer distances but I'm assuming the limitations of the AK itself would affect the range before the ballistics of each round would (I am by no means agreat of a shooter). I am indefinitely going to go the conversion route as well. What do you guys think? FYI: Sorry if this has been brought up before, used the search but didn't really find any info.

[69Mach1]

If you're going with Saiga's, get both. At the same time. It will spread out the transfer fee. Finding range safe ammo is a problem for both calibers. As a matter of fact, I don't think there is even a factory non-magnetic 5.45x39 out there. If you are limited to just public ranges, then go with the 7.62x39 over the 5.45x39, but again, get both.

[CSACANNONEER]

First, your ammo prices are a little high! I hope that's good news. Ammo is dropping in price and becoming a little more available in the last month or so. I would start with a 7.62x39 because, ammo is more readily available at brick and mortar stores! Your Saiga should be capable of hitting the big red square on the 400 yard line at Angeles every time. If you use good quality (not just the cheapest) ammo and you do your part. I've never tried to shoot the 500 or 600 yard steel there with any of my 7.62x39s because, none of mine have optics and my eyes aren't what they used to be. If you go for a 5.45, you'll be on your own when it comes to ammo so, you better always keep a few thousand EXTRA rounds on hand.

[GoingPro]

i would get both....but if i had to get one to start with i would get a 7.62.....the 7.62 is a cannon and anything it hits under 300 yards is destroyed big time!

[DoctorExplosivo]

yeah, my primary range is angeles. Are there any ranges in so cal that allow magnetic ammo? Also, are both of them easy to convert or is one more difficult than the other? I'm a noob to AK's and I feel as if I might destroy a perfectly good rifle. Lol

[69Mach1]

yeah, my primary range is angeles. Are there any ranges in so cal that allow magnetic ammo? Also, are both of them easy to convert or is one more difficult than the other? I'm a noob to AK's and I feel as if I might destroy a perfectly good rifle. Lol

Both are the same to convert. I haven't seen the 5.45 in person, but it should need the installation of a bullet guide, the mag release latch modified, and a new FCG added, along with more US parts, to convert, just like the 7.62.

[SJgunguy24]

7.62X39 is my choice for a first AK. After that get the 5.45.

Or just get whatever you have a butt load of suplus mags for.
And one more thing, convert the thing, you'll be happy you did.

[stix213]

I don't own a 5.45, but the pro's for each as I understand them are:

7.62x39: Increased stopping power at real world scenario distances (less than 200 yards for example), more but easily tolerable recoil which makes pulling the trigger a bit more exciting, ammo is more available

5.45x39: Increased maximum range over the 7.62, reduced weight for carrying the same number of rounds

Also consider finding a place to shoot that isn't a restrictive range where they baby sit the shooters, at least when you are shooting for fun instead of long range accuracy. There are definitely some times when you just want to be out in the woods and rapid fire into an approaching line of enemy watermelons just for the hell of it Then you can take advantage of the cheap russian ammo.

[reidnez]

To be honest, it's kind of a toss-up. 5.45 is significantly flatter-shooting and longer-ranged than 7.62x39, so for a range toy it probably gets the nod.

Finding steel-free ammo in either caliber is a bit difficult and pretty much wipes out any cost advantage. On that note, why not pick one up in 5.56? Yes, ammo as a whole is pricier than with the two Russian calibers. And yes, there's the oddity of a commie gun in an American caliber (who cares.)

But you CAN find some reasonably-priced, non-steel ammo in 5.56 (PMC) and some excellent, somewhat more expensive ammo (Lake City).

[Eastbayguy]

5.45, as some people bought ammo when it was 10 cents/round

[Scratch705]

well if you don't mind the sometimes overexagerated "danger" at burro, i heard/read that they do allow some magnetic ammo during the wetter days in the year so if it just rained the day before, they usually let you shoot those bi-metal (wolf/bear/golden tiger) or maybe steel core ammo (only heard not experienced firsthand) since there would be no sparking/fire danger with wet ground/brush

5.45, as some people bought ammo when it was 10 cents/round

too bad some of those same people are now selling them for over that amount to make money

[DoctorExplosivo]

Is bimetal ammuntion like Wolf Mil Classic allowed at angeles/ other outdoor ranges?

[69Mach1]

Is bimetal ammuntion like Wolf Mil Classic allowed at angeles/ other outdoor ranges?

Bi-metal bullet jacket is not allowed at angeles, or any bullet that attracts a magnet.

[Scratch705]

Is bimetal ammuntion like Wolf Mil Classic allowed at angeles/ other outdoor ranges?

someone told me that lytle creek allows bi-metal all year long. not sure on how accurate he is, but that is another choice.

angeles = no magnetic ammo at all
burro = magnetic ok only if wet (weather not ammo...)
lytle = magnetic ok all year (not yet confirmed)

[tomd1584]

someone told me that lytle creek allows bi-metal all year long. not sure on how accurate he is, but that is another choice.

angeles = no magnetic ammo at all
burro = magnetic ok only if wet (weather not ammo...)
lytle = magnetic ok all year (not yet confirmed)

Lytle = no magnetic ammo.