Saiga Confusion

[mixerman73711]

I'm having an issue, and I need help. I want to purchase a Saiga in 7.62, but am being met with conflicting stories about their legality. I went to 2 local gun stores, and both told me the opposite thing. One had 2 in stock and said that's its no problem, the other had lots of Ar's in stock told me , flat out that they are most defiantly illegal in Ca. The worst thing is the place I have bought most of my firearms from and the one I trust was the one telling me "no". Please help.

[dskell]

In their standard configuration Saiga rifles are completely California legal.

In fact, I just got back from buying one at Bright Spot Pawn.

[Draankol]

Flow chart.

But yes, they are legal. In stock configuration, it is a semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that accepts detachable magazines. But that's it. There's no evil features, other than the fact that it is black, and they haven't put color in the AWB definition, yet....

[Linus]

Almost never trust people at gun shops.

But you did come to the right spot, welcome!

[djleisure]

Unfortunately there is a named Saiga that is banned, but none of the current Saiga configurations are the banned model. A lot of "old school" gun stores (Retting's anyone?) refuse to touch the new Saiga models out of ignorance. The older models were imported by Kalashnikov USA the new ones are imported by EAA (European American Armory).

Check out Appendix C - AK Series
Kalashnikov USA: Hunter Rifle / Saiga

[1lostinspace]

I'm having an issue, and I need help. I want to purchase a Saiga in 7.62, but am being met with conflicting stories about their legality. I went to 2 local gun stores, and both told me the opposite thing. One had 2 in stock and said that's its no problem, the other had lots of Ar's in stock told me , flat out that they are most defiantly illegal in Ca. The worst thing is the place I have bought most of my firearms from and the one I trust was the one telling me "no". Please help.

Sounds like they want you to have an AR there are 1000's of saigas sold every year in California all a Siaga is is an AK configured to be sold legally just about anywhere and even CA.


here you go maybe the best price you can find anywhere.
they will FFL it anywhere!

http://www.armsofamerica.com/firearms/saigarifles.html

I own just about everything from $2000+ AR's to $1000 AK and can tell you that the Saiga is the best gun you can buy, I love mine!!

[muritku]

Also the RAA ( russian american armory) are not on the list and good to go.

[mixerman73711]

This is what I thought, I have read through the posts, and the flow chart and I assumed that they were legal. What pisses me off more then anything was the flat ou way he told me. I understand thet he likes to press his AR's but a flat out lie, I have spent 1000's of dollars there, and I used to respect his shop and staff, now I don't know.

So I guess Im going to ask another question: I live in Modesto, I would love to find a shop that can sell me one of these guns at a reasonable price, and a smith that can help me convert it.

Thanks

[tombinghamthegreat]

Gun stores are well known to spread fud. If they think that go to another FFL. There are usually a few saigas for sell on the forum. I have one and it is one of my favorite guns.

[CBO]

I got one from City Arms in pacifica...I feel the same way about most gun stores; skeezier than used car dealers for the most part.

[famas619]

My saiga in stock congiuration is really nice. Im thinking of getting it converted.

[fourdoorchevelle]

http://vimeo.com/2787027

^^great conversion video

Conversion of 7.62x39 is supper easy. Done in a couple of hours for the first time with basic hand tools.

Don't forget your bullet button

[santamonica9]

is it really worth it to go ahead and do the conversion with all the ill informed ranges & "pro's" in gun shops, cops who don't know (or usually just jealous) again is the conversion worth it?

i know that store in Culver city on washington is freaked out by anything OLL - they will not touch anything AR15 either - "please don't pull that out sir, don't you know you can't really have that weapon in CA?? the bullet button is not CA DOJ approved....." I did speak to a nice manager their and they too are interested in selling the Saiga's - you think they don't want to sell more guns?!?! I know they are aware of this so called grey area and I know that the store is also desperately looking into selling more guns.

check out some other stores if you want -> i also know I bought mine from ammo bros. great store and great people

GOD BLESS USA

[damndave]

I got my RAA and did a full conversion in compliance with 922R and is 100% legal. I have taken it to the local ranges and have not once had any issues.

It is a fun rifle. The only thing that really sucks about it is the trigger. Even Arsenal triggers are not very good. Out of all of my guns, it has to be the worst by far.

[1988]

is it really worth it to go ahead and do the conversion .... again is the conversion worth it?

AK was designed with the pistol grip and Saiga sporter has the Monte Carlo stock. That stock mod put the rifle out of balance.

If you shoot bench rest, you might not feel the difference. The conversion will bring back the balance and reduce the AOL of the rifle by a few inches, if that's important to you.

That's just the grip/stock conversion. If you do the mag conversion, you can use surplus mags at way less cost comparing to factory Izzy mags.

The full conversion would give you a clone that is as close as possible to the Russian Mil issues.