Why does my Saiga 7.62x39 have such a kick?

[Diabolus]

Strap this to the end of your stock:

[orangeusa]

You guys are such givers.. I am humbled by this outpouring of assistance. haha

And this thread may have gone sideways at some point..........
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[AragornElessar86]

I have to ask what you are used to shooting?

A Saiga kicks more than an AR but a lot less than an M1 or M14. It may just be what you are used to shooting.

??? My saiga .308 is waaay more manageable than my FIL's M1A SOCOM or my Garand.

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[2shotjoe]

do some push ups, its your weak shoulder and chest.



anyways, AR15 .223 weight is around 70 grains and the 7.62x39 is 122 grains. so the bullet is almost doubled in weight. the full rifle version, 7.62x54R, is between 190-200 grains. AR15 has a recoil buffer tube and the Saiga, AK47, does not. So you have one gun to reduce recoil and the other to not. Weight of the gun also plays in a factor with the gun, more weight less recoil.

You can get a recoil pad for your softy shoulder since its too much.

[Levetti]

Strap this to the end of your stock:

Lol, classic...Could be a standing vs. sitting at a bench issue? Recoil is felt much more while sitting at a bench. If you shot those other guns while standing and then sat down at a bench with your AK there will be a felt difference even though you're technically shooting a smaller bullet.

[hellraiser]

Just out of curiosity when you open up your gun what does the inside of it look like towards the rear? If the rear trunion is "pinged" up from being hit by the bolt carrier you may gave a problem.

You could always try a stronger recoil spring but if you go to strong your saiga will not cycle correctly.

[comblock]

KICK wrt others:
I'd compare it to the Mosin 7.62x54 kick. Granted, I've only shot the mosin 10 rounds or so (a nice guy at the range let me use his),

This wasnt like 3 weeks ago, the beginning of this month at on target was it?

[m03]

Solution:

[nrakid88]

I also want you to open your gun up (just remove the dust cover) and then look at the rear trunnion. If it looks like the bolt has been slamming in to it (and I have a feeling it will) you may have a serious overgassing (or super light recoil spring) issue.

You said that the garand had a bigger thump, but the Saiga has a quicker kick? Would you say that the Garand (or comparable .30-06 bolt/semi) had a push, and the Saiga has a snap?

Snappy recoil is usually caused by the recoil assembly bottoming out.

When I had an AK, I loved the hell out of it. I felt like it was a springy pogo stick attached to my shoulder, more recoil than the AR, less than the AR-10, just enough to comfortably bounce you around.

I have accidentally put buckshot through a saiga 12 with the gas on birdshot setting. Stung so bad it still makes my hair stand up to think about that recoil impulse. Overgassed AK's definately feel like **** to shoot. And I think this may be your problem.

[orangeusa]

This wasnt like 3 weeks ago, the beginning of this month at on target was it?

haha - Yup it was - I just didn't get your name. But gosh dang what a nice thing to do. Letting a stranger shoot your Mosin (and your ammo). (My daughter was learning to use the 22LR rifle I bought her.)

Thanks so much - this is what CALGUNS is all about.

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[orangeusa]

I also want you to open your gun up (just remove the dust cover) and then look at the rear trunnion. If it looks like the bolt has been slamming in to it (and I have a feeling it will) you may have a serious overgassing (or super light recoil spring) issue.

You said that the garand had a bigger thump, but the Saiga has a quicker kick? Would you say that the Garand (or comparable .30-06 bolt/semi) had a push, and the Saiga has a snap?

Snappy recoil is usually caused by the recoil assembly bottoming out.

When I had an AK, I loved the hell out of it. I felt like it was a springy pogo stick attached to my shoulder, more recoil than the AR, less than the AR-10, just enough to comfortably bounce you around.

I have accidentally put buckshot through a saiga 12 with the gas on birdshot setting. Stung so bad it still makes my hair stand up to think about that recoil impulse. Overgassed AK's definately feel like **** to shoot. And I think this may be your problem.

Appreciate your post - I'll check that out, something seems wrong. Will post if I learn something..

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[CK_32]

Stay away from NATO rounds. I noticed the 147gr NATO rounds would kick my as* after 25 rounds. Then my 175gr ammo which should have more push I thought due to moving a heavier projective. Nope NATO rounds have some push.

And make sure it's against your shoulder all the way. Tight!

If none of the above stop being a (!)

[comblock]

cool! found this online.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

[orangeusa]

Nice find - a Mosin round energy is in the 15 ft/lbs range - almost the same as a .30-06, but the AK round should be 1/2 that or less.

Granted, I could be crazy, but something is wrong if those two seem very close to the Saiga I have. And I HAVE shot other folks Saigas before I bought mine and don't remember much of a recoil.

As we say at work, time to let this issue ferment. i.e. test other things and find the issue. ....

[17+1]

do some push ups, its your weak shoulder and chest.



anyways, AR15 .223 weight is around 70 grains and the 7.62x39 is 122 grains. so the bullet is almost doubled in weight. the full rifle version, 7.62x54R, is between 190-200 grains. AR15 has a recoil buffer tube and the Saiga, AK47, does not. So you have one gun to reduce recoil and the other to not. Weight of the gun also plays in a factor with the gun, more weight less recoil.

You can get a recoil pad for your softy shoulder since its too much.

Most AR shooters don't use heavy bullets. I'd say 95%+ percent only shoot 55 grainers.

The only thing that's 'uncomfortable' about shooting the AR is the cheese grater A2 stock texture. Especially when you use a sling and it is forced into your shoulder. Sandpaper can fix that problem easily though...

Never heard of someone putting a recoil pad on a carbine...do AK's really thump that bad? Can't imagine they'd be very strong with the stubby pistol looking cartridge.