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[nil]

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[pyro3k2]

the only reason I can say getting an AK74 over the upper is magazine quality and availability of those quality magazines.

[metalliman545]

Get the ak74, magazines, parts, ease of cleaning the corrosion out of the rifle.
Get the saiga.

[cantcme]

Saiga 5.45x39

[omnitravis]

Also, there are 2 companies, at least, hornady and golden tiger, that make non corrosive 5.45.

[BANG BANG]

...not thread jacking but I am considering the same as the OP'


I have 2 spare lowers and the cheaper ammo is attractive and abundant

I too feel more comfortable in with the AR platform but would consider an AK

would a piston upper be a good alternative in 5.45 caliber / cleaner running

or just go with a Saiga 5.45 ??

I also would go featureless in either platform

can canyone give price points on either route? I didn't see that answered.

[artoaster]

Build an AK 74 and use that for shooting cheap 5.45 x 39. You'll have a new rifle and learn everything you need to know about AK's and building the AK is such a great experience you'll be grinning ear to ear after you build it.

[G21Shooter]

Saiga 5.45x39

This. The problem with AR15 uppers in 5.45 is the magazines. There are no 10 round mags available(yet), so all you can run is blocked ASC mags which are close to impossible to find and expensive. You can also convert some P mags for 5.45 but it is unknown if they will be reliable blocked to 10 rounds. If you have to go the 5.45 upper rout the Adams Arms gas piston upper looks good to go, Rainier Arms has them from time to time for around $700.

I would say you would be much better off getting a Saiga, and either leaving it as is or converting it. If you shoot Golden Tiger($250/1000) you don't have to worry about it being corrosive.

[sd_shooter]

Sounds like a good excuse to get an AK!

[cantcme]

I shoot corrosive in my Saigas with no problems at all.

[ott1]

Someone on AKFiles has 2 Spikes 5.45 uppers for sale. They are priced in your budget. AIM Surplus is the exclusive distributors of the Spikes upper, but they get shipment in from time to time and sell out quick.

[emsalex]

74 now, 5.45 upper anytime after 2014.

[BANG BANG]

This. The problem with AR15 uppers in 5.45 is the magazines. There are no 10 round mags available(yet), so all you can run is blocked ASC mags which are close to impossible to find and expensive. You can also convert some P mags for 5.45 but it is unknown if they will be reliable blocked to 10 rounds. If you have to go the 5.45 upper rout the Adams Arms gas piston upper looks good to go, Rainier Arms has them from time to time for around $700.

I would say you would be much better off getting a Saiga, and either leaving it as is or converting it. If you shoot Golden Tiger($250/1000) you don't have to worry about it being corrosive.

can you modifty the short body 10rd Pmags ??

all in all It sounds like a Saiga is the easiest route?

[BigPimping]

5.45 AK74 all day. Jailed one on Saturday and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Russian reliability, cheap ammo, how can you go wrong?????

[zfields]

AK, just for ease of cleaning.



And...well...Ak's are my kinda thing.

Silver bear and tula are both selling noncorossive ammo now also.