Saiga Question

[ajl2121]

Hey all...I noticed on RAA Saiga's website that there is a Saiga .308 model and a Saiga 7.62 model. I understand that the .308 model is chambered in 7.62, but fires .308 winchester cartridge, whereas the 7.62 model is also chambered in 7.62, but fires the 7.62 x 39 cartridge. Does that simply mean that the barrel caliber is the same, but the chamber houses different length cartridges?

Also, the 7.62 saiga states that it holds 5 or 10 rounds, whereas the .308 holds 8. I called a local dealer and they said they have the black saiga chambered in 7.62 x 39, but it holds only 8 rounds...what's that about?

Can we use standard AK mags in this? If so, then do most users simply get a 10 round AK mag, 10/20, 10/30 etc? Thanks!

[scfast]

They are both .30 cal and thats about it not interchangeable.... .308 is 7.62x51 nato (metric) even those are slightly different in specs ak's shoot 7.62x39....

[ajl2121]

But what kind of mags do the x 39 saigas accept..Any AK mag?

Also, what are the pros and cons of the .308 versus the x39?

[JPglee1]

Actually...

One is .311 caliber and the other is .308 caliber.

762x51 is .308 when slugged, 762x39 is .311 when slugged...

Aside from a common receiver (with minor mods) and operation mechanishm, they don't have anything in common caliber wise.

Good luck.

J

[JPglee1]

But what kind of mags do the x 39 saigas accept..Any AK mag?

Also, what are the pros and cons of the .308 versus the x39?

x39s can accept AK mags with a few minor mods...

.308 is a harder hitting but heavier round. You can carry more ammo for the same load out weight with 762x39.

If I had to have just ONE Saiga I'd get the 762x39 over the .308 and Id convert it to take legal preban hicaps (if you own them, or at least use post ban 10s but if SHTF you can pickup and use 30s)

I have a .223 Saiga... absolutely love it. Accurate as a laser beam compared to crappier built comblock AKs (not quite to AR accuracy, but Id trust my life to it anyday)

I'd go for the 762x39 then get the .308, but thats me. With a little work you can make G3 mags fit into the .308 SAIGA as well.


JP

[scfast]

Actually...

One is .311 caliber and the other is .308 caliber.

762x51 is .308 when slugged, 762x39 is .311 when slugged...

Aside from a common receiver (with minor mods) and operation mechanishm, they don't have anything in common caliber wise.

Good luck.

J

actually...
The 7.62 in 7.62x51 and x39 converts to 0.3 Inches so both are in the 30caliber family it's like having an ugly brother

[JPglee1]

actually...
The 7.62 in 7.62x51 and x39 converts to 0.3 Inches so both are in the 30caliber family

Go slug the barrels.... Russia uses .310 or .311 bore sizes, We use .308 bore sizes.

This is why commercial 762x39 using .308 sized bullets shoots like crap in a Mini-14 or AK sized for .310 or .311 bore.

Not trying to argue, but I know this stuff.

Good luck.

J

P.S. 7.62mm does convert to .30" but the actual bore size is .003" different.

[ajl2121]

So, which is more accurate, the .308 or the x39?

Also, what are the ammo considerations to factor in..Which is cheaper and easier to obtain?

Was the dealer misinformed when he said they have only 8 rounds mags in the x39? Also, what is a fair price for a NIB saiga x39 (black) at an actual brick and mortar store? A fair price TODAY...I am aware of the recent inflation.

[JPglee1]

The x39 comes w/10rd mags...

Accuracy is subjective... the .308 would handle more commercial ammo. A SAIGA with proper russian spec ammo is acceptable for combat accuracy (2.5moa or better if you do your part)

I'd go for the x39 for first one, its a real "AK" afterall

J

[Crusader]

The 308 would be more powerful at range, and probably more accurate. The 7.62x39 is commonly considered to have an effective range of 300-400 yards.

If I remember correctly, the effective range of a 308 is often double that.

[JeffM]

If you don't know the difference between .308/7.62x51 and 7.62x39 you would be better off getting a .22 to learn to shoot.

[ajl2121]

Anyone know the length of pull on the saigas? I searched and couldn't find the answer...

[DukeofSD]

Go to http://www.saiga-12.com/ and read some of the forum topics. If you have questions about Saiga's they have probably been asked and answered there. It is a great source for Saiga information.

DukeofSD

[berg]

If you don't know the difference between .308/7.62x51 and 7.62x39 you would be better off getting a .22 to learn to shoot.

I agree. It sounds like you need a good basic book on firearms and shooting before you go buying something you don't really understand how it works.

[69Mach1]

Anyone know the length of pull on the saigas? I searched and couldn't find the answer...

Not sure how you measure the LOP, but with a standard Saiga rifle stock, it's 12.5 inches from the butt stock to the end of the receiver. To the trigger it's 14 inches.