Saiga differences

[cantcme]

What variables can you think of with saigas? I have noticed that 223 and 5.45 take regular mags without mods other than bullet guide but 7.62x39 needs mag catch shaved.

Sgm makes mags for 223 but not 5.45

Some saigas require a bullet guide and some run without one.

Am i missing anything?

[The Paper Pimp]

I think the biggest differences are that some have flat trunnions and others have round ones

[MrPlink]

Some models working (for the most part) sans bullet guides are do to the cartridge shape.

There are various importers from over the years so some markings may vary. Some earlier models did not have dimpled receivers.

Some models have threaded muzzles others dont. Not any rhyme or reason here I am aware of.

[Mossy Man]

Some are threaded under the fsb shroud, some aren't

[Tacit Blue]

As a owner of a 762x39 Saiga I'll spell it out.

2006-2009 models are rumored to have been a " left over" (AK103) Venezuelan contract for Hugo Chavez. At the time Izhmash used military parts, dimples, threaded barrels to fill the Saiga market for the U.S.

Nowadays, I have a 2013 current production 762x39. You can expect a round trunnion, non threaded barrel etc.

5.45 can take mags without shaving. Your are correct, however, I think both calibers should still use a " bullet guide".

[nismobishi]

As a owner of a 762x39 Saiga I'll spell it out.

2006-2009 models are rumored to have been a " left over" (AK103) Venezuelan contract for Hugo Chavez. At the time Izhmash used military parts, dimples, threaded barrels to fill the Saiga market for the U.S.

Nowadays, I have a 2013 current production 762x39. You can expect a round trunnion, non threaded barrel etc.

5.45 can take mags without shaving. Your are correct, however, I think both calibers should still use a " bullet guide".

I had an 08 x39 and it had no dimples and no threaded barrel.

[Tacit Blue]

I had an 08 x39 and it had no dimples and no threaded barrel.

Let me rephase. Not all of them had them, when they ran low on parts. They reached into the military line.

[cantcme]

Tapco 7.62 mags are $8 and 5.45x39 are $13

[The Paper Pimp]

tapco=crapco

use com bloc mags when possible

[The Paper Pimp]

there's a thread on AK Files about the low quality of the AK 103 rifles. I'll post it in a bit (on my phone)

[The Paper Pimp]

http://www.akfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168221

[cantcme]

Tapcos run flawless in saigas. I have thousands of rounds without a single ftf

[FiveSeven]

Own several 5.45 and no bullet guide needed.

[Dr.Mavashi]

but 7.62x39 needs mag catch shaved.

Do you mean that you need to do this for it take regular AK-47 mags? Sorry, proud 7.62 Saiga owner, but still a newb.

[Tacit Blue]

Do you mean that you need to do this for it take regular AK-47 mags? Sorry, proud 7.62 Saiga owner, but still a newb.

Yeah. You need to shave it down. Then with your Saiga mags you file the front lip down. Now you can use both.