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 Russian Saiga purchase
SemiSam  [Member]
12/1/2011 9:17:48 PM
Hello everyone.
New to the forum and since it appears that there is a wealth of knowlage on here I thought I'd sign up.
Im looking at AKs and have been shopping online. I haven't found local that I was impressed with soooo.
Some friends of mine recomended Atlantic Firearms. After looking at the selection I found this model.

I might call tomorrow to get more info...
Any input?
Frankyoz  [Member]
12/1/2011 10:03:50 PM
Check out Classic arms, lancaster makes nice rifles a little pricey in my book, but thats me. also you could check out centerfire, good luck and enjoy.
Killjoy321  [Member]
12/1/2011 10:20:38 PM
read reviews on lancaster

ive heard of a few headspace issues
GUNSnDONUTS  [Member]
12/1/2011 10:54:11 PM
Read lots of horror stories about Lancaster.
nightshade1  [Member]
12/1/2011 10:59:15 PM
Originally Posted By GUNSnDONUTS:
Read lots of horror stories about Lancaster.


STAY AWAY FROM LANCASTER ARMS!!!

They have a horrible reputation. Rivets coming loose, accuracy issues, reliability issues, and customer service on par with Peggy from the Discover Card commercials.

"Hello, tank-you for kalling Lancaster Arms. My name Peggy."
"Uh Peggy, my AK blew-up. I want it replaced immediately, please."
"Oh. Well, good luck. Happy Time." [click]
r0ttie1  [Member]
12/2/2011 10:05:34 AM
Originally Posted By nightshade1:
Originally Posted By GUNSnDONUTS:
Read lots of horror stories about Lancaster.


STAY AWAY FROM LANCASTER ARMS!!!

They have a horrible reputation. Rivets coming loose, accuracy issues, reliability issues, and customer service on par with Peggy from the Discover Card commercials.

"Hello, tank-you for kalling Lancaster Arms. My name Peggy."
"Uh Peggy, my AK blew-up. I want it replaced immediately, please."
"Oh. Well, good luck. Happy Time." [click]


I hear that they are also out of business now.
SemiSam  [Member]
12/2/2011 9:35:03 PM
Ok....so its been established...no Lancaster .
Are there any opinions on this rifle?
Killjoy321  [Member]
12/2/2011 10:16:17 PM
Originally Posted By SemiSam:
Ok....so its been established...no Lancaster .
Are there any opinions on this rifle?


$939.00
kinda expensive for an AK

but if your dead set on it, go for it
TX-Zen  [Team Member]
12/2/2011 11:03:53 PM

Partly you need to decide if you want AKM pattern which is what most people think of when they think AK47, or do you want modern AK103 style. The rifle you linked to is a converted Saiga and looks really nice but it isn't actually an AKM pattern rifle. It's an AK103 pattern rifle that has had parts replaced to make it appear to be AKM ... but technically it isn't (and importantly, AKM parts like bolts are not interchangeable). There is nothing wrong with a converted Saiga rifle at all and there is nothing wrong with converting one into an AKM pattern either...functionally they will run just fine and as I said that one appears to be a really nice conversion. My observation is that for $939 there are a number of cheaper options that are just as good or better though and before you drop that kind of money you should think about a few things IMO.

An SGL21 which is the equivalent of a semi auto fixed stock AK103 will run you about $800 depending on where you go, and is the most modern of the AK series we can get here. It's built by Legion at Izhmash (SGL= Saiga Legion), basically the same place as the sporter was built at as well. The Saiga sporter you linked to is effectively the same base rifle as the SGL21 but has had a number of parts replaced to make it appear to be an AKM pattern rifle instead of AK103. A big reason to choose the SGL21 is the AK74 style brake which is extremely effective at reducing muzzle climb...tends to be faster followup shots and more accurate under rapid fire. Some people don't care for the look but it's a very useful muzzle device and is one big reason why the Russians don't make AKM's anymore.


For AKM pattern rifles WASR10's are much cheaper and will also function the same, you just need to try and inspect them beforehand if you can or buy from a company like Atlantic that stands behind their products and has legendary customer service. I think the Saiga you linked to is high for what it is but that's not a slam on Atlantic, the labor and furniture costs are actually very fair IMO, it's just that there are cheaper AKM style rifles out there if you do a bit of research. One thing is for sure if you buy from Atlantic they will take care of you and that can often be worth some extra $$$



Z

Slackass  [Member]
12/5/2011 6:45:01 PM
edit
Slackass  [Member]
12/5/2011 6:47:38 PM
Originally Posted By TX-Zen:

Partly you need to decide if you want AKM pattern which is what most people think of when they think AK47, or do you want modern AK103 style. The rifle you linked to is a converted Saiga and looks really nice but it isn't actually an AKM pattern rifle. It's an AK103 pattern rifle that has had parts replaced to make it appear to be AKM ... but technically it isn't (and importantly, AKM parts like bolts are not interchangeable). There is nothing wrong with a converted Saiga rifle at all and there is nothing wrong with converting one into an AKM pattern either...functionally they will run just fine and as I said that one appears to be a really nice conversion. My observation is that for $939 there are a number of cheaper options that are just as good or better though and before you drop that kind of money you should think about a few things IMO.

An SGL21 which is the equivalent of a semi auto fixed stock AK103 will run you about $800 depending on where you go, and is the most modern of the AK series we can get here. It's built by Legion at Izhmash (SGL= Saiga Legion), basically the same place as the sporter was built at as well. The Saiga sporter you linked to is effectively the same base rifle as the SGL21 but has had a number of parts replaced to make it appear to be an AKM pattern rifle instead of AK103. A big reason to choose the SGL21 is the AK74 style brake which is extremely effective at reducing muzzle climb...tends to be faster followup shots and more accurate under rapid fire. Some people don't care for the look but it's a very useful muzzle device and is one big reason why the Russians don't make AKM's anymore.


For AKM pattern rifles WASR10's are much cheaper and will also function the same, you just need to try and inspect them beforehand if you can or buy from a company like Atlantic that stands behind their products and has legendary customer service. I think the Saiga you linked to is high for what it is but that's not a slam on Atlantic, the labor and furniture costs are actually very fair IMO, it's just that there are cheaper AKM style rifles out there if you do a bit of research. One thing is for sure if you buy from Atlantic they will take care of you and that can often be worth some extra $$$



Z



Well said
SemiSam  [Member]
12/8/2011 10:06:04 PM
Wow! Thanks for all the info TX-Zen.
OK, I’m not sure how I got two threads started on this but...
I found out some more info on the rifle from Atlantic. The new rifles are going to have nickel plated bolts/carrier. Which will make it easier to clean!
The finish on the rifle is manganese phosphate finished for steel with a
Teflon top coat for added protection and it also looks sweat. I think I’m sold on this rig and will post an update if I purchases one.
Thanks for all the help everyone.
Matthew_Q  [Team Member]
12/12/2011 3:00:16 AM
You should try to find a Swiss Saiga, or a German Saiga. They make good stuff.
SemiSam  [Member]
12/13/2011 8:16:01 PM
Order placed today. Awesome customer service so fare. Wife migh be a little unhappy about spending money on myself during the holidays but hey. I've been good this year....