I am the recipient of around 1500rds of 5.45 along with 8 or so of the nicer bakelite magazines, all for the most part for free.

I'd like to get a 545 chambered AK but am very lost with quality of the various models. I've consistently heard that Russian made AKs tend to be higher quality ones, and that Saigas tend to do very well.

I realize that the basic ones need converted for high capacity and the like, however I'm curious about something like this - http://www.southernshootersgunsandgear.com/product.century-arms-saiga-545x39-16-black-30-round-magazine

I'm unsure whether these would be something useful or not. I'm trying to stay under $600 with an AK and would PREFER to be able to easily mount a RDS on it, as I have on my npap and seen a good increase in my accuracy with it.

Looks good to me as long as the seller is GTG. Great guns!

It was the cheapest but there's a few others with slightly higher prices.

I don't need another one but at that price it's tempting. I say go for it

Any other opinions?

I've been looking at these as well.
I thought these were brought in as factory Saigas and not touched by Century or anyone else.

No ?

Could not have been brought in that way.

Bush (the 1st) import ban.  (922r)

Now Obama has import ban on all firearms from Russia because of Ukraine

BIGGER_HAMMER

The actual product from CA seems to be fine from all reputable reports. Just stick with the converted imports. The US made AK they offer is garbage. Also, for what it's worth, their customer service / support is spotty at best. They have quite the track record.