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1/8/2014 10:28:18 AM EDT
I started out an AR guy and bought a WASR some years back to see how I liked it.  I now have 2 AK47 rifles and a pistol waiting on a tax stamp.  I recently decided I wanted to get another AK in 5.45 to shoot in the cheap and simply cannot make up my mind on what to get.  I will also be doing an AR mag conversion on whatever i end up with.  Keep in mind that I am on a budget and can't spend more than about $600 right now.  These are my options:

Waffen Werks AK74 from classic for $599 with us made chrome lined barrel

My local shop has a converted saiga 5.45 from RWC that was mistakenly priced at $630.  

*After sales tax both guns will be within $50 of each other and sub $700*

Wait to find a deal on an unconverted rifle and do it myself?  

Forget 5.45 and go with a 5.56?

Sorry if a lot of this could be answered by searching the forum, but I have to make a decision by the end of the day or the saiga will be gone...

Thanks!
1/8/2014 10:44:22 AM EDT
[#1]
If you want 5.45 because it's cheap then 5.56 is out, at least that's my opinion.

Make sure the Waffen Werks has a NoDak Spud receiver.  I believe they started making their own receivers and there have been a lot of complaints with them.

I don't know anything about RWC.  Interested to see what others say.
1/8/2014 10:46:25 AM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:

Forget 5.45 and go with a 5.56?
View Quote

Easy .... Buy the gun that uses the cheapest ammo
1/8/2014 10:50:28 AM EDT
[#3]
Been reading about lots of problems with the Waffen Werks lately, something about changing who made their receivers.  Don't know who RWC is but like Saigas so will vote for that.  Third choice is Atlantic Firearms has new 5.45 unconverted Saigas for $499, plus shipping.  You may be able to get a little better price if you contact them as a AR15.com member.
1/8/2014 11:19:40 AM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for your input.

I've heard about the problems with the waffen receivers, but recent reviews and news leads me to believe that they have worked them out.   I have nothing to base it on but I feel like the barrel on them will be inferior to the Russian.

The saiga is imported by rwc, but I don't know who did the conversion.  I may also feel guilty for molesting a saiga...

1/8/2014 11:36:10 AM EDT
[#5]
I say take the chance on the WW 5.45. Depends on what you plan on doing with that rifle, the barrel is a non issue.
1/8/2014 11:44:46 AM EDT
[#6]
There is a good possibility it will be used for "just for fun" 3 gun competitions, so barrel life will be a priority.
1/8/2014 11:56:10 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
I say take the chance on the WW 5.45. Depends on what you plan on doing with that rifle, the barrel is a non issue.
View Quote



The WW aren't chrome lined are they?
1/8/2014 11:59:28 AM EDT
[#8]
I say watch a saiga coversion video on youtube...if you can handle the conversion,buy a unconverted saiga(as already noted by someone) and covert it with a parts kit from CSS.Crome lined hammer forged russian barrel and russian cant beat
1/8/2014 12:05:34 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:



The WW aren't chrome lined are they?
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I say take the chance on the WW 5.45. Depends on what you plan on doing with that rifle, the barrel is a non issue.



The WW aren't chrome lined are they?


They are
1/8/2014 12:12:28 PM EDT
[#10]
Interesting WW problems
1/8/2014 12:23:19 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
Thanks for your input.

I've heard about the problems with the waffen receivers, but recent reviews and news leads me to believe that they have worked them out.   I have nothing to base it on but I feel like the barrel on them will be inferior to the Russian.

The saiga is imported by rwc, but I don't know who did the conversion.  I may also feel guilty for molesting a saiga...

View Quote



I have one of those RWC conversions that i picked up from century and it's a pretty good conversion, but they didnt add the lower handgaurd retainer.
1/8/2014 12:41:00 PM EDT
[#12]
So I'm guessing that neither is really a smoking deal based on responses?  I would feel comfortable doing a full conversion myself but I don't know when I will get around to it...The only thing about ak rifles that intimidates me the idea of pressing a barrel (but that wouldn't apply unless I decided to build from a kit).
1/8/2014 1:38:24 PM EDT
[#13]
Get the rwc saiga. They are great rifles,  basically on par with an SGL 31 minus the thread barrel and front end conversion. If you wanted to convert the front end down the road when funds are available it's not that big of a deal. I would much rather have a Russian made receiver and CHF barrel vs a US receiver and US non CHF barrel. Saiga are great rifles and $630 is a decent deal.
1/8/2014 1:57:29 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
There is a good possibility it will be used for "just for fun" 3 gun competitions, so barrel life will be a priority.
View Quote


can you shoot steel core at 3 gun?

all 7n6 loves a magnet
1/8/2014 2:17:23 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:


can you shoot steel core at 3 gun?

all 7n6 loves a magnet
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Quoted:
Quoted:
There is a good possibility it will be used for "just for fun" 3 gun competitions, so barrel life will be a priority.


can you shoot steel core at 3 gun?

all 7n6 loves a magnet


That was my reason for considering a 223.  I was thinking I would practice with the surplus and shoot new production when needed.
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