billbrasky

Dont the marines only carry a 20 inch m16 ? They cant put a folding stock on like you can. I say you have the best of both worlds. You certainly are not loosing anything unless you are in CQB and have a fixed stock, and in that case you are only 1 inch worse off than a marine. This is to say there is no negative, that i see. I wouldnt mind having a 20 inch 223 saiga to add to my collection. Put an ace folder on it and your good to go.

they compare favorably in terms of accuracy, but given all the accessories for the AKs, cheap surplus mags, and lower price to begin with, i think one has to go with the saiga. I have a 7.62x39 and a 223 both converted. I would definately take a mini 14 off my uncles hands if he wanted to give me one of his, but i am not really tempted to buy one. If you want to hunt with 223 and not raise eyebrows, well i dunno .... the old guys need to lighten up. Or maybe get one of the remmington r15 that are all camo with a hunter pitched ad campaign. thats not much more than a mini 14

I have trijicon front and rear with ar15 front post with the ace adapter drum. This allows for the skinnier ar15 front post.

I wouldnt bet my life on any red dot or scope being there in 100 % operation all the time, so much so that i neglect using my irons. I like irons. I dont even have red dots or scopes yet on any of my battle rifles (7.62x39 converted saiga, sks, fal, 223 saiga converted). I do have a kvar mount, and will be buying a kalinka mount and an aimpoint. Red dots and scopes are great, but they are shall we say a nice accessory, not a crutch to lean on. It might not always be there. I think i could abuse the hell out of an aimpoint, and it will hold up. But i would not bet my life on it.