my buddy has a Norinco AK47 with the thumbhole stock. I must say, it's a pretty nice gun. I have shot it and i like it. We both shot my SGL21 the day after i picked it up and were very impressed by the way it performs. He loves that Norinco, but he keeps kicking himself in the ass for not jumpin on that Kvar sale a few months back. Go with the Saiga. You'll be glad you did