beale

I believe the 7.62X39 round was designed to fire efficiently from a carbine length barrel. IMHO, a longer sight for more accuracy would be the only reason to go with the 21".

Wow! Pretty brutal responses. I'd have to agree, though, that even though the tape isn't sticky with gum, it will have plastic which will melt when hot. Hold a lit match under a bit of it and watch what it does. The butt stock is fine, but the forearm stock will be nothing but trouble. To each his own. Myself, I love the classic MBR look of the stock Saiga with the 10 rd. box magazine. The only customizing I've done and probably will do to it is a sling and 4 extra mags, then practice handling it well. Like I said, to each his own. -Beale

Let's say you want to take your carbine to the range.

They do a huge volume, here. I haven't been in there when you didn't have to take a number and wait, and they have several counter people. Price wise, they're the only game in Columbus. I usually can't even beat their prices online, once you figure in shipping. But, man they're starting to show the chinks in armor. I don't know what they did to the rifles (if anything), but it couldn't have been too exotic and sell them for that price. Maybe a U.S. made piston and magazine and they could sneak under the wire.

I just saw Vance's April flyer online and they have 7.62X39 16.5" carbines for $350. That includes a 30 rd. magazine. A bell went off in my head about 922R and I called them to give them a heads up. I'm sure they will get more calls like that. They assured me that they have been modified with U.S. made parts to bring it into compliance. So, if anybody's interested, that's a pretty good deal. They have 15 only. I just bought mine from them a couple of months ago special order and paid full price, but it's all original Rusky.

I found OEM mags. at Krebs (online) for 12.50 plus shipping. It took a while as they were out of stock after I ordered. Their web site says they are out of stock, but you could probably call for availability. I don't live in CA, but I really like my Saiga the way it is. I bought it in Jan. and just got out to shoot it this past weekend.