cheeser

I tried a 5 rounder and it was hit and miss. About half would hit below the ramp and jam. The others fed ok. It's designed so it doesn't work.

The .308 and x39 both use the same stock, so there is no difference in how it "fits". If you plan to convert to high capacity, check the cost for magazines to hold say 120 rounds. And check the cost of those 120 rounds. The answer depends on what you want it for, and what you can afford.

A .223 would be nice. But finding a spare magazine? http://www.ssmedwi.com/

Sportsmansguide is usually a low cost source. They have Wolf shown for $280 per thousand, but if you try to order you find that it isn't expected in stock until July 9.

You can buy a 5 rounder like this: http://www.sksman.com/acces/AK47%20magazines.php But you need to add a bullet guide to make it work. Being steel and shorter makes it much more stable than the stock mag. You probably could just add a chunk of wood inside the stock magazine spring that allows only 5 rounds in the magazine.

There is usually a coupon number in gun magazines that you don't need to be a member to use. You can only use a coupon once per address.

Didn't see the stock number or link here for the 30 cap. mags, so here they are: HX6A1-107019 http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=276554

Inexpensive extras are less than the cost of the original purchase. Nearly impossible.

Both are inexpensive, but reliable. Good luck!

Note this from the ad before ordering: "The rifle in the photos below is representative of this rifle and may not be the actual rifle you receive."

The 7.62x39 would be lighter, and you wouldn't need to buy a different size ammo. But 7.62x39 ammo is hard to find with a quality deer bullet. So the choice depends a lot on if you already have some good ammo.

You might find that the magazine is a nice handle while you are walking.

Be aware that to halve the force, you'd need to double the travel. And if it were a standard .308 Saiga you'd have a real long travel with the trigger pivoting up more than back.

Here is the Leapers Model MNT-971, made in China. I think Cheaper Than Dirt sells it. Note how far forward the scope mounts, allowing a large 50 mm scope to be mounted (barely). But it is so far forward it is difficult to get your eye close to it. And it needs to be removed to access the gas tube lever. Didn't fit on the rail when new, but it's ok now. Seems solid, but haven't used it much. And it's not easy to remove. But it's low, strong, and centered over the barrel.

FBMG has the 8 rounder for $33.

From what I've read, the Kel-Tec SU=16CA is ok. http://www.kel-tec.com/su16ca.html

See http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?...14925;start=0#0 Better to stick with the original, the Kel-Tec P-11.

That stock is shown in the Saiga .308 manual as being the 06 or 08 version. The manual shows the upward trigger on these models, but a rearward trigger on the other pistol grip or thumbhole models.

I figure if you want longer range accuracy, you use a 7.62x51 in a 22" barrel. If you want a carbine, you use a 7.62x39. Different applications, different portability (look at the size, capacity and weight of the loaded magazines).

Judging from the instruction manual, it is the wooden stock that is disappearing. It looks to me that the .308 stock is the 7.62x39 with the magazine opening enlarged. So if you find a plastic stock from a conversion you could make your own.

Well i notice the site is working again. Are the mags actually in-stock now too? Thanks, Paul I got mine from FBMG today. It took about 2 weeks.

How about: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=45258985

Like Okie Shooter says, try some shows. A few weeks ago there was a 7.62x39 at a show in Jefferson, Wisconsin NIB that the dealer was asking 245 for. It looked like it had the EAA ground off and RAA added. The dealer was from Marshfield. So if you got 2 guns and $200, you got the guns for free.

It looks cheap compared to the 7.62x39 because it is a stamping, and yes it pulls upward more, but it is smooth, consistent and light, even with nothing done to it.

Thanks all for verifying that it was a Saiga. The sheriff at the news conference the day of the shooting said something like, "it is a rifle often used for hunting", so he didn't encourage the gun grabbers by calling it an assault weapon or anything.