Victor1echo 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 (edited) I want a semi auto 308 and decided on a saiga for my needs. I don't really want to modify anyting, except to improve performance and ergonomics. How is the gun out of the box for you? Thanks Edited November 25, 2009 by Victor1echo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JK-47 33 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I was happy with my plain saiga until I tried a converted one. Ignorance is bliss type of situation. At the very least switch out the trigger group with a g2 to improve the pull. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Eugene Onegin 6 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 The only thing I changed on my rifle was the buttstock,installed a SVD type, otherwise it's stock .The conversion I might do in the future but right now I don't have the desire to grind and drill holes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mav 459 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I shot and enjoyed my S-308 for 8 years before converting just last week, that being said, I wouldn't have another and not convert it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
saigafreake 27 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 the stock trigger is the worst trigger ive ever used. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hlb3 2 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 (edited) I'm very happy with mine out of the box, but lack of stock and trigger options for an uncoverted rifle has finally led me to wanting to convert, I'm actually ordering some parts right now... Edited November 25, 2009 by hlb3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vbrtrmn 167 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I was satisfied with my Saiga 12 out of the box, until I found this community. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR Young 175 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 (edited) I voted "yes", but only in the context that your original question implies. If I COULDN'T convert, yes. I'd be happy. The gun shoots great, feels sturdy, looks pretty doggone good as it is, and will impress you in it's imported form. Problem is, once you have shot a Saiga that has a better FCG installed, you'd FIND a way to convert. Once you feel the difference between the imported FCG and something like a Tapco G2, you realize that it truly is night and day. Edited November 25, 2009 by TR Young 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rhodes1968 1,638 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Saiga? Oh hell no. A Savage or other bolt that comes with a decent scope? Sure Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Azrial 1,091 Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 You must understand, the firearms were never designed this way. This was a kluged up job to allow their importation into the USA. They are being restored back to their original design specification. I would not have one as it is, out of the box. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
volkov 318 Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 Happy? yes, it's a nice gun Satisfied? Nope- I can make it better so easily.. Won't be stisfied till I've brought out it's potential Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shaneman153a 39 Posted November 28, 2009 Report Share Posted November 28, 2009 nope, but I don't like non-pistol-gripped guns. The stock trigger not only is rough, but you actually lift it up instead of pull it back. Just feels unnatural. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Zambidis 90 Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 The 308 trigger would be a deal breaker for me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 This Saiga .308 (on table) is straight out of the box, Zero mods. Scope added, (now on low Belarus side mount) it is fantastic, great trigger, (notice factory forward trigger, factory wood furniture and slant cut receiver). I love it, have had zero problems, and it is very accurate Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 (edited) Oh yeah, here is the pic,.. The only reason I would modify this rifle,.. is to make it 922 compliant with US parts for more than 10 round mags,.. Edited December 1, 2009 by Gas Giant Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bkbville 0 Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 The stock model is proportioned wrong - if you are prone trying to put your elbow under the rifle you can't get to handguard because the trigger is too far back; I have to angle out to hold it. Try that with an AK or conversion and the whole thing fits nicely. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steppe Sweeper 22 Posted December 5, 2009 Report Share Posted December 5, 2009 While I have no intention of owning one rifle, I wondered for years what it might be. A 16" 308 came my my conclusion. M1A Socom 16 was love at first pull-down. Of all the bad ass MBR's the one to tickle me was the sawed off Pvt. Pile special (Boston's Gun Bible awokened a deep respect for .308 mBRs). What got me besides being a full power rifle that rattled off like a really loud 10/22 Chevy Challenge racer. More than that...snob shame intact, I had a Mini14 all adult hood. Liked it over my Bushy shorty. The non-pg was well, with me since single digits in age with Crosman and Marlin, those endless hours. Now here's a beefy Mini 14 .308 MBR, or better a production M1A similar to spec of SEI and Lafrance K-Guns, at the time an OOP custom high dollar and one serious idea of one do it all rifle. I already knew the rifle since the day I turned 18, cut school to pick up a Colt 10mm, came home with a Mini and counted the days till I could out the Delta Elite in 3 years. Anyway, same OAL as the Mini, tougher and like my favorite surplus rifles (eg, Tanker Garand, SMLE Jungle Carbine No. 5, etc.), a big boy chopped and channeled for the virtue of handling while on the quest for a BM-59 Alpine folder. Setup for a scout rail which was my gig at the time till very recent discover of the Millett DMS. Anyway, my dream rifle existed. 3+ years later, no coveted Socom 16. Occured to me today actually the RAA S-308 is seemingly almost there, just what would entail the Socom as a compliant S-308. Now the S-12 makeover hasn't even stated yey and my mind is plauged with visions and all night research of 16" and 20" .308s in endless configuration and with real enhancements to overcome AK human engineering (none of that fancy shit for my 12, that's just about being some kind of Street Sweeper/TSMG/AMD-65/Galil badboy). Now the .308 on mind could stand with the M1A's, FAL's, AR-10's, Galils and certainly G3 of similar spec, at my skill lever. KISS kinda guy but to make a kind of Galil or M-70 .308, AK sized rifle that goes from PSL to Krink/Micro Galil (or HK51/OSW rather) takes a little tacticool, mall ninja magic...no 3 Gun setup but irons wont cut it either. Anyway, came back to the S-308 as it came how smooth it handled and wondered, what mods would be needed (compliance, smith work, etc.) to turn this 500. rifle of top basic design pedigree to match the 1800. bastardized (many non-M1A/M-14 parts unique to it). Could probablt be several things, progressing in budget. needs trigger job. Needs a Vais .308 comp (looks similar to the SA at least and priced like it has a job to do. No Flash hider, we want control, but remember plugs with this one). Ultimak rails since the SA has a rail up top. I'd prefer a better but still conventional stock and get a wood one to work over-refinish, contour as needed 12" or Warsaw length including a limbsaver, and furthe one up the Baby M1A with rear HK attachment point. Not sure what's out there to improve Russian irons...tritium post and a GR peep to replace the std. rear? Would the ultimak cover it anyway? There is that Apeture that hooks into the top cover release... My mind is blown from all this shit and the wealth required to throw at them. Worth it though. Many consider the Kalashnikov's virtues enough to be the best AR in the world. The shit people on this site do are at the forefront of pushing it, more advanced than ever, can match Ronnie Barnhard's dream SOPMOD part for part. But let's still remember KISS when it counts, the root of why we all love this weapon family 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Zoub 0 Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 Yes, but I paid right at $300 for mine new. At todays prices, I would not be happy. My sights sucked. My gun is a project waiting to happen some day but I am fine with it as is since it is scoped. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sunset_Va 2 Posted December 10, 2009 Report Share Posted December 10, 2009 I dont have a problem with the trigger like many of the people posting here mention, its not good, but I can live with it. I converted one 308 and even though it turned out to be awesome, I like the stock rifle in the 308. As far as the 7.62x39's and 5.45's, its 50/50 on that. To me its a matter of balance, and point ability, the best handling rifle I own is my Winchester 94. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
G O B 3,516 Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 For the price? It's a terrific gun just the way it comes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patriot 7,197 Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 ...as long as the box said TROMIX on it! Tony, You ROCK! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrGonZo 157 Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 I was thoroughly surprised with the accuracy of my out-of-the-box S308 rifle. I was hitting the gong at 200 yards with no bi-pod or scope so I'd say it more than serves its purpose. I had maybe 2 feed issues with it during the first 50 rounds but I consider that a breaking in period and haven't had any issues since. I love my S308 and love it even more now that its converted. All in all the out-of-the-box rifle is a force to be reckoned with, convert it and you've got a whole other story of tactical (or hunting) supremacy. For the price, there is no comparison. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 With the exception of the horrible trigger, I was very happy with my Saiga .308 before I converted it. That said, it was the 22" model with the nice wooden furniture, and had a totally different feel to it than the synthetic stocked rifles. I liked it so much I wouldn't even convert it until I found another just like it. It wasn't too long though before the bug bit me again and I had to convert it. I have no regrets but would like to have another one day to leave stock. If there are two Saigas I could stand to leave in an unconverted state, they are the 19" S-12 and the 22" .308 with wood furniture. In fact I did keep one of my S-12s all stock except for custom fitting it with the wood I took off my first .308. My first .308 After conversion Second one after conversion... .308 wood on S-12 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chevymann 13 Posted February 1, 2010 Report Share Posted February 1, 2010 the stock trigger is the worst trigger ive ever used. +1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ryan6864 11 Posted February 1, 2010 Report Share Posted February 1, 2010 the saiga is ok out of the box, until you pull the trigger. bottom line if yours isnt converted and you have no desire to do so dont ever hold one that is converted because you will be online ASAP ordering parts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Coal_forge 15 Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 I would be happy if I had no choice to convert a saiga as long as it wan't the 308 version. I only had the chance to dry fire my s308---I went straight to the conversion. Who in the right mind puts a 15/16th centry crossbow trigger on a damn 20th centry weapon? converted 308 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
G O B 3,516 Posted February 8, 2010 Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 The stock .308 trigger works remarkably well with heavy gloves! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
XXasdf 29 Posted February 9, 2010 Report Share Posted February 9, 2010 I can stand the stock triggers on the S12 and S223, not so much on the .308 tho. At least the other two are straight pulls where the .308 is back and up. Really debating if I want to convert the saiga .223 or not. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cscharlie 107 Posted February 10, 2010 Report Share Posted February 10, 2010 If I could not convert the S-308, would I still want one? Heck yes I would!!! I loved taking the unconverted one with me in Fudd country when I wanted a utility rifle to go for walks and maybe shoot a deer. Sometimes I like to go stealth. The .308 and detachable mags up the firepower from what a bolt gun would give me should I ever need it, and the beautiful part, is that underneath that "hunting gun" appearance is a pretty reliable semi auto action. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PGT 2 Posted February 16, 2010 Report Share Posted February 16, 2010 I bought a V.21 specifically because it was already converted, plus it had a nice looking set of furniture. figured I could sell it easily enough if I started modding the rifle. A bipod and BeLoMo scope and I think I'm done. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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