Saiga 223 Field Test - "The Almost AK-47"

My Saiga 223 is another one of the black rifles (a.k.a. "ugly guns") in my collection. It is an AK-47 style rifle but instead of the traditional 7.62x39mm, it shoots .223 (or 5.56x45mm). The reason I chose a Saiga chambered in .223 was because I intend to purchase an AR-15 at some point and wanted the ability to share ammo between the two rifles.

This rifle is a blast to shoot (no pun intended)! But, because of the relatively high cost of .223 ammo, I rarely get to shoot it.

One thing I like to do in order to extend my shooting sessions and keep overall ammo costs down is to mix up calibers when I'm out in the field shooting. During this session, I had my Saiga 223 and Chiappa 1911-22 out with me. Mixing .22 in with .223 helps prolong shooting time without breaking the bank.

The main purpose of this field test was to break in the replacement magazine I received from ProMag. Big thanks go out to them for standing behind their lifetime guarantee and quickly replacing the defective magazine I had purchased. The replacement performed at 100% throughout the day's testing.

Music - Time to Leave by I Am Not Lefthanded
Source - Jamendo.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• saiga
• 223
• AK-47
• rifle
• ugly
• gun
• test
• magazine
• testing
• failure
• field
• target
• tactical
• shooting
• red-dot
• red
• dot

[jdhelf1]

How did you make your rifle 922r compliant? Just curious because I'm working on a similar setup. Thx

[DangerCL0SE]

@jdhelf1 There is a ton of information out on the interwebs about getting your rifle compliant. The key is swapping enough imported parts for US made ones. For example, I've got US made magazines, buttstock, and handguard. Those count as 5 US made parts (mags count as three because they are made of sub-parts). That brings me from having 14 imported parts to having 9 (10 or less is compliant).

Now, on a side note, I think 922r is one of if not the most ridiculous firearm laws.

[jdhelf1]

Nice video. I have been looking at buying the Saiga 223 and like the modifications that you made. Would you mind listing all the mod's that you made in one succinct comment? I'm a novice and tried reading all of the comments and responses but I may have missed something. Thx

[DangerCL0SE]

@jdhelf1 Dragunov buttstock, UTG quadrail fore-end, UTG QR scope mount, Surefire 30-round magazines, Condor 3-point sling.

Hope that helps!

[WoWoWeeMo]

nice vid bro!!! but where did you get the buttstock? i have same gun but in 7.62x39.

[DangerCL0SE]

@WoWoWeeMo It's the Saiga "dragunov" stock. I believe I got it from Carolina Shooter Supply, but it's been a while. I actually just bought a Saiga 12 last week so they are going to be getting some more of my business soon.

[Holesinsocks]

An excellent way to defeat 922R is to purchase US made reciever pins from Brownells. The pins are hardened steel, and highly polished along the shank. Your gun will like you for it too, as the hammar, trigger disconnect, etc. will ride smoother. If youre not handy dont do it by yourself tho.

[mixedbreed10]

All U have to do is file the tab on the ProMag half way down & it won't break until the magazine fell apart. BETTER STILL, ProMags made for the 223 AK's (like SAR-3 & WASR-3) function PERFECTLY in the Saiga without modification because they sit higher in the receiver, so no need for a bullet guide. They are $11.00 now at Cheaper then Dirt.

[YnXnOrB]

What kind of quad rail is that and where can I get it?