Sorry to be asking this question in this forum but i am conflicted over this.
I am getting ready to purchase my first AK.
I want something to shoot at the range with my Nagant and handguns and settled on an ak.
Im not looking for a tack driver otherwise i would not have chosen an AK.
Just want something to shoot to have fun with.

My $ to spend is $400.00-475.00

And i have been checking many different aks in that range. I was thinking about a Romanian i like the look
of the wood furniture.
I understand that there are chances of ordering one that might have canted sites. Many people are happy with them tho

Then I stumbled across classicfirearms.com and found the saiga converted to the standard ak layout and takes all 30rnd mags for $149.99. Around the same amount I would purchase the other one for
That looks like a very clean ak. Plus it is Russian and might be a smoother operating ak.
I also like the furniture i understand i can change over parts to make it wood furniture too.

Im conflicted on what to purchase. I am still out a few weeks on having the last $100.00 in my ak fund.
Is there any pros or cons to eather one?

I understand this is not a full surplus question, but it would be great for your info

I would go for the sagia.
The Romianian is a good gun but the Sagia is just a better one.If it has already had teh conversion done and will also take standard AK mags that is even better.

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This is so easy, If my dog had thumbs, He could do it!

U.S.N. Retired 1985-2005

I also recommend a Saiga. The converted Saiga that Classic sells looks pretty good. The only thing to be wary of is that the muzzle is not likely threaded. Threading is a pretty easy job with the right equipment. I did the muzzle of my .223 in about 20 minutes. It only gets slightly more complicated if you decide to go with a standard FSB.

Are there any disadvantages in picking up the conversion over the romanian models?
I understand picking up the parts to fully convert the saiga front end

I use to own a romy ak I only bought it because of its fame and the price of the bullets, I have since sold it after buying a sks. Have you thought about an sks I think they are better built, cheaper, and more accurate plus they shoot the same rounds as the ak.

I second on taking a look @ SKS's as well. They're great little rifles that are severely underrated, but still they are no AK. If you go for an AK, I highly reccomend inspecting them in person as regardless who makes them, there are gems and there are the dreaded evil WASR's, I say "evil WASR's" because there are a lot of good solidly made WASR 10/63's, mine is an example of one of the gems as are a lot of the other members', but there is a lotta junky AK's out there you need to be cautious of regardless. If you can find a good convert that you like jump on it as those are usually wicked good rifles.

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"Nothing adds a little class to a sniper course like a babe in a Ghilliesuit."

go with a SKS or Saiga.

I have 2 of each, No problems at all out of any. well, except a big grin and alot of empty boxes of cheap ammo.

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For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a taste that the protected will never know.

Either of your options are going to be reliable, and fun. I have had nothing but good experiences with both platforms. I own two AKs, a Norinco, and a WASR 10/63. Lots of people bash the Rommy guns, but mine runs like a top, shoots where I point it, and just asks for more. My SKS is a Chicom factory 26, and it has never given me cause for worry. Good guns all around. The Saiga will cost more, but will be a newer production gun. Converting takes some time and effort from what I have read. I'd be the kind to buy a readily converted one. I did some work on my Rommy, such as changing furniture, and grinding off the muzzle nut weld to add a proper muzzle break... and that wasn't bad. Just make sure you are 922r compliant, no matter which route you take, and have a blast.

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I wonder, if I learn to bump fire my carbine from the shoulder... will I have to register my trigger finger?
Opportunistic milsurp hunter.
Just Say No to Bubba!

I see $449 converted, or $299 unconverted. Either way is fine, but for the price, grab the converted model. Nothing wrong with not converting, my $170 Saiga is still OEM...but get the converted, you are getting a NEW AK, made in the real Russian AK factory, for the same price as most folks Romanian, assembled from parts, some made in America, gun. IN fact, Classic is asking about the same for their wood stocked Romanian, I see. Slightly less for the plastic stocked GP-1975 model.

Here are some other decent AK prices, just for comparison. I've bought from Centerfire, no issues.
http://centerfiresystems.com/ak_firearms.aspx

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Bubba really ticks me off...
and I sure wish he would give me the OEM stock for my 7mm Spanish Mauser...

Yea sorry about the mess up not $149.99 but 449.00
Well I pulled the trigger and grabbed one. Its fun and i got really lucky and got a factory threaded one.
Just have to fuigure what i want to put on it and cut the shroud off

Nice! Good choice, IMO.

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Take your children hunting today and you won't be hunting for them later. (paraphrased from Herb Parsons)

Looks great! You're a lucky duck to get a threaded muzzle. There are a number of good options out there for 14x1mmL threads.

wow-converted for $449!? That was a great deal!
I paid 450 for my WASR Romanian Underfolder. I like it a lot, but would have picked a Saiga for the same price.