5.45x39 platform

[Akyla]

I've strongly been considering getting into this caliber, due to the inexpensive (comparatively) surplus ammo and reliability of the AK platform. Can folks here offer some guidance?

Where to start, what to stay away from, what to look for, etc?

Can you tell me how the 5.45 compares to 5.56? I've read plenty online, but would like some direct input from folks on this board. Thanks!

[monganian]

I started with a 5.45 Saiga in sporting configuration, and gradually converted it, starting with the pistol grip / stock, and eventually the front end.

My Saiga is very nice, and also very accurate. I can hit 300+ yard gongs pretty reliably with iron sights, which must be the gun, because I'm not that good of a shot.

I like chrome lined barrels, and I'd push for that. I don't really think that there's anything to stay away from though.

[Akyla]

I started with a 5.45 Saiga in sporting configuration, and gradually converted it, starting with the pistol grip / stock, and eventually the front end.

My Saiga is very nice, and also very accurate. I can hit 300+ yard gongs pretty reliably with iron sights, which must be the gun, because I'm not that good of a shot.

I like chrome lined barrels, and I'd push for that. I don't really think that there's anything to stay away from though.

This is the direction I was thinking of going. Are you shooting surplus ammo to hit a gong at 300 yards?

Do the Saigas take the standard AK-74 mags? Or is that part of the conversion?

Thanks!

[86k10]

5.45 Saigas will take standard mil-spec mags and mostly will feed even without a bullet guide. I ran 200 or so rounds thru one before I installed a bullet guide.

[TriggerHappy]

I have heard good things on the bulgy 74. I wouldn't mind snagging one either.

[monganian]

This is the direction I was thinking of going. Are you shooting surplus ammo to hit a gong at 300 yards?

Do the Saigas take the standard AK-74 mags? Or is that part of the conversion?

Thanks!

Yes, I have only shot Russian surplus out of my Saiga... probably around 3000 rounds now.

Surplus mags fed fine without a bullet guide, but fit a little tight. Tapco mags don't feed 100% without the bullet guide.

The trigger sucks on the stock Saiga, and it really is easy to do the rear conversion. Add a US pistol grip, tapco G2 trigger group, and US stock, and you will be 922-r compliant and have a nice shooter. If you can run a drill, you can do the conversion.

[Wulf202]

snag that tantal for $650 that for sale now.

[islandermyk]

snag that tantal for $650 that for sale now.

^^^THIS^^^

I'm tempted as hell.....

[Great-Kazoo]

what tantal??

[Wulf202]

http://www.ar-15.co/forums/showthrea...ghlight=tantal

hurry up before jim's black hole of guns sucks it up.