Which is the best for plinking and self defense? How much should I pay for either? Where is a good gun shop in Houston area to purchase? Thanks!
Either for both. SKS if you want more accuracy. AK for hi cap/take mags. To buy one now, I'd guess $400 (if you're lucky) to $800. Generally, $300-$500 I'd think is/was about right. I know a guy that is/was selling a Russian, all original, never molested SKS for $400 which I don't think is bad at all for the current market.
I have both and as was mentioned before, the SKS is a little more accurate, but you are generally limited to the 10 round mag. Most AKs are handling hi-cap mags and are very dependable and reliable. Accuracy is not bad, its just not bench rest quality. Think about 3-4" groups at 100 with an AK and maybe 2-3" groups with an SKS. Prices on these have shot through the roof lately, but for self defense and plinking, you do not need stellar accuracy, but you do want dependability and reliability. Both offer this but the AK holds more ammo and I think they just look more cool too.
I have nothing against the SKS. Its just a limited firearm. The Saiga is your best move. You just have to decide on the caliber (.223,x39, or .308). You will have just as good if not better accuracy than an SKS. To be equal with an SKS, go with the longer barreled versions (21.5) over 16". I've had a .308 Saiga, which shot 1-1.5" @100 with high priced ammo and 2" with cheap russian ammo. I currently have a 7.62x39 Arsenal SGL-10, which is unbelievablely accurate with cheap russian ammo (1"-1.5"@ 100). I am having a hard time finding match grade quality ammo in the x39. So I don't know but I would assume it would be a lot more accurate. I got it because I wanted a modernized version of the SKS carbine. I wanted to have the option to install a scope because it has a side rail mount installed from the factory. Yes with the SKS you can mount a scope. but you are reserved only for the cheap wobbly rear-cover mount or cheap gas tube rail. Of course, I forgot you can get a Choate or Kalinka side rail mount which is more expensive. You must have a gunsmith drill and tap the receiver (straight), cut the stock to make it fit. Just too much money and work for a gun you're in the market for or getting. Now, I already have an SKS and I wouldn't spend the money it would take to get it close to rivaling a Saiga. I chose to buy me a Saiga. Why hack up a nice original SKS? Why would you want to buy an SKS and spend all that money trying to equal a Saiga? Granted if you do spend that money, you may be able to get more accuracy with it among other SKS's. It will not better than the Saiga w/ 21.5" barrel. Plus everyone knows you're limited on buying quality accurate ammo in 7.62x39, any why is makes a great plinker. This being the reason why there can't be a true comparison to the accuracy of the .223 over 7.62x39. Yet, if you like the .223 Saiga, get it in the longer barreled version and you'll find out that it is very accurate. Especially, using higher priced ballistic tip ammo would smoke any SKS. The advantages: You get a new gun over some old retooled-refurb SKS. Having the Saiga will give you more options (UTG mount) variable scope, red-dot, flashlight/lazer etc., than retooling any country of origin model SKS...
I haven't even got into reliable detachable high capacity magazines. How about converting it to pistol grip and having an AK47. Now you open another can of worms with different stocks, forends, muzzle brakes/flash hiders etc. SKS limited < Saiga unlimited = SAIGA
My vote is for the SKS, i have a yugo. and no you arnt limited to a 10 round, tapco makes 20 round detachable mags for around 20 bucks.
You have to play the 922(r) parts number game to keep it legal, though. More of a PITA. Though if you want to convert a Saiga to accept high caps, you need to play the same game... My vote is for the AK, I love mine.
Its a nice rifle with a tremendous history, but have you put your hands on one of these? Century Arms just slapped these together with quality similar to the Romanian AK's. I looked at one of these at Military Gun Supply and wasn't impressed with the finish or machining compared to the Saiga's. For the higher price, not sure if it exceeds the Saiga 21.5" in .223/5.56. Now, if you're into the name or the history then get one before they're gone.
