Izhmash Saiga Russian AK Sporters In America (Imports, Variants, & Sanctions)
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Between 1994 and 2014, no fewer than 7 companies imported and sold Saiga variants on the US commercial market. The Saiga was built entirely at the historic Izhmash factory (once Izhevsk Machine Plant & today part of Kalashnikov Concern) and was the first Russian AK type available to Americans.
EAA & RWC sold true Saiga Hunter/Sporter versions, while Arsenal & FIME sold the more military-like SGL series.
This is the entire story from the earliest small batches from Big Bear, through the sanctions of 2014.
#Russia
#Russian
#Izhmash
#Kalashnikov Concern
#import
#sanction
#Saiga
#story
#timeline
#Big Bear
#B-West
#EAA
#RAA
#RWC
#Arsenal
#FIME
#SGL10
#SGL20
#SGL21
#SGL31
#SGL12
#rifle
#shotgun
#Hunter
#Sporter
#Molot
#VEPR
#AK47
#AK74M
#AK103
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This video is produced and published to UA-cam for historical and educational purposes and to document and make record of the content herein publicly available for said purposes. The Mishaco channel is run by experienced and trained industry professionals and all activity portrayed and content herein is presented with all considerations to safety and in accordance with local, state, and the Federal law of the United States.
My first year out of high school I remember saigas being heavily advertised. I told my self during the summer I would purchase one and a month later the ban took effect. I registered my email with Atlantic then out of the blue the final lot had arrived with an increased 350 dollar surcharge. I purchased one when I saw it and by the end of the day they were sold out. My saiga is a full conversion, done with Bulgarian parts and a decade later I still have people at the range asking to purchase it off my hands.
It's unthinkable that these not all that long ago were under $400, and that SGLs were under $800 at times.
That said, why didn't that carry over, adjust for inflation? 🤔
eh its 2024...2008 was *a long time ago*
@@stevemc6010 I remember seeing them as recent as 2014. They weren't sanctioned until then, and that's when prices started going drastically up. 10 years ago, sure, but not all that long ago in the grand scheme of things, especially AK imports.
And wh ile the sanctions were in 2014, RWC had quite a large final batch. So they were still selling t hem off as new through 2015 and maybe even 2016. Arsenal/FIME too had some new ones for awhile afterwards. @@cajuncatfish5417
Gun brokers got them priced really high.. Crazy high like 1500. .
Born in 96, I used to think that "Saigas" were only the shotguns, then someone I know mentioned having a Saiga that was, quote, "like a Venezuelan AK-103."
It's hard for any zoomers to get saigas, lucky I turned 18 around the end of them so I got to own a few
Crazy timing, I just recently acquired one of these, no dimples. B-West import. Yours are much cleaner than mine.
It's the 20", 1993.
Excellent video! I have a Saiga 12 that I converted to pistol grip config using the products from Carolina Shooting Supply. Great quality and was an easy conversion. Of course I kept the old parts in case I want to restore it back to sporting config some day. Thanks again for the super informative video!
I wasn’t even old enough to get a chance at these. What a shame
I wasn't old enough to get a chance at all the pre-1968 GCA imports. How it goes bud. I think each generation has their own line li ke that.
Yeah but look at what you can get now that was not on the menu then
@@therideneverends1697For ass rape prices? Yeah
@@therideneverends1697for rаре prices, yeah
@@therideneverends1697like what? what do you recommend
Ah, the SA-93. My very first civilian rifle. I ordered one out of the Shotgun News for $189.00. Along with some Bulgarian mags for $4.99 each and a pair of East German raindrop pouches for $2 or $3 bucks. That SA-93 was a beast and I loved it. I went on to buy two Egyptian MAADI AKM's along with a pair of Chinese SKS's.
But then I bought my first AR-15, a Bushmaster XM15-E2s carbine with the Izzy brake and my journey to the dark side began.
Its difficult to explain to folks today just how Arsenal products were vieweed back in t he day isn't it? I mean they were still pricier than many others and still known for quality, but they lacked the over-hyped marketing that started taking over in 2007-2009. They were still kind of humble, and thus when you got one, your expectations were always exceded.
@@misha5670 Very true. The craftsmanship on the Arsenal was top quality, through and through, especially compared to the two MAADI AKM's. Craftsmanship on the MAADI's was downright atrocious.
Shotgun news is where I bought my converted Saiga AK… and $8 Bulgarian waffle magazine..
I've seen your conversation video with Henry's AK103 saiga probably 10 times lol. Very informative for when I was doing my saiga/101 conversation.
I think Henry's is the 556 saiga that I've mostly seen also on klayco47 channel. I could be wrong and missed his 103 tho
I bought a new, Saiga sporter in 7.62x39, just like the one you presented in this video. I think I bought it in maybe 2012 or 2013, but I can’t remember exactly. Anyway, I ended up converting it. It looks good and shoots well.
Thank you for the wealth of background information on these Saiga products. You really know your stuff. You have a new subscriber.
I purchased all of these rifles back in 2001 to 2007. Such a good deal.
In my early 20s I bought a 7.62x39 model that would have been in 02. A few or more years later I wanted a pistol grip and found a at the time very hard to get side folding pistol grip stock that was bolt on not a conversion like everyone else was doing. It was excellent quality and I kept the original stock and left the hand guard original. Eventually my interests shifted and I sold it to a friend's son. Now I wish I still had it and had bought one of each model. Just seeing an original sporter brings back memories. That particular gun is the one I'd say I have shot the most of in my life. The rifle I paid $200 for new. 500 rounds was about $60 it was common to buy 500 or 1000 rounds a weekend back then. Most every weekend. It had lost accuracy a fair bit from high round count but wasn't inaccurate yet when I sold it. It was surprisingly accurate before barrel erosion took effect.
What's up Mish.. Great work as always. Back in early 2014 I was shopping for a mini 30. Luckily my local ffl had a saiga 762 and what was in country was in country and that was the end of it. I paid 499 for the sporterized version. Later on, I did a full conversion to it through an armory. Full Russian tula furniture. I plan on giving it to my son. Thanks for this throwback video.
Awesome video! Misha is the man.
Picked up my 08 saiga12 on sale at pop gun shop in 09 for $250. Last one he had. Converted it years ago. Wish I still had the box👍
Good stuff as usual. Very interesting and informative. I can't wait for the molot import and variant story.
I still have my saiga! Got it for 350 back in like 2009 when i was a sophomore in highschool... also still own 2 norinco mak-90s my dad got for 250 a pop back in the 90s
Maks are awesome! I remember the 250-300 days.....dammit lol
I have my Saiga converted and in its latest configuration. It has the Magpul Zhikov forend and folding stock, updated Geissele FCG, Belomo POSP 4x24V Scope, Magpul Bipod, and a HUXWRK mount and suppressor.
Thanks for all the information!
Sounds a tad heavy?
I bought a saiga with the rear conversion from classic arms for about $300. Thought about converting the front but i really like the longer handgaurd. I did add the zhukov folding stock. Love it.
I bought a Saiga 7.62 in 2006 from a shop in Sumter SC. I love this rifle. I would like to convert it.
My first AK was an SGL20 at 17 years old. A week later the SGL21 went on sale on K-Var for $499 and I was seething.
Damn, sorry man. That does suck but hey-ho life goes on.
My first was one of those really , really import law fucked single stack z-paps with a single stack trunnion, traded it for a very beat up wasr but at least it took normal mags
I have the same one from Legion USA bought in 2014. No changes made except bullet guide and regular mag fitting
Kusa did import in the 90s. I have one that I bought at a gun show from them in Fl.
What year was that gunshow in?
@@misha5670 ok so it must have been 99 or 2000. The trunnion says 99. It’s a 20 inch barrel. Importer is kalashniknov USA PT saint lucie USA. They had a pile of them. They even had 30 round metal mags with a lip wield on it so u didn’t have to have a bullet guide. Think they were 2 for $30.
Also keeping the saiga sight leaf love the 300m practicality and the wider notch
Another Banger!!
Any Riley, PSA “Krink” videos or PSA “H&R” NoDak carry handle clone vids planned?
Thanks Mischa!!!
H&R yes, PSA AKs? no I am simply not interested so i do not want to spend my money on either the gun or the ammo to test it. The review would not be interesting.
@@misha5670 yeah combloc soys big mad, about US made Krinks. Meanwhile Arsenal was selling tr ash tier 556 106 Krink with canted sights for 2800+
I have a converted saiga izmash 545 . It still has 2 Bulgarian parts on it but it’s pretty much 90% converted. What do those go for in the US market now?
I have two , the prices can be around ,15.000. I've seen them for even more. 308 also. Prices are all over the place. I think they are keepers. They will only become worth more.
Out of curiosity do you know what brought about the changes during the switch to the AK100 series in regards to the top cover? Why did they go back to the thicker smooth ones as opposed to ribbed?
From what I've heard from Misha best I can remember they just were modernizing all there kalashnikovs in all calibers into the 100 series where all calibers were standardized between each rifle where they only had swap barrels and bolts. Softening recoil with the 90 degree gas block and changed to the 24mm thread pitch and muzzle device to improve accuracy and reduce muzzle rise. And think he said they went back to smooth top covers for extra strength with the modern recoil spring assembly button being changed to help the top cover from coming off while launching grenades. Cause when there ak74s were created they had 90 degree gasblocks with 24mm threads with the new improved ak74 brakes. So they wanted to make all there caliber aks the same instead of there 762x39 having 14x1mm threads and 45 degree gasblocks and being fixed stocks or underfolders mostly wooden furniture. They wanted to make the 100 series with everything being polymer for there furniture and sidefolding stocks were standard along with the improved 90 degree gasblocks and 24mm threadpitch with the improved muzzle device. That way all there tooling was the same along with furniture. All they would have to make different between the calibers was the bolt and barrels and magazines. Instead of having to make different gasblocks, front sight blocks, front and rear trunnions and different rivet sets,and barrels, and wood furniture sets, and triangle folding stocks and underfolding stocks. The way Misha explained it to improve the AK line and cut down on cost of different tooling and manufacturing of 2 different parts from 545x39 and there 762x39 patterns. But maybe Misha will comment back to u and give u the 100% facts. Because he definitely knows alot more than me. I'm just a hard-core ak guy and a bit of a ak nerd. All the information I just told u I got from Misha throughout the years. I've been watching his channel since he started it. Because like him I like to learn the history of aks that's why I've always been into aks so much because they have so much history. But I just commented on here cause I see Misha hasn't answered u yet. Was trying give u some info incase he didn't get time to respond to answer u.
I picked up my Arsenal SGL21-61 in the fall of 2009 for the paltry sum of $499. 😎
I used a bent fender washer with a large lag bolt to install a stock on my SA93. That way I didn't have to modify the gun by installing the lower tang.
Hey, that works too haha
I got a pair of RAA import 5.45 Saigas back in 2009 for $399 each. I converted one and left the other stock. Both have 2009 dated proof marks and magwell dimples. I also managed to snag a VEPR-12 before the sanctions hit.
The 545 guns came in much later compared with the others, so 2009 sounds early on for that variant. Also those were never cheap like the originals. Dealer cost was over $300 for an unconverted 545 Saiga.
Good evening Misha. Hope all is well. Traded a saiga iz132 years back to a local shop . I paid 350 for it lol. Man, James Yeager was right those were the good old days
d
@@adnanqurban197 D, I went with the big D, I mean upper case D lol?
Especially brilliant for gun ban states sadly. (Yes I have AR-15s) but it’s nice to have more options on the market than mini-14s and m1a variants. And it’s nice to have options that aren’t just another ar-15
I have a Russian American saiga... where does this importer fit in the line ?
I miss the Saigas.
We all do. They were just a good baseline AK f or not a lot of money.
Love my 21.5in "ak-101" mutant saiga, plan is to keep its barrel length but have everything else ak-100 , maybe I'll keep it fixed stock too since the 5.5mm conversion is a massive pain in the ass
Great video thanks
I hope at least a few of these keep the sporter stocks for the novelty
and since there american made clones with pistol grips readily available now (I know, the mileage varies there)
Great info as always Misha, I recently bought a 08 raa imported 762x39 fully converted sporter, And it has the Y stamp which im told is super rare, Unfortunately seller was not original owner and didn't really have any info or even know what he had until i bought it, It has alot more markings than other sporters as well as the izzy logo on front trunion. Any info on the Y stamp variant you have would be much appreciated as no one seems to really know? I've been told it could have been a military run off receiver? Or a Venezuelan run off? I have no idea other than people saying the y stamp is rare. Thanks
Honestly not share how rare or not? but yes Izhmash would definitely use leftover parts and as they made changes with the military lines, some of those would appear in their civilian lines too. Lots of little and odd variants over the years.
Misha, you didn't comment on muzzle sleeve which can be removed with pipe cutter. Some muzzle ends are threaded and some not. Do you know which years of Saiga have threaded ends under that sleeve ? Great informative video as usual...
I don't think anyone knows for sure as it seemed random to me. Besides, the AK103 had its threads on the FSB, not barrel.
We do like Ak talk around here.
Is that unconverted saiga 762x39 for sale misha?
I turned 18 in the end of 2003. At the time I was really into domestic made guns. I keep thinking about how I could have been buying saiga’s and parts kits for dirt cheap and just stock piled them. I still have my AR’s but for the past 10 years I’ve been into AK’s and other imports. Luckily I got a couple saiga’s and arsenals before went over $1k
I just got one today probably just gonna keep it stock but will be doing the bullet guide
Love this vid Mish!! I have a Chinese polytech hunter, in 76 2 x 39 that has a milled receiver, I haven’t really been able to find much information on. Have you heard of these?
Yes, but probably don't know even as much as you do about them. Truth is there's not much to know. They were hunting t ype carbines, built with an AK type system. Not unlike the Saiga in th is video. They are just t heir own thing. China has made al kindso f hunting and sporting guns over the years. Far from everything is military based.
@@misha5670 I appreciate you, as always! It’s a pretty gun for what it is, definitely looks good with a Chinese drum in it. Lol. I’m glad you put this vid out, I would have never thought to ask you about it. And who better to ask? Lol.
Valmet did a somewhat similar hunter AK based gun too.@@TheGunSmith614
@@misha5670 it’s funny you brought that up, because from what I have seen people are referring to the Polytech hunter as the Chinese Valmet. I guess there is a conversion kit that makes it pretty darn close, but I don’t have the time or money and I kind of like the original style. of course we always want the military guns but it’s cool to have something different Also I guess.
Yep, even I sometimes have a gun just because I enjoy it; and not because its military. The Beretta CX4 Storm carbine comes to mind, but I'm sure I have others too.@@TheGunSmith614
I LOVE SAIGA SPORTERS! ❤
I was living in LA at the time (2011) and got 3 Saigas (2 in 7.62 and 1 in 5.45) and 2 Vepr’s (1 in 5.45 and the 12ga). When the import ban came…I regretfully thought it wouldn’t last longer than Obama. (Whoops)
Used to love using the Carolina shooter supply kits to fully convert them.
Still have them all -> every one is a shooter. The Saiga 5.45…should’ve got another. One of my favorite semi-auto rifles of all time.
Don’t think I paid over $600 for any of them*
Anyway you could provide the soda can info?
Not really, it was just a really cheezy way some guys back in the day made a feedramp. Literally all they did was cutout a piecefrom a soda can to fit the feedramp area. Often they would even just use JB Weld or black locktight to stick it on. Did it last forever? nope, but it would owrk for a little while.
I miss my Iz-132 & Iz-114
My Saiga 762 was imported by Russian American Armory Company in Scottsburg, IN
Man it’s hard to think 2014 was 10 years ago now I was fresh out of high school binge watching Vice news covering the Ukraine conflict & watching channels like Iraqveteran8888 talking about sanctions how it would affect 545x39 and what not
Arsenal is the best I love em they work well and they made em on milled receivers worth it if you can get them unfortunately thanks to our crazy government and other politicians that don’t appreciate tools and historical value leaving us with what we have now and the price went up because supply stopped
I wasn't able to get a Saiga before the ban. 😞
Hi Misha 😀
Do you know why some Saigas had dimples and some did not?
Just simply that; some did and some didn't. Same reason other imports sometimes had X/Y stamps, and others didn't. Sometimes there's no big, grand reason. Just changes in manufacturing.
Do you think these guns are worth more unconverted or converted by a professional gunsmith?
I've seen so many bad or at least half-assed conversions that I am skeptical of many out there now. I think having an actual professional company convert is one thing but just jo-bob's garage gunsmithing? If that's the case, I'd value the original version more.
My wrc saiga is marked 09 it's in 556
I bet it's dimpled 🤘
Mine is converted with Russian parts .. not an easy task these days .. well I finished it about 2 years ago .. well it’s kinda finished still not a folder but it dose have a zentico pt-5 folder on it
Very lucky to get a russian rifle.
I wish my Norinco hunter and beautiful Polytech underfolder hadn’t died in my house fire. Personal property only paid out 15k so yeah those aks were the biggest loss. I own several ar’s now but I’m really considering tracking down a Saiga 556 when I saw this video pop up. Theyre still floating around.
Sorry for your loss, that's worse than losing an in law fr
Is it officially pronounced "SAY-gah" or "Sī-gah"???
Right at the beginning of the russia and sanction BS in 2021 or whatever, I was able to snag an unconverted Saiga 12 for $350. Glad to know I at least have something Russian in the Armory.
Sanctions began in 2014.
Always a pleasure. Whenever the loonacy and gear chase of censorious guntube becomes too much for me, I alway can come here and get an even and rational perspective. Kanpai.
I try and have my own, unique, brand of lunicy.
It's Sai-ga named after Saiga Antelope found in Russia. Not Sega after Sega genesis video game system.
You don't like reading comments before commenting yourself I see. tsk tsk
SAI-Ga.... like Saigon. lol. Not SEGA Genesis.... sheesh, only things worse is people adding an A to Hornady and making it Hornaday... =)
Are you in St Pitersburg? Moscow? Voronezh? Orenburg? Because guess what, i heard it pronounced slightly differently in each city i lived in. Truth is Russia has accdents just like the USA. This video is targeted towards Americans. So i often go for common American pronounciation. The name 'Walther' is a good example. 'Makarov' also comes to mind.
Born in Ukraine, Wife is russian, and I work with the top 10 Russian guntubers throughout Russia and speak in Russian, not once was there any distinction. I get it on English versions, but there is a right and wrong way... just because someone says HornaDAY does not make it right even in English. lol. There is no E there, anywhere, nor there was it. And we are not talking hard to pronounce names like Lapua, Koch, Steiner, etc... Saiga is very easy to pronounce. Sorry, just people butchering simple proper names deeply bugs me. lol. Hornady is #1... Sega is #2. =) Great video otherwise. @@misha5670
Nope, not me. In fact, i still see your comment? So must be youtube. I maybe manually block 1 comment a month, and only for those that are openly racist or something similar. I practice what I preach when it c omes to free speech. Everyone has a right to t heir voice.@@Rod_Serlings_wristwatch
I get it. 'Ambidextrious' is my personal petpieve. Just for you, I'll pronouce Saiga more authentically next-time. I am blind and use a TTS p program. It is English made and is the voice i hear like 95% of my life. It says Saiga like 'Sega' and that + Americans around me become a brainworm. This is also wh y i say 'alunium' and 'carbine' most of the time; just how the robot voice that livesrentfree in my head says it lol. To my ears, Russian words do sound different depending on the region...even 'Hello'. Then again, my entire world is sound....well that and smell too.@@SlavGuns
Sorry and was not trying to pick on you. I sure as hell, as an English as Second language person, get ragged on all the time for mispronouncing Ambidextrous. =) But hey, it is more engagement for our videos, right? Been a fan of your channel before I even started mine. You should do a video like this on the history of the Veprs, especially between all the various importers and follow it up with one on Dragunovs/Tigrs. @@misha5670
Man those are ugly. Wouldn't pay 500 for one.
You obviously are new to AK 😅 it's all about the conversion newb! You can always paint to match your purse 🤷
Being honest? i kind of like the look of an unconverted Saiga w/ 16" barrel. Its so long, narrow, and sleak. Also its v ery lightweight.@@BNatoAk
I served in the army with Akm lol, US combloc soys are the funniest. Shot full auto Akm ,74m , 74u, Svd. You soyos would sell yo momaas for a chance
I sure as hell would, $500 for a saiga means a $900 ak-100 if you have any small amount of gunsmithing skills
Shooting select-fires is fine, but you didn't mention the best part.....someone else is footing the ammunition bill.@@mrdato116
First