[sputnik1988]

Originally Posted by gunnovice09

I already have a yugo sks which is y I was wanting to see what the 5.45 is like. I love my sks

I would definitely go with the 5.45x39 then, like I said the Arsenal is top of the line at about $800, they are professionally converted Russian Saiga rifles, so its a real russian AK, made in the same factory as the full auto issue Rusky 74's.

If you want to save some cash, you could cut out the middleman and just buy the Saiga outright and convert it yourself. They can be had for about $350

[gunnovice09]

I don't really like the looks of the saiga

[sputnik1988]

The only difference between a Saiga and an AK is the stock and handguard. Both can be changed.

Top is a Saiga, bottom is a converted Saiga.

[gunnovice09]

Now u have me intrigued lol is it hard convert

[sputnik1988]

YouTube 'Saiga conversion' its a little easier than it looks, it will save you about $100 over the Arsenal.

The 5.45 version doesnt need the bullet guide from what I hear.

[gunnovice09]

What's a bullet guide

[sputnik1988]

It's what allows the standard AK mags to be used.

[gunnovice09]

Hmm u just started a fire in me lol

[FlukeLSX]

Originally Posted by gunnovice09

How does the ak74 rate overall compared to the Ak 47 or sks? Is the 5.45 39 more accurate than the 7.62? Thanks guys.

AK74 is based on AK47 design it still has the performance you would expect. SKS's are actually based on AK design. However, I've never heard anyone describe the SKS's as reliable as the AK line.

5.45 is more accurate, 7.62 has more penetration power.

5.45's are designed to kill. Being a lighter weight round, they are infamous for tumbling and bouncing off bone inside the body. So their killing power is high. While 7.62's will not always kill and were designed to penetrate bullet proof vests and walls.

[sputnik1988]

Originally Posted by FlukeLSX

AK74 is based on AK47 design it still has the performance you would expect. SKS's are actually based on AK design. However, I've never heard anyone describe the SKS's as reliable as the AK line.

5.45 is more accurate, 7.62 has more penetration power.

5.45's are designed to kill. Being a lighter weight round, they are infamous for tumbling and bouncing off bone inside the body. So their killing power is high. While 7.62's will not always kill and were designed to penetrate bullet proof vests and walls.

Actually the SKS was designed and saw trials during WWII, the AK was designed later, they are totally different and neither is based on the other. The 7.62x39 was based on the 7.92x33 kurtz as a lighter recoiling 7.62x54R, more suitable for battle. the 5.45x39 was designed after the 5.56x45.

You are correct about the accuracy vs penetration though.

5.45x39 is cheaper, recoils less, is more accurate and is more suitable as a 'combat' round.

7.62x39 is better for hunting (with proper ammo)