Kalashnikov/Izhmash Saiga Sporter 20″ 7.62x39mm Semi-Auto Rifle, MFD 2010
Sold For: $1,550
LSB#: 201017GW09
Make: Izhmash
Model: Saiga Sporter
Serial Number: 1048278
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Caliber: 7.62x39mm
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “93”, a cyrillic character in a circle, “1048278”, with an Izhmash logo, “IZHMACH IZHEVSK RUSSIA”, “SAIGA”, two logos and “CAL 7,62×39”, the right is import marked “B-WEST TUC AZ USA”. The bolt carrier and bolt are each marked “278”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20 1/2 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable post in a base with protective ears at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding escalator marked from “1-3″, but with additional adjustment notches beyond the “3” position. The left of the receiver has a rail attached which accepts a scope mount. The mount is holding a 3.5x scope with post reticle. The scope has scattered light wear in the body with fairly clear glass, in about Very Good condition. There are five holes drilled in the dust cover which may have been intended for use mounting an optic, but which are currently empty.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece black synthetic with semi-beavertail forend, checkered grip, straight comb, black synthetic buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stocks have some scattered light scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are some scattered light nicks, scratches and scuffs, mostly in the receiver and dust cover. The dust cover has finish wear on the top around the holes mentioned in the Sights/Optics section. The action shows operational wear, including wear on the right of the receiver from the safety lever. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope as described, a single 5-round black synthetic magazine, a leather belt pouch, twenty 5-round stripper clips, cleaning accessories in a green canvas pouch, and a canvas sling. The accessories show little sign of use, but may not all be intended for use with this rifle. The sling is too short to attach to both sling swivels. The rifle does not have provision for loading via stripper clip.
Our Assessment: A product of the immense appetite for AK pattern rifles crossed with the inane import restrictions and “Assault Weapon” laws of the late 20th century, the Saiga Sporter rifles have none of the features that would have caused trouble with importation and ale to the American market. Chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge with essentially the same operating system as the AK, albeit semi-automatic only, this rifle is suitable for just about any purpose as any other AK pattern rifle, but is legal in nearly all states. With its 20″ barrel and the included scope, it should be suitable for hunting small-medium game or for target shooting. It’s also not certain when these rifles will be available again, with firearms imports from Russia put in place a few years ago, so it may be a good chance to get one if you missed out when the ban came down. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This rifle can be transferred/sold in California.
