SAR 1 or 2 for $300?

A

Adventurer_96

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I'm wondering if this rifle is worth $300. I've seen the some of the pros our there (reliable, rugged, lightweight) and cons (fit and finish, accuracy). I don't want to spend big bucks on a preban Russian AK just yet, but I'm looking for a rifle based on the design for nothing more serious than plinking.

If I'm spending $300 on an AK variant, will I do well to spend it on the SAR?

Also, what are some reasons for getting the 7.62 versus the 5.45, or vice-versa? Personally, I could reduce my ammo supply by getting the 7.62x39 as my SKS eats the same thing, but what would motivate me to get a SAR 2?


Check Six.
 
I have a SAR-1 and SAR-2. I find them accurate enough, especially the SAR-2. They look especially sharp if you put K-var's black plastic furniture on them.

As for which one to get, the SAR-1's ammo (7.62x39) is more widely available and cheap. I prefer my SAR-2 though, because I like the 5.45 caliber. It has a much flatter trajectory, and is more effective in an anti-badguy role due to the air void that causes rapid tumbling of the bullet.

Either one would probably serve you well. I'd probably get the SAR-1 initially since it can use the same ammo as your SKS. You will probably get the SAR-2 later anyway ;).
 
Now, this air void causing the tumbling...

how's that work?

Are we talking about tumbling upon impact, or does the round start playing whirlybird after a couple hundred yards?
??
 
There's a pocket of air at the front of the round under the jacket. When it hit something, this air pocket causes the bullet to become unstable and tumble. I think the lead behind it slides forward and changes the balance of the round. If not, somebody here will correct me.
 
For a good discussion on the 5.45X39 round, go to this post at AK-47.net. Ignore the first few posts on religion. About 4-5 down is a long post by Ekie. He uses "religion" as a good excuse the discuss 5.45 X 39 vs. .233 etc.

http://www.ak-47.net/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20968

Its a tough choice. I'd go with 5.45 because it is reputed to be more accurate. It is definitely flatter-shooting.
 
about the ammo...

It is tough to go to Wal-Mart and find 5.45. But if you buy your ammo by the case, like I do, availability isn't an issue.

Just order it through the shotgun news.
 
Good point. I'm not aware of any commercial, American-made 5.45.

The European/Soviet 5.45 is readily available and cheap, so buy 1k rounds or so now for just over $100.

I can imagine a scenario in which supplies of 5.45 dry up, but it would be a scenario so bad that it might be hard to find ANY ammo.

Around Y2K, it was difficult to find any commercial ammo in popular calibers in Idaho. Oddly enough, the oddball calibers were more available then... The shortage only lasted a week or so, though. Just long enough for the next shipments to arrive.

So buy a case now, and buy another when that is half done, and enjoy.

Or buy a SAR-3 in .223. That's what I did.
 
both are well worth the money spent

the sar-2 is the current issue rifle so supplies of 5.45x39mm will only increase. the round is softer shooting and more accurate than the 7.62. i usually buy by the case also, last one was about $100 delivered to my front door.

because to the construction of the round, the 5.45 is designed to be less stable, weight at the rear. upon impact, the bullet tumbles and starts a buzz-saw effect in the medium (flesh)

{it's really cool, take a watermelon (or whatever is in season) out a fire a few rounds of 5.45 into it, better yet line up 2 or 3 behind each other for some real fun}

if you don't want to add a new calibre, the sar-1 is a good buy, just not a accurate
 
The question may be moot...

... for now at least since J&G is out of their SAR rifles, and I haven't called to see when they expect more of them. I may just have to settle for a Romanian or Russian SKS in the meantime since I've got to own one with a bayonet!

At any rate, I expect I'll get the -1 first and the -2 second if only because of the ammo question. Speaking of ammo, any recommendations for inexpensive reloadable 7.62x39 ammo out there? I've seen the South African battlebacks advertised at AIM but I don't know if it's reloadable.

I hope J&G gets their shipment soon!


Check Six.
 
One of my roommates may have snagged one of the last SAR-1's from J&G (they're the closest gunshop to me) :) Sorry about that. I haven't fired the SAR-1, but my friend normally shoots long range competition rifle stuff, and he was impressed with the accuracy of the SAR-1. No, it's not a match grade weapon, but it was enough for him. It's a very nice looking weapon.
 
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