SAR2 or SAR3?

[SouthernShark]

I already have a 7.62x39mm AK, but I was thinking about buying either 5.56mm or a 5.45mm to go with it. Now 5.56mm is tempting, because the round is compatable with AR's, and most other weapons that I am likely to purchase in the next few years. Also its slightly more powerful (accurate?), and I am a bit worried about the future availability of 5.45x39mm in the US.

Now if that ended the discussion, I'd pick a SAR3 without a problem. But I hear some real horror stories about the SAR3's. So now I was thinking that maybe I should buy a RomakII instead. The Romak II cost a little bit more, and its got that damn Dragunov stock, but I want something that's going to work and not an odd novelty item.

Can anybody give me some advice?


-SouthernShark

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[Tomac]

I was in the same boat, trying to decide between the SAR-2 & SAR-3. However, the price drop in 5.45 ammo, cheap mags and rifles finally convinced me to go with the SAR-2 and I haven't looked back. As much as I'd like a .223 AK for logistics I don't want to hassle with problem hammers, modified mags, shorn case rims on brass ammo, etc. I've had 4 SAR-2s so far (2 were stolen a few weeks ago) and so far quality has been good (straight sights & sight blocks, acceptable triggers, etc). My SAR-2s have worked right out of the box. Of course, that didn't keep me from adding K-Var US-made stocks, Kobra/Mepor-21 reflex sights, an AK-74 brake and replacing 2 of the 3 US internals for legality (the Tennessee Guns 3-piece parts set for $20 is great). If you're worried about ammo just stock up now while the price is cheap! The 5.45 is great fun to shoot, especially the 60gr load with the air pocket in the tip (I'm planning a bullet recovery test in a couple of weeks to see what happens when it impacts a row of gallon water jugs).
Tomac

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[teamafx]

Go with the SAR-2! You will love it, I have only one thing to say bad about the gun. It not that you can get mags for $5ea or 1000 rounds of ammo is now only $99 or it dosnt kick at all or its one of the coolist looking AK's out there (when fixed up) or that I have never had one problem with it, what it is I can't get out to shoot it enough! Get one you WILL love it.

Steve


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If Sam Colt made men equal then Mikhail Kalashnikov made a few superior.

[backblast]

Yup, get the SAR2. The 3 is a bastard child that will not behave.

cya

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[13th Warrior]

Yeah, and when the ammo ban hits (and it will) where are you going to get ammo?? Does any domestic Co. make the 5.45?? Whatever.....Im not going to get into a pissing contest with anyone on who's is the best. I like mine you like yours, yadda, yadda, yadda...........

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[Tomac]

13th Warrior, when/if the ammo ban hits the only source of 7.62 ammo will be expensive coming from domestic mfgrs (assuming they aren't pressured by the govt into dropping production altogether). RCBS already makes loading dies for 5.45x39 so depending upon demand you might see domestic production (equally expensive) as well. Regardless of your choice in calibers, stock up now while prices are cheap and ammo is plentiful so the if/when ban has less of an effect.
Tomac

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[ValmetM76]

Tomac is right, this bargain priced ammo has about run its course. Get it while you can.

When I had my first SKS (1978) 7.62x39 ammo was ONLY available from Lapua. 20 rounds were OVER $20.

Regards,
Mike

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[777]

Reloading for 5.45? I didn't know that anyone made brass cases for 5.45.
If I could reload, then I will finally get some sleep at night.
Some 5.45 bullet & cases information, please!!

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[teamafx]

RCBS has dies for the 5.45x39? Do you know the part #?

Steve

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If Sam Colt made men equal then Mikhail Kalashnikov made a few superior.

[Tomac]

Since the 5.45 isn't exactly "mainstream" you'll probably find it in their Special Order Catalog.
Tomac

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[13th Warrior]

Tomac, I remember when 7.62 was something of an oddball and 5.45 was never even heard of! If the US follows the path of other Countries, any Military ammo will be banned. I think in South america it has been there for years. I heard thats where the 9mm Largo came from. I agree, stock up while you can. I for one am poorly stocked and need to aquire some food for the monster.

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[xm]

Buy both, are exelent guns

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[777]

Does anyone know of a source for 5.45 bullets and brass cases? You guys weren't talking about reloading steel with berdan primers, were you?

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[13th Warrior]

I dont know of any source for brass in the 5.45. maybe you could neck down something? Then you really have a mess. Nobody seems to remember the times when you bought an AK74 they gave you 500 rds. free. Thats because nobody made it! Does anyone actually think that they will make it now for just the AK family of rifles. Dont think so. If there was a domestic rifle in that caliber maybe but If the importation of rifles and kits dont affect the market nothing will.

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[teamafx]

How close is it to a .222? I think this would be a good starting point.

Steve


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If Sam Colt made men equal then Mikhail Kalashnikov made a few superior.

[SouthernShark]

I am not too worried about ammo availability. Winchester started manufacturing 7.62x54R, 7.62x25mm, and 9x18mm. I doubt that there are many more Czech 52's floating around (7.62x25mm) than there are 5.45x39mm's. If people keep buying SAR2's or other 74's then the ammo will be made.

I think I am going to buy a SAR2 and not a SAR3. I would like to have one assault rifle that fired that round. I can always buy a AR-15 later on. I also saw some really nice Vephr .223mm's that have been converted back into high caps. Too bad I can't afford one. In the mean time, I will practice with my SAR2 once I get it.

-SouthernShark

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[JojoSAR]

I see nothing wrong with the 5.45 but I have a SAR3 and have had no problems out of the box with it. My 5.45 is a nice gun but I tend to use the SAR3 more. Someday ammo might be a consideration (in favor of the 3) but for now it's not a big thing. One thing I have noticed is most of the SAR3's I've seen to have wood that matches better and look alittle nicer as is. Wieger mags are the best way to go with the 3, more costly then the AK74 types but will last a lifetime.

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[ValmetM76]

I suggest you find a deal on a Romak II.
That way once you replace the imported parts that enable you to install the pistol grip you end up with some "spare" parts.

After trying both the USA Kvar stockset and the regular Bulgarian black polymer stocksets I have to say I prefer the Bulgarian BUTTSTOCK over all others I've tried so far.

<IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=957843&a=8928448&p=30135654" border=0>

If you can't find a deal on a Romak II, go with the SAR 2.
The SAR 3 just isn't right.

Regards,
Mike

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[SouthernShark]

Thanks, I am really leaning towards the SAR2. I'd like to get a Romak II, but I don't have much to spend, and the cheapest Romak I've seen is 350. That's a 100 bucks more than a SAR2. So I think I will give the SAR2 a go.

As to stocks though, I would really like to find a fixed "folding" (non-folding BATF complient) stock. I really like the folding look.

-SouthernShark




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[13th Warrior]

Southern Shark, Check into the ace fixed folder. I am impressed with the quality and service from ACE. The new standard lengths are a little short for me unless wearing web gear. I think I would have opted for the Long version if I would have known.

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[SouthernShark]

Thanks I will check ACE out.


-SouthernShark


[This message has been edited by SouthernShark (edited 10-08-2000).]