In an effort to help clear some of the confusion as to which AK is best, I've decided to do some head to head reviews.

This week, I've chosen a
Russian American Armory Saiga 7.62x39
vs a
Egyptian Maadi 7.62x39

I'll be judging them based on:
Fit
Finish
Hardware
Accuracy
Reliability
Wow Factor

First up was the Egyptian...
Fit is exceptionally good for a Maadi (They can be real hit or miss)
Everything operated smoothly.No noticeable burrs or hangups. My only complaint in the fit department was the magazine catch.
It was unually stiff and hard to release a mag. Tried it out with a Euro steel mag and a Bulgarian circle 10. Both fit tight but well.
Fit=8

Finish was pretty good too. Smooth and a deep blueish black color.
Finish=8

Hardware[/b:] Stocks were typical of Egyptians. Nothing spectacular. It obviously used to sport the thumbhole stock but someone Frankensteined a separate butt stock and handgrip.
Wood was above average for a Maadi.
Hardware=7

Accuracy was better than expected for the AK iron sights and my aging eyes. It kept everything within about 3" at 50 yards.
Accuracy=7

Reliability Really? It's an AK. No jams or malfunctions of any sort.
Reliability=10

Wow factor
The Egyptian got a couple positive comments from Pit808 & Speedtek, It shot well and definitely was fun.
Wow=9

Next up was the Russian.

Fit was on par with most Arsenal stuff. Good but not spectacular. Parts seemed a little looser overall.
Fit=7

Finish was the typical Saiga finish. Decent and almost a parkerized feel to it.
Finish=8

Hardware was a little unfair. This Saiga sports a slidefire stock, Ultimak gas tube rail with K-Var lower handguard. The sights are excellent by AK standards.
Hardware=10

Accuracy is excellent with this Russian Saiga. I was making 1-2" groups at 50 yards for a while. It also went 5 for 5 on the 250 yard swing.
Accuracy=10

Reliability is a foregone conclusion with AK's. No problems whatsoever.
Reliability=10

Wow Factor: I don't know if it is the accuracy, the slidefire stock, or the steady diet of 7.62 goodness that I feed this rifle but I frickin love shooting it.
It's my favoriteAK to shoot.
Wow factor=10

In summary:

                   Egyptian     Russian
Fit                   8                  7
Finish              8                 8
Hardware        7                10
Accuracy         7                10
Reliability        10               10
Hardware         9                10
  TOTAL    49              55

The Russian Saiga takes round 1 of AK battle 2012

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slidefire?.... can u bring it on saturdays hdf shoot?

WOW! You got a MAADI?!?! SWEET!

Preban?

Pics man!

Pics man!

The only camera I have is the crappy one on my phone. 

Slidefire stock is one of the few things that makes me kinda want an AK.

No offense, I know they are excellent weapons. I'm just not that interested in the cartridge - or any intermediate cartridge. Just personal taste and not a judgement on their effectiveness.

Thanks for the comparison, though! I ~am~ curious enough about AK's to wonder what the many variants are like and what the differences are.

WOW! You got a MAADI?!?! SWEET!

Preban?

Raise your hand if you're in the "Got a Maadi" club 



Nice review KK.  I definitely gotta give the Maadi the nod for it's AK style.  Yours has a really nice finish compared to most Maadi's floating around.

As far as the battle of the AK's, are we comparing only factory receiver AK"s or are we including US receiver guns?

Either way, I'll put up my Hungarian FEG receiver SA85 for the next round if you want. 

slidefire?.... can u bring it on saturdays hdf shoot?

There's a HDF shoot on Sat?

1) As far as the battle of the AK's, are we comparing only factory receiver AK"s or are we including US receiver guns?

2) Either way, I'll put up my Hungarian FEG receiver SA85 for the next round if you want. 

3) There's a HDF shoot on Sat?

1) AK battle knows no limits... If its an AK, it's in.

2) OK, deal.  Next round will be Hungary vs Bulgaria

3) Is there an HDF shoot on Saturday? Inquiring minds want to know.

yes hdf range day saturday! 8am. just confirmed with chris.

you guys coming?

you guys coming?

I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make it.  How about u KK?

Not sure, I've got to work. Will try and switch