Saiga SGL24 @ the Range

[McMaster 7]

I've owned an Arsenal Saiga SGL24 in 7.62 for a short time now and unfortunately haven’t fired it once. This particular Saiga being on the Arsenal side not the RAA side comes out of the box as an AK variant (if you want to call it that), no conversion needed. It of course was shipped to a NJ FFL and transferred properly. My question doesn't really revolve around that. My question really pertains to a comfort level of bringing the rifle out to the range and firing it. My home range is Range 14 @ Fort Dix... I go out there a decent amount to shoot my other rifles, shotguns and handguns and I've really paid attention to see if I can spot any people firing AK variants, regardless of make. I really can't say that I've ever seen one... ever. Now, of course it's a pretty big firing line and there is decent amount of space between the tables so I can't see everything but I've really paid attention and haven't ever seen one, which makes me apprehensive about bringing this Saiga rifle out to shoot. I know that probably sounds silly to some guys because the rifle is legit but I don't want to draw attention or have the range officer coming down questioning me about my rifle, wondering if it's legal. Any thoughts from you guys? Does anyone shoot an AK variant at Range 14 or know of anyone who does? Many thanks in advance fellas!

[Tactical Monkey 51]

Almost every time I go shooting at my range, someone will come over. "Are those 30rd mags!!??" "Is that black rifle legal in NJ!!??" "Did you just shoot while doing a one handed cartwheel wearing a black trench coat like in the Matrix!!??"

 

You get used to the questions after a while, and just deal with them politely. Except that last one...

 

ETA: Knowing your own rifle is legal in NJ is the first step, and you have that covered.

[vjf915 456]

I have shot my Zastava PAP there once before, and will be shooting my converted Saiga there soon. I wouldn't be too concerned with it as long as your rifle is legal.

[vladtepes 1,060]

I bring mine to county owned range on many occasion.. it has not been issue for me... my gun is legal so the perception of its legality is not a matter I concern myself with..

[lunker 274]

Yes, I have brought my Zastava PAP, Saiga 223 to the range. I often see guns like this there. I also switched to 10 or 15 round magazines from blocked 20 and 30 rounders because I have been asked if I have illegal magazines, and it is easier to not have it be an issue. I got questions about my Saiga 12 until the RO saw that it was not converted (i.e. pistol gripped autoloading shotguns are illegal in Jersey).

Polite and knowledgeable answers always carry the day there.

[Melgamatic 66]

Worst case scenario:

 

Stranger: "Yo, kid, what's with that gun? Isn't it illegal"

You: "No sir, it is NJ legal and also 922® compliant, and the magazines are 15 rounds, so it's fine."

Stranger: "Hm, ok, thanks."

 

Also, to quote Richard Feynman, "What do you care what people think?"

[Krdshrk 3,878]

Worst case scenario:

 

Stranger: "Yo, kid, what's with that gun? Isn't it illegal"

You: "No sir, it is NJ legal and also 922® compliant, and the magazines are 15 rounds, so it's fine."

Stranger: "Hm, ok, thanks."

 

Also, to quote Richard Feynman, "What do you care what people think?"

 

Unfortunately, no, the WCS would be:

 

Idiot Cop: "That thing is an assault weapon!"

You: "No sir, it is NJ legal and also 922® compliant, and the magazines are 15 rounds, so it's fine."

Idiot Cop: "No, that's an assault weapon. You're under arrest"

[vladtepes 1,060]

Unfortunately, no, the WCS would be:

 

Idiot Cop: "That thing is an assault weapon!"

You: "No sir, it is NJ legal and also 922® compliant, and the magazines are 15 rounds, so it's fine."

Idiot Cop: "No, that's an assault weapon. You're under arrest"

 

 

LOL that would be the worst case scenario..

[Cavalier1979 0]

I have an arsenal SLG21 and I shoot it at Fort Dix range 14 all the time and I have never heard a peep.. I use it with pinned 30 round mags so it would draw attention.

[almiz111 26]

I've owned an Arsenal Saiga SGL24 in 7.62 for a short time now and unfortunately haven’t fired it once. This particular Saiga being on the Arsenal side not the RAA side comes out of the box as an AK variant (if you want to call it that), no conversion needed. It of course was shipped to a NJ FFL and transferred properly. My question doesn't really revolve around that. My question really pertains to a comfort level of bringing the rifle out to the range and firing it. My home range is Range 14 @ Fort Dix... I go out there a decent amount to shoot my other rifles, shotguns and handguns and I've really paid attention to see if I can spot any people firing AK variants, regardless of make. I really can't say that I've ever seen one... ever. Now, of course it's a pretty big firing line and there is decent amount of space between the tables so I can't see everything but I've really paid attention and haven't ever seen one, which makes me apprehensive about bringing this Saiga rifle out to shoot. I know that probably sounds silly to some guys because the rifle is legit but I don't want to draw attention or have the range officer coming down questioning me about my rifle, wondering if it's legal. Any thoughts from you guys? Does anyone shoot an AK variant at Range 14 or know of anyone who does? Many thanks in advance fellas!

 

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(some day i'll learn how to do these posts/replies)

 

Not sure why all the concern. I've had my new SGL24 at 14 a couple of times with no questions/problems. In fact the young kid (a nice guy) RO was admiring it a bit. BTW he seems to know some about guns and does not own one - its a wife and money thing! Also my son shoots his AR there. Only one teeny suggestion - you might get a chamber flag for down time.

 

So I hope I see you there some day and we'll have a contest. I'm thinking about red/white/blue stripes on my mags. Ok I'm goofy!!

[McMaster 7]

I appreciate all of the responses... makes me feel better. I'm loaded up on ammo and I'm bringing the Saiga out this weekend.

 

Chamber flag... great idea! I didn't even think of that! Great thought... I appreciate that! All of my other rifles have a bolt stop and can lock back in a bolt open position... didn't even think of it! Thank you!

[Xray Zulu 0]

I remember a few years ago nobody wanted to bring their AR's out to the range, now a days everyone and their grandmother has an AR type rifle out on the line.

[Candide 0]

Take it out and run it. If its legal its legal.

[P4Plenty 1]

Just took my Sgl to the range for the first time. With a US palm 10-30 AK Mag and nobody even looked twice at me.

[NJDrew1 0]

Just took my Sgl to the range for the first time. With a US palm 10-30 AK Mag and nobody even looked twice at me.

 

It must have been an awesome range, since nobody chose to bust your balls over the mag. Which range was it?

[ExpendableRaj 1]

I weep every time I hear "US-PALM 10-30" and realize people are paying $40 for 10 round magazines........

[P4Plenty 1]

who paid 40?

[Melgamatic 66]

Almost every time I go shooting at my range, someone will come over. "Are those 30rd mags!!??" "Is that black rifle legal in NJ!!??"

 

No one has ever asked me about the legality of anything I've had at the range, ever, in 4-5 years of serious shooting, every weekend, multiple ranges. You are going to a range full of asses and should find another place.