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The AK is a brutally simple machine - few parts, loose tolerances, and it works every time. Stamped steel receivers are the most common. Milled receivers are heavier, and, all other things being equal, may boost accuracy. Stocks can be wood or composite. The standard magazines are steel and are very durable. The ammunition is much cheaper than other military types, so it is a good value.

Saigas are from Russia, and instead of a pistol grip, has more of a sporting type stock. There is a federal prohibition on importation of foreign made machines with the pistol grip. Many operations now supply that item as a USA part.

Three of us got an AK with an stamped Armory USA receiver, which is supposed to be from Bulgaria. Ours had composite stocks and upgraded "double hook" triggers to reduce the backslap. It is not target competition machine, but I am pleasantly surprised with it's functioning. So far, I am getting hand-sized groups at 50 yards, a little tighter when I concentrate real hard from a bench. Now I just need more practice with those iron sights.