^Lot 1227 DESIRABLE RUSSIAN IZHMASH / LEGION-TRADE SAIGA

SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE. Cal. 7.62x39mm. S# T11101931. Bbl. 16 1/4". Saiga (SGL-20) semi-automatic rifle mfg. in Russia by Legion Ltd. (Izhmash's internal custom shop) at the Izhmash factory and imported by Arsenal. Research suggests that Legion Ltd. has its own production line in the Izhmash factory, where it manufactured higher end iterations of the factory's standard production guns, with examples such as this being the closest available rifle in the U.S. to Russia's AK-103 platform. While finding success in the Russian and European markets, Legion had not managed to gather a foothold in the U.S. market. Looking to gain traction in the U.S., Legion partnered with Arsenal, whom had the expertise and knowledge to properly convert these rifles from their imported "sporting" configuration into AK-100 pattern series rifles. Left side of the trunnion is marked with the Izhmash arsenal insignia, followed by the S#. Left side of the stamped receiver is marked with the Izhmash logo within an oval above "11", followed by "SAIGA/ 7,62x39", "LEGION-TRADE IZHEVSK RUSSIA", and Arsenal's importer information. Metal components exhibit a matte black finish overall. FAB Defense AK-L ventilated black polymer 2-piece quad rail forearm with textured black synthetic pistol grip, and TAPCO AR pattern adj. buttstock. Underside of handguard is fitted with a FAB Defense G2 T-Pod vertical foregrip, with the buttstock being fitted with a single point black nylon sling. Chrome lined bore with AK-74 pattern muzzle brake and chrome plated gas piston. Standard AK pattern open top post front sight and adj. U-notch rear sight marked with a Cyrillic "N" in the lowest position, and graduated 2-10. Upper handguard rail is mounted with a Bushnell 1x32 Trophy reflex sight with red/green T-Dot reticle. Top of scope features an integral blade and square notch rear sight. Left side of the receiver features an integral AK pattern side-mounted optic rail. All serialized parts are matching and include the receiver (trunnion), as well as the bolt carrier, and bolt. MAGS: x5 black polymer mags. (x1 Bulgarian (Circle 10 marked) and x4 TAPCO) 30-rd. mags., as well as x4 steel Bulgarian 30-rd. mags., all housed within a canvas bag. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Bushnell optic box. CONDITION: near new, with metal components retaining virtually all of their original factory matte black finish, exhibiting few minor superficial handling marks overall, with a typical dragline on the receiver from the selector lever. Brilliant mirror chrome lined bore, retaining sharp and well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Aftermarket polymer furniture is excellent. Scope batteries are dead, but scope otherwise retains a clear optic. An excellent example of a Legion / Arsenal Saiga rifle, that with the correct furniture, will make for a rifle that is virtually the closest thing to a Russian AK-100 series rifle that can be obtained in the U.S. (25-6201/MLW). MODERN. $1,750-2,500.