Not really a hunter, but I can use your thoughts. I own some property out east of Canton. We have a small orchard (80 trees) and this past year suffered tree loss due to bucks. We know that the fruit will be bringing in the hogs that have thus far tended to stay back in the river bed. We see the odd hog now and then, but have not had much of a problem....I expect that to change, which brings me to my question. We do have some huge 'yotes out there (gotta be crossed with dogs they are so big), but I almost never see them at less than 200 yards.

Hog/deer guns for the non-hunter. I am thinking of a Saiga sporterized AK variant. It is availabe in either .308 or the standard 7.62x39. The 308 is about $100 more expensive.

Questions: Which would you suggest for deer/hogs? Does the extra stopping power of the .308 warrant buying it vice the 7.62. The 7.62 is available in both carbine and long barrel. The 308 is carbine only.
Are these things accurate enough and reliable enough to be servicable for what I intend? (I know the AK would take incredible abuse from my days in Vietnam).

Your advice is appreciated. Good choice? Bad choice? Other recommendations that might be better in terms of dollars spent/reliability.

Thanks in advance guys.

The 308 would serve you better at the longer distances, more so on the yotes. It is plenty of punch for hogs, and almost anything on the North American planet. The 7.62 is more along the lines of a 30/30. Adequate at shorter distances and capable of dispersing hogs yotes ect. The longer shots with the 7.62, would be my worry. I have heard of guys going beyond 200 yards, but I am reluctant to have that rifle for those type shots. Why not buy a 223 or 22/250.............and a SKS in 7.62??? Problem solved

I was with Roy right up to the part of buy a 223 or 22-250. I am not a fan of either caliber for deer.

Welcome to The Forum. Lot of really good folks on here with good information. JMO go with the extra $100.00 and get the 308. You will be better off in the long run.

Your ap to find .308 shells just about any sporting goods store and possible cheaper. If you can't tell I would suggest the .308. I have one that will drive tacks, at least when my daughter shoots it.

step 1: continue to be a non-hunter

step 2: observe the deer patterns

step 3: locate a sizable buck

step 4: call me and i will come hunt it

step 5: when i bag said deer, give me a beer and say "good job"

To be honest, I have not seen a sizeable buck since I left Kansas. These east Texas deer look like little toys compared to the ones I saw up there. Even Ohio had bigger bucks.

As for patterns, that ain't hard. They spend so much time in our orchard, from the tracks it looks like they have been holding ballroom dance lessons in there. I make no claim to be an expert, but do deer dance?

The Saiga in .308 should do the job. A side mounted optics rail is on the left side of the receiver if you want some optics on it. These are russian made rifles so quality should be very good.