Mostly Izhmash factory and maker's stamps on the left side, the right side has the importer's receiver scrawl, F S (fire safe) and caliber. The 3 digit number behind the charging handle should also match the number stamped into the bolt and they should match the last 3 digits of the serial #
The "safety warning" you see plastered behind the rail isn't popular and wasn't necessary for import, most AK's imported today don't have that, except Zastava unfortunately. Later Saiga's don't have that warning
The tiny factory stamp to the left of the trunnion serial # is the less desirable one, the other is the official Izhmash logo, a triangle with an arrow inside
The features I prefer when looking over a Saiga Sporter to buy are:
16" barrel
Dimpled receiver
No receiver "billboard"
Drilled and pinned FSB, GB and RSB
Izhmash triangle stamp on the trunnion
The least amount of non-essential scrawl
The "safety warning" you see plastered behind the rail isn't popular and wasn't necessary for import, most AK's imported today don't have that, except Zastava unfortunately. Later Saiga's don't have that warning
The tiny factory stamp to the left of the trunnion serial # is the less desirable one, the other is the official Izhmash logo, a triangle with an arrow inside
The features I prefer when looking over a Saiga Sporter to buy are:
16" barrel
Dimpled receiver
No receiver "billboard"
Drilled and pinned FSB, GB and RSB
Izhmash triangle stamp on the trunnion
The least amount of non-essential scrawl