Saiga 308 defect?

[AmmoSapien]

Hello everyone, I was hoping someone could tell me if this strange mark on my new Saiga 308 is normal or a defect....

View attachment 31930

It's on the left side of the receiver just above the scope mounting rails, just where the dust cover sits. Two rows of strange "track marks" with a texture like a metal file. They appear to be cut right into the metal with the finish applied over them. The side of the gun says "Made in Russia by Izhmash" but the rest is cut off by these marks. Has anyone seen anything like this? I want to do a conversion on this rifle but am afraid it may have to go back.

 

[Almostelmo]

Is it a weld bead?

 

[AmmoSapien]

Thanks for responding so fast, but to be honest I wouldn't know a weld bead if i was looking right at one. What is that? Does it make a texture like a nail file?

 

[ChevyGuy91]

It looks like someone got a little excited with the velcro maker (I'm not sure what it is, laser etching?). The do that to certain parts of the receiver to destroy what ever it says. I figure it has to do with importation laws.

 

[AmmoSapien]

Interesting, if that is the case I guess I'll have to live with it. The thing that had me concerned is that I cannot find a pic of a Saiga with a similar mark anywhere on the interwebs. Hopefully someone who owns that same gun can chime in and let us know if theirs have it too.

 

[ChevyGuy91]

I do own a S308 and a S5.45, I am quite sure that is what it is.

Google "saiga velcro patch".

 

[AmmoSapien]

Yep I searched Velcro Mark and that's exactly what it is. Thanks edmorseiii, you nailed it! Thank you both for the fast reply! Now I guess I'll have to buy a big fancy scope mount to cover this eyesore up!

 

[dnepro-mike]

try to find one that has no Velcro etching on that spot and see what's normally there. it might be just distributor removing importer's marks.

 

[AmmoSapien]

Looks like it covers up importer/manufacture info. I don't really mind it since I'll be getting a scope mount from Kalinka that will draw the eye away from the zipper marks