Likely the scope was lose, if not accurate enough to put a scope on, he likely would not! Also, the dust cover scope mounts are typically not secured enough to put a standard scope on, mini scope should be fine. My good SKSs shoot as well as my FAL and Garand, groups US Quarter size at 50 yds. Problem with SKS is the headspace tolerance is wide, spent casing from my best SKS fits in the chamber of my worst SKS and close the bolt with no problem. Chinese SKSs typically have lighter/better trigger than other countries' SKSs and SKS triggers can be tuned.