I'm looking at buying another sks (wish I never sold the one I paid $100 for). I am looking to set it up as a "combat" weapon with folding stock and all. My question is: Is there that much difference between the paratrooper 16" barrel and the standard 20" barrel? Obviously more barrel usually equals better acuracy but for those who've had experiences with both, chime in and let me know what you think. The paratroopers seem to be slightly higher in price, about $75, is this justified? Since budget is an issue (or else I'd buy an AK) I just want to know which of the two is better. BTW: norino is my prefered brand. Just trying to compare apples to apples. Thanks for any input.
Paratrooper or Standard SKS?
- Thread starter Chanman
- Start date
- Status
Cmdr. Gravez0r
Member
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2007
- Messages
- 427
SKS's were produced by many countries in dozens of factories. Accuracy varies widely.
My understanding is that the Yugo 59/66 models are the most consistent in quality.
I have one as well and it is about a 2MOA rifle. it will do anything an AR will do out to about 300 yds.
My understanding is that the Yugo 59/66 models are the most consistent in quality.
I have one as well and it is about a 2MOA rifle. it will do anything an AR will do out to about 300 yds.
gun addict
Member
no unfortunately the Yugo SKS, espacially the M59/65 are the worst, not because of manufacture quality but the gas shutoff design. Also the Yugo does not have the standard Chrome lined barrel like all other SKS
If you are not intenting to keep the SKS original, have you thought about looking into a WASR or a FEG AMD65? AIM is running a great deal on Hungarian FEG
If you are not intenting to keep the SKS original, have you thought about looking into a WASR or a FEG AMD65? AIM is running a great deal on Hungarian FEG
bill larry
Member
Chanman
There is no difference between the two models other than barrel length. The paratroopers are all Chinese make. They are very handy and feel AKish to me when compared to any of my regular SKSs.
I am an SKS lover and devotee. I have 6 now, one is a Norinco paratrooper, 3 Yugo's, a Romanian and an Albanian.
I love the Yugo's the best. Mine are really accurate, gas cutoff is a cinch to fix if there's a problem.
There is no difference between the two models other than barrel length. The paratroopers are all Chinese make. They are very handy and feel AKish to me when compared to any of my regular SKSs.
I am an SKS lover and devotee. I have 6 now, one is a Norinco paratrooper, 3 Yugo's, a Romanian and an Albanian.
I love the Yugo's the best. Mine are really accurate, gas cutoff is a cinch to fix if there's a problem.
bill larry
Member
Chanman
There is no difference between the two models other than barrel length. The paratroopers are all Chinese make. They are very handy and feel AKish to me when compared to any of my regular SKSs.
I am an SKS lover and devotee. I have 6 now, one is a Norinco paratrooper, 3 Yugo's, a Romanian and an Albanian.
I love the Yugo's the best. Mine are really accurate, gas cutoff is a cinch to fix if there's a problem.
There is no difference between the two models other than barrel length. The paratroopers are all Chinese make. They are very handy and feel AKish to me when compared to any of my regular SKSs.
I am an SKS lover and devotee. I have 6 now, one is a Norinco paratrooper, 3 Yugo's, a Romanian and an Albanian.
I love the Yugo's the best. Mine are really accurate, gas cutoff is a cinch to fix if there's a problem.
bill larry
Member
Chanman
There is no difference between the two models other than barrel length. The paratroopers are all Chinese make. They are very handy and feel AKish to me when compared to any of my regular SKSs.
I am an SKS lover and devotee. I have 6 now, one is a Norinco paratrooper, 3 Yugo's, a Romanian and an Albanian.
I love the Yugo's the best. Mine are really accurate, gas cutoff is a cinch to fix if there's a problem.
There is no difference between the two models other than barrel length. The paratroopers are all Chinese make. They are very handy and feel AKish to me when compared to any of my regular SKSs.
I am an SKS lover and devotee. I have 6 now, one is a Norinco paratrooper, 3 Yugo's, a Romanian and an Albanian.
I love the Yugo's the best. Mine are really accurate, gas cutoff is a cinch to fix if there's a problem.
R.W.Dale
Member
Ive owned both and having BTDT I wouldn't throw rocks at a "paratrooper" or any other Chinese SKS with a pinned barrel.
I have a pinned "Paratrooper" AKA Cowboy Companion and I can just about literally spit at 100yds more accurately. Versus my threaded 20" Norinco that would shoot 2" groups at 100
But either way Look at how the bbl is attached. If it's threaded you're GTG, if it's pinned run don't walk away.
I have a pinned "Paratrooper" AKA Cowboy Companion and I can just about literally spit at 100yds more accurately. Versus my threaded 20" Norinco that would shoot 2" groups at 100
But either way Look at how the bbl is attached. If it's threaded you're GTG, if it's pinned run don't walk away.
That's nonsense. The Yugos are excellent in build quality. Yes, the grenade feature for the gas-cut off is problematic, but it's easy to fix as mentioned. Plus, you have a built-in grenade launcher. That is kinda cool, you know?
You can also find Yugo's in much less worn/used condition, which is a massive bonus. Even unissued condition.
if you are going to "set it up" and change the stock, etc., get the highest condition gun you can regardless of barrel. That will probably be a 20".
gun addict
Member
look i'm not saying the Yugos arn't good quality, they are very well built in terms of fit and finish but out of the box (cosmoline?) they are more problematic than, say, a standard Norinco or Romanian SKS. If the OP intends his SKS to be a "fighting weapon" chrome lined barrel might be of some importance.
Again not saying the Yugo SKS arnt nice, just that it's more complicated than it should be
Again not saying the Yugo SKS arnt nice, just that it's more complicated than it should be
Glockman17366
Member
Remember,if you change the stock, you may have to comply with 922. So, by the time you get all the required parts, you may have spent as much as you would have for an AK folder.
That said, if you want a folding stock, you apparently want a shorter rifle. That leads to the 16" barreled Paratrooper. These are pretty short when left stock, so unless the OP is wanting "tacticool", it's probably better to leave the carbine stock (for reliability).
Had 3 SKS's (one rifle, 2 carbines). Still got the two carbines (one a standard Paratrooper, the other a D or M model (takes AK mags)). I'm pretty sure all the carbines are Chinese.
That said, if you want a folding stock, you apparently want a shorter rifle. That leads to the 16" barreled Paratrooper. These are pretty short when left stock, so unless the OP is wanting "tacticool", it's probably better to leave the carbine stock (for reliability).
Had 3 SKS's (one rifle, 2 carbines). Still got the two carbines (one a standard Paratrooper, the other a D or M model (takes AK mags)). I'm pretty sure all the carbines are Chinese.
FROGO207
Member
I have a 20" Yugo M59/66 and was really a good bargain and accurate as well. When I got it the gas shutoff was in need of maintenance as the previous owner said the rifle was broken and only capable of single shot operation. Freeing up the shutoff and a good cleaning and a $75 investment was a good one. The carbine model may be a better HD choice as it has a shorter barrel and the folding stock is not really necessary then.
Carl N. Brown
Member
worst-SKS with pinned barrel. (Can anyone out there confirm the rumor some SKS with pinned barrels had threaded barrels shoved into the receiver and pinned.)
The only thing bad about the Yugo is you have to follow a strict rule of throughly cleaning the barrel (steel not chrome lined) and cleaning the gas system which has a cut-off to allow using it as a straight pull bolt action (blank firing for the grenade launcher). If you like owning an M1 Garand, you would be comfortable with owning a Yugo SKS. The usual Russian or Chinese (with threaded barrel and receiver connection and no grenade launcher complication) requires less maintenance. On the Yugo, the grenade launcher moves the muzzle blast several inches from the users ears and some of us feel the extra weight gives the gun better balance for offhand shooting at range. Whether the Yugo SKS is "worse" is a matter of degree and use. A Yugo may impose a high maintenance discipline, but even the best AK or SKS can be neglected until it doesn't work. Another thing is the Yugo got imported because it is a Curio & Relic and modifying one not only gets into 922 territory, but it is just the wrong model to choose if your goal is to build a customized gun (The Yugos ought be regarded as collectibles).
The only thing bad about the Yugo is you have to follow a strict rule of throughly cleaning the barrel (steel not chrome lined) and cleaning the gas system which has a cut-off to allow using it as a straight pull bolt action (blank firing for the grenade launcher). If you like owning an M1 Garand, you would be comfortable with owning a Yugo SKS. The usual Russian or Chinese (with threaded barrel and receiver connection and no grenade launcher complication) requires less maintenance. On the Yugo, the grenade launcher moves the muzzle blast several inches from the users ears and some of us feel the extra weight gives the gun better balance for offhand shooting at range. Whether the Yugo SKS is "worse" is a matter of degree and use. A Yugo may impose a high maintenance discipline, but even the best AK or SKS can be neglected until it doesn't work. Another thing is the Yugo got imported because it is a Curio & Relic and modifying one not only gets into 922 territory, but it is just the wrong model to choose if your goal is to build a customized gun (The Yugos ought be regarded as collectibles).
You'll pay a premium price if you can even find a Paratrooper.I would think a used Paratrooper price would be maybe $100 less than a new Bulagarian AK. I'm kicking my self for selling mine but I still have my mint Norinco bought in the early 90"s. It will stay in it's original configuration. No after market stocks, no scope!
Mauserguy
Member
Considering that you want to put it in a folding stock, I would think that length is a significant factor. As such, I think a paratrooper is the best option. Immagine, a paratrooper with a folding stock and a rolled up chest rig of stripper clips would be ultra cool. You could drop the whole thing in a medium sized gym bag and look like an average tennis player. Talk about going undercover.
Mauserguy
Mauserguy
- Status