SKS - a new users impressions

[dave3006]

I just got my two Yugo SKS's cleaned and working. I have owned (or currently own) ARs, AKs, FALs, Garands, and Mini-14s.

My first impression was how easy and fast the stripper clips are. I thought they would be more difficult to use. Based on the SKS, and my experience with the Garand, my opinion is that box magazines are highly overated. I would not feel handicapped at all using stripper clips in a SHTF or whatever scenario.

My second impression was how rugged these things are built. They seem like they can take some abuse. I actually like the sights for less than 100 yard shooting. The circular front apperture kind of forms a reverse peep sight (I hope that makes sense!)

On the down side, they are heavy. I don't mind that. I like solid guns. The trigger is long and heavy. The safety might take some getting used to. But, I think it is okay.

For $150, you can't go wrong. Heck, I have spent more than that on a flashlight for a rifle. I would feel adequately armed with this gun for just about any situation I can think of. Of course it is not tactical black. But, I live in California. They only let us have friendly guns.

 

[Daedalus]

I recently got my mitts on a norinco SKS. It is definitely one of my favorite rifles right now.

 

[Gabe]

It is a fine rifle (or should I say carbine). I'm surprised there is no updated, high quality variants like it is with Kalashnikovs. Someone should develope a synthetic stock - w/o bayonet channel this time. Give it a trigger job, add sight rails, and maybe offer a 6x39 option and it'll be a hot item for sure.

 

[Beetle Bailey]

Hello, I'm new to firearms and also new to this forum, but not so new that I don't already have an opinion . I got my first rifle about a month ago (a Finnish Mosin Nagant M39) and a Yugo SKS a week later. I pretty much agree with you, dave3006. It's a neat little rifle I can shoot all day (or at least until the ammo runs out ). My main concern is the trigger - it is looong! Anyone have suggestions on how to improve it?

Dave3006, if you want , you can change the wooden handguard for a "tactical black" steel one, which makes the entire top (dorsal?) part of the rifle black . I think it's supposed to help the cool the barrel, but the main selling point for me was that it really looks good and the handguard that came with my SKS was an ugly piece of wood that didn't match the rest of the stock . By the way, I don't know if it matters to you, but it's not a permenant alteration, or rather, it shouldn't be but my buddy accidentally broke his wooden handguard in half trying to change it so I guess for him it is pretty permenant.

Don't forget to hit the 10-ring!

 

[Beetle Bailey]

About that trigger things, never mind. I did what I should have done first, I did a search . Thanks!

 

[SodaPop]

Dave- you're my kinda guy!

I know some people will be insulted for comparing the SKS to the Garand, but I think they both are great firearms. They both have an advantage over modern firearms (to some degree).

Stripper clips load in an SKS like nothing at all. My SKS is my bear defense (I don't go camping without it) and trespasser enforcement rifle (I pulled a Russian Saiga on an intruder at 3am, 3months after my friends cabin was broken into *arrests were made*) and I felt under gunned with the Saiga. I really wish I had my SKS with me at the time.


Its not a modern combat rifle, but its a great SHTF rifle or HD gun. Having a cleaning kit and bayonet aren't so bad either. Try the WOLF HP rounds in it.


I owned 2 Russian SKS rifles in the past and presently only own one. I've thought about picking up another just to arm my sisters.

 

[Norton]

A question from a first time SKS (who am I kidding.....first time rifle owner):

Just brought home my Yugo SKS yesterday. I'm getting geared up for cleaning the cosmoline off and notice that the gas cylinder handguard on top of the rifle has a fair amount of side to side play in it. Is this normal?

 

[Ian Sean]

I know some people will be insulted for comparing the SKS to the Garand, but I think they both are great firearms. They both have an advantage over modern firearms (to some degree).

Basphemy! A witch!

Norton, is it just the wood moving or the entire cylinder? If it is just the wood its not a problem. My chinese para was loose and ill fitting as well but the gas system itself was nice and tight. This was cured with a synthetic stock later on anyway.

 

[itgoesboom]

Most SKS carbines that i have seen had a fair amount of play in the wood on the gas tube, and some had some play on the actual gas tube. I wouldn't worry too much about it, and there are ways of tightening the fit if you feel you need to.

I puchased my Norinco SKS back about Christmas last year, and i love it. The thing is built like a tank, easy to use, reliable, has decent enough accuracy and is quick to operate. I honestly wish i had purchased an SAR since i really like the feel of them, and i would love to have 30 rounds on tap, but stripper clips are very quick, and cheap.

I won't be winning any competitions with it any time soon, but i know it works, and i know that it will do if i ever really needed it.

I.G.B.

 

[El Tejon]

The CKC is a great gun for the money. Buy two or three.

 

[Norton]

I just got back from the hardware store armed with a can of paint thinner, a tray for soaking parts and plenty of rags. Probably won't get to dig into until tomorrow but I'll report back on how the cleaning process goes for this SKS newbie.