Sks-M ?

[Kurt]

Saturday I had the opportunity to shoot a Norinco Sks "M" model. Up to that point, every Sks I ever held seemed way too muzzle-heavy. The M-model seemed to solve that problem and even had a decent length of pull to it. I've not seen it around, even at gun shows. The owner said it's known as their Paratrooper version - and it takes AK mags!

It seems like a great lower-profile urban style of rifle when compared to the AK's, AR's etc.

Do they have the typically great Sks reputation?

Are they considered "rare"?

 

[4thPointOfContact]

The first SKS converted to take AK magazines was the -D series, which was (I believe) done by the importer. After that Norinco started to produce the -M series which as you've seen was shortened at the factory and takes the AK mag. I've had an -M series since the early 90's and haven't had a bit of trouble from it.

Carry one with a 5 or 10 round magazine in it and no one really notices that you have a stack of 30-rounders as backup.

I wouldn't consider it 'rare' except that there weren't many produced before importation was halted. Since they are All either conversions or modifications of standard SKS's they don't really show up on any collector's radars. If you do a 922(r) conversion and add a Tapco stock only the really retentive will grouse. Other than that....shoot the durn thing to your heart's content.

 

[Glockman17366]

They are great rifles. I have one, but I'm not sure if it's a "D" or "M" model. Came with the standard SKS stock (no thumbhole).
Only down side is AK mags are a bit harder to insert and lock in the mag well. I read years ago that this was common with the SKS rifles that use AK magazines. There is a "fix" by grinding on the mag and/or the catch in the rifle's mag well. Since I use my mags with both the SKS and an AK rifle, I did not modify mine in any way since a "fix" for the SKS might be detrimental if the mag is used in an AK. Once you get the hang of inserting the mag (use a bit of enthusiasm), it's not really a problem.

BTW, if you liked that rifle, an SKS Paratrooper should feel pretty good to. The Paratrooper is virtually the same rifle except it has the standard 10 round fixed box magazine. Both of these rifles would be considered carbines, I suppose.

 

[nalioth]

The first SKS converted to take AK magazines was the -D series, which was (I believe) done by the importer.

They're all manufactured at the Chinese factory to accept AK mags.

 

[Kurt]

Thanks all, that's very good news.

At the range that M model Sks looked almost as low-profile as a lever action, yet packed the full punch (and most of the reliability) of any AK. My shooting bud also suggested that I wouldn't have to convert one to a gas-piston design or a serious caliber either.

Where have you been all my life! LOL

 

[The Deer Hunter]

They're all manufactured at the Chinese factory to accept AK mags.

Certainly not all SKS's...

 

[nalioth]

They're all manufactured at the Chinese factory to accept AK mags.

Certainly not all SKS's...

Context, amigo.

I was speaking of the SKS-M and -D models previously referenced in this thread.

If anyone is offered a "US converted to AK magazine" SKS, I'd advise a pass.

 

[wrs840]

I have a -M or -D (not exactly sure which) I bought new in '92 or so for $200, IIRC. It has a short barrel, a standard (no-thumbhole) stock and accepts AK47 mags. It's factory-issue, but I'm not sure if it was ever built for military-issue, or for export-sales only.

My understanding is that the "paratrooper" is a modification of the standard Norico military rifle with the 10-round stripper-clip, but with a factory-shortened barrel and shortened fold-out triangular bayonet that Norinco manufactured strictly for their blossoming export market. It was never issued as a Chinese military weapon, but an export-focused modification of the one that was.

Les

 

[Kurt]

wrs840,

On the Sks I shot (and was impressed with) I wrote down that is was an Sks "M". The owners comment was either that is was a Para, or like a Para. Just not sure, and it was in context with it's superb handling qualities.

The rest was wondering about its rep.

 

[wrs840]

Oh... Rep.

Mine with the AK 47 mag feature, (and also the full-sized military-issue one I bought at the same time) both run like sewing machines. I have no complaints, they're a blast to shoot and have both have worked flawlessly since I bought the pair in anticipation of the Clinton bans, way back when. From what I've read on the internookie, they're widely considered to be as reliable and maybe even more accurate than any quality/well-executed AK47. Can't verify the accuracy part, I only have one Hungarian AK 47 so I'm not sure if it's a good frame of reference.

Les

 

[Glockman17366]

BTW none of the Paratroopers I ever saw accepted the AK mags. They all had the standard 10 round mag or at least that's the way I remember things. I could be wrong.

Correct, the Paratroopers have fixed box magazines.

I think the confusion (on the part of the Owner of the rifle that the OP, Kurt, refers to) is due to both the Sporters and Paratroopers having carbine length barrels.
I've never seen an SKS Sporter (AK mag gun) with a standard 20" barrel.

To clarify: when I bought my SKS "Sporter", it was how the AK mag guns were sold and advertised. I didn't know anything about "D" and "M" models until I read about them here ( a year or so ago). I still don't know exactly what the difference is between the two, since the internet descriptions vary quite a bit.