SKS questions.

[crazyivan]

Ok I shot a SKS for the first time today.
I was very surprised with the accuracy in a light fog and light rain.
With a 2" 5-shot group with irons at 100yds with brown bear I now want one!

It was a Yugo SKS.

So my questions are:
Are all SKS rifles this good in accuracy?

How much do the Norinco SKS that takes AK mags go for?

What do you guys have to say about the after market stocks such as the fiberforce and monte carlo from ATI? Will they fit on the Norinco?

When looking at a SKS what should I look for in possible problems?

What are all the ways to mount a optic?

Do the receiver scope mounts work well? Do they lose zero when you take them off?

 

[courtgreene]

don't have one, but I can answer the last question anyway. yes. any scope mount will lose zero when you take it off unless it is put back in the EXACT same situation in which it found itself before it was removed.
i really just wanted to post to keep this thing on the front page so I could read it when knowledgeable folk answer... I'm thinking of one myself.

 

[briansmithwins]

So my questions are:
Are all SKS rifles this good in accuracy?

Generally SKSs are 2-4 MOA rifles. 2 is pretty good.

How much do the Norinco SKS that takes AK mags go for?

More. I've seen them go for $500+.

What do you guys have to say about the after market stocks such as the fiberforce and monte carlo from ATI? Will they fit on the Norinco?

I say blegh. Don't try to tart up a SKS to look like a Strikie Force Rcong Specul Force Rifle. Please.

When looking at a SKS what should I look for in possible problems?

Usual suspects: Dings in the crown, bent or missing parts, rust, pitting, action loose in the stock.

What are all the ways to mount a optic?

Rivet a rail onto the side of the receiver and use a short enough optic that the ejecting shells don't hammer it into crap. .

Do the receiver scope mounts work well?

No.

Do they lose zero when you take them off?

Yes.

Avoid the dust cover mounts. They aren't worth the shipping.

BSW

 

[bang_bang]

Are all SKS rifles this good in accuracy?

I wouldn't say all of them, but I would imagine there are quite a few sweet shooters out there. #1 thing with a SKS is to check the bore for too much wear/pitting. There has been a lot of corrosive ammo chambered in 7.62x39...

How much do the Norinco SKS that takes AK mags go for?

I'm not familiar with current prices, but they usually go a little more. I would say $400 (give or take a few) for the SKS-M, $250-ish for standard Norinco.

What do you guys have to say about the after market stocks such as the fiberforce and monte carlo from ATI? Will they fit on the Norinco?

If you want to bubba one, I think it should be a rule that you have to own one in original factory state. These are great weapons without fancy stocks. I'd stick with the wood stock for your first. These rifles are addictive..

When looking at a SKS what should I look for in possible problems?

For Russians and Chinese SKS rifles, pitting in the barrel is the biggest. Find an all numbers matching is desired also. For Yugo's, not only check the barrel but the gas selection valve (the thing used for grenade launcher fire). They are prone to pitting due to corrosive ammo. I'm pretty sure Yugo's don't have chrome-lined barrels either. (correct me someone if I'm wrong on that)

What are all the ways to mount a optic?

2-inch groups at 100 yards with irons? Why the hell do you need an optic.

Do the receiver scope mounts work well? Do they lose zero when you take them off?

The SKS platform isn't too friendly with scopes. Some get them to work fine and stay in zero, others don't. Kinda the same with the box magazine vs detachable magazine with these rifles also. I personally would mount either a forward red-dot on the rear sights or leave it iron.

 

[nfafan]

99.99% sure that Yugos are the only SKS that were NOT chrome-lined. And their grenade launching gas valve is another cause for issues with corrosion.

Whatever you do - please don't bubba up the NLA SKS guns from China or Russia. Feel free to bubba the widely available Yugos if you must.

 

[GunTech]

The Yugo does not have a Chrome bore/chamber, so if you like surplus ammo be dutiful about cleaning. And the gas valve can cause reliability issues if worn. Fortunately you can get a replacement from CNCwarrior for about $10.

As noted, the dust cover mounts are unreliable. There no real point in spending a lot of time and money tarting one of these rifles. It is what it is.

 

[klover]

I agree, leave the gun stock STOCK.

Mostly, the firing pin is free floating, but you can get a spring for it.
Know that if the free float jams forward due to cosmoline or dirt, the rifle can go full auto. Use carb cleaner to make sure it is junk free within the bolt.
Also, load one, fire one, load two, fire two, etc. until to get to the full mag count of ten. Do this with the sling wrapped around your weak hand so that you are able to well counter the muzzle climb of a ten round magazine being discharged in full auto mode.

People have died when the uncontrolled muzzle climbed up and rearward pointing, a full 180 degrees back at the shooter

Cosmoline from an entire new rifle, is best removed by removing the stock, then immersing the rifle in boiling water, unless you wrap it in black plastic in a very hot desert and let it drip out. Solvents are simply messy and no fun at all.

A plain Jane stock SKS is the BEES KNEES. A very fine rifle!

Paid $99 new for my pre ban, ruined it by doing all the nonsense many others have tried. Traded it, and found another twenty years later for $125 in a gun show! Stock and beautiful, it will remain with me until I pass.

 

[Slimbo]

I would like to see one example of this 180* turn around. I have had mine go auto and dump a mag and it never came anywhere close to even being 45*

I liked my norinco until it was stolen, please don't ghettoize it with all the tacticool crap, its a 100 dollar gun, leave it at that.

 

[crazyivan]

Well I dont know I guess I realy like how it is a super reliable gun and that it can do 2" groups.
Yes I think if I got one I would stay with the wood stock but with it being able to do 2" groups I would like it if it could have the option of having a optic if I ever need it.
Already have a AK for "tactical stuff".
Lookong for that reliable intermidiate round DMR rifle.

Also does anyone have any new info about the SKS techsights?

 

[nathan]

Because of the Yugo SKS heavy and nonchromelined barrel, that plays a big part. Also trigger control on sandbag, squeeze instead of pull it.

My Yugo 59 66 with Yugo surplus FMJ shot 2 inch grp at 100 yds. I was even surprised . Its consistent ammo but corrosive .

If you plan to do some hunting, get the Barnaul 125 gr SP that comes out every few years as they sell out quicker.
http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produ...golden-bear-125gr-sp-ammo/manufacturers_id/21

 

[Mamertine]

I had a Chinese one and it was junk. I now have a Yugo and am pleased with it.
I do not own a reciever mount scope but have shot one a few times and it mounts much further back then I am comfortable with (it hit my safety glasses every shot).
The Chinese one was converted to take large capacity SKS mags and that may have been responsable for my many of my issues with it.

 

[bang_bang]

The Chinese one was converted to take large capacity SKS mags and that may have been responsable for my many of my issues with it.

I bought a 30 round magazine for mine years ago. It would feed 10 rounds decently, put any more in the magazine and it would jam 100%.

I have heard that the Tapco magazines are quite a bit better than the old steel "duckbill" magazines. I still haven't gotten up enough nerve to try one yet, although I might.

I have 2 Chinese SKS rifles. I bought the last one bubbafied with no magazine, heavy Krylon, and a folding stock. I have since found a replacement box magazine, but have yet to get rid of the folding stock. I will probably get a Tapco stock, just so I can have a SKS all factory and then modded.

 

[demon_usmc]

i have both a yugo and norinco , my yugo can consistantly get 3 in gorups at 100 with a dust cover mount and scoped optics (leupold vari-x ) pretty snug fit im pleased with it i just need a new muzzelbreak and remove the grenade launcher..now my norinco on the otherhand is a lead spitting s.o.b not too accurate

 

[Snowdog]

I sold both my Norinco SKS carbines (but for near triple what I paid for them new).
My favorite was the "Type 56" that would print some impressive groups at 50 yards with open sights and Norinco silver box ammunition (the "Wolf" ammunition of the early 90's, from China of course).

I really did like them and might one day purchase another if I found one for the right price.
They do tend to be more accurate than some folks give them credit for.

 

[augustino]

SKS...


I hear you loud and clear regarding the accuracy, and reliability I might add, of the SKS rifle. Those I've fired are incredibly accurate for the inexpensive firearm that they are (or once were) especially when compared to far more expensive rifles. Was a time when I thought the Mini 14 hung the moon. Well that is until we spent some time at a firing range on a friends farm. The Mini jammed after jam after jam. The SKS = rock & roll! The Mini...NOT too accurate. The SKS... TIGHT groups out to 100 yards, CONSISTENTLY!
As for the round it EATS, nice...very nice round that's lethal and potent. Great for deer with hollow points as well as wild hogs.
All things considered the SKS is a lot of rifle for the money. And back a few years when they could be had for as little as 99 dollars they were a stupendous deal!!!

 

[Snowdog]

...as little as 99 dollars...

And that's exactly what I paid in '92. Had I known the value they represented at the time (and had more money, as I was a teen), I would have certainly purchased more than I had.