Will my SKS do the trick?

[themachine]

Merry Christmas THR,

Quick question. I’m headed to CO soon with the family and we’ll be trekking through some country just to be out in some beautiful nature. I won’t be hunting but wanted to keep a rifle handy just in case we run into anything unexpected.

Will my SKS be adequate? It’s the largest rifle caliber I have at the moment. Everything else I have is AR’s in 5.56. I’ve also got a Keltec KSG 12 gauge.

I wish I could say I was a hunter and had larger caliber options available but that’ll come sometime in the future.

 

[FL-NC]

It sounds like its what you should bring regardless. I think there is a legal issue with mags over 15 rounds in that state.

 

[troy fairweather]

IF it's not you have other things to worry about.

 

[LNK]

Merry Christmas THR,

Quick question. I’m headed to CO soon with the family and we’ll be trekking through some country just to be out in some beautiful nature. I won’t be hunting but wanted to keep a rifle handy just in case we run into anything unexpected.

Will my SKS be adequate? It’s the largest rifle caliber I have at the moment. Everything else I have is AR’s in 5.56. I’ve also got a Keltec KSG 12 gauge.

I wish I could say I was a hunter and had larger caliber options available but that’ll come sometime in the future.

Sks will handle anything you could ever come across in the lower 48. Not scary and black either ;-)

 

[JeeperCreeper]

You worried about all kinds of critters?

Should be fine. Not the first choice, not the last. Just make sure you have good rounds for it.

7.62x39 in a semi auto has been used to poach elephants, and is comparable to a weak 30-30. So it has juice.

And still more powerful than most handguns, even though more bulky.

I used an SKS as a camp gun in Alaska. Never had to use it, but I slept well with it as a Talisman.

As something to keep in the truck, go for it.

Again, good ammo.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Your sks will probably be OK, I'd prefer to take the 12 ga for larger predators like bear. Bigger slug more projectile energy.

 

[Doc Samson]

Better than just about any pistol but I'd rather have the 12 gauge with some serious slugs...

 

[themachine]

You worried about all kinds of critters?

Should be fine. Not the first choice, not the last. Just make sure you have good rounds for it.

7.62x39 in a semi auto has been used to poach elephants, and is comparable to a weak 30-30. So it has juice.

And still more powerful than most handguns, even though more bulky.

I used an SKS as a camp gun in Alaska. Never had to use it, but I slept well with it as a Talisman.

As something to keep in the truck, go for it.

Again, good ammo.

Not worried, just never go unprepared any where I go. Again, I wish I had more options but that’s what I’m working with this time around.

 

[themachine]

I’ve got a buddy willing to lend me his 30-30. That seems like an adequate option.

 

[Rubone]

I’ve got a buddy willing to lend me his 30-30. That seems like an adequate option.

You are aware that your SKS can do anything a 30-30 can do right??

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I’ve got a buddy willing to lend me his 30-30. That seems like an adequate option.

Lever 30-30 vs Semi 7.62x39?

Both classics. That's a fun debate, right there

 

[themachine]

It sounds like its what you should bring regardless. I think there is a legal issue with mags over 15 rounds in that state.

I thought about bringing one of my AR’s but I wanted more punch. I’m LE so mag capacity shouldn’t be an issue. If it is we’re closer to communism than I thought!

 

[themachine]

You are aware that your SKS can do anything a 30-30 can do right??

I know they’re pretty similar in power. 30-30 seems much cooler though haha

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Use this as an excuse to get a bigger bore upper for your AR.

 

[themachine]

Use this as an excuse to get a bigger bore upper for your AR.

Gonna need help convincing the wife on that one... maybe if I show her some bear attack videos

 

[wiscoaster]

... I think there is a legal issue with mags over 15 rounds in that state.

Not an issue if your SKS is equipped w/ standard internal magazine.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would rather tote around a .30-30 over a SKS

 

[Sistema1927]

Bear attack? You have more things to worry about than black bears while "trekking through Colorado". Personally, I would ditch the rifle, and carry a handgun, more from defense against 2 legged critters.

 

[themachine]

Bear attack? You have more things to worry about than black bears while "trekking through Colorado". Personally, I would ditch the rifle, and carry a handgun, more from defense against 2 legged critters.

Trust me, my sidearm is always on me as well. Can’t go wrong with a slung rifle plus a sidearm.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Colorado can range from the high Rockies to the desert lowlands/ All kind of critters, the most dangerous are the bipeds. Your SKS will be enough gun.

 

[Pat Riot]

I would rather tote around a .30-30 over a SKS

Me too. I have carried both in the woods and I will be danged if the SKS didn’t get hooked up or tangled up in everything. There was lots of ground cover to get tangled in.


@themachine
Since you’re obviously familiar with your SKS and the 30-30 would be a loaner, I would go with what I know.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

You mentioned slung.

If you're carrying it via sling and not in a vehicle, I'd take the 30-30.

The SKS has more pokey things to carry

 

[themachine]

I’ve owned a couple 30-30’s when I was younger (and stupider). I should’ve never let em go. I may just borrow my buddies and get another one when I get the chance.

 

[Miami_JBT]

7.62x39mm is more than capable for your needs. I have Soviet SKS (I sold off my Rasheed and ChiCom SKS), a Norinco Hunter Sporter, and a CZ 527M.







All are capable.

 

[NorthBorder]

Bears will be hibernating now and wolves haven't yet been introduced so the biggest quadrapredstor you might see (if you are lucky) is a cougar. A 22 rifle to supplement a good handgun is what I would probably carry. Plus, you can have a lot more fun with a 22 rifle.
Just my opinion.