sks

[OneBadPig]

If some relative shows up at your door after the SHTF, an SKS would be a good issue weapon for your newly recruited sentry. You dont really wanr your brother/uncle/cousin beating through the bushes with your prized M1:D
I dont have enough extra guns, but a rack grade SKS with a few boxes of surplus ammo probably could be bartered for something big. (to someone you trust obviously)

[Bayou Blaster]

Don't disagree with your statement one bit; I keep plenty of stripper clips for that very same reason. I keep some of my SKSs in a standard configuration.

One thing some SKS owners my not be aware of is that theres an easy modification that can be made to the bolt to enable the SKS to load high cap mags from the closed bolt positon. This in combination with the Tapco high cap mags, extended mag release and there fusion stock expedites reloads while sustaining a longer rate of fire between reloads.

[sharpshooter039]

I have some of the Yugo SKS's ,bought them last year when all the surplus ones hit the market and you could buy all you wanted for under a hundred bucks,no they dont have a chrome bore but I never shoot corrisive ammo in an auto anyway,too much trouble to clean out all the gas system,If you practice you can run ammo out of one using the fixed 10rd box mag faster than using an aftermarket hi-cap detachable mag,with good stripper clips you would be shocked how fast you can do a reload,,they are good guns for the money and fun to play with

[Bayou Blaster]

Well there are a couple of threads about SKS, prolly a good idea to consolidate.
I probably would have had an SKS years ago if i'd known how easy it is to go with detachable mags. (legally w/compliance parts)
I got a chance to use one at the range and really had my eyes opened. It was a Chinese sks with a new stock and Tech-sights peep instead of the blade type. Oh yeah, tha accuracy was worlds better than the AK i had.

Agreed on the consolidation, keeps people from having to fish around for the relative threads. Maybe the mods will consider it as the site grows.

Besides the original 10 round stripper fed, the Tapco mags have been working pretty reliably. Like you said compliance is an important issue. Whats great about those Tech-sights is since they are installed at the rear of the reciever it gives you a longer sight profile; contributing to much improve accuracy.

SKSs generally tend to fair better accuracy wise compared to AKs (Longer barrels and tighter tolerances). I do have a .223 VEPR II and a 7.62x39 Bulgarian SLR-95 that I have tried out to between 100 and 200 yds and surprised the daylights out of me. They have been promoted to safe Queen Status.

[OneBadPig]

Well there are a couple of threads about SKS, prolly a good idea to consolidate.
I probably would have had an SKS years ago if i'd known how easy it is to go with detachable mags. (legally w/compliance parts)
I got a chance to use one at the range and really had my eyes opened. It was a Chinese sks with a new stock and Tech-sights peep instead of the blade type. Oh yeah, tha accuracy was worlds better than the AK i had.

[Bayou Blaster]

Probably time to start an SKS dedicated thread......

Might not be a bad idea. With the recent increase in both the price of semi-auto rifles and ammunition, the SKS is still rather affordable to those that are just starting out with their preps. Still leaves the purchaser enough money to get some ammo and other essentials (like food) compared to purchasing an AR/AK or other higher end firearm.

If properly maintained these are very dependable/reliable and robust firearms. Cartrige performance similar to that of a 30-30. Many hunters here in Louisiana have taken quite a number of Deer and Hogs with them (Quick followup shots). New shooters and women that are skidish of firearms take to the SKS quite readily (Low Recoil and Report). Plus length of pull on some of the wooden stocked variants easily accommodates short stature individuals (average woman or teenagers) and helps with training.

Gas piston operation means this firearm will run cleaner longer. Exposed bolt and carrier facilitate clearing jams/obstructions, easier compaired to other semi-autos (AR-series firearms). Not overly complicated enhances reliability, maintainability and ease of disassembly (Big plus in expediting training). Many people fail to realize that during the Vietnam War SKSs were fielded by the enemy in great numbers.

If left in its original form it should operate as advertised. There is however a number of after-market bells and whistles available for the SKS. Buyer beware! Some of it is pure junk serving only to degrade the SKSs performance/reliability. Some of these aftermarket parts require additional fitting to the specific SKS variant or configuration of original and aftermarket parts.

If purchasing an SKS without any prior knowledge of the firearm, take someone with you who is familiar with the SKS. Have that person inspect it for you. I have seen some for sale that are nothing more than an amalgamation of parts. Look for one that has matching serial numbers especially the bolt, receiver and trigger group! Learn how disassemble the firearm so you can properly clean and maintain it. I know someone who was too pigheaded to take my advice to teach him how to field strip his SKS. He attempted to remove the reciever cover with the bolt carrier locked in the open/compressed position. He destroyed a mutual friends beautiful curved/etched glass gun cabinet when he launched that cover into the glass. For the SKS novice may I also suggest: http://surplusrifle.com/sks/index.asp

Originally looking to buy a stainless Mini-14/30, my first semi-auto rifle was an SKS Carbine (There was no such thing as a paratrooper version). Did not regret buying it. It started the preparedness ball rolling for me. Still have it. I would not hesitate to recommend it to those on a limited budget, just starting out or is looking to have a backup rifle for their spouse or family members. Sorry this got long winded.

[OneBadPig]

Probably time to start an SKS dedicated thread......

[Bayou Blaster]

Regarding Yugo SKS Firearms:

There are some fine Yugo SKSs examples and some are indeed fine shooters.

But.....

They do not have chrome lined bores or chambers. Russian and Chinese SKS's do.

Corrosive primers and powders typical of early Comm Block ammunition contributed to premature wear. (Inspect bores and chambers carefully)
Inspect the gas tube where it meets the gas block for errosion. Some examples tend to leak and bypass needed gas in this area. Can contribute to FTEs (Failures to extract a round).

If you purchase or own a Yugo SKS it must be totally disassembled/stripped down and cleaned. Residual cosmoline preservative and laquer from spent shell cases play havoc with these firearms (Failures to feed, fire and extract). Some recommend if you have a Failure to feed and extract, you take a slighty oversized chamber brush and connect it to a drill to carefully clean out the chamber area of any residual buildup of laquer.

Clean gas tube to ensure the gas piston moves freely through it. I lubricate this area very very very lightly (basically lube and remove lube).

I don't own any yugos for some of the above reason. I do however own some russians and Chinese SKSs. I like the chrome bores/barrels and they contribute to longer barrel life, albeit maybe a little less accurate. Mine are all fairly to surprisingly accurate within the limitations of the firearm. If well maintained and taken care of, a Yugo SKS should serve you well.

For more help or questions concerning Yugo SKSs Check out http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php

Good Luck

[David M.]

All I know is how well my rifle shot with US ammo, and how bad it shot with Chi com. I can't speak for them all.

[Rustyshakelford]

I've posted on this subject before, I had one that was very accurate with US made ammo. I couldn't get the Chi com ammo to group at all, it was all over the paper. Great little rifle, it'll take White Tails and Zombies.

Just an FYI. The barrell on the SKS is .310. American ammo is .308. Comblock stuff is .310.

[David M.]

I've posted on this subject before, I had one that was very accurate with US made ammo. I couldn't get the Chi com ammo to group at all, it was all over the paper. Great little rifle, it'll take White Tails and Zombies.

[OneBadPig]

I have a Yugo...22" barrel gets the 762X39 a bit more velocity.
Look at the "Chinese SKS" thread for more general SKS info.
I need to get a pic of my SKS on here since i got the Tapco stock(od green)
and did the metal parts in Coyote.

[Rustyshakelford]

just wanted some feedback on what people think about a yugo sks, just wondering about the accuracy, maitenence, personal experiences, thanks

Nothing to em. Shoot the comblock ammo and they are fairly accurate within the limitations of the 762 x 39 rounds abilities. Never break down. Chrome barrell so they never wear out. Cheap. What more does one need for a survival rifle?

[ganski]

just wanted some feedback on what people think about a yugo sks, just wondering about the accuracy, maitenence, personal experiences, thanks