SKS ...30 rd metal mags

[Brokenblade]

I have a norinco sks and i have several tapco 20 rd polymer mags for it . Does anyone have any experience with the 30 rd metal mags for the sks . I have gotten mixed reviews on the metal mags as far as quaility and feeding issues . Any ideas or recommended brands? BB

[Bayou Blaster]

Forget The 30rd SKS Mags

I have a norinco sks and i have several tapco 20 rd polymer mags for it . Does anyone have any experience with the 30 rd metal mags for the sks . I have gotten mixed reviews on the metal mags as far as quaility and feeding issues . Any ideas or recommended brands? BB

Brokenblade

If your primary SHTF rifle is the SKS I would strongly recommend against any of the aftermarket 30rd mags currently being manufactured. This includes the 30rd polymer mags. I have extensive experience with the SKS firearm platform and have tried all manner of high cap mags with little long term sucess. I would not gamble my life and those of my loved ones on the 30rd mags (Pure Junk So Far). Others may tell you different. Some people will bend and file the feed lips trying to get the mags to work. Again the reliability is short term at best. If you intend to run your SKS hardcore I would stick with the original 10rd box mag/with strippers or the TAPCO 20rd polymer mags. The TAPCO mags have been found to be the most reliable so far. I own several myself.

Since you already own several of the TAPCO mags I would also recommend you consider modifying the bolt so you can load your mags from the "Closed Bolt" position. This modification will facilitate/expedite mag swaps. The bolt modifcation is relatively easy to perform. This link explains the bolt mod: http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=23876.0

TAPCO sells a new SKS bolt with this modification already incorporated. However it will have to be properly fitted/headspace to your SKS. Headspace guages need to be of the EURO variety to accomplish proper headspacing.

If you are still using the original wooden stock with your SKS and having reliability issues with your fully loaded TAPCO mags; then you may have to open/relieve the sides of the magwell. Most people just file the inside of the wood stock to accomplish this. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

[cwconnertx]

In the past I had an SKS, and some of the steel magazines worked pretty well, but between loading the magazines and swapping etc, I found I could maintain a higher rate of fire with the 10rd box magazine and stripper clips. If I had one now, I would stick with the original magazine and load my 7.62 on stripper clips. It can be really fast when you practice.

Just my opinion. It is also easier to shoot in a lot of positions with the box magazine. If you are using it for defense, you may not be sitting a good benchrest, but instead laying on the ground, and that 30 round mag may not seem so optimal anymore.

[Brokenblade]

Thanks guys .. thanks for the good advice

[cc21]

I have never found a metal 30rd mag that worked reliably. I have had success with the Tapco 20rd mags, but I still prefer the 10 rd stripper clips. Now I just need to find a stock that i like. The original wooden one is way too short.

[Bayou Blaster]

I have never found a metal 30rd mag that worked reliably. I have had success with the Tapco 20rd mags, but I still prefer the 10 rd stripper clips. Now I just need to find a stock that i like. The original wooden one is way too short.

cc21

Options include but are not limited to:
1. Slip over recoil pad
2. 1 inch SKS recoil pad
3. Tapco manufactured stock (M-4 style pistol grip stock)
4. Choate Machine and Tool Stocks (Standard and Dragonov Types)
5. Ram Line
6. ATI Brand (Standard, Dragonov and Folder)

http://www.tapco.com/catalog.aspx?id=93

http://www.riflestock.com/catalog_page_category.cfm?queries_index=Gallery&ProductCode=22

http://www.ramlinestocks.com/ramstocks.html#misc

http://www.gunaccessories.com/ati/SyntheticStocks/index.asp

From personal experience I would stay away from ATI's Monte Carlo and Dragonov stocks. Their Monte Carlo stock is WAY too bulky in the hand grip area. Their Dragonov Stock has a tendency to crack in the forward foregrip area.

Good Luck with your choice.