Sks

[tbkbtk123]

I might have access to a Chi-com SKS that I know came from across the puddle as it was manufactured by russia and thereby the real deal.
I just want some info on what other think of the weapon and it capabilities.

[Bayou Blaster]

It's amazing what you can find if you read the previous firearms posts:

Speaking from experience as I personally own 5 SKS variants, the SKS can be a viable candidate to fill your requirement for a 100 yard weapon. Certainly it's at a considerable advantage to a pistol carbine as others have recommended.

With the exception of a few AKS variants, SKS firearms are generally more accurate than the AKS. Several reasons include but are not limited to:

SKSs are machined to tighter tolerances compared to an AKS
SKSs generally have longer barrels producing slightly better muzzle velocities and bullet stabilization

Longer barrels mean a longer sight picture again contributing to greater accuracy
SKSs because of normal magazine capacities don't sustain the same rate of fire as an AKS firearm, so barrel does'nt get as hot contributing to sustain accuracy longer.

As I said before, there are some exceptions I've personally fired. But these examples are much more expensive/refined than your run of the mill AKS.

Both guns have there avantages, disadvantages and limitations; just like any other firearm. The SKS is not as intimidating to the general public as an AKS; looks much like a common hunting rifle (when not dressed out) compared to the evil looking AKS with a high cap mag. Not a day goes buy you don't see one in the international news in the hands of a terrorist. More unassuming is the SKS (can be advantageous).

AKS on the other hand because their capability to readily except high cap mags can sustain a greater rate of suppressive fire over time. Great if your being attacked by a horde of mutants zombies or roving gangs. There are some fine AKS examples out there in the sporterized class with longer barrels not as compact as standard AKS but still very affordable. The russian manufactured Saiga (Meaning Deer) is one such firearm. You can find examples in both long and short barrels and calibers include: .223, 5.45 x 39, 7.62x39, .308, 30-06, 410, 20 and 12 GA.

Both firearms because of their gas piston operation run cleaner and more reliably over time than an AR-15 type firearm, albeit less accurate than an AR. AKSs because of there loose tolerances, wide receiver and simplified internals have been know to operate after they have been covered in sand that would stop other firearms from operating in their tracks.

If you decide to get an SKS I would recommend getting one with a chromed-lined barrel (Chinese, Russian, Romy). Yugo SKS and AKS don't have chrome barrels. Chrome barrels last longer are more corrosive resistant and the chrome chamber helps with feeding and extraction of the shells.

If you have a spouse or other family member that can help you protect what's yours; I would consider the SKS as a backup and still getting an AKS if legal in your area. If you decide to get the SKS it will still serve you well as long as you maintain it well.

SKS caliber is 7.62 x 39mm Russian. Ballistically comparable to a 30-30. Depending on condition it should provide you with dependable service. Very robust firearm. Accuracy dending on barrel length is good at 100yds and acceptable to 150yds. Some SKS have surprised me with there accuracy. I would not get any of those stupid 30/50 round magazine as I seriously doubt it will give you any kind of acceptable reliabilty (Has to be 100 percent for me).

Check out these websites specific to the SKS for help: http://surplusrifle.com/

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php

If your primary SHTF rifle is the SKS I would strongly recommend against any of the aftermarket 30/50rd 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 success. I would not gamble my life and those of my loved ones on the 30/50rd 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.

If you purchase 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

If 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.

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://tapco.com/

http://riflestock.com/

http://www.ramlinestocks.com/

http://www.atigunstocks.com/default.aspx

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.

Regarding Yugo SKS Firearms:

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

But.....

Again 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

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.

Good luck with your decision.

[rsanders]

Very good info, odd that the SKS question came up now, just last night I was filling stripper clips with bulk 7.62x39 ammo and filling the NOS Chinese chest bandoleers I just purchased from JG sales on an EBay auction. I've had the SKS for quite some time sitting in the back of the safe, it's a Norinco model and I deciphered the manufacture date and I believe it was 1966 so it's from the Viet Nam era it's an all # matching except for magazine ,and yes some dummy had replaced it with an after market 30 round mag. So after several months of searching I found an original magazine and replaced it. I have unfortunately done most of the research on the SKS that you have provided,I don't know what I was thinking ,I should have came to you with any SKS related questions and saved several hours / days spent surfing the web , but while doing so I did pick up more info on other military weapons that I may have interest in at a later date. I'm glad to see that you did include the fact that there is not a "paratrooper" model, there is a fellow advertising one here locally for sale as a highly sought after collectors item, at an inflated price I didn't have the heart to tell him what he really had , hopefully potential buyers will be better informed. If you have or know where I can find another 10 round original equipment magazine I'm interested in at least one more ,I'd like to have one that has not been stamped ,so I could put my serial #'s in it. As far as the Tapco stocks and the other Accessories go they're fine I guess if that's the look you're going for , but...... I guess I'm just Old School, if it came with a wood stock that's what I want mine to have ,I like original.

[slowz1k]

Wish I'd never sold mine. Bayou blaster's post should be a sticky.... Maybe a dedicated SKS section?????

[kentuckyshiner85]

I have a chin sks and must say for 300 with an ati folder and a bushnell scope its not to bad the scope wont work for now because i need a shell deflecter found one for like 7.00 on web I do have the 30 rnd clip with mine but i havent had any trouble out of it . Its made of steel now maker marks on it though. farely accurate at 100 yds. now i do have a new 5 rnd mag for it, it will not feed right. trial and error i guess.

[tbkbtk123]

Thanks to all for the information and my apoligies for not adding info to the question before this. I bought the SKS and like it very well.

[kenno]

The SKS is the over powered cousin of the M-1 Carbine. Ammo is cheaper, it has greater range, accuracy is 'as good' and it has hundreds more 'accessories'. I happen to know a guy that dropped an elk with one,,, so it is a defenately A LOSER!
Sell it to me cheap, keep it on the "Down Low", concider yourself well compensated!
LOL!
No KEEP IT!