SKS help
 

So, I'm looking at a SKS (not sure if its Russian) kit, it has a Tapco stock and a scope (apparently good to 100 yards) for around $370 shipped, it has 2x20 round mags, which I don't think can be shipped to me and I'm wondering if it turns out to be Yugoslavian or Chinese is it worth it?

I ask becuase after having done my own due diligence and tried to piece a Russian counterpart it comes out to be roughly the same, give or take after shipping but it would include a few more mags and no scope.

If you can give alternatives my requirements are that it have be a SKS equipped with a Tapco collapsible stock, and maybe a forend grip. I'd prefer a Russian SKS, but if anyone with positive experience with either the Chinese or Yugos can chime in it would be appreciated.

Note: This will be my first rifle, I initially wanted a Saiga AK to convert, which obviously costs more but since I believe the SKS can be just as effective I've decided to take this route. I'm just feeling the immediate pressure of being without either one at present, which is not something I like to base my decisions on.

Re: SKS help
 

If it's not a Ruskie- that's a bit high IMO - even with the extras.

Rifle - ~150
T6- 80
Scope - depends, but who puts a high dollar glass on an SKS? say 30
couple mags is what - bout 50$?

That said, There's nothing wrong w/ the Yugo's and some people love the norinco's.

Re: SKS help
 

I've had many SKS carbines. The older (threaded barrel) Chinese are my favorites - especially if they have been "paratroopered" (16" barrel). Yugos are fine, but the grenade launcher on the end of a 20" barrel makes it awkward to maneuvre. If you want to chop it off you are entering 922r territory and rendering it non-C&R compliant.

I'm not a fan of scopes on SKSs. They require a less than perfect mount and really short scope to avoid interfering with ejections. That said, my favorite SKS is a Chinese para with a 2x pistol scope mounted on the handguard of a Tapco T-6. (Search threads started by me for details of the build and photos - sometime spring of 09.)

If the mags are Tapco you will be real happy - avoid generic steel duck-bills.

My must-do SKS mods;

Kivaari trigger job
Buffer Technologies recoil buffer
Drop-free mag bolt modification
"4-8" throat job (to permit non-spitzer bullet feeding)

Tapco is the best brand for bolt-ons. Check out sksboards for ALL info on SKS.

Re: SKS help
 

SKS's are heavy. i have a norinco paratrooper and even wit the shorter barrel, it is still heavy.

As JJ said, dont put much glass on it. The scopes usually mount on the receiver cover, which is removable, so you can put a high dollar scope on it, but it will never live up to its capabilities.

Re: SKS help
 

Have you shopped for one in the last 3 years? I haven't seen even Yugos under $200 lately and the Norincos or Romanians I've seen are all over $300.

BTW... The Chinese guns (Norinco) have chrome-lined bores, the yugos do not.

Re: SKS help
 

+1 to what SLV and TG said.

I REALLY dislike the 59/66's...looks dumb and adds to an already long bbl.

Mines an M59. - That's the way to go if you get a Yugo.

And do search out SLV's SKS threads. He's come up with some killer mods!

Re: SKS help
 

Just a tad high though really in the current market. If one ends up really liking the gun, which one does if it all is tight and functions properly, what's 50 bucks all in one package?

I like my norinco, and I like hugo's but I dont think the Hugo has a chrome barrell. And with all the corrosive ammo I dont like that. My norinco runs 30 round duckbills smoothly. I want to try to modify it for AK mags, (just a project)but just haven't had the time to mess with it.

Bottom line is if you like the gun and it's a keeper that's not that high. Prices have come down a little but the old prices are gone for now.

Re: SKS help
 

naa I have not. I suppose I should have accounted for the market. :adore:

Re: SKS help
 

My advice is to skip the SKS and get an AK variant. As said above, the SKS is good but is a heavy and long gun. The AK is much lighter, smaller, more common, and can be cheap. There's a reason why Russia phased out the SKS almost immediately when the the AK was developed.

Check out classicarms.us , they almost always have good deals on AKs. If you're in california, get a saiga.

Re: SKS help
 

+1. The only thing an AK and an SKS have in common is the ammo they fire. SKS's are nice for what they are but they are no substitute or even stopgap for an AK.

Re: SKS help
 

Heres a great site for SKS info if you havent run across it yet.

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.p...aeb056c7b132f&

What SLV was saying about the modifications is dead on. I got all of them except the trhoat mod. The drop free mod is a must do, as you cant put mags in with the bold closed otherwise.

I have a chinese (Norinco) and am very please with it. I got mine from a fellow GIMer earlier this year. The prices have started to come down a bit, but the days of 180$ SKS's are long gone.


As far as getting the AK, its up to you. Ak's are good guns and classic has some good prices on them, but the SKS has its place too, and they seems to be a bit more accurate than AK's to boot.

Stick with Tapco for aftermarket parts, especialy the aftermarket mags. Tapco are proven on SKS, some of the brands like Promag just blow.

If you're getting it interstate, you have to have the gun shipped to an FFL and then pay a transfer fee on top of all that. The fee is whatever the FFL wants, so shop around if its too high.

What state are you in btw?

Re: SKS help
 

That is a bit high. Personally I wouldn't buy a tapco f-ed rifle. But to each his own.

Re: SKS help
 

The milsurp stock on the SKS was designed for someone 4'11". The Tapco T-6 with SAW grip makes it much more ergonomic.

Re: SKS help
 

THats for damn sure, especialy the Nornicos. Im a short guy at 5' 6", and that norinco stock is pretty darned short.

Re: SKS help
 

As high as the price has gotten for them you are better off with an AK. It was one thing when then cost $100 (heck mine was 79). Spend a few more bucks and get an AK.

Re: SKS help
 

I don't recognize the irrational and deluded concepts of states, nor the State only sovereign Republics inhabited by Free People (read: CA flag). But to answer your question:
http://www.gunbroker.com/image/StateFlags/CA.gif

So with that in mind, I'm correct in saying anything beyond a 10 round mag cannot be shipped into CA at all, correct?


Good info, everyone. As I said I have been completely torn between the Saiga convert and the SKS kit; the mystery combo was sold this morning so I guess that only leaves piecing together one myself. I'm still leaning on a Russian one, but if the right deal comes up for a Chinese one I'm might consider and attach the aforementioned Tapco pieces. Regarding the weight, well that is what I read and that is why I think a vertical grip is certainly a requirement.

As is stands I'll just have look out for a SKS that I like, I'm going to give it another week and if I catch a break on used Saiga (hopefully converted) I'll probably end up going for it otherwise it will be the SKS. I don't need to discuss of the retched state--as in position--California has found herself in and those affairs she is certain to endure. Unarmed is not how I intended to find myself as this all unfolds.

Thanks, again.

Re: SKS help
 

russian guns were in the $400+ range last i looked

Re: SKS help
 

Forget the verticle forward grip and look for a Norinco (Chinese) paratropper WITH a barrel lug (threaded instead of pinned barrel). You will be much happier with the lighter weight and handier length.

Forward verticle grips interfere with true tactical maneuvres. Consider the loss of maneuverability in a prone position especially when trying to shoot from behind a berm.

I do think you may be better served by getting an AK because of high SKS prices. I'm drooling over the Krink pistols for $350.

Re: SKS help
 

I know it is a bit more, but it is also significantly more capable and fun.

KVar has AKs (converted Saigas actually) for $499. These are quality brand new russian made rifles.

http://www.k-var.com/shop/home.php?cat=353

For $130 more than what you are looking to spend you can get a brand new converted saiga. Stay away from classic as the crap they are offering is no where near as nice as these and just as expensive if not more so.

EDIT:

Nevermind I see you live in the people's republic. No converted Saiga for you.

Re: SKS help
 

A bit of an update: I'm following up on the AK, the deal isn't certain of course, but the price seems competitive and it comes with several magazines. The problem is after researching the magazines I have come across conflicting info. This site states that Tapco magazines will not feed into a Saiga, but this forum states otherwise after having installed the bullet guide.

I'm not sure if this is a matter of precaution or what, but does anyone have first hand experience with Tapco magazines in Saiga's with the guide?

Re: SKS help
 

Standard AK mags will need the locking tang ground down to fit into a Saiga in addition to some sort of a feed ramp modification. I recommend modifying the magazine rather than the gun because then you get into 922r compliance.

FWIW, hold a Saiga before you buy one. In its stock configuration the trigger is moved rearward and I think that makes the magwell interfere with the natural ergonomics of holding the forestock.

Re: SKS help
 

C&R SKS, 1000 rounds of 7.62x39, 100 strippers and you are all set for $600 FRNs.

IMO, within 100 yards, a decent SKS requires neither optics nor mods, and yes, it is an ideal weapon for those who are small in stature.

When I take the kids to the range, then can shoot the SKS all day.

Re: SKS help
 

Yeah but that was a couple months ago. The silliness is ending. AKs that were 1200 in February are back down to $600, and the SKS prices are coming down as well.

Re: SKS help
 

THey arent coming down as quick as the AK's and AR's though. Ak's dropped like a rock, at least online, AR's are coming down a little slower, but SKS, while they came down quite a bit, are still going for 300+.

I know local gun shows arent the best place to test prices, since they are usualy jacked up but I didnt see a single SKS, Norinco, Yugo or otherwise for less than 350, in good condition, at the show this past weeked. I was seeing WASR-10's and Century AK's going for over 500 minimum, some Centuries going for over 650-700.

Thats here in south florida, some places the madness has ended totaly though.

Good internet sources and F2F is the way to go.

Re: SKS help
 

Well after several failed attempts to try and obtain a converted Saiga into CA I abandoned the idea all together and bought a Norinco.

So true. Shipping fees and transfer fees are getting in the way of a spam can of 7.62.

Re: SKS help
 

Very nice. I have a Russian SKS.
A good site on the SKS, http://www.hk94.com/sks-rifle.php

Re: SKS help
 

For any Canadians out there. Go to leverarms.com and you can get a russian sks plus a crate of 1180 rounds for 350 Can. The shop is in Vancouver and will ship your purchase to anywhere in Canada. I personally have a norinco sks with a tapco stock. I really enjoy firing it. Gonna get a couple from Lever Arms for my kids. Hope this helps any Canucks that are looking for a good deal.

Re: SKS help
 

350? You hosers get screwed on just about everything, that turns out to be .298/round of what I imagine is your run of the mill FMJ brass, unless its hollow point then that changes everything.

Earlier this month there was deal posted here where you could cost average about .20/round before s/h. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Yugoslavian can which is ~.22/round before s/h and I feel kind of foolish for not having the money for it earlier this month.

Well, I guess the French-Canadian women make up for it because it sure as hell isn't the landscape or the climate.

Re: SKS help
 

So I've been searching high and low for a how-to for removing the hand guard on a SKS with absolutely no luck. Many seem to equate gas tube (as in hand guard still attached to the tube) removals, as hand guard removal, and those who actually do delve into it have expired images or broken links.

So I thought you SKS loyal's would have better info for me?

Another question, on a SKS that accept high capacity magazines without modification, do they need those metal pieces not found on AK magazines on top of where you feed the ammo into it? In this image of a tapco 20 round mag the part in question is vented on the upper left partion:

http://base1.googlehosted.com/base_m...90739e3e&hl=en

Thanks!

Re: SKS help
 

Only the SKS-M accepts AK magazines (about 5% of SKSs - all later construction). The rest require "duck bill" magazines for removables. The Tapcos are perfect - fit and work flawlessly - don't waste your time with others. Consider foing the "drop free bolt mod" described at SKS boards. Also, you MUST send your trigger assembly off to Kivaari - no SKS is rerady for action without his excellent 2-stage trigger job.

To remove the wood from the gas tube you need to drive ou the pin on the end cap closest to the action. When you install the Tapco furniture you might have to "massage" the end cap to get it back in - mine was a tight fit, but that is what I wanted because of my scout scope mount.

Have fun!

Re: SKS help
 

Uhh... read it again. We're the ones getting screwed... that's a Russian SKS + 1120rds of Czech for $350. They have 1200rd cases of CZ ammo for $170! It the states, a 1200rd case of Yugo is $270...

BTW, you can have a converted Saiga in CA, you just need a maglock so the magazine is not "readily removable". Go read around at Calguns.net and saiga-12.com for more info.

Re: SKS help
 

Definitly get the Kvarri trigger job, it is so worth it and the drop free bolt mod.

In fact, if you plan on using detatchable mags in any serious way, you pretty much HAVE to do the drop free bolt mod, or else it just takes too much manipulation of the rifle.

Its a very easy to do mod, if you have a dremel tool and/or a bench grinder and 5 minutes, you can do it.

Re: SKS help
 

I believe TAPCO makes a drop-in bolt that is already modified to be "drop free", you could go that route, too. The downside is that it's ~$100...

Re: SKS help
 

Its a very good bolt, but it cost a third as much as the darned gun itsself!

In its defense, it does come with the spring loaded firing pin that helps to avoid slam fires, but other than though, all the work with paying for it, getting it head spaced, etc, might as well just grind down the stock bolt unless you have an early model matching SKS.

Re: SKS help
 

Yeah, I agree, but some people are dremel averse.

Re: SKS help
 

You bring up a good point!

Another thing I forgot to mention, in the defense of the tapco bolt, it gives you added american made parts (1 or 2 I think) if you are trying to get to sufficient parts for 922(r) compliance after modding your gun with american made parts.

Re: SKS help
 

So it is, my mistake. I refuse to retract the statement regarding the French-Canadian dames being the highlight of that nation, though.

Indeed an outstanding deal, I payed a little over 230 and quite the headache for basic corrosive 900 FMJ surplus.

Yes, I have been battering the idea of having the trigger job done, it seems, well... heavy doesn't exactly describe my issue but I'm lost for words--a situation I'm not accustomed to--on how provide feedback on it, but with expenses being what they are at the moment I'll simply have to cope. It is something worth considering.

Is there a way to keep the bolt 'open' without having to discharge all of the ammo within a magazine, the only way I have been able to do that is to place the safety on and discharge (manually) the remaining rounds by pulling the bolt thus making the rounds eject out every where. That gets old fast, very fast.

Thanks!

Re: SKS help
 

All of my friends comment on the trigger when they shoot my SKS. It really is a must - the first and most important mod.

No way to hold the bolt open - sorry! Do the drop-free mod with Tapco mags and it won't be an issue.

Re: SKS help
 

Understood. Yeah, it is definitely on the to-do list, who did yours and what was the turnover from shipping on your end to return?

Do the 30 round mags they sale for AK's work as well as the 20 round ones for the SKS?

Re: SKS help
 

Tapco makes great mags. I've never tried their AK mags, but I've always preferred surplus steel mags.

I don't think I'd want a magazine larger than 20 rounds in 7.62x39. It is the same size as a 30-round 5.56 NATO because the bullet diameter difference. Any bigger and it is hard to shoot prone, or even bench shoot because of the long magazine.

The trigger job should be done by Kivaari: http://www.kivaari.com/

"Kivaari" is Tom Prince's handle on sksboards.com. Turn around was about 3 weeks if I remember correctly. I wouldn't let anyone else touch an SKS trigger -- he is the guru.

Re: SKS help
 

I bookmarked that website, with any luck I'll hear back from several positions I applied to this coming week and my financial situation will not be so confined. When that happens I'll drop Tom a line.

I still want more range time, I've played with my Tapco stock after I assembled it, but I'm still within the learning curve with it as-is.

Thanks!