[rjk2475]

how necessary is it to install a buffer at the back of the receiver to protect the bolt?

[Dot_mdb]

IMHO, not very necessary. If it was necessary they would have built them that way. I don't have one on mine.

Bill

[bbrins]

Looking at my SKS's, I cannot find any evidence of the bolt carrier hitting the rear of the receiver, so I don't see any reason for it. As long as your recoil spring is not worn out, you should be O.K.
If you feel like spending the money, installing a buffer isn't going to hurt anything though.

Anyone have any bad experiences with an SKS buffer?

[Sleeping Dog]

A buffer may help absorb some of the shock of the bolt carrier hittting the cover. It's not necessary for a plain SKS but I'd use one in a scoped SKS, especially if the scope is mounted on the cover. It may help keep a scope's reticle and lenses from being shaken loose or shaken apart.

Regards.

[cool45auto]

Sleeping Dog's got it right. I've got one in mine but only because I foolishly tried the cover-mounted scope out. I took the scope off and went back with my original cover but put the buffer in it since I'd already spent the money for it.