[Number 6]

I was just wondering if it would at least be possible. I realize that the cost of doing it would probably be a lot more than what the rifle is worth, but think it would be a cool rifle if you could do it.

[Mike Irwin]

Theoretically, anything is possible.

As a practical measure, though...

It would take a SEVERE amount of rework on the magazine, at the very least, I'd think.

[LostOneToo]

Why would you want to?????? I think the project would be labor intensive and cost prohibitive.

[Tim McBride]

Yes'

You would need a new barrel, bolt and modify the magazine
The gas system may also need to be worked over

[Mike Irwin]

You know, come to think of it, I may be wrong...

The AK has been chambered for the .223 without too many problems...

Use a detachable magazine to get around having to rework the mag.

Dealing with the gas system might be as simple as changing the size of the gas port on fitting the new barrel.

It might not be as difficult as I first thought.

[MMcCall]

You can turn a boy into a girl these days too, but it doesn't make it right :)

[DMK]

There was a 223 Norinco on one of the gun auction sites just a little while back. According to the seller, it was one of just a few prototypes that Norinco was considering selling in the U.S. before they got banned way back in the early 90s.

[Futo Inu]

MMcCall - lol - and they can even turn a girl into a boy with a little more work.

[Number 6]

Yes I realize that it would be an abomination and the cost would far exceed the price of the gun, but I was just wondering if it would be feasible. I've heard of some people converting them to .308 rather unsuccessfully. There is a serious lack of .223 rifles here in California and since it is a solid design I thought it might be at the very least an interesting toy and a project for me to pour time and money into. It is truly a sad state of affairs when Californians have to think up abominations just to appease their .223 fetishes.

[Kaylee]

Ah, but was it really a .223 deep inside all along? :p

Yah, just use a .223 or 5.45 mag, shouldn't be a big deal. Cut down and weld in somehow.

The barrel could prolly be turned down and fit from stock... solves the gas port problem to -- just drill a new one to spec (not that I'd have a clue what spec would be -- prolly I'd just see what they did on the SAR-3 and pray).... the real PITA would be the bolt and extracter being for the wrong diameter breech face.

I SUPPOSE it might be possible to build up an existing block and mill it back down, but I'm thinking you're only going to get a good result if you mill one out from scratch.. and then we're talking $$$$$

Hrmm... hate to say it, but I think your pocketbook would appreciate you more if you put the same dollars into bringing a Mini-14 up to your requirements -- thicker/stouter barrel, gas system reinforcement maybe.. and if you happen to discover some 30-round PMI mags from your trip to Nevada a few years back, so much the better. :)

In the end, I think that would get you at least as good a gun for a much better price. That, or.... how's the new Kel-Tec "sport utility rifle" thing going these days?

-K

[Number 6]

You are right Kaylee, the Mini-14 is probably the best option here in California, but the great thing about the SKS is that with the fixed magazine you can legally put a Dragunov style stock on it. With the Mini-14 you cannot. All of the other fixed magazine semi-autos would make Santa Claus vomit in rage. The Fab-10 is a joke and is just sad. The fixed magazine Fals are better but not by much. At least with the SKS the rifle was designed to have a fixed magazine. I guess I will have to settle for the Mini-14, I just wish Ruger would put a heavier barrel on it.

[MMcCall]

Although my earlier comment was made in jest, I'm having a moment of silence right now for our brothers and sisters trapped in enemy occupied Kali. This type of thing shouldn't even be an issue in a free state, except for pure tinkering purposes.

You are not forgotten, Kalifornians! :D

[zahc]

Amen


*weeps and gnashes teeth*