[Newton]

I'm looking into my first SKS and I'm still in that learning phase.

I've heard about the 10 round stripper clips, but can you also load the fixed magazine singly ?

As a footnote, I really like the Yugos, but they are spoiled by that grenade launcher extension - pity. Also, is it easy to remove the fixed folding bayonet, I don't want to scare the guys at the range TOO much ;)

Thanks

Newton

[No4Mk1]

You definitely can load the SKS one round at a time, just takes a lot longer. It also isn't too difficult to remove the bayonet, on the Yugo you just remove a screw. Be sure you have a good quality, properly fitting screwdriver, however, or you may damage the screw in the process. Also, if you are really ambitious, it isn't too hard to remove the grenade launcher from the Yugo, or you could just buy a "Californai Legal" version that already has it removed (and generally replaced with a muzzle brake.)

Best of luck!

[cslinger]

You can and I do load the magazine a single round at a time. You can also load it from the bottom by the handfull, I have seen this done but I am no good at it.

Leave the bayonet..........fear keeps em' honest. :D

Chris

[Okiecruffler]

Just be careful when loading by hand, those puppies can bite a thumb pretty good.

[DMK]

You can remove the bayo by unscrewing the mounting screw like No4Mk1 said. Just be aware that the end of the screw is locked in by peening it slightly with a punch.

The grenade launcher has a pin that locks it in. Knock it out, then unscrew counterclockwise. I locked my front sight block in a padded vice, wrapped the GL with a thick leather belt, then used a big pipewrench to unscrew it. The pipe wrench clamps down harder, the more force you put on it.

If you do it right, and save all the parts, you can put everything back to original later.

Once you get it off, you can buy a fake flash hider from Centerfire to protect the threads:

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971MuzzleThingy-med.jpg (http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971MuzzleThingy.jpg)

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Yugos_1-med.JPG (http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/17971Yugos_1.JPG)
Top Yugo 59/66, Middle Yugo M59, Bottom, Yugo M59 with fiberglass "Jungle Stock".

[geekWithA.45]

I'd not worry bout scaring folks @ the range too much. They tend to know about the SKS bayo.

Besides, they've got guns. People with guns tend to respect, but not fear sharp bits of metal.

[Newton]

Thanks for the info guys, DMK - that's a really nice job you did there, and that flash hider is a clever touch.

I handled an unissued Yugo still caked in Cosmo that was going for $240, still thinking on it.


Best

Newton