SKS or M1A: SKS might be better

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Mosin77 said:
I feel like the main real world advantage of the M1A is it’s use of mags vs clips. Kinda like the Garand vs M1A though, it’s an advantage but not a huge one. M1A, Garand, or SKS would all do in a pinch, and way better than a bolt action, in most cases. I’d be shocked if anyone, offered an SKS or an M1A as a gift, would not choose the M1A, even if they genuinely had no idea about relative cost or collectibility.
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I see magazines as a disadvantage, if one is going to be in the field for a long time without re-supply. Or in a "behind enemy lines" situation, or a long scout/recon. One can carry a larger ammo load with the SKS. And much more comfortably than plastering magazines all over one's self. Magazines are bulky and add weight. And the cartridge it's self is lighter than the 7.62X51mm. Having said that, I also prefer the M1 over the M1a for the same reason.

If one never strays far from the bunker, the Humvee, the pick up truck, HQ, or the ATV, then the magazine gun might be the better choice. Depends on the mission.
 
In favor of the SKS over the Garand (not M1A) as an infantry weapon during, say, WWII:

1. A Norico SKS without the bayonet is under 8 pounds; Garand weights 9.5
2. With a TechSight an SKS is no less accurate than a rack-grade Garand (are we really arguing that the Garand was a 500-meter weapon in WW2?)
3. Magazine holds 10 rounds vs. 8
4. The internal magazine that does not require an enblock to function - you can thumb loose rounds into the internal magazine.
5. Reduced recoil means faster follow-up shots
6. Lighter ammo means you can carry more.
7. SKS durability is second to none.

In some ways, the SKS is what the Garand should have been, and could have, if MacArthur allowed the .276 Pederson round to be developed.
 
czhen said:
Got the book today per your advice. Must be a good one per Amazon yellow tag.
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I am sorry, that is probably a good book that I wasn't aware of. I should have been more clear. The book I referred to is "Black Horse Riders" by Philip Keith.
But I applaud you for the book you did get.
 
roscoe said:
In favor of the SKS over the Garand (not M1A) as an infantry weapon during, say, WWII:

1. A Norico SKS without the bayonet is under 8 pounds; Garand weights 9.5
2. With a TechSight an SKS is no less accurate than a rack-grade Garand (are we really arguing that the Garand was a 500-meter weapon in WW2?)
3. Magazine holds 10 rounds vs. 8
4. The internal magazine that does not require an enblock to function - you can thumb loose rounds into the internal magazine.
5. Reduced recoil means faster follow-up shots
6. Lighter ammo means you can carry more.
7. SKS durability is second to none.

In some ways, the SKS is what the Garand should have been, and could have, if MacArthur allowed the .276 Pederson round to be developed.
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Apparently you have never used both of them. Regardless of sights, the Garand was far more accurate than the SKS. Far more. The power and range difference between a 30-06 and 7.63x39 is even greater than the 7.62 NATO or .308. The SKS was designed for Russian mass attacks in urban battles like Stalingrad just putting lead in the air.at close range. As an all around weapon the Garand will do things you can't expect the lowly SKS to do. BTW, the Garand is a 600 meter effective in aimed fire. You should maybe go to a service rifle match and bring your SKS. I have been in combat and I am glad I wasn't on the side with the SKS's.
 
d2wing said:
Apparently you have never used both of them. Regardless of sights, the Garand was far more accurate than the SKS. Far more. The power and range difference between a 30-06 and 7.63x39 is even greater than the 7.62 NATO or .308. The SKS was designed for Russian mass attacks in urban battles like Stalingrad just putting lead in the air.at close range. As an all around weapon the Garand will do things you can't expect the lowly SKS to do. BTW, the Garand is a 600 meter effective in aimed fire. You should maybe go to a service rifle match and bring your SKS. I have been in combat and I am glad I wasn't on the side with the SKS's.
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Interesting. Can you name any major military that currently issues standard infantry rifles in full power rifle calibers? I can't think of any.
Hmm...must be a reason for that.
As such, those are all obsolete points that have been found to be non-factors for the majority of military engagements.
If I had to pick between the two, I would definitely not choose a Garand or M1 over an SKS. I'll take the lighter cartridges, less recoil, and handier rifle length any day.
600 yard combat engagements? Statistically speaking, not really a thing.
Service rifle match accuracy necessary or even beneficial for combat? Nope.
 
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Again, depends on the "mission". Going head to head, toe to toe with an enemy, Yeah I'd probably want the M1A. For a long scout, or recon where I wanted to avoid a fight, would E&E before getting in a fight, would not pick a fight, and would be fighting at close range when cornered, I think I'd go with the SKS, because I could carry more ammo at less weight than the larger caliber cartridge in magazines. Even if I carried the same amount of rounds with either rifle, I'd have more room for food and water with the SKS. With the chi-com 200 round bandolier around one's waist, and another one in the pack, that's 400 rounds with little bulk. 400 rounds in magazines can be a little awkward. 20 loaded M1A magazines are very bulky, and very heavy.
 
Hypothetically talking if M14 would see a battle field again the development of polymer magazine will reduce the weight in great manner.
Over the years I've read thousands of new tactical variants according many possible scenarios.
The only it come to my mind is:
I want a round/rifle that incapacities personnel and material at same distance, not one or another.
Rather do some holes than dents.
 
silicosys4 said:
Interesting. Can you name any major military that currently issues standard infantry rifles in full power rifle calibers? I can't think of any.
Hmm...must be a reason for that.
As such, those are all obsolete points that have been found to be non-factors for the majority of military engagements.
If I had to pick between the two, I would definitely not choose a Garand or M1 over an SKS. I'll take the lighter cartridges, less recoil, and handier rifle length any day.
600 yard combat engagements? Statistically speaking, not really a thing.
Service rifle match accuracy necessary or even beneficial for combat? Nope.
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The Op was talking in terms of WW2 not current day. I am sure glad I did have to fight with weapons that third world counties gave up on. But people like you were never in gun fights and carelessly make really dumb claims. Like power and accuracy don't matter. Handier rifle length? I'd be willing to give up the size and weight for a more lethal tradeoff. The SKS is less lethal less accurate and not much lighter or shorter. In your make believe world that's fine. But I have real world experience. I have been in 600 yard plus battles. They are a real thing in real life. Maybe not in your care bear play world.
 
d2wing said:
The Op was talking in terms of WW2 not current day. I am sure glad I did have to fight with weapons that third world counties gave up on. But people like you were never in gun fights and carelessly make really dumb claims. Like power and accuracy don't matter. Handier rifle length? I'd be willing to give up the size and weight for a more lethal tradeoff. The SKS is less lethal less accurate and not much lighter or shorter. In your make believe world that's fine. But I have real world experience. I have been in 600 yard plus battles. They are a real thing in real life. Maybe not in your care bear play world.
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Lol, sheesh, you'd think I insulted your mother or something. Calm down, old timer, no need for insults. You are welcome to your personal preferences, but i'm still going to take an SKS over a Garand any day for reasons already mentioned.
 
Opinions are just that, opinions, if you disagree, do it nicely (You know, like we agreed to do when we signed up at THR), not going to say it again without action.
 
I'll bet money, marbles or chalk more people are dead from getting shot with an SKS than M-14. Both were designed and built as weapons of war. Where and when it was used the SKS did a lot of damage.
 
The SKS is a very well thought-out rifle. If you modify it a wee bit (not trying to make an AK out of it), you end up with a trim, handy lil' thing that will take care of business within 200 yards. Look at how sleek the receiver and barrel are... Skilled hands could do a lot with that, it's a pity that most want to stick a Tapco stock on it, and a 30 rounds mag that just ruin its balance and agility.

I'd take that over a heavier rifle with more recoil and less ammo (in the pockets) any day.

6E6325FC-CC70-4025-A998-6D0533DD9600.jpeg 52336D57-059F-4F57-9E2B-57CB979869D2.jpeg
 
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Whats the plan for a sight?

Kano383 said:
The SKS is bery well thought-out rifle. If you modify it a wee bit (not trying to make an AK out of it), you end up with a trim, handy lil' thing that will take care of business within 200 yards. Look at how sleek the receiver and barrel are... Skilled hands could do a lot with that, it's a pity that most want to stick a Tapco stock on it, and a 30 round mag that just ruin its balance and agility.

I'd take that over a heavier rifle with more recoil and less ammo (in the pockets) any day.

View attachment 995184View attachment 995185
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With a TechSight an SKS is no less accurate than a rack-grade Garand (are we really arguing that the Garand was a 500-meter weapon in WW2?)

Well, I had a close relative who fought on foot in Europe in WWII. You would have to start at the Atlantic ocean and hitchhike to the German border if you wanted to trace his steps. I would NOT stand up in an open field 500 yds giving him a clear shot with that 30-06. Not if you value your existence here on God's earth. Underestimating those guys was a serious mistake, to which many can no longer attest.
 
I don't shoot dimes at 1000 yards, so an SKS is a lot of fun for me.
They will chase a coyote down pretty nice.
I'd love to have an M1A, but the ones I've seen that are in good shape are a bit out of my budget range.
I haven't looked at them in a while, what are they going for in the real world?
 
I didn't read all the thread so if this is a duplication, my bad. You can definitely put a scope on a Yugo SKS with no problems. I bought a dust cover that has a scope mount with a Picatinny rail on it. I mounted a 4x scope on it and she's been pretty accurate. Would be a lot more accurate if I worked on the trigger a little as the trigger is a real bear to activate.

PPIZ6p1.jpg
 
Rockrivr1:
You have already checked the price for
(1) Kivaari Triggers, and also contacted the very seasoned SKS specialists with
(2) Murray's Gunsmithing?

Mr. Murray has had a forum for many years at SKSboards.
 
silicosys4 said:
Lol, sheesh, you'd think I insulted your mother or something. Calm down, old timer, no need for insults. You are welcome to your personal preferences, but i'm still going to take an SKS over a Garand any day for reasons already mentioned.
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Never mind.
 
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I have tech sights on 6 rifles now. The only one I took them off of was the SKS.

I should have stopped when I found out original parts needed to be removed.... But I love Tech Sights.

On the SKS they were not great. There is too much play in the rear sight for my liking, even with the set screws gouging the receiver.

I have swapped stocks, changed sights, and come to the conclusion that the SKS is what it is, and parts don't help it much. But what it is, is good in is own right.

But I like the m14 better. And the Garand. Even the Mini 14 makes holes closer together.

PS if you want SKS tech sights let me know. I can make you a deal. ...
 
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