Converting SKS

I purchased an SKS several months ago and finally took it to the range yesterday for a test fire. It was my first experience with an SKS and my impressions were *okay*. I liked the heft and the action seemed very reliable; I didn't like the trigger pull weight and travel (duh) nor did I like the rear notch sight. Front sight was easy for focusing but alignment with the rear notch was tough...maybe it was poor range lighting or simply due to my eyes not being as good as they used to be.

This SKS is not a collector's item IMO. It has been re-armored, the gunmetal has several gouges, the stock is a scratched and slightly gouged, and the butt plate is trashed. I spoke to a local gunsmith/SKS restorer and he could make it all shiny and pretty for $150, excluding any trigger work that I would also ask him to perform.

The question I'm asking myself is whether to gussy this SKS up or convert the whole thing to a pseudo-scout rifle with a TAPCO Intrafuse kit. With the latter, I would be gaining a whole lot of real functionality but of course any resemblance to the real SKS would be gone. Mechanically, the SKS action seems very reliable and tough, so turning this into a trunk/scout rifle would be advantageous from a usability and reliability standpoint. I think the TAPCO kits run about $150, the same as the gunsmith work.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else wrestled with the same SKS decision. I am sure that there are devotees of the SKS look, which I am neutral on and could take or leave...

Thanks for the feedback and tips. The Kivaari trigger job is a must IMO, and the Tech Sights are interesting and I like the Williams Firesights, too. Either of them would work better for my eyes. Spot on about the Tapco plastic not holding zero. If I mount any optics, I would likely use a replacement receiver cover with scope rings or weaver mount. (Op Ed: I own a Tapco kit for my Ruger 10/22 and didn't mount any optics on the forend. I did mount a Tasco Red Dot on the receiver and am *very* happy with it. Holds zero consistently.)

Thanks again...you've given me much to think about.

Thanks again for the suggestions in the new posts. Update: I took the SKS to the range again today and fired 40 rounds from bench and standing. One of the observations I came away with today (which I didn't have yesterday since I was bench rest only) is that the shoulder stock is too short for my frame. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't ideal either, and a longer stock would be my preference.

So, I have field stripped and cleaned the rifle and here is what I am planning to do:

1) Send the trigger group to Kivaari for modification
2) Order a Murray firing pin
3) Get a set of Tech Sights
4) Order a Monte Carlo stock instead of the Tapco

The reason for #4 is I like the sporting look more than the "AK look" that the Tapco provides and the cost is roughly half of the Tapco 922 conversion. I don't need a 20-round magazine, either. A couple of 10-round stripper clips is all I will need for range work or hunting. I will likely replace the bayonet for a bipod, too (I don't see the need to rush across the field and stab deer with the bayonet ).

I do intend, of course, to keep all of the original stock, etc., in case I want to revert back. These mods, though, will give me better trigger pull and a more comfortable working rifle.

Thanks, Sam, good advice. The more I read through 922, the more it makes my head hurt, but I will ensure compliance. It's clear that 922 is only something a lawyer could love.

Ugh...ok, I did the parts count and found that it's cheaper to buy the Tapco 922r compliance kit than the Monte Carlo stock + US-made trigger, sear, hammer, piston, etc. After today's range test, I definitely would like an adjustable shoulder stock (the SKS is too short); alternatively, I could get a really beefy recoil pad and keep the original stock...hmmm...

Funny, Victor...I am in the process of packaging the trigger group for Kivaari, and when it comes back, it will go back into the ORIGINAL stock. I will add a Tech Sight and a thicker butt plate/pad, but that's it.

It's been a weird journey already with this SKS. If it weren't for the legal entanglements of 922r, I would've likely taken a different path.

Thanks, Sam...you're spot on! I actually did square up a bit at the range today, and while it still felt weird, it did help. It'll take some getting used to, for sure.

Thanks, Sam -- Sounds like a good excuse to get to the range more often!

I admit that I am more of a traditional long gun, bolt-action guy, but this old dog is always up for learning new tricks with these Eastern Bloc "shorties".

Update: I received my Tech Sights yesterday and the trigger group has been sent to "Kivaari". Since there is no collector value to this SKS, I am going to strip the finish off of the stock, refill some gouges, and refinish the stock myself. It's my "New Year project"...