SKS vs 44 mag lever action rifle

BSW nailed it with his first post.

I wouldn't exactly put an SKS up against an AR or AK platform, but I would rank it higher than a lever gun.

That being said, I love my SKS rifles. As for the 7.62x39 round, you don't exactly need a 50 BMG to put a bad guy down, or a deer. It just plain works inside combat ranges (>300 yards).

Plus, Wal-Mart is selling Tula 7.62x39 for $4.97 a box locally. Kind of a no-brainer there...

I never claimed to be entirely sane. Rifles I've run at the local match:

Yugo M48B


RPKlone


Uzi SBR


SLR107FR


SKS (yes, Virginia, we had to shoot the moving target)


Of course, running a 9mmP SBR puts you at a disadvantage on the long range stages. Running a 8mm Mauser puts you at a disadvantage in general. But I have fun.

BSW

Keep the SKS and get the lever gun, too. That doubles your opportunity for having fun at the range.

If I could only have one or the other, I'd get the lever and a lee classic loader

I have an SKS. I bought it "new" way back when you could get SKS's for $70 with 200 rounds and some cheesy "chinese army" gear.

I can own as many rifles as I can afford so it would be silly to get rid of mine. I'd rather stick it in the safe and give to my son to do with as he wishes one day. I shot it for the first time in 15+ years of ownership a few weeks ago. I had grand visions of a williams firesight up front and tech sights out back...until I shot it. Then I cleaned it, prepared it for storage and back in the safe she goes. I really don't think I'll ever shoot it again unless my son say's "Hey Dad! Let's shoot that SKS." I just don't like it.

If I didn't have a son, I'd sell it. I don't like shooting it. The ergonomics are, well the rifle wasn't designed for humans if you ask me.

A lever gun is very fun, at least for me they are. I'd take one over my SKS any day of the week and twice on Sundays. I wouldn't get one in 44 mag, though. That is, unless I was planning on loading my own ammo.

Even in a SHTF scenario, I'd take a lever action with a scout style scope mount over an SKS any day. But honestly, I think SHTF preparing is kind of silly...even though there's an AR with a size-able ammo stash and an equally large ammo stash for my carry piece. I wouldn't say it's SHTF stuff, but just-in-case-stuff. If I was preparing for SHTF and survival stuff, I'd be more focused and have more money invested in medical supplies and food stores. If I depended on a rifle to feed me post-shtf, I'd grab my dead reliable 22 and stick 1000 rounds in my pocket...at that point I'd worry about food, not clean kills.

Unless that SKS is fun for you to shoot or holds some sort of sentimental value, I'd get a lever gun...they're just more fun. But I'd prefer 30-30 over 44 Mag.

I voted for the sks. I like a rifle round in a rifle. With a williams fire sight up front and a peep in the rear they are surprisingly accurate. Like a lever gun the SKS doesn't need a scope to be effective.

The only way I'd go with a 44 mag lever gun is if I have a 44 mag revolver to go with it.

If not and I still wanted a lever gun I'd take a 30-30 or if I wanted to spend money on expensive ammo, a 45-70.

Now, if you could get a lever action made in a commie country in 7.62X69, you would have the best of both worlds.

As an owner of two Norinco SKSs (one stripper with the folding triangular bayo and one that uses AK mags) and one Marlin .44 Mag lever, I can say that both the SKS and the Marlin .44 mag are nice to own and fun to shoot. If I could keep ONE of them, I'd keep the Marlin .44 mag lever.

That said, an SKS or an AK 47 really needs to be in your stable too, or at least very high on your "acquire" list.

Les

One rifle for a man who doesn't NEED either for a particular purpose? Keep your SKS. It is not a great gun but it is a good one for general purpose. The .44 lever is nice and better than nothing, but it isn't a rugged SKS semi-auto 7.62x39mm.

Now, go out and buy a handfull of stripper-clips to satisfy your sweet tooth and good luck with your classes...

Al