100 yards with the SKS

At least an SKS with iron sights has a better rifle 'sight distance' than the AKM, if any extra positive characteristic of the SKS were needed by some people.

 

In theory, the SKS has the potential for good accuracy. It's not that different from say a FAL of the same era. But in practice, it comes down to how good a combloc manufacturing plant with no CNC, no statistical process control, and a very unmotivated but equal workforce cared to build them. Mine is a 6 MOA rifle all day, and my AK and Mosins are in the same neighborhood.

 

I have been shooting my Yugo SKS pretty often lately too, partly because I obtained a respectful quantity of the ammo and it is the only gun I own in that caliber. I like shooting a clunker with iron sights at steel IPSC targets out to 300 yards- it keeps me "honest" regarding adhering to the basics of marksmanship. In this regard, the horrible trigger in that gun just contributes to the training experience (along with the low QC on the ammo, inherent lack of accuracy of the rifle compared to others, etc.) The biggest PITA is dialing in a "good" zero.

 

Can’t say what kind of groups I get, but no problem hitting steel targets it to 300 yds. Of course the targets are painted white, which makes it easier

 

I tend to agree. If I'm going to spend my Saturday afternoon shooting paper, I would want little cloverleafs.

I've never shot my SKS on paper but it is a lot of fun to plink at large steel targets at 100-200 yards.

 

It should be noted that their are two groups of people in this thread; One who thinks thats a good day of shooting, and the others that scoff and think something is wrong with you or your choice of firearm.

We could further surmise that those two groups of people could be equally divided by those who have and shoot their SKS's and those who don't.

Luckily this is America and we have the freedom to mostly do what what we want and enjoy it.

If I shot those groups with my SKS, I'd be happy.

 

Na. I understand them perfectly. I’ve been on the receiving end of them and I still believe they suck. Com-bloc weapons have always been a bi-product of the poor, socialist countries which developed them. They are crude, cheap and inaccurate compared to their western designed counterparts. I have no love, fear or respect for them.

 

Different strokes....

 

I have astigmatism in my right eye and I shoot right handed. The older I get, I notice that iron sights are becoming less clear and sharp. Even so, I was busting small watermelons at 90 yds with my sks last weekend, using Wolf 122gr JHP. I haven't checked group size with it, I'll put that on my list.

 

And that’s why 2/3 of the world uses them…

 

And the world’s most advanced countries? What are they using? Again, Com-Bloc weapons are popular because they are cheap. That is all. Like Toyota Carollas. They meet the bare minimum requirements for reliability and performance and they are cheap. That makes them popular.

 

I’m not gonna keep arguing back and forth. The OP is happy with his SKS and that’s really all that matters.

 

My Chinese SKS is actually pretty accurate, and has a decent 4 pound 2-stage trigger. Don’t know if it’s been modified, because I bought it used. Here’s a 100 yard group shot off the seat of my atv.

 

I can't quite agree with this analogy. There isn't a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge in the same class as the Corolla or the Camry that compares in reliability or performance. If there were, I would own it. I like my Sks because it's like the old Snapper rear engine mowers. Not the best, not the fastest, but cheap, tough, and reliable.
I also sling mine up on the tractor or ATV for back woods activities. I don't care if it gets banged up or dropped in a creek, it still works. I wouldn't dare do that to my Ar15s.

 

You are right. A Kia would be a better comparison.

 

Honestly these days rifle shooting for me is mostly “could I kill a deer or if need be defend myself at x yardage.”

 

I have some brass cased Geco ammo I’m saving for….I’m not sure why lol

 

Man now I gotta get to a range that long to see what my old Chinese army SKS with a yugo stock can do. I normally shoot here at the house but my home range is maybe 40 yards tops. I got plenty of that wolf steel case ammo stock piled for rainy day/ home defence/ red dawn type situation

 

Further more I wouldn't expect you to be shooting at an 8 inch target in a shtf situation anyway. Long as it hits a man size target with open sights as far a way as you can see with the naked eye then it's working fine. Beauty of them type of guns is durability and reliability. It ain't made for the Olympics

 

You don't have to "love" a rifle to enjoy shooting it. Can I out-shoot my SKS? Absolutely. I also own much better rifles, and have had the luck to use some of the best precision rifles made. But if I have the choice (esp in this day and age) of shooting my rattle-trap SKS with irons at steel IPSC targets (and considering a hit somewhere on that steel a success) or having a grumpy-cat look on my face because I can't find reloading components or the ammunition needed to really get the most out of my Larue OBR or M24, I'll choose plinking at stuff with the SKS every time. Its much more enjoyable and productive than surfing the net looking for a good deal on ammo. May as well be looking for unicorns.

 

Geco x39 is not bad stuff. You could do a lot worse... enjoy!

 

Scoffing is probably not the right term. I merely said I could not find any joy in owning an SKS. I had one for about two weeks when I was in college. I hated it, so I sold it. It doesn’t bother me that the OP and others enjoy owning and shooting an SKS. Different strokes for different folks.

 

A) Not made in the US.
B) Being issued to, or produced by countries which we fought against , or as proxies, often creates an Unstated bias.

Remove these two factors and the SKS plus that “Other Rifle” would be viewed much more often simply as guns, on their own merits.

Canada: lets not forget that they recently lost the right to own (and operate) almost any of the types of semi-auto rifles which were their…eh…so-called “citizens’ private property.

If all of the provinces still allow their many SKS to be used at gun ranges, they are very fortunate.

——Even these are probably banned in Canada, and our American FUDDS would see nothing wrong with that. Just a reminder not to take our many choices for granted

 

Absolutely agree with ignition override. Shooting any gun and enjoying the experience, good/bad/indifferent, is much better than not having that right. I enjoy sks and keep in perspective what it is, not a 10 shot single hole shooter, but just another part of history that I have the ability to enjoy. Bet those folks down under would be thrilled to have one.