AR-15 vs SKS Poll
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MMcfpd
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I have multiples of both, including a very reliable 7.62x39 AR. There's no question in my mind that the AR is the far superior choice.
jpwilly
Member
Currently have 2 AR's and one SKS. I've had a few SKS's so far. I love the SKS but the AR is the better weapon.
lightweight
Member
I voted Bushmaster but wouldn't own one.
And I would rather have my 10/22 than any SKS.
And I would rather have my 10/22 than any SKS.
Shrinkmd
Member
Ha ha, I was just looking through my old threads and found out that this one rose up again.
The AR is a lot more fun to shoot, and ergonomically the 20 years or so from Simonov to Stoner feels more like 100 in terms of technology. I still wonder, though, if I had no access to modern cleaning supplies, how well would an AR15 run compared to the SKS.
I'm assuming someone has done a torture test comparing these two (and likely an AK as well) with just maybe rubbing a little motor oil over the moving parts and keeping on shooting. I imagine that bone dry they all jam up pretty quickly. I was shooting an SKS in very cold weather which wasn't oiled (or shot) in probably about a year, and the bolt didn't want to go fully into battery when I pulled it back. Once it was firing it was fine, however.
The AR is a lot more fun to shoot, and ergonomically the 20 years or so from Simonov to Stoner feels more like 100 in terms of technology. I still wonder, though, if I had no access to modern cleaning supplies, how well would an AR15 run compared to the SKS.
I'm assuming someone has done a torture test comparing these two (and likely an AK as well) with just maybe rubbing a little motor oil over the moving parts and keeping on shooting. I imagine that bone dry they all jam up pretty quickly. I was shooting an SKS in very cold weather which wasn't oiled (or shot) in probably about a year, and the bolt didn't want to go fully into battery when I pulled it back. Once it was firing it was fine, however.
Auburn1992
Member
ar15
dispatch55126
Member
I love these threads because every Rambo comes out to play.
Its fun to think about blasting away with large capacity mags, but here's a little tip...if you're in a firefight, there's chance you may be hit...and if you're hit in a SHTF "end of world" scenario, you're dead as there will not be any form of organized medical care.
The SKS may have less capacity, but it makes you think about options. Steel core 7.62 will pierce light steel to keep their heads down while you back out and live another day. And if your pinned down? Who cares how many rounds per load, you'll only need to pull the trigger when they advance.
Another thing to consider is in a true "end of world" event, the SKS (or AK) was designed for limited maintenance and repair, more so to the SKS. The AR is a fine rifle and has served our country well and has been in service far longer that any other rifle. It is, however, designed around the prospect of a guaranteed depot of parts behind the lines.
Its fun to think about blasting away with large capacity mags, but here's a little tip...if you're in a firefight, there's chance you may be hit...and if you're hit in a SHTF "end of world" scenario, you're dead as there will not be any form of organized medical care.
The SKS may have less capacity, but it makes you think about options. Steel core 7.62 will pierce light steel to keep their heads down while you back out and live another day. And if your pinned down? Who cares how many rounds per load, you'll only need to pull the trigger when they advance.
Another thing to consider is in a true "end of world" event, the SKS (or AK) was designed for limited maintenance and repair, more so to the SKS. The AR is a fine rifle and has served our country well and has been in service far longer that any other rifle. It is, however, designed around the prospect of a guaranteed depot of parts behind the lines.
sks vs ar
Well I have shot the sks yet do not own one. I do not own a AR but I do own a .223 saiga which so I chose the middle ground. AK platform AR caliber. best of both worlds. Only downside is I only have ten rounds, but I do have detachable magazines and a ruger sr9 as a backup weapon.
Well I have shot the sks yet do not own one. I do not own a AR but I do own a .223 saiga which so I chose the middle ground. AK platform AR caliber. best of both worlds. Only downside is I only have ten rounds, but I do have detachable magazines and a ruger sr9 as a backup weapon.
Ignition Override
Member
Dispatch 55126:
Interesting.
The steel-core ammo NOT allowed at my favorite store with indoor range (you shoot/test their used rifles etc!) will be the ammo which could win a firefight. Good idea.Maybe that is why the Russians, and others such as Bulgarians etc put it in their x54R for my Mosin, and the modern x39 also has some steel in certain Wolf ammo. The small Wolf packages colored yellow have little or none.
Two days ago a guy (FO: his leg over J-38, GRB, EAU. Arr..) I worked with had been a Marine Combat Engineer in s.e. Asia. He understands some practical uses for guns, but would rather not discuss those from 'over there'.
As for the Yugo versus Chinese Norinco SKS, suppose that right now you are a novice and want a truly dependable SKS simply for long-term plinking. Also, having a seasoned escort for a possible pig hunt, or even survival in distant future during an "uncivil event", do the Chinese guns have noticeably better actions than many Yugos, or were they refurbished more recently etc?
Would both types be just as functional and durable years from now, in a general sense?
Yesterday tested an SKS for the first time.
Interesting.
The steel-core ammo NOT allowed at my favorite store with indoor range (you shoot/test their used rifles etc!) will be the ammo which could win a firefight. Good idea.Maybe that is why the Russians, and others such as Bulgarians etc put it in their x54R for my Mosin, and the modern x39 also has some steel in certain Wolf ammo. The small Wolf packages colored yellow have little or none.
Two days ago a guy (FO: his leg over J-38, GRB, EAU. Arr..) I worked with had been a Marine Combat Engineer in s.e. Asia. He understands some practical uses for guns, but would rather not discuss those from 'over there'.
As for the Yugo versus Chinese Norinco SKS, suppose that right now you are a novice and want a truly dependable SKS simply for long-term plinking. Also, having a seasoned escort for a possible pig hunt, or even survival in distant future during an "uncivil event", do the Chinese guns have noticeably better actions than many Yugos, or were they refurbished more recently etc?
Would both types be just as functional and durable years from now, in a general sense?
Yesterday tested an SKS for the first time.
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azhunter12
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I personally don't worry about shtfs.No hurricane is coming to AZ anytime soon and I don't know why else there would be a shtf in AZ anyway. Both would work so its up to you which you like better.
Funderb
Member
most indoor ranges don't allow steelcore. it tends to mess up the stops.
outdoor range is the answer. I wouldn't really like to shoot indoors anyway. outside is nice.
outdoor range is the answer. I wouldn't really like to shoot indoors anyway. outside is nice.
jpwilly
Member
Me, I'd like to think the trip wires and claymores I set up will take care of most of my needs. I can use the poodle shooter to finish any survivors off.
RockyMtnTactical
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I'll take a high quality AR15 carbine over anything you can name pretty much.
DSAPT9
Member
I have shot both and feel confident that both would work quite well and each design has in battle, even against each other, Viet Nam. I would trust my life with both, as they are well-made and truly strong weapons. But if I only had one to choose from I would go with the AR15. Lighter weight, 1 mag holds three times the ammo, and if the SHTF I do not feel I would find myself in a firefight except as a last ditch effort. I believe in hiding and picking my battles. It is easier to pack 3 mags with 90 rounds than 10 rounds in the gun and 80 rounds lose or in stripper clips. Also even though the weight difference is not that much difference after carrying that extra weight all day gets heavy.
As far as reliability I carried a M16 A1(yes I said A1 not A2) during the first Persian Gulf conflict and had no problem what so ever. Yes I kept it clean, rubber balloons on the barrel keep dirt and sand out and a toothbrush keeps the rest clean.
Just one mans thoughts.
As far as reliability I carried a M16 A1(yes I said A1 not A2) during the first Persian Gulf conflict and had no problem what so ever. Yes I kept it clean, rubber balloons on the barrel keep dirt and sand out and a toothbrush keeps the rest clean.
Just one mans thoughts.
XD-40 Shooter
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In a Red Dawn type scenario, I'd take the SKS. Simple, rugged, reliable, can go many thousands of rounds without cleaning, and needs very little maintenance. The soldiers in Iraq clean their M-16's and M-4's THREE times a day, that says it all right there. I'll take the SKS, or even better yet, an AK-47.
The Russians know how to build very tough, rugged, reliable weapons. They may not be 1 MOA accurate, but they will keep running under the harshest of conditions. The SKS is the chevy 3/4 ton, the AR is a Mercedes.
From what I have seen and read, in Vietnam, the M-16's jammed up at the worst possible times, during the first years of the war, during firefights = dead soldiers. Stoner blamed it on the ammo change and ball powder, once they finally chromed the chambers, it got better, but they still had problems.
A neighbor if mine is an ex-marine, he carried an AK-47 in Nam, no joke!
The Russians know how to build very tough, rugged, reliable weapons. They may not be 1 MOA accurate, but they will keep running under the harshest of conditions. The SKS is the chevy 3/4 ton, the AR is a Mercedes.
From what I have seen and read, in Vietnam, the M-16's jammed up at the worst possible times, during the first years of the war, during firefights = dead soldiers. Stoner blamed it on the ammo change and ball powder, once they finally chromed the chambers, it got better, but they still had problems.
A neighbor if mine is an ex-marine, he carried an AK-47 in Nam, no joke!
sarduy
Member
i vote for the SKS for a (end of the world scenario)
Not all sks still use the 10 round fixed mags...
and dont forget that the yugo SKS come with a Granade Launcher! hehehe...
Not all sks still use the 10 round fixed mags...
and dont forget that the yugo SKS come with a Granade Launcher! hehehe...
Ignition Override
Member
JPWilly and other Experienced Shooters:
If you don't want to pay the price for a good Russian SKS, from a long-term dependability standpoint, for basic plinking etc, would the basic Chinese gun function just as well as the Yugo types?
Or is the common appeal of the Norinco SKS because people claim that they have a better, cleaner appearance and they cost less?
Due to so many types of personal bias, it is very difficult for a novice with rifles to objectively isolate the functional differences from these other factors (i.e. modern politics... and ironically many have an AK, or lots of Russian,
Warsaw Pact ammo for our Mosins).
I've read the 'Simonov' and 'SKS' websites, along with full descriptions on 'TheFiringLine' and 'Perfectunion' or 'GunBoards' SKS topics among others.
If you don't want to pay the price for a good Russian SKS, from a long-term dependability standpoint, for basic plinking etc, would the basic Chinese gun function just as well as the Yugo types?
Or is the common appeal of the Norinco SKS because people claim that they have a better, cleaner appearance and they cost less?
Due to so many types of personal bias, it is very difficult for a novice with rifles to objectively isolate the functional differences from these other factors (i.e. modern politics... and ironically many have an AK, or lots of Russian,
Warsaw Pact ammo for our Mosins).
I've read the 'Simonov' and 'SKS' websites, along with full descriptions on 'TheFiringLine' and 'Perfectunion' or 'GunBoards' SKS topics among others.
BigGunsMoreFun
Member
SKS is okay but AR-15 is preferred
I have several SKS rifles and a few AR-15s. While the SKS is a great rifle that you can drop in the mud and pick up and it will still keep shooting, I much prefer the AR-15.
AR-15 has better trigger, better sights, better magazines, better accuracy, better ammo, more possibilities for add-on toys, etc.
The only problem with a good AR-15 is it costs 4 times what an SKS costs. It also does not take kindly to being dropped in the dirt or mud.
I enjoy shooting the SKS and the AR-15 but I'd take the AR-15 over the SKS if I had to choose.
Molon Labe,
Joe
I have several SKS rifles and a few AR-15s. While the SKS is a great rifle that you can drop in the mud and pick up and it will still keep shooting, I much prefer the AR-15.
AR-15 has better trigger, better sights, better magazines, better accuracy, better ammo, more possibilities for add-on toys, etc.
The only problem with a good AR-15 is it costs 4 times what an SKS costs. It also does not take kindly to being dropped in the dirt or mud.
I enjoy shooting the SKS and the AR-15 but I'd take the AR-15 over the SKS if I had to choose.
Molon Labe,
Joe
jackdanson
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ar-15 if given the choice. (if you can afford it) Imagine how PO'd you would be if you had to be in a firefight with a rifle that had 20 less rounds, 1/3 the range and not nearly the accuracy of the enemy, that would suck regardless of the ultra-reliability of the soviet weapons. (which is mostly unfounded anyway)
Ignition Override
Member
BigGunsMoreFun & Jackdanson and Gang:
As a novice shooter (since last October), although I'm not qualified to actually debate these topics, my decision for my next gun has been made: an SKS, despite lots of advice for the AR-15.
My Mosins might shoot ok at a distance if needed. My amateur aiming skills are the main limitations. Waiting to be selected in a few weeks by the local, superb outdoor range will help a bit (they even have a 200 and 600-yard range).
I will persist in my questions about simple durability, operating reliability between Yugo and Chinese SKS rifles until objective comparisons are offered by whoever.
Appreciate your advice but I'm a hard-headed ("Kopf aus Holz") 52 years old late-bloomer (not seeking advice on other types).
This may be irrational, but I only really like/buy certain lower-cost military or military-style rifles, and based upon my discovery this winter of affordable $.20-25/round .223/7.62x39 ammo (less for my Mosin ammo: this was the only factor in my decision to buy them), bought a used Mini 14 and used 30, contrary to most advice. My new (Kahr) M-1 Carbine's bolt got somehow stuck after owning it for two months, and after the factory repair I sold it (did not even want it back during the repair: had been purchased at gun store for $700).
Are any SKS comparisons out there -based upon somebody's experience- between Yugo and Chinese? Any advice, however helpful and logical, to buy another type of gun will not answer my question.
I've already read the Simonov, SKS and other websites, plus a tiny bit on a 'Survivalist' site (they might have the answer, and probably be motivated by simple reliability and durability).
Any info/advice to buy costlier Russian, Alb. SKS (or just an AK-47, HK, M-1A1, FN-FAL, M-1) etc will also not answer my question. Thank you.
As a novice shooter (since last October), although I'm not qualified to actually debate these topics, my decision for my next gun has been made: an SKS, despite lots of advice for the AR-15.
My Mosins might shoot ok at a distance if needed. My amateur aiming skills are the main limitations. Waiting to be selected in a few weeks by the local, superb outdoor range will help a bit (they even have a 200 and 600-yard range).
I will persist in my questions about simple durability, operating reliability between Yugo and Chinese SKS rifles until objective comparisons are offered by whoever.
Appreciate your advice but I'm a hard-headed ("Kopf aus Holz") 52 years old late-bloomer (not seeking advice on other types).
This may be irrational, but I only really like/buy certain lower-cost military or military-style rifles, and based upon my discovery this winter of affordable $.20-25/round .223/7.62x39 ammo (less for my Mosin ammo: this was the only factor in my decision to buy them), bought a used Mini 14 and used 30, contrary to most advice. My new (Kahr) M-1 Carbine's bolt got somehow stuck after owning it for two months, and after the factory repair I sold it (did not even want it back during the repair: had been purchased at gun store for $700).
Are any SKS comparisons out there -based upon somebody's experience- between Yugo and Chinese? Any advice, however helpful and logical, to buy another type of gun will not answer my question.
I've already read the Simonov, SKS and other websites, plus a tiny bit on a 'Survivalist' site (they might have the answer, and probably be motivated by simple reliability and durability).
Any info/advice to buy costlier Russian, Alb. SKS (or just an AK-47, HK, M-1A1, FN-FAL, M-1) etc will also not answer my question. Thank you.
coloradokevin
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I own both, and either would do.
I'd probably go the AR-15 route, personally. The AR is more accurate, holds more ammo, and is lightweight (both in design and ammo). Parts are relatively easy to find in this country, as is ammo.
The SKS is a great gun, and I don't think it can be beat for reliability. But, it has some limitations in the accuracy department (and that could be an issue if hunting with it, depending on species). The ten round magazine is a limiting factor, and replacement parts might be harder to find (don't misunderstand this... neither of these guns are hard to find parts for, and I doubt you'd ever need an SKS part to begin with, so this point is perhaps moot).
Again, either would be fine, I'd just carry my AR as a personal choice!
I'd probably go the AR-15 route, personally. The AR is more accurate, holds more ammo, and is lightweight (both in design and ammo). Parts are relatively easy to find in this country, as is ammo.
The SKS is a great gun, and I don't think it can be beat for reliability. But, it has some limitations in the accuracy department (and that could be an issue if hunting with it, depending on species). The ten round magazine is a limiting factor, and replacement parts might be harder to find (don't misunderstand this... neither of these guns are hard to find parts for, and I doubt you'd ever need an SKS part to begin with, so this point is perhaps moot).
Again, either would be fine, I'd just carry my AR as a personal choice!
Keep in mind this is just my own opinion.
The only advantage the Yugo SKS has is the grenade launcher. If that has no meaning or usefulness to you, then the Yugo is a mistake. Overall it has a very rough trigger, non chromed bore and overly heavy. A lot of folks seem to think a "beefier" rifle is a good thing. If you look at AR and AK builds, I don't think you'll find a single example where a manufacturer claims "It's BEEFIER!" as a selling point.
The Norinco is sleeker all around, accuracy that is as good or better than the Yugo, no gas port valve, chrome bore. My stamped trigger is much better than my milled trigger group (both Norinco), the lesser of those triggers is twice as good as my previous Yugo trigger.
Pretty much all Norincos were made specifically for export and sold new. Yugos are all veterans with many rounds down the pipe. Even though there is no such thing as a new Norinco any more, the chances of finding an excellent one is high and the odds are that the Norinco will have had better care compared most any Yugo.
Check your local pawnshops and gunshops. Around my area Norincos are as common as Yugos in the second hand market. Just due to the fact that there are millions of Yugos around and shop owners have been unwilling to accept Yugos on trades, or they give such incredibly low trade value that there's no point in trading them.
If you go with a Norinco, check out the cartouche marking references. This will help you identify the factory. Factory 26 is the most common and generally regarded as the best factory. However I have a Factory 106 as well and it's a noticeably nicer rifle. Both my 106 and 26 are milled with screw in barrels, but the 106 has a stamped trigger group that is much smoother and lighter.
Hope that helps a bit.
The only advantage the Yugo SKS has is the grenade launcher. If that has no meaning or usefulness to you, then the Yugo is a mistake. Overall it has a very rough trigger, non chromed bore and overly heavy. A lot of folks seem to think a "beefier" rifle is a good thing. If you look at AR and AK builds, I don't think you'll find a single example where a manufacturer claims "It's BEEFIER!" as a selling point.
The Norinco is sleeker all around, accuracy that is as good or better than the Yugo, no gas port valve, chrome bore. My stamped trigger is much better than my milled trigger group (both Norinco), the lesser of those triggers is twice as good as my previous Yugo trigger.
Pretty much all Norincos were made specifically for export and sold new. Yugos are all veterans with many rounds down the pipe. Even though there is no such thing as a new Norinco any more, the chances of finding an excellent one is high and the odds are that the Norinco will have had better care compared most any Yugo.
Check your local pawnshops and gunshops. Around my area Norincos are as common as Yugos in the second hand market. Just due to the fact that there are millions of Yugos around and shop owners have been unwilling to accept Yugos on trades, or they give such incredibly low trade value that there's no point in trading them.
If you go with a Norinco, check out the cartouche marking references. This will help you identify the factory. Factory 26 is the most common and generally regarded as the best factory. However I have a Factory 106 as well and it's a noticeably nicer rifle. Both my 106 and 26 are milled with screw in barrels, but the 106 has a stamped trigger group that is much smoother and lighter.
Hope that helps a bit.
Funderb
Member
Ignition
The norinco that I have has a beautiful smooth and light trigger pull, that is probably the best triggers of all the rifles. Cept maybe the new savage .22
It is pretty precise to, I have little time shooting at 100 yards compared to my other rifles, but at 50 yards, concentration can put all 10 into an inch circle.
When you buy it, spend $35 on a receiver cover mount and compact optics, I've had good experience with them. (NcStar is a good, very cheap starting point there.)
The only thing I can think of for the yugos is the nice soft rubber pad and the neat bayonet they come with.
The norinco that I have has a beautiful smooth and light trigger pull, that is probably the best triggers of all the rifles. Cept maybe the new savage .22
It is pretty precise to, I have little time shooting at 100 yards compared to my other rifles, but at 50 yards, concentration can put all 10 into an inch circle.
When you buy it, spend $35 on a receiver cover mount and compact optics, I've had good experience with them. (NcStar is a good, very cheap starting point there.)
The only thing I can think of for the yugos is the nice soft rubber pad and the neat bayonet they come with.
xjchief
Member
Each is great in it's own way.
Bang for the buck though it's absolutely no contest. You can have an arsenal of great SKS's for the price of a single AR. A couple high capacity mags and you've got AR firing capacity in a very well built rifle.
Bang for the buck though it's absolutely no contest. You can have an arsenal of great SKS's for the price of a single AR. A couple high capacity mags and you've got AR firing capacity in a very well built rifle.
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