Best SKS to Convert to Legal Hi-Cap Mag User?

[Drakejake]

I take it that the Yugo 59/66 is about the worst SKS candidate for conversion to "U.S." rifle status because it has so many "evil" features, such as bayonet, grenade launcher, grenade site, etc. Which of the various SKS variants is the easiest to convert to a rifle that can legally take a detachable mag? What parts would you have to replace in order to use hi-cap mags legally?

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[MechAg94]

SKS-D?

I think you are supposed to have 10 domestic parts. I think Tapco has parts sets you can get if you really want them. I don't think it matters which parts.

I'll just keep the stripper clips for mine. I know the rifle works and works well in the configuration, and I have heard too many opinions about the potential unreliability of high cap aftermarket mags. Besides, it is pretty easy to carry a whole mess of ammo on strippers in a relatively small pouch. Just my $0.02 though.

 

[femoralis]

The chinese made some SKS rifles that take ak-47 magazines. Some have thumbhole stocks, others the normal stock. These are pretty well liked, and run about $250. This would be the easiest route to take, by far, than buying an sks and trying to swap out a bunch of parts.

 

[dfaugh]

Don't even mess with trying to modify one

I've not heard anyone that hasn't had trouble with the hi-cap mags...

Find an SKS-D or SKS-M that came from the factory to take AK mags... My SKS-M has been utterly reliable for about 5000 rounds(and I bought it used, so no idea how much it was fired before), except for one stovepipe (Barnaul ammo)...I've used all different kinds of magazines for it, and they all work fine...

 

[fletcher]

+1 for hi-cap mags causing problems. I've tried 6 different magazines on my SKS, and only one ever worked with what could be called 'reliability'. Unforunately, that one mag broke.

 

[asknight]

The reply from guys on the die-hard SKS boards is... "Just buy an AK if you've gotta have detachable mags."