Generally speaking, how much $$ to "bubba"?

[Jim PHL]

I am getting ready to buy my first rifle, most likely an AK or SKS. If I go SKS I will probably want two; keep one stock and add a folder, pistol grip, 20-round fixed mag, etc. to the other. I know once you go that route there are additional parts you need to swap to be 922(r) compliant. I haven't settled on what stock I may use, etc so can anyone give me just a general idea of what all the upgrades would cost?

I'm guessing somewhere between $80-$120 for the new 'furniture'. Are there 'kits' available to swap out the additional parts needed? If so, price ranges?

 

[doc540]

Snag the Tapco T6 "Compliance" kit for around $120.

You'll be done except for optics.

Inexpensive optics have worked well enough for me since I haven't been taking it into combat, melting the handguard, and dropping it from a Blackhawk.

 

[Jim PHL]

Thanks, Doc. I guess I haven't been around here long enough. I thought the Tapco T6 just referred to the stock. I didn't realize it was available as a complete kit.

 

[doc540]

The T6 "Fusion" kit contains a stock, a pistol grip, and an upper handguard.

The compliance kit includes a "USA" stamped gas rod and a 20 round mag.

I'd just go with the whole compliance kit and be done with it.

good luck and have fun!

 

[nalioth]

Before you go painting yourself with the wrong brush, "bubba" means to take your hacksaw or welding equipment and do unspeakable (and irrecoverable) things to a firearm that does not increase functionality and sometimes decreases same.


If you are modding your rifle and it can be put back to 'stock', you're not a bubba.

 

[Jim PHL]

nalioth;

Thanks. My name is Jim and I am NOT a Bubba! As you stated, I am just hoping to get an SKS and just change the stock to either a collapsible or folder with a pistol grip. (Not necessarily an EBR fan, I just like the way they feel/shoot.) I understand once I change the stock I have to make the additional compliance changes.

 

[elmerfudd]

Generally, Bubba is compelled to do irreversible things to the rifle that, "make it better". The more half-assed you do it the more Bubba-points you get. Hacksaws, JBWeld and sheetrock screws are the marks of a true Bubba.

A good Bubba plan of action for an SKS might be to cut off the end of the barrel, cut off the buttstock, screw an AK pistol grip to what remains using a lag bolt, add a 37 round high cap mag and then mount a laser sight with a hose clamp.

Then for the coup de gras you could try to auction it off on Gunbroker as a "SWAT, CQB Assault Carbine!!!!" Set the starting bid at $695.

 

[doc540]

Mod cost: less than $200 per rifle shown below

 

[Jim PHL]

Doc, the 'trooper-length barrel with the folder in the bottom pic is pretty much what I'm hoping to end up with, maybe without the optic. I know the shorter barreled SKS's are harder to come by, but what aftermarket stock is that?

 

[PryItFromMyColdDeadHands]

I have my stock in the mail.....the Tapco fusion T6 in black ...I have one on my 10/22 and absolutely love it.....Personally I think every weapon needs pistol grip LOL.....they just feel so good in the hands to me that way.

 

[doc540]

"Doc, the 'trooper-length barrel with the folder in the bottom pic is pretty much what I'm hoping to end up with, maybe without the optic. I know the shorter barreled SKS's are harder to come by, but what aftermarket stock is that?"

It's an ATI stock, but I'd go with the Tapco T6 collapsible.

The folding stock can complicate things and possibly create compliance issues for you.

And, yes, the shorter barreled SKS's are harder to come by, but they're out there. Just register at gunbroker.com and keep an eye out for them.

good luck and have fun!