loaded SKS?

[Spoonman]

How long can I leave my Norinco SKS loaded and expect reliabile function? I'm aware that the general consensus is that coil spring magazines can be left loaded indefinitely without compromise to functional reiability. The SKS has a leaf magazine spring, however, and I thought I'd get some opinions from my learned and experienced brethren (and, uh...sisteren ).


thanks,
Clif

 

[Commissar Gribb]

should be indefinately

just dont leave one in the chamber unless you've got one of those fancy spring loaded FPs on a account that a slamfire can occur otherwise.

 

[Domino]

Agreed

Like said above just make sure you load a stripper, press down on the top cartridge, and slowly let the bolt forward NOT loading a round into the chamber. I've seen enough guns slam fire to know I wouldn't want to keep a loaded one (that didn't have a firing pin spring) while I was on the move or in a vehicle.

 

[Rexrider]

Just FYI,
The magazine follower actually uses a coil spring (at least the Yugo does). You can see it when the mag is removed. Either way, it should not be a problem.

I also recommend not keeping a round chambered. You should be able to slide the bolt over the rounds. The rifle can't be any safer than that (while loaded). Just a quick pull on the bolt handle and you are in business.

Do you have any stripper clips? If not, I recommend you get some. Stripper clips make loading very easy and fast.