Joshua M. Smith
Member
Hello,
The SKS is a Simonov design. It is actually based on a scaled-down anti-tank rifle and started as the SKS-41, introduced in that year in 7.62x54R, and then later the SKS-45, the design most people know.
So in effect what you have is a carbine (20.5" barrel in most cases) designed around a .30-06 class cartridge but chambered for a mid-range cartridge (think .30 Carbine or 5.56 NATO).
In other words, it's massively overbuilt. I even wonder if it was overbuilt for the 7.62x54R, but I'll concede a "probably not" there!
It's not going to break on you.
On the other hand, the AK is based on the Sturmgewehr 44's shape, but that's about it. It uses a rotating bolt instead of the SKS's tilting bolt and is designed for a less-than-full-power cartridge.
I believe the SKS would serve most best if needing a semi-automatic .30 caliber that's affordable. (I'd likely go with a Garand or M1 Carbine if I were going to spend more money.) If you're willing to take a bolt action, I truly believe you'd be best served by the M1903, Kar98, or Mosin-Nagant.
Regards,
Josh
The SKS is a Simonov design. It is actually based on a scaled-down anti-tank rifle and started as the SKS-41, introduced in that year in 7.62x54R, and then later the SKS-45, the design most people know.
So in effect what you have is a carbine (20.5" barrel in most cases) designed around a .30-06 class cartridge but chambered for a mid-range cartridge (think .30 Carbine or 5.56 NATO).
In other words, it's massively overbuilt. I even wonder if it was overbuilt for the 7.62x54R, but I'll concede a "probably not" there!
It's not going to break on you.
On the other hand, the AK is based on the Sturmgewehr 44's shape, but that's about it. It uses a rotating bolt instead of the SKS's tilting bolt and is designed for a less-than-full-power cartridge.
I believe the SKS would serve most best if needing a semi-automatic .30 caliber that's affordable. (I'd likely go with a Garand or M1 Carbine if I were going to spend more money.) If you're willing to take a bolt action, I truly believe you'd be best served by the M1903, Kar98, or Mosin-Nagant.
Regards,
Josh