sks 101

[saltyphotog]

I am new to this rifle, waiting for chinese sks to arrive. I have some questions. I have seen pics of some with mags. and pics of some with what looks like a permanent mag that is very short. Does the sks use a detachable mag? I am confused and ignorant I guess so any info you guys can provide is GREATLY appreciated. I have a friend who has one and he says he will show me around the gun. He's out of town for a while and was hoping to learn some before he gets back.

 

[soul_rapier]

Yes , they can use detachable mag just take out the fixed mag that comes in it . detachable mags you will have some problems out of some of them . don't buy cheap US mags dont work to good in them

 

[Lucky]

Only special versions are compatible with AK mags, aiui. Chinese one I just got the magazine can't be removed unless you disassemble the rifle (which is awesomely easy).

If you have trouble figuring out how to attach the sling, the front part you fold the leather into a backwards 'S', with the big fold on the bottom attaching to the barrel, and the shorter part on top attaching to the sling. And I needed pliers! Stock mount is a forwards 'S'
http://simonov.net/

 

[Froggy]

The "standard" SKS uses an integral (non-removable) box magazine that holds 10 rounds. The floor of the box mag is opened with a lever located just to the rear of the mag (in front of the trigger guard) which allows you to dump the rounds out of the mag to empty it rather than cycling them through the action. The mag assembly is easily removed if you remove the action/barrel from the stock, and some folks take off the standard mag assembly and replace it with an assembly that allows the use of detachable mags. Personally, I like the standard integral mag.

You will want to completely disassemble your SKS when it arrives. Give it a good cleaning and get all the cosmoline off and out of it. Even if it looks clean, you'll want to get it apart and check.... make especially sure that the bolt and firing pin are clean and function properly.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

http://will.mylanders.com/shot/sks/

...and another one here:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/carbine/index.asp

And here is more reading:

http://world.guns.ru/rifle/rfl01-e.htm

Enjoy!

 

[saltyphotog]

Greatest Forum Ever! Thanks guys for the tips and info!

 

[ZeSpectre]

Just got my first SKS (in parts anyway). Mine will be a plinking/range gun not a beauty queen so a fiberforce stock for it and have spent a couple of days cleaning every little nook and cranny of every part. Totally ruined a couple of bore mops using them and simple green to scrub out the gas tubes.

In addition to the excellent information others have given you, do some research on "slam fire" (and why it's vitally important to keep the firing pin/bolt clean)

It's also a good idea to find someone who understands about positive vs neutral vs negative triggers who can take a quick look at your trigger to make sure it's safe. I've had a crash course in SKS triggers myself and am proud to say I just took a "neutral" (almost negative) trigger and turned it into a nice safe "positive" trigger with a decent pull. (Though if you don't already have a background in working on triggers I do NOT suggest you do this yourself).

 

[ndh87]

I have a yugo sks, i've tried 2 different removeable mags, the first one wouldnt stay in the gun, and the other one cant be removed, so basically its a 30 round fixed mag...it is NOT fun to try and load that by stripper clips. Im going back to the standard 10 round mag and leaving it that way.

 

[soul_rapier]

thats the bad thing about sks they are mag picky the best mags i'd seen where the old plastic ones made by poly tech i think . Heres a tip for the crapy mags use a ak spring and fallower out of any ak mag the fallower will have to be cut down a little to work right out of a sks mag body this will fix any sks mag most of the time

 

[MCgunner]

Stay away from the removable junk, don't work worth a toot. I have a 20 round chicom issue fixed mag on my carbine (with a neat commie star) and a five round fixed "hunting" magazine on my sporter modded one.

 

[cuervo]

http://www.simonov.net/

 

[Simonovfan]

Hi-cap for me

Just like any aftermarket mags, there are good and bad ones. I have a USA 30 rd that is parkerized and looks like it's a 32, but it feeds flawlessly without issue for 8 years. I have a newer generic 30 rd that is painted gloss black and has 500 rds through it without a misfeed or jam. I also have a generic 30 rd like the other that didn't fit well and jammed alot, until I did some tweaking and 200 rds and so far so good. I hear these same complaints about alot of aftermarket mags for other rifles. I have alot of faith in my Hi-Caps. I ironically had a few doubles and stovepipes out of the factory 10 rounder when I first got it, and I had thoroughly cleaned the cosmo out of it first.

Just like anything, sometimes you have to iron out the kinks and then you're G2G.


.

 

[sefus]

Generally speaking, the SKS is best 'as is'. The fiber stocks throw the balance off, the detachable mags are a crap shoot and throw off the reliability of a carbine that got its rep for being reliable. THe hi cap mags also dont allow you to go prone anymore. What you'll find is that the majority of people who 'sportorize' their SKS end up taking it all off and going back to the factory configeration. That being said, some accessories work for some and if they work for you, enjoy!

I kept mine as-was and saved from not buying accesories to make it an AK and bought an AK.

-Sefus

 

[Simonovfan]

I don't want to turn this into a VS. debate, but; If I wanted an AK, I would've bought one. No thanks.

That said, each have their place.

 

[sefus]

My point with the AK comment was that by putting a new stock, a detachable mag and other stuff on it, a person is basically turning it into something its not. Like I said, a few people have had good luck with sportorizing or tacticooling the SKS. Its a great starter rifle for some and the old go to for some. Plinking on the range or trying to carry 200 rounds in mags instead of on strippers, most people find the SKS can do it best as is.

 

[Simonovfan]

I agree. Mine is in stock form part of the year and then it's back to tacticool. Once I get another one it will probably go back to stock form for good, because of the good condition it's in. I have my eye on a Norinco at the moment.

 

[carterbeauford]

The SKS rifle is pretty good right out of the crate.

These guys are a bit crazy but know their stuff: SKSboards

 

[MachIVshooter]

This topic has been done to death, but the resounding answer is generally that the SKS is good for it's intended purpose and a fun, inexpensive plinker. But if you want something with large capacity, detachable, RELIABLE magazine that uses the same (relatively) inexpensive ammo, get an AK knockoff.

 

[Simonovfan]

I think the SKS should be used how YOU want to use it.

p.s. My mags are reliable. What's your point?