SKS as a short range deer rifle?

[Saiga39]

I built an AR and I'm in the process of selling my Saiga 7.62x39 conversion and I have around 1400 rounds of ammo that I'm wondering what to do with.

I don't have a deer rifle and I hunt with a friend on his property using his .308. Shots are less than 100 yards.

Every time I look at a gun parts type catalog and I come across the picture of the SKS with the camo ATI stock and I think that with maybe a scout scope mount would work nicely as a short range deer rifle.

What does everyone think about that???

 

[ArmedBear]

Should work fine.

Will it be any cheaper than just keeping the AK?

 

[Art Eatman]

If the ammo is soft-point, expanding, probably okay. FMJ? No way. But the 7.62x39 is roughly equal to a .30-30.

The way I figure it, I don't shoot at a deer. I shoot at a particular spot on a deer. That spot is about the size of the end of a beer can. My limitation, then, is the reliability of always hitting where I aim inside that three-inch circle.

 

[TAB]

If its legal to use( IE mag capicty and ammo) it would work just fine for a close shot.

 

[justin 561]

A SKS can be perfect for what you're going for, even at 150-200yd is still in range for a SKS to drop a deer. A new/non issued SKS is $199-$230. Far less than any AK you're going to buy right now. The SKS is a useable close range hunting rifle. Remember, its a 10rd fixed mag, make sure your state doesnt have limitations on how many round mags you can hunt with.

 

[ArmedBear]

I believe that 5-round magazines are available for hunting where you can't use the 10. Also, depending on your F&G laws, you may be able to put a block in the magazine like duck hunters, and be legal.

 

[Deer Hunter]

Your saiga would be a bit more accurate, plus it's brand new.

but if you're dead-set on an SKS, they make fine deer guns as well. Shot my first with an SKS.

 

[packnrat]

get a mosan naget, better for the shot and has lots more umph in the round.

plus not as many worrys about how many rounds in the gun.





.

 

[buck00]

A SKS can be perfect for what you're going for, even at 150-200yd is still in range for a SKS to drop a deer.

I agree you can hunt a deer with SKS, I just question the choice of round and the accuracy.

If you can drop a deer in the woods with a Yugo SKS, open sights, at 200 yards, then more power to you. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'd just be wary of the idea of getting the round exactly where you want at such a distance. It would be a shame to miss or wound a deer because you're trying to save money on the rifle. Remember, this rifle was invented to arm the proletariat hordes in eastern Europe in the mid 40's. It is much more glamorous and evil looking than your uncle's Winchester Model 70, but what has proven itself more in North America?

To make a long story short, I have a family member who (in MD) opened up on a deer in the woods like it was the Tet offense with a Chinese SKS. Pop pop pop pop pop. Despite numerous hits, the deer was bounding off... and down the hill a second member from the hunting party (a more experienced and wise hunter) dropped it with a single shot with a 30-06. They compared the wounds and the 7.62 x 39 had gone through tiny like ice picks, the 30-06 exited large causing much more damage (of course the shot placement was better).

So in conclusion, can you use an SKS to hunt? Yes of course, but I would stick to .308 if I were you.

 

[redneck2]

Despite numerous hits, the deer was bounding off... and down the hill a second member from the hunting party (a more experienced and wise hunter) dropped it with a single shot with a 30-06. They compared the wounds and the 7.62 x 39 had gone through tiny like ice picks

Most likely it was FMJ, or at least behaved like FMJ.

EVery year at hunting season there is someone that posts in the "Hunting" forum about using FMJ.


Even with multiple hits, it many not have left enough blood trail to follow. I've seen deer with their lungs and/or heart destroyed by a 12 gauge slug and still run over 100 yards. That's a LONG way in thick woods.

 

[TimboKhan]

7.62x39 is a perfectly acceptable deer cartridge. I am not sure why people think it wouldn't be, but the simple fact of that matter is that it is pretty close to the .30-30 ballistically. No one is arguing that the .30-30 isn't a good round, right?

 

[gcrookston]

In my experience, you will find the SKS's 7.62x39 on par with a 30-30 when it comes to accuracy and stopping power. Though I've not used one to hunt deer, I would think the only issues you'll have to address are the correct hunting ammunition and magazine for your area. (where I hunt we are limited to 5 rounds and soft point bullets).

 

[Ash]

I disagree that an SKS will be on par with a 30-30 as far as accuracy goes. I have never fired one that was as accurate as my Marlin, Mossberg, or my grandfather's Winchester. The SKS is in my opinion capable of hunting deer, but I would keep it at 100 yards, no more. They just aren't all that accurate for long range.

Yet, why not just sell the ammo and buy a nice hunting rifle? You have the AR for target shooting, so the insane cost of hunting ammo won't be a big deal (get some range time with your hunter, of course). But, by the time you buy an SKS, replacement magazine, replacement stock, mount, etc, you could have a Savage 110 or heck, a nice used Remington 700 or Howa 1500 (since you would have to buy a used SKS). Or, you could get a great lever gun for the same price as the SKS before you get the upgrade parts, and then have a far better mounting option for a scope.

I have seen the SKS used for hunting quite successfully, and I won't dare say don't buy one - having the ammo can be reason enough of course. But for hunting, there really are better choices.

Ash

 

[ImARugerFan]

12ga pump slug gun would be even better for short range in my opinion!

 

[qwert65]

I know people who hunt with an sks successfully, but It's not as powerful as a .30-.30 esp with 170gr ammo

course, I only use generic ammunition

 

[Saiga39]

"I disagree that an SKS will be on par with a 30-30 as far as accuracy goes. I have never fired one that was as accurate as my Marlin, Mossberg, or my grandfather's Winchester. The SKS is in my opinion capable of hunting deer, but I would keep it at 100 yards, no more. They just aren't all that accurate for long range.

Yet, why not just sell the ammo and buy a nice hunting rifle? You have the AR for target shooting, so the insane cost of hunting ammo won't be a big deal (get some range time with your hunter, of course). But, by the time you buy an SKS, replacement magazine, replacement stock, mount, etc, you could have a Savage 110 or heck, a nice used Remington 700 or Howa 1500 (since you would have to buy a used SKS). Or, you could get a great lever gun for the same price as the SKS before you get the upgrade parts, and then have a far better mounting option for a scope.

I have seen the SKS used for hunting quite successfully, and I won't dare say don't buy one - having the ammo can be reason enough of course. But for hunting, there really are better choices."




ASH basically nails my thinking on this. I don't know if I'd try over 100 yards with the SKS. I'm sure it would be fine for plinking targets at that range but I do want to put the deer down. The SKS would end up being a rifle I wouldn't have to worry about beating on as much. I'm leery of selling the ammo to whoever on the internet. I could probably sell it on this forum with less worry. I don't want to end up dead at some rest area on the highway because the person buying it had no intention of paying for it or shows up with less money . There are plenty of low cost hunting rifles out there. There's a new Mossberg 30-06 w\scope listed in the For Sale section of this forum for $325. I've seriously looked at that. But that type of rifle will always be out there available.

 

[smee781]

CZ

What about a CZ? They make a bolt action 7.62x39 and that would make a great deer gun. The only unanwsered question is what type of ammo do you have? soft point or FMJ???????

 

[TCB in TN]

I have never deer hunted with an SKS, but for a while had one as my "ranch rifle". Killed more than a few yotes, and a number of canine, feline, and assorted other preds, and none of them seemed to be any less dead than from my 30-06, .270, or even my .243. Further more in my experience the problems with SKS accuracy have far more to do with using cheap ammo and the poor sights than with the rifle itself. Puting a solid scout scope down on the barrel and using quality ammo should more than remedy those issues.

 

[Hokkmike]

Roughly eqivalent to the vaunted and time honored .30-30, so why not. (Except not in my state where semi's are illegal for hunting)

 

[IndianaBoy]

There really are so many options that are better choices.


Even fun mislurp rifles that are better choices.

I deer hunt with a Yugo mauser. It shoots exactly to POA with both milsurp and my handloads. I use a well constructed hunting bullet for deer hunting.


It would probably work. But it is less than ideal.

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

Keep your Saiga! Why would you want to sell it and get an SKS?

 

[rangerruck]

Your saiga is your short range deer rifle, the sks is about twice as heavy, and it will all be weight upfront. yuch!!!!

 

[baconbeard]

I have a Remington 700 in 30/06 I use and my buddy uses his chinese shorty(dare I say "paratrooper"?) SKS and he always brings somthing home, sometimes the trophy. I believe he has a 4x Tasco on top.It works pretty good in the brushy foothills of South Carolina

 

[islandphish]

I killed my first deer with a SKS. It had a sporter stock and a padded sling and a scope on it. But it was still an SKS.

Would I use one today? Nah, I've got cooler toys now. Would I worry about it if that was all I had? Not if I bought decent ammo.

 

[justin 561]

The SKS is able to reach and hit where you want it at 200yds, given the shooter is competent and you have a scope. Front weight of as Yugo SKS can be solved by removing your bayo.