SKS Gas Valve question

[SniperStraz]

Hey guys. Can someone please explain how the gas valve works on a yugo sks with grenage launcher. There is a pin with three positions one of which locks down the grenade sight. Anyone know how this works? I'm new to the SKS platform. Thanks in advance.

 

[pdowg881]

All the way to the right is for semi-automatic operation. When the valve is rotated to the left (straight up) it is intended for use with the grenade launcher and cuts of the gas flow to the piston. Shooting it this way will make it operate like a straight pull rifle.

The Larger hole that is visible on the top is for removing the valve. This is done by removing the top handguard and piston assembly, pushing in on the button, and pushing it back to the larger hole. This allows you to pop out the pin and take out the valve.

 

[tomh1426]

When Its in the down position (locking the GL sights) it works like u want it to, when you flip it up it shuts the gas valve making it a single shot.
Pdowg881 beat me to it

 

[SniperStraz]

Thanks guys

 

[lions]

They made that valve pretty simple to understand when you think about it. When it is in the normal position it locks the grenade sights down, so before you launch a grenade you have to move the valve to the up position. Basically, if you want to use the sights for your grenade, you have to put the valve in the appropriate position. That is a great way to make sure you don't forget to move the valve before you launch a grenade.

 

[chris in va]

BTW, if you want more entertainment they make a golf ball launcher for the SKS. You just have to buy blanks in x39.

 

[SniperStraz]

What about he whole grenade launcher system. I understand that if I take off the muzzle break/grenade launcher there is threading underneath. But behind all of that on the barrel there is another joint of some sort that looks removable and then a ring that doesnt seem to really do anything behind that. Any info on that? I'm sorry if this is a little vague. I'm at work and in a hurry.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

That valve is neat for slowing down kids ammo consumption when in single shot mode.

But is also the weak point of the Yugo SKS. Keep it clean. Pull it out and clean it often to avoid corrosion. If it corrodes badly and starts bleeding off gas, the gun will have trouble short stroking. If you shoot corrosive ammo, clean it EVERY time you take it to the range.

New valves are avalible through a couple sources, you may want to pick one up to keep as a spare.

Three other notes:
1. Check out www.sksboards.com for a TON of info on the SKS platform.
2. Check out www.simonov.net as well.
3. Clean the firing channel out VERY, VERY well to avoid slamfires due to the firing pin being stuck forward by residual cosmoline. I reccomend complete bolt disassembly.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Two more things I forgot:

1. Get the secondary piston and spring(under the rear sight) clean. Be careful when removing them, they are under spring pressure.

2. Don't lose the little spring that holds the gas valve button under tension when you remove it.

 

[SniperStraz]

Thanks Ben.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Also, when you pull the bolt apart, PAY ATTENTION to how the firing pin is oriented, if you reinstall it incorrectly, it'll bind up.

 

[pdowg881]

Surplus Rifle is an excellent resource with great pictures and instructions. Go through everyting on the SKS here and most questions should be answered.

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

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/boltdisassemble/hs.asp