SKS model D - feed problems

[monotonous_iterancy]

Years ago, when I was 15 or 16, I was taken to a gun show for my birthday. I was looking for something that would be fairly easy to clean, low maintenance, so I was set on an SKS or AK. I found what I thought was a Chinese SKS model D, with a 30 round mag, for $375. It also had a plastic stock with a grip that was thrown in along with the regular one.

Ever since I've had it, it's never fired correctly. I've only ever tried firing it a few times. After 2 or 3 rounds, it double feeds, or the bolt doesn't close all the way. It's not in the best condition, I've seen SKS's that put mine to shame, but it still shoots, so I don't know why it does this. On one occasion, someone took it apart and cleaned it, and apparently it needed it badly.

Also, the vendor told me that there was a way to get it to accept standard SKS mags by flipping something internally, but I don't really remember what it was.

The magazine I have is metal, probably surplus. Would using a polymer one fix my feeding issues? Also, how do I know that it's a true model D, and not an aftermarket conversion? Did I get burned on the price?

 

[dprice3844444]

google sks feeding problems and take the bolt apart and clean it.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I think the first issue is figuring out whether it's actually a model D, or an SKS with an aftermarket mag.

 

[HJ857]

That's easy to figure out. The D's mag release is totally different from a standard SKS, it's kind of like a small paddle and you push it forward to drop the mag. The standard SKS has a small hook/lever that you pull back to release. And the magwell will have a metal liner in it. Plus it does not have a last round bolt hold open.

If you really have a D model, post up again - I think I know how to fix it.

 

[Centurion75]

If it takes AK magazines it's a D or M model. (The D and M models I have seen do not have a stripper clip guide on the bolt)
If it's giving you feed problems then buy a new AK mag and give that a try.

If it's a regular sks model with an aftermarket high cap mag in it then you need to throw that mag out and buy an original sks 10 round magazine and install it. If you can't find an original mag then buy a Tapco 20 rounder and give that a try.

Put up a picture of your rifle and the magazine you are using.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

Wait, so the model D does or doesn't stay open when empty?

 

[HJ857]

The D model does not stay open. Mine does have a stripper clip guide on the bolt carrier though.

Also, if your magazine has a duckbill on it, it's a standard SKS. AK mags do not have a duckbill.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

What do you mean by duckbill? Also, I'm starting to think that I don't have a model D. If you put an empty magazine in, and pull the bolt back, the bolt stays in place until you push the magazine down with your hand and release the bolt.

 

[HJ857]

This is a standard AK mag. http://www.budspolicesupply.com/catalog/images/atimak4730.jpg

This is magazine for a standard SKS. http://carnival.saysuncle.com/images/sks_duckbill-thumb.jpe

I think you're right, it's not a D model, except you may have a Yugoslavian AK mag that partially works. The Yugo mag has a tall follower that will hold the bolt open.

Look at the links and tell us which magazine matches the one you have.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I have the second one...so it's not a model D then is it?

 

[Centurion75]

Nope you have a standard SKS with a junk aftermarket high cap mag.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

Dang. I overpaid for it then didn't I? Even with the alternative stock?

 

[Ignition Override]

"Sksboards.com".
Among other forums, they have forums dedicated to the Romanian and Albanian varieties.

 

[HJ857]

Dang. I overpaid for it then didn't I? Even with the alternative stock?

Maybe a little, but not enough to worry about.

As Centurion mentioned previously, try a Tapco 20 magazine. I've used them a lot since they came out and they work great for me.

However you must follow the instructions that come with the magazine in regards to making sure the magwell is wide enough so it doesn't squeeze the magazine. If it does squeeze it, the mag will fail to feed pretty much every time (a simple fact that seemingly MANY people fail to comprehend). All you need to do is widen the magwell by a couple millimeters and it's not a problem if you widen it too much.

If the Tapco works, then go buy 10 or 100 more of them. Don't be the average SKS dingbat that buys one detachable magazine and then complains that reloading that one magazine is slower than using stripper clips. Be like the average AR user and have a crap load of magazines available.

OR - find an original 10 round fixed magazine, which is easy to install, and a crap load of stripper clips.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

"Sksboards.com".
Among other forums, they have forums dedicated to the Romanian and Albanian varieties.

I'm almost certain that mine is Chinese. It has the spike bayonet, and what seems to be Chinese wording on it.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I don't know, I was kind of thinking, since it's not a model D, and it's not even in the best of condition, maybe I could just sell it to a pawn shop or something and use that money to help upgrade.

Or I could try using original magazines. What would I have to do internally within the gun to make that happen?

 

[TurtlePhish]

I'm almost certain that mine is Chinese. It has the spike bayonet, and what seems to be Chinese wording on it.

Do the rear sight numbers look really blocky, and is there a /26\ anywhere on the gun?

 

[Jeff H]

Or I could try using original magazines. What would I have to do internally within the gun to make that happen?

Nothing. The original mag just pops in once the trigger group is removed. It should take 30 seconds to install and you will love how the rifle functions compared to those cheap aftermarket mags.

This is what you need. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SKS-10-ROUN...467?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7562a603