XDshooter09
Member
I've got a Russian SKS and a Mosin 91/30 and i love them both but i prefer the SKS. it's just, in my opinion, more fun. but whatever you choose you will be happy.
SKS or a Mosin
- Thread starter TenDriver
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I have become a big fan of bolt rifles over the last few years. I find them much more enjoyable than most semi-autos. That said I wish I wouldn't have bought my mosin. It has a terrible trigger. It has terrible sights. It isn't accurate, though I have only fed it surplus ammo. Still it wasn't up to most surplus results in other rifles. Had I bought a Finn made rifle it may be a different story. As is though it is about the worst money I have spent on firearms to date, though it wasn't much. The SKS on the other hand is a blast. Trigger is a bit better, though still not good. Accuracy is good enough. It goes band over and over. To me it is much more enjoyable. I like it better than my AK as well. I can't put my finger on why it feels better, just that it certainly does.
For $200 that SKS is a decent deal. You can't get much today for $200. People can say they are overpriced, but not for $200. Not much else in centerfire that is semi-auto in the $200 market.
If you go with a mosin pay top dollar and get a good one. If it doesn't shoot at least decent it won't be fun. With the SKS, even if it isn't accurate, you can blast away.
For $200 that SKS is a decent deal. You can't get much today for $200. People can say they are overpriced, but not for $200. Not much else in centerfire that is semi-auto in the $200 market.
If you go with a mosin pay top dollar and get a good one. If it doesn't shoot at least decent it won't be fun. With the SKS, even if it isn't accurate, you can blast away.
Cosmoline
Member
There you go. Oftentimes you can squeeze accuracy out of Soviet with some tweaking, or get lucky. But there's no denying some are real barking dogs. Overall though I'd agree that now is the time to pick up an M39 or a late model M91 from the Finnish arsenals. Just don't bubba it. They didn't make many of them to start with and I'm tired of seeing rare Finns hacked up.
If you want a real workout, do your shooting routine with an M39 for awhile. After that your usual hunting rifle will feel light as a feather.
TenDriver
Member
Sigh... Picked up a Mosin today. 1934 date with an octagonal receiver, Tula Arsenal.
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Yes I strongly believe that a quality Finn 93 or 91 as well as at least using some of the better shooting surplus ammo would completely change my opinion on the mosin. I'm not sold on the average sample available, but the better made versions seem to have a great fan base for a reason. Even for the $70 I spent though it is probably worth the money to have just for the newer shooter to try something loud.
offthepaper
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I have about 15 or so Mosins ( 5 Finns), I have 1 Yugo SKS.
The SKS is an ok rifle at the range, but doesn't really jingle my bells. I don't plan to sell it, but I find myself attracted to the MN's. The history just drips off of them (especially the Finns, great reading). The Russian MN's are fun and cheap to collect, but Finns are in another class.
It's been said:
The Russians made the Mosins. The Finns made them right. I've never seen
an SKS that showed any level of craftmanship. All the Finns will show it. I have 1 M39 Sako that shoots as well as my K31's.
The SKS is an ok rifle at the range, but doesn't really jingle my bells. I don't plan to sell it, but I find myself attracted to the MN's. The history just drips off of them (especially the Finns, great reading). The Russian MN's are fun and cheap to collect, but Finns are in another class.
It's been said:
The Russians made the Mosins. The Finns made them right. I've never seen
an SKS that showed any level of craftmanship. All the Finns will show it. I have 1 M39 Sako that shoots as well as my K31's.
aprayinbear
Member
Mosin Wins!
2 Thumbs up for the mosin. I love mine and have found it to be quite accurate. Just started reloading for her and am anxious to see how accurate I can get her.
I also have to agree with others here..... There's something about the sound and function of a solid bolt action. Except for my 9mm Ruger I've gotten rid of all my semi guns.
Now I have my eyes open for a Swedish mauser.
2 Thumbs up for the mosin. I love mine and have found it to be quite accurate. Just started reloading for her and am anxious to see how accurate I can get her.
I also have to agree with others here..... There's something about the sound and function of a solid bolt action. Except for my 9mm Ruger I've gotten rid of all my semi guns.
Now I have my eyes open for a Swedish mauser.
Va Shooter
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SKS's, got my Chi-com back when they were cheap and unissued and full of cosmoline, great shooter and it's never let me down. Yugo 59/66, mismatched parts but only cost $100 has some issues (stovepipe) and it's got the new gas valve, still fun to shoot.
Had 2 M-44's, fun to shoot but sold them
Had 2 M-44's, fun to shoot but sold them
TenDriver
Member
Got to admit I picked up the SKS too. Two of the guys I shoot with decided I needed both and started throwing money at me. The SKS is a run of the mill Chinese version in decent shape. Got it and it's brother SKS for less than $400. Unlikely I will keep both the SKS's. I just don't find them as interesting as I once did, but happy with the purchase nonetheless.
Two questions about these rifles. The most important, how do I get all the cosmoline out of the Mosin!?!?!? The second, is it legal to add a bayonet to the SKS? I've read that it is not legal to add one to a post-ban Chinese rifle.
Here's the stamp on the Mosin.
Two of the guys I shoot with decided I needed both and started throwing money at me. The SKS is a run of the mill Chinese version in decent shape. Got it and it's brother SKS for less than $400. Unlikely I will keep both the SKS's. I just don't find them as interesting as I once did, but happy with the purchase nonetheless. Two questions about these rifles. The most important, how do I get all the cosmoline out of the Mosin!?!?!? The second, is it legal to add a bayonet to the SKS? I've read that it is not legal to add one to a post-ban Chinese rifle.
Here's the stamp on the Mosin.
offthepaper
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TD
Several ways to clean the cosmo out. some use very hot water, some use other solvents. I myself use a large pan with a brush and mineral spirits. remove the barreled action from the stock, brush/scrub away all external cosmo. then use MS soaked patches to run down the barrel until they come out clean. this may take quite a few patches. wipe/brush out the reciever with MSuntil clean. disasemble the bolt compltely (not hard) clean all cosmo from parts. now for the trickey part, take a worn 12ga brass brush and soak in MS put on 1 cleaning rod section and placed in a varible speed drill. from the reciever end, run the MS soaked brush into the chamber and run the drill at a lower speed , while still turning withdraw the spinning brush from the chamber/reciever and clean brush with additional MS. repeat this procedure 10-12 times or more if needed to ensure yiou have COMPLETELY removed ALL the cosmo from the chamber. you really would not beleive how the tiniest bit of dried cosmo will give you a severe case of the dreaded Mosin "sticky bolt".
After you are positive you have gotten ALL of the cosmo out of the rifle, wipe all parts down with a light coat of gun oil. reassemble. enjoy.
If you should take the rifle to the range and experience the "sticky bolt" that will not eject the spent case after firing this almost certanly means you still have a spec of dried cosmo in the camber or bolt body. Return to the brush/cleaning rod in a drill chuck method.
Several ways to clean the cosmo out. some use very hot water, some use other solvents. I myself use a large pan with a brush and mineral spirits. remove the barreled action from the stock, brush/scrub away all external cosmo. then use MS soaked patches to run down the barrel until they come out clean. this may take quite a few patches. wipe/brush out the reciever with MSuntil clean. disasemble the bolt compltely (not hard) clean all cosmo from parts. now for the trickey part, take a worn 12ga brass brush and soak in MS put on 1 cleaning rod section and placed in a varible speed drill. from the reciever end, run the MS soaked brush into the chamber and run the drill at a lower speed , while still turning withdraw the spinning brush from the chamber/reciever and clean brush with additional MS. repeat this procedure 10-12 times or more if needed to ensure yiou have COMPLETELY removed ALL the cosmo from the chamber. you really would not beleive how the tiniest bit of dried cosmo will give you a severe case of the dreaded Mosin "sticky bolt".
After you are positive you have gotten ALL of the cosmo out of the rifle, wipe all parts down with a light coat of gun oil. reassemble. enjoy.
If you should take the rifle to the range and experience the "sticky bolt" that will not eject the spent case after firing this almost certanly means you still have a spec of dried cosmo in the camber or bolt body. Return to the brush/cleaning rod in a drill chuck method.
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THe Dove
BOOMER SOONER!!!
SKS and MN....... Get them both amigo!!! I have them both and really enjoy shootin' em.
The Dove
The Dove
TenDriver
Member
Got all the cosmoline out of the action and barrel, left a little on the stock (lack of time) and went out to the range. As plinking rifles, all three are very good. I didn't expect much out of any of them but was pleasantly surprised. The Mosin is the least accurate, but still plenty fine for my uses. Both SKS's were good.
The only problem is the action on the Mosin is extremely tight. It almost takes both hands to open the bolt after the second shot. Any ideas?
Also, still looking for an answer to the bayonet question for the SKS's. They both have bayonet lugs which makes me think adding them would be legal, but I don't want to take chances.
The only problem is the action on the Mosin is extremely tight. It almost takes both hands to open the bolt after the second shot. Any ideas?
Also, still looking for an answer to the bayonet question for the SKS's. They both have bayonet lugs which makes me think adding them would be legal, but I don't want to take chances.
EmGeeGeorge
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sks!
mordechaianiliewicz
Member
You definitely buy the SKS. $200 for one will be hard to find again. You can pick up a MN 91/30 for $100-$150 almost anywhere.
And the SKS will give you semi-auto firepower, and less recoil.
And the SKS will give you semi-auto firepower, and less recoil.
I was at the George R Brown Gunshow today. I only saw a few Norinco made SKS s, a Russian laminated and a few Yugo s . All are in good conditions only --- the ones i wouldnt even mind to look . NO more unissued ones , sorry folks . THe supply of cheap SKSs are long gone. But of course theres so many Century WASR 10s at cheap prices. Now the Yugo M 72 RPK is one badaz_ looking AK i would want to have.
If you want a practical rifle, get an SKS and leave it as is. They're something that can be used for hunting, defense, plinking and a truck gun. They're extremely reliable and tolerably accurate. Their biggest problem is a lack of good scope mounting options. If your eyes are good enough, just use the iron sights or get Tech Sights.
If you're like me and you've already got three or four good practical rifles, then just get whatever floats your boat. I personally prefer Mosin Nagants to SKS's. I especially like Finnish Mosins.
If you're looking for a rifle for any particular purpose other than a cheap, beater truck gun however, you would be better served with something else.
If you're like me and you've already got three or four good practical rifles, then just get whatever floats your boat. I personally prefer Mosin Nagants to SKS's. I especially like Finnish Mosins.
If you're looking for a rifle for any particular purpose other than a cheap, beater truck gun however, you would be better served with something else.
Cosmoline
Member
You probably still have impacted cosmoline inside the chamber. Mineral alcohol works well on patches attached to a 45 cal bore brush inserted and spun from the chamber in. Also make sure you've disassembled and completely cleaned the bolt.
TenDriver
Member
Thanks! I'll give that a try.
Ignition Override
Member
Despite very good reliability, my Norinco SKS can have a stovepipe jam, but not often.
A buddy's WASR AK had a jam after watching only 80 rounds through it, if this is in context.
Would not hesitate buying the SKS again.
Two days ago, Ammoman offered 1,000 rds. of Wolf x39 for about $250 or so-shipped.
900 rds. of surplus Yugo 8mm from Ammoman, for only $200 "ist viel besser".
A buddy's WASR AK had a jam after watching only 80 rounds through it, if this is in context.
Would not hesitate buying the SKS again.
Two days ago, Ammoman offered 1,000 rds. of Wolf x39 for about $250 or so-shipped.
900 rds. of surplus Yugo 8mm from Ammoman, for only $200 "ist viel besser".
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Virg461
Member
I like 'em both, and they're both cheap to feed (although the SKS used to be almost as cheap as a .22, times change). I got my Norinco SKS when they were importing them by the container load. I never thought it was much of a shooter until I put the Tech-sights on it. Spend the money on the Tech-Sight set for the SKS. Makes a world of difference.
I can appreciate the SKS, but my plain jane 91/30 is just pure joy to shoot. Kicks like a mule, barks a bit of flame, and certainly isn't as packable as the SKS, but for fun target rifle it throws a lot of lead for a cheap price.
Besides, there's the added value of a 6' spear when you attach the bayonet
Besides, there's the added value of a 6' spear when you attach the bayonet
mcdonl
Member
I have both and like them both. I prefer the Norinco SKS as they take AK mags...
I vote SKS, get as mosin next. Thats a good deal. Someguys will say $200 is not a good deal, but they have not purchased one in the last 5 years either.
I vote SKS, get as mosin next. Thats a good deal. Someguys will say $200 is not a good deal, but they have not purchased one in the last 5 years either.
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