Picknlittle
Member
I don't use a bi-pod. That's the guy that started the thread.
sks range report
- Thread starter saltyphotog
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yesit'sloaded
Member
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- Aug 15, 2007
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- 1,662
My sks shoots 2 inch groups at 150...no bull. Russian barrel and receiver in a choate stock. I use either Fiocci or Winchester loads only. Wolf tends to widen those groups out to about 5 or 6 inches at that range. Yeah it may be about a dollar per round, but i hit what I aim at. 400 yard hits in a steel body target are not uncommon for me.
jpwilly
Member
My Yugo cost $149 in Like New condition a few years back. At first I didn't think it could shoot. I was using Wolf Ammo and I'd get 3 shots out of 5 right on target and 2 fliers almost every time. Switching to Silver Bear and Winchester the rifle groups consistantly at 100yrds. It shoots sub moa 1 shot groups all day - LOL!
I threw some accessories on it including a very effective AK-47 muzzle break that I threaded and siver sodered on. The bayonett lug, night sights, and grenade launcher sights have been removed. And all of the US compliance parts have been added: US Made operating rod, gas piston, handguards, magazine...just to be sure it's all legal.
I threw some accessories on it including a very effective AK-47 muzzle break that I threaded and siver sodered on. The bayonett lug, night sights, and grenade launcher sights have been removed. And all of the US compliance parts have been added: US Made operating rod, gas piston, handguards, magazine...just to be sure it's all legal.
yesit'sloaded
Member
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- Aug 15, 2007
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- 1,662
so it seems that with good ammo and a decent barrel these do shoot about MOA. I always thought they were that good, but I am glad to see that someone else can back me up on that with a similar performance.
Red Tornado
Member
Okay, I'm going against the thread, since I also have a Chinese SKS. My groups are about the same as the OP's either using the scope or open sights. I've only used Norinco ammo, but my groups were horrendous from any shooting position. Better ammo would hopefully give groups like the OP, but that's just optimistic.
Obviously I need a Yugo, since they've always had good reviews.
Has anybody else got a Chinese that shoots well?
RT
Obviously I need a Yugo, since they've always had good reviews.
Has anybody else got a Chinese that shoots well?
RT
DMK
Member
Actually, my two best shooters are Chinese(out of a dozen different SKS in my collection, including Russians, Romanians, Yugos and Albanians). One's a 1978 Norinco 20" and the other is a 16" Norinco Para.
They will do between 2-4MOA depending on the ammo and my abilities that day. Both have Tech Sights, the Para has the thinner Tech Sight front post and a very light and smooth trigger (highly unusual for an SKS).
My "Unissued Condition" Yugo 59/66 shoots about the same as the 20" Norinco. The Russian and a Romanian follow close behind (The Russian also has a Tech sight to correct for a canted front sight block, dispelling the myth that the Russians are the best quality SKS). My worst shooters are "good condition" Yugos with heavy use of corrosive ammo and poor maintenance evident.
A good Chinese SKS is a very reliable and accurate carbine. It's just that their quality is across the board from one individual rifle to the next.
mainmech48
Member
Of the more-than-several SKSes that I have or have had over the years my favorite is a Chinese commercial model that I bought brand new in 1988. I paid $108 for it with all the 'issue' accessories and 100 rds of ball ammo thrown in. It's my sole 'keep forever' SKS.
It's been my experience that ammo brand is almost as critical for best accuracy in these as it is in some rimfires. The differences in my carbine(s) are dramatic, in some cases exceeding 150% in group size. Example: Chinese Norinco 'Yellow Box' ball with 5 shots into 2 1/2-3/4" at 100 yds from bench & bags vs 7"+ with Russian surplus ball. Unfortunately, the only way I know of to find what a particular carbine likes best is also the same as with a RF: trial and error. I suggest stashing as much as you locate and afford when you find it.
As was said, a solid mount is critical when optics are used. It's not as tough, IMO&E, as some would say if you work carefully and patiently following the directions. It took about an hour for me to fit my own receiver mount from Keng's to my carbine. It's solid and returns to 'zero' +/- approx. 1 'click', at worst, after removal and reinstallation. The "B-Square" mount is another option that works very well. The only reason that I didn't stick with one is that it made returning to 'stock' configuration a bother, as the cover's take-down lever has to be removed and replaced with a through-bolt.
The trigger can be converted from creepy and gritty to a very usable two-stage action by sending the assembly off to Kiivari (sp?). For around $60 including parts and return shipping he'll make it the best that it can be. There are several DIY 'systems' out there on the various boards if you're feeling handy. IMO, it's worth the money to buy the experience and expertise rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. It's also usually less costly, when you figure ruined parts and frustration into the learning curve.
I'm intrigued with the Tech sights, but haven't tried them as yet. The Williams "Firesight" set is easy to install, and the fiber optic front is a great improvement. IMO, the aperture is too far forward to be as useful as it could be, but they also have a standard leaf option if you prefer.
Personally, I don't use commercial 'hunting' loads in my SKSes. I haven't done the 'inertial" (spring return) conversion to the FP and have had a few of instances of doubles (plus one dramatic FA scene) with them. I've never had any such incident using mil-spec ammo, and believe that the much-harder material of the primer cups is the main reason. YMMV, but it can be extremely disconcerting and embarrassing when you inadvertently start to R&R at a square dance.
FWIW, I also agree that unless the bipod is properly mounted so that it doesn't affect the barrel harmonics, it's more cosmetic than useful. With some practice and a proper sling you can do as well or better from a solid prone position without it.
It's been my experience that ammo brand is almost as critical for best accuracy in these as it is in some rimfires. The differences in my carbine(s) are dramatic, in some cases exceeding 150% in group size. Example: Chinese Norinco 'Yellow Box' ball with 5 shots into 2 1/2-3/4" at 100 yds from bench & bags vs 7"+ with Russian surplus ball. Unfortunately, the only way I know of to find what a particular carbine likes best is also the same as with a RF: trial and error. I suggest stashing as much as you locate and afford when you find it.
As was said, a solid mount is critical when optics are used. It's not as tough, IMO&E, as some would say if you work carefully and patiently following the directions. It took about an hour for me to fit my own receiver mount from Keng's to my carbine. It's solid and returns to 'zero' +/- approx. 1 'click', at worst, after removal and reinstallation. The "B-Square" mount is another option that works very well. The only reason that I didn't stick with one is that it made returning to 'stock' configuration a bother, as the cover's take-down lever has to be removed and replaced with a through-bolt.
The trigger can be converted from creepy and gritty to a very usable two-stage action by sending the assembly off to Kiivari (sp?). For around $60 including parts and return shipping he'll make it the best that it can be. There are several DIY 'systems' out there on the various boards if you're feeling handy. IMO, it's worth the money to buy the experience and expertise rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. It's also usually less costly, when you figure ruined parts and frustration into the learning curve.
I'm intrigued with the Tech sights, but haven't tried them as yet. The Williams "Firesight" set is easy to install, and the fiber optic front is a great improvement. IMO, the aperture is too far forward to be as useful as it could be, but they also have a standard leaf option if you prefer.
Personally, I don't use commercial 'hunting' loads in my SKSes. I haven't done the 'inertial" (spring return) conversion to the FP and have had a few of instances of doubles (plus one dramatic FA scene) with them. I've never had any such incident using mil-spec ammo, and believe that the much-harder material of the primer cups is the main reason. YMMV, but it can be extremely disconcerting and embarrassing when you inadvertently start to R&R at a square dance.
FWIW, I also agree that unless the bipod is properly mounted so that it doesn't affect the barrel harmonics, it's more cosmetic than useful. With some practice and a proper sling you can do as well or better from a solid prone position without it.
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