SKS Rifle

[AndyLozo1964]

Whats better a Russian SKS or a Chinese SKS. I am sorry that I have uploaded the same question again but I want to see how the poll option works.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The Chicom SKS came in two or three different levels of quality, with the late-70s, early 80s PLA military models being the near equals of the average Tula, however even the cheapest, pinned-barrel export model Norinco is still a good rifle.

There really isnt a BAD SKS, though I would argue that the grenade-launcher gas valve on the Yugo guns makes them a little less reliable.

 

[Terry G]

Chinese and Yugoslavian. I've never had a problem with either. Russian, I don't know. It seems that all these are made to last a lifetime, then give them to your Son. I know they have really went up in price.

 

[theotherwaldo]

I like the Chinese and Yugos, primarily because I have never found a Russian down here on the border.

 

[Terry G]

The Yugoslavian grenade launcher cut off is a handy training tool. It turns it into a bolt action

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The Yugoslavian grenade launcher cut off is a handy training tool. It turns it into a bolt action

They were also prone to erosion, gas leakage, and eventual short stroking or failure to cycle at all. I havent looked into it lately, but at one time replacement valves were hard to come by.

 

[Terry G]

They were also prone to erosion, gas leakage, and eventual short stroking or failure to cycle at all. I havent looked into it lately, but at one time replacement valves were hard to come by.

I bought a crate of six, and still have four. Never a single malfunction. I'm not using corrosive ammunition so no sign of corrosion. Not experiencing any of those problems. I've had them for over a decade. The two I gave to relatives get Whitetail almost every year.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I bought a crate of six, and still have four. Never a single malfunction. I'm not using corrosive ammunition so no sign of corrosion. Not experiencing any of those problems. I've had them for over a decade. The two I gave to relatives get Whitetail almost every year.

Oh sure, and you may have them a lifetime and never have a issue. Mine did, though, and a quick internet search showed it to be a known problem on high mileage examples. Since factory spares were unobtanium back in the '90s, there were several US machine shops that were producing replacement valves, usually in stainless steel.

 

[FL-NC]

Based strictly on performance, I never saw much of a difference between the 2, assuming the rifles weren't totally beat to heck. I think the biggest difference is in perceived collector value. They are fun to shoot, and I killed several deer with mine, which I paid $75 for in the early 90's.

 

[Wishoot]

My Chinese SKS is the perfect example of a utilitarian, battle proven, reliable rifle.

I'm sure the Russian is every bit as good.

 

[230RN]

The Yugoslavian grenade launcher cut off is a handy training tool. It turns it into a bolt action

I was about to add that. Very convenient for saving brass, too. Too bad about all the rest of the grenade launcher junk on the gun, though, and I'm not sure of the "relic" regulations if you bubba all that stuff off. I've also got a stripped-down Chinese "ranch rifle" which is a lot more practical as a home defense tool.

One of these days I'd like to put a sprung firing pin in that one since I mostly shoot American brass ammo in it, with its softer primers. I never had a slamfire or mag dump with an SKS, but at my age I don't need surprises like that.

My grenade-launcher one already has a sprung firing pin. I installed one immediately on buying it. But the Chinese ones apparently have slightly different firing pins from model to model.

The worst thing about any SKS is the trigger-disconnector-mag release arrangement. I think some vodka was involved in that design process.

Terry, 230RN

P.S. This guy is pretty good at slickifying and firingpin-izing SKSs:
https://murraysguns.com/

 

[theotherwaldo]

My only Yugo SKS is a Model 59 - no grenade launcher involved.
It seems to be a solid, functional little rifle.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Mine is a 1956 romanian model. Top notch quality and fitment. And it goes bang every single time. Ive put thousands of rounds of steel cases through it without a single malfunction. Ever.

I believe only the Albanian SKS were considered poor across the whole line. Some Chinese are the same, some are great.

 

[HB]

I don’t think you can go wrong. They are interesting rifles that are mildly useful. They are interesting like an A5 Browning is interesting.

If you want one stictly as a curio, I would get a russian. If you want a more serviceable rifle, get an AR. All of them are fun to shoot.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I have an AR with 3 uppers and would pick my SKS over them if i hag to grab one and go. Its surprisingly accurate at 100 yds with iron sights. Like one pound tannerite accurate. I would also run the factory box mag and run stripper clips. Its also more ergonomical with fewer protrusions. It doesn't care how dirty it is. It doesn't care if its bone dry.

Just personal preference. Im more comfortable with the SKS. I shoot it better. But its also a higher quality sks. If it were a p.o.s. I might have a different thought.

 

[oprod1]

My chicoms have never been very accurate. My 3 ruskies all quiet accurate. Fit and finish is excellent.

 

[David Hoback]

LOL! SKS & Accuracy..... Two words which do NOT belong in the same sentence.

Have to use HOA(Hour of Angle) instead of the normal MOA!

I had a friend who thought the term “Like shootin’ fish in a barrel” was meant towards a difficult task...until he he started using something other than his SKS. People love commenting on how TOUGH, and RELIABLE they are... Uh-Huh.... so is a Hi-point “Yeet Cannon”! I don’t have one of those either! LOL!

I’m just clowning guys... I actually do regret not buying a case or two back in the day. They are fine. Although I can’t imagine given the choice of an AR or SKS and STILL going for the SKS! Must have some pretty crappy ARs.

 

[BigBlue 94]

LOL! SKS & Accuracy..... Two words which do NOT belong in the same sentence.

Have to use HOA(Hour of Angle) instead of the normal MOA!

I had a friend who thought the term “Like shootin’ fish in a barrel” was meant towards a difficult task...until he he started using something other than his SKS. People love commenting on how TOUGH, and RELIABLE they are... Uh-Huh.... so is a Hi-point “Yeet Cannon”! I don’t have one of those either! LOL!

I’m just clowning guys... I actually do regret not buying a case or two back in the day. They are fine. Although I can’t imagine given the choice of an AR or SKS and STILL going for the SKS! Must have some pretty crappy ARs.

Its not that my AR is crappy. Its that I prefer the SKS that I have because its a solid rifle that can hit a softball at 75-100 yds. Its not that im saying it will shoot MOA at 300 yds, like an AR can. Im saying I trust it more than either the AR I assembled or the AA 50 upper that I bought. And i feel its a handier rifle. Plain as that. I dont 'need' that kind of accuracy unless im punching holes in paper.

I have 175 dollars invested in it vs a few grand in my AR and spare uppers. I like the AR because its like legos for adults. Otherwise its kinda boring IMO. Id rather shoot an old revolver or lever gun. Again, just personal preference.

 

[HankC]

China has several Factories make SKSs, I have good luck with Factory 26. I have/had several Chinese SKSs and 2 Russian, my best shooter is a Chinese Factory 26 and my worst is also a Chinese but I can't remember the Factory. My 3 Yugo were also good shooters but heavy and long, I actually like the gas valve. Sold my Yugo because they are heavy but not more accurate than my Chinese. My 2 Russian SKSs are decent but I don't think they are better than my Chinese Factory 26. Chinese SKSs typically have lighter trigger pull, use lighter trigger springs. Russian SKSs are hard to find in US now and drive the price up, it is your own call if worth the extra. SKS accuracy is decent for a military rifle, my good Chinese, Factory 26, SKSs shoot almost as well as my FAL.

 

[Project355]

I have a Russian one, shoots great. The wood was keeerap-o-la. Very soft laminated stock. It took about six weeks of work every evening (literally), but it cleaned up ok, got stabilizer added (some foul smelling chemical treatment from a place I get paint and glue from in WPB). That got the surface of the wood pretty strong, so I finished it in the beer and bowling ball proof stuff used in bowling alleys, which seems to be holding up well. I dunno why the love for the SKS. I think it has to do with an old episode of the British Spy-Fi series "The Prisoner", where #6 meets a diabolical #2 dressed as Napoleon in a rocket disguised as a lighthouse. "Napoleon" arms his goons with SKS rifles who can barely point them in the right direction.

 

[Ignition Override]

Don't be ripped off by sellers who mischaracterize, or intentionally misrepresent "all-matching", "all-original Russian SKS".

Collectors can describe the differences in the refurb guns etc.

"SKSboards", "Russian forum" provides plenty of additional info.
The most attractive wood ever put on a gun, in my humble opinion, is the birch put on many Russian SKS. It's a beautifully warm mix of reds and browns.

The semi-military/commercial Chinese SKS imported in large numbers here have the softest wood, which is easily cut or scraped.