SKS vs AK 47 (Which Is Best At 200+ Yards?)

[rugerman07]

It's my understanding that the SKS is more accuate at longer ranges than the AK 47. I've heard some say they've hit coyote size targets with their SKS out to 350 yards while the maximum accurate range for the AK 47 is about 150 yards. Which is best at 200+ yards?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I doubt if you will get a 100% correct answer. There are too many variables.

 

[rugerman07]

I have a Chinese/Norinco SKS if that helps.

 

[rcmodel]

Either one will average 3"-4" plus or minus at 100 yds with good ammo.

Handloads, perhaps better.

The limiting factor on either one is the crappy trigger, the crappy iron sights, and the crappy Russian ammo everyone shoots in them.

As for coyotes at 300 yards?
Sure.
Just don't expect to kill them with FMJ mil-sup ammo.
And make sure of the background, cause every bullet you shoot will ricochet into the next county.

Bottom line is, for 300 yard coyotes you would be way better off with a scoped bolt-action rifle in 22-250, .243, or other good varmint caliber.

rc

 

[ridgerunner1965]

id expect the sks to be a little better but agin too many varibles including accuracy of individual guns.if you can routinely hit the kill zone of a yote at 2-300 yrds with a rifle with coarse sights and a bad trigger, yu my friend are a excellent shot!!

 

[1948CJ2A]

I've got an SKS but not an AK. I would think the longer the barrel, the better ballistics you'll get. Seeing as they both fire the same cartridge (7.62x39) I would think the difference would be minimal. I would opt for a better solution for anything over 100 yards.

 

[goon]

I've found the SKS to be more accurate at any range, but neither is what you'd call a precision rifle. If you routinely need to make accurate hits at that range (which not many can do under field conditions with open sights), you'd be better off with a scoped bolt action sporter. I've seen Savages in .270, .30 '06, .243, and .223 available used locally for around $350 used, usually scoped. I'd prefer a scoped MOA capable hunting rifle to either the SKS or the AK if 200+ yard shots are common.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

And he would be better off with a varmint caliber that won't skip ricochets across the landscape and kill somebody's prize bull 3/4 mile away beyond the coyote.

rc

 

[mshootnit]

In terms of like the 16" Saiga 308 I like that one over the SKS at any range.

 

[JohnnyK]

I shot 4 8" steel plates @ 3-gun match within 16 seconds @ 175 yards... with an AK

 

[springer99]

Your understanding is correct. In general, an SKS will be more accurate than an AK at any range, given equivalent sights. Individual examples may differ, but in general that's the truth of it.

 

[briansmithwins]

I've gotten a 2MOA group out of the SKS on my best day. The AK, well, it's a 4 MOA rifle.

Either will hit a man in the torso at 300m and put him down.

Neither can be considered a precision varmint rifle, nor is 7.62x39 a good cartridge for such work.

BSW

 

[benEzra]

A quality AK in .223 or 5.45x39mm, with a scope, will run rings around a 7.62x39mm SKS at 200+ yards.

If you limit the comparison to 7.62x39mm and iron sights, the SKS's longer sight radius and longer barrel gives it a bit of an edge, but it is far easier to scope an AK and the AK can be had in much better varmint calibers.

 

[Beak50]

My SKS "Chinese" will out-shoot my AK"Maddi" anyday.

 

[carbine85]

I have 2 Yugo and 1 Russian SKS that will out shoot my Chinese MAK 90 all day long. I get about a 50% tighter group with the SKS vs the AK. Ergonomically the SKS is far better than the AK which probably helps with accuracy. I have also found that Yugo ammo is better than most surplus ammo.

 

[alex4922]

In my experience sights, triggers and ammo really are the biggest limiting factors for the commie rifles. I have a Norinco .223 that is now a 2moa rifle with the dog leg mount and a cheap scope. I do need to get off my butt and have Kivaari do his magic on my Yugo.

Alex

 

[goon]

Agreed that an AK in 5.56 or 5.45 can be very accurate and beat an SKS. One of the most accurate semi-autos I ever owned was a VEPR K .223. But comparing the two in 7.62x39 the SKS has almost always won against all but the "best" AK's, and sometimes even then.

 

[helotaxi]

And he would be better off with a varmint caliber that won't skip ricochets across the landscape and kill somebody's prize bull 3/4 mile away beyond the coyote.

More a factor of bullet construction than caliber. Hornady makes a 123gn VMax in .310cal specifically for the 7.62x39. It would be no more likely to ricochet than a similarly constructed bullet in .223. The .223 match bullets are just as bad about skipping across the landscape as any other similar bullet.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

By way of highlighting variables... I have two Chinese SKS's and one Russian SKS and the Russian one is a sniper rifle compared to the better of the two Chinese and one of the Chinese is a shotgun compared to the other - that's before even throwing an AK into the mix.

 

[Ro1911]

niether, get an AK 74 in 5.45x39 its much more accurate than its older brother the AK 47.

esspecially at range

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

I've got both, and would say an sks has about 1" at 100 on your typical Ak at 100 yards, using the same ammo. (mine is norinco also)

 

[6x6pinz]

I am more accurate with my AK then my SKS's but I would expect someone good with an SKS to outshoot me anyday with their SKS. this is of course in the 762 x 39 caliber. Give me my Saiga 308 and no SKS stands a chance.

 

[rugerman07]

I've been considering scoping my SKS for use as a varmint rifle and was hoping it would get the job done out to about 200 yards max.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

scopes and SKS's are problematic. There are ways to do it, but the rear cover type are not good. (Coming from somone who has tried it! a few times)

 

[M1key]

I agree that neither is best. Get another caliber for 200+ yards on 'yotes.

M