SKS vs AK47
- Thread starter Dr.Mall Ninja
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KiltedClaymore
Member
as a introduction to 7.62x39 mil-surps, i would recomend the sks. you'll like the stripper clips once you get the hang of them (not that hard to do). and the SKS is backed by sooo much aftermarket stuff, you can break the bank adding new toys onto it. besides, the longet sight radius is more forgiving than the tiny AK-47. buy one, then buy the other once you save up enough cash.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
Quite true, and the Tech Sights are indeed awesome. However, the question is not limited to iron sights. If you do not like optics and want an aperture-sighted rifle with a long sight radius, then yes, that is a point in the SKS's favor. But the collimator sight is a vast improvement over the AK's mediocre sights and short sight radius, and rectifies the primary shortcoming of the platform. And IMO it is also superior to even Tech Sights and AR-15 style sights for most uses, IMO, as it is more precise (1.8 MOA aiming point, as opposed to a 10-MOA front sight), is faster than irons at all ranges, and keeps the sight in the same focal plane as the target.
I would point out that military M16's and M4's have excellent iron sights, but the military is still spending a great deal of money to equip those rifles with Aimpoints/Eotechs. There are good reasons to do so.
Again, if you are of the irons-only school, then the SKS with Tech Sights may be a better choice, all else being equal. If you're open to optics, the AK is the better choice, IMO.
True; the Krebs rail was merely an example of one approach. Tech Sights will soon be available for the AK platform as well, though, according to the manufacturer, and I would expect they would be considerably cheaper.
R.W.Dale
Member
I don't know, They've supposedly been workin on them for quite some time now. Unlike their 10-22 and SKS sights which are quite intuitively engineered I would imagine that coming up with something solid for the AK is going to be quite a feat.
I just wish they'd make em for marlin leverguns
that would be simpleI was just asking myself this question a number of weeks ago. The responses I got to the threads I started (on other boards) didn't help much, since it quickly became clear that everybody has their own opinion on the matter. There isn't much of a consensus. That means I have to drag out the old "try them both and pick the one you like better" clichè.
That said:
I ended up with an AK, because that's what I really "wanted." The SKS came into the equation because it was cheaper, and I saw an opportunity to get a similar rifle and save some bucks in the process. If a typical entry-level SKS (Yugo, usually) can be had for about $200 (I have a C&R) and the typical entry-level AK is about twice that, the difference in price equates to a good bit of ammo. In the end, though, I thought the AK was simply more fun to shoot (pistol grip and better trigger contributed strongly to that) so that's what I bought.
If you're simply looking at the SKS as a "poor man's AK," there's a good chance you won't be happy with it and will start wishing you had just spent the extra cash up front (that's what I was afraid of, and what ultimately pushed me to grab the AK first). They're different guns. They handle differently, and only really carry a passing resemblance to one another (mostly in terms of the forward hand guard and gas tube placement). I see a lot of people who buy an SKS and then start tacking tacticool stocks and such to them, presumably in an attempt to get an AK clone for less money. It really doesn't work that way.
A couple points beyond the obvious (e.g. appearance):
-The SKS has a nominal advantage in accuracy thanks to a longer barrel and sight radius (though don't forget that the 7.62x39 is a ballistically challenged cartridge past 200m anyhow).
-The SKS also has a bolt hold (at least the ones I've shot do), which is a plus.
-Certain AK variants (e.g. Saiga, Romanian) have the standard Soviet side rail mount for optics. This means that installing a Russian style scope or weaver mount is as easy as sliding it onto the rail.
-You can get all sorts of AK mags for $10 apiece. The SKS generally doesn't like anything aside from the factory box mag, so you're stuck with that unless you want to modify or replace the stock and spend a lot of money for custom fitted mags like the ones Tapco offers. There are a few SKS models (like the Chinese SKS-M) that are designed to take standard AK mags, but they're not the cheapest or easiest to find.
-Both the Norinco and Yugo SKSes that I shot had pretty bad triggers.
Another thing to consider: virtually all of the SKS rifles you'll come across these days are milsurps (I wouldn't be surprised to hear they're still making new ones in China, but we won't get those thanks to the import ban). If you have a C&R, that could be a good thing, but it could also be pretty bad. Now, since the SKS was superseded by the AK in front line service pretty quickly, there are a lot of guns that didn't see much service (some were simply packed away and never issued). If you can get an "unissued" or "excellent" SKS, that's great, but you're probably going to pay $250+ for it. You might have trouble getting them for a good price locally, too, because some less scrupulous dealers try to pass them off as AK derivatives and mark up the price accordingly. Otherwise, you're playing the milsurp game, which means you have to start worrying about things like rust, finish and bore condition - for example, I've read of people who buy Yugos only to find that they aren't cycling well because the gas valve is corroded or blocked. Also, those same Yugos don't have chrome lined bores and were used to shoot corrosive Combloc ammo, so you might see frosting or pitting in some of them. By the time you're done, you could end up spending close to $300 for the right gun.
That's much less of an issue with the AKs, because those are still built and sold as factory new rifles here and abroad today. It isn't uncommon to find recycled parts in "new" rifles (especially in kit builds), but at least you'll probably be getting things like a new bore, receiver and trigger.
That said:
I ended up with an AK, because that's what I really "wanted." The SKS came into the equation because it was cheaper, and I saw an opportunity to get a similar rifle and save some bucks in the process. If a typical entry-level SKS (Yugo, usually) can be had for about $200 (I have a C&R) and the typical entry-level AK is about twice that, the difference in price equates to a good bit of ammo. In the end, though, I thought the AK was simply more fun to shoot (pistol grip and better trigger contributed strongly to that) so that's what I bought.
If you're simply looking at the SKS as a "poor man's AK," there's a good chance you won't be happy with it and will start wishing you had just spent the extra cash up front (that's what I was afraid of, and what ultimately pushed me to grab the AK first). They're different guns. They handle differently, and only really carry a passing resemblance to one another (mostly in terms of the forward hand guard and gas tube placement). I see a lot of people who buy an SKS and then start tacking tacticool stocks and such to them, presumably in an attempt to get an AK clone for less money. It really doesn't work that way.
A couple points beyond the obvious (e.g. appearance):
-The SKS has a nominal advantage in accuracy thanks to a longer barrel and sight radius (though don't forget that the 7.62x39 is a ballistically challenged cartridge past 200m anyhow).
-The SKS also has a bolt hold (at least the ones I've shot do), which is a plus.
-Certain AK variants (e.g. Saiga, Romanian) have the standard Soviet side rail mount for optics. This means that installing a Russian style scope or weaver mount is as easy as sliding it onto the rail.
-You can get all sorts of AK mags for $10 apiece. The SKS generally doesn't like anything aside from the factory box mag, so you're stuck with that unless you want to modify or replace the stock and spend a lot of money for custom fitted mags like the ones Tapco offers. There are a few SKS models (like the Chinese SKS-M) that are designed to take standard AK mags, but they're not the cheapest or easiest to find.
-Both the Norinco and Yugo SKSes that I shot had pretty bad triggers.
Another thing to consider: virtually all of the SKS rifles you'll come across these days are milsurps (I wouldn't be surprised to hear they're still making new ones in China, but we won't get those thanks to the import ban). If you have a C&R, that could be a good thing, but it could also be pretty bad. Now, since the SKS was superseded by the AK in front line service pretty quickly, there are a lot of guns that didn't see much service (some were simply packed away and never issued). If you can get an "unissued" or "excellent" SKS, that's great, but you're probably going to pay $250+ for it. You might have trouble getting them for a good price locally, too, because some less scrupulous dealers try to pass them off as AK derivatives and mark up the price accordingly. Otherwise, you're playing the milsurp game, which means you have to start worrying about things like rust, finish and bore condition - for example, I've read of people who buy Yugos only to find that they aren't cycling well because the gas valve is corroded or blocked. Also, those same Yugos don't have chrome lined bores and were used to shoot corrosive Combloc ammo, so you might see frosting or pitting in some of them. By the time you're done, you could end up spending close to $300 for the right gun.
That's much less of an issue with the AKs, because those are still built and sold as factory new rifles here and abroad today. It isn't uncommon to find recycled parts in "new" rifles (especially in kit builds), but at least you'll probably be getting things like a new bore, receiver and trigger.
sarduy
Member
+1
me too
I prefer the AK and have a nice SAR1 that I did a lot of custom work on to make it the way I wanted it. Now I have way more money in it than I could ever get out of it but then I don't ever plan on selling it either.
I do however have a project going on with a Norinco SKS right now. I wanted to change the looks and put a scope on it so I am spending probably twice what it is worth fixing it up the way I want it. A good financial investment? Well no but since I am doing it to make it just for me it doesn't really matter as long as I like it. I am sure it will be a fun plinker but I still don't think it will place ahead of my AK in the favorite catagory but who knows when it is finished.
I do however have a project going on with a Norinco SKS right now. I wanted to change the looks and put a scope on it so I am spending probably twice what it is worth fixing it up the way I want it. A good financial investment? Well no but since I am doing it to make it just for me it doesn't really matter as long as I like it. I am sure it will be a fun plinker but I still don't think it will place ahead of my AK in the favorite catagory but who knows when it is finished.
Funderb
Member
uhhm, I dont have an AK, so it'll have to be the sks until I can afford such luxuries!
sarduy
Member
Get Both!
Tarvis
Member
I've got a chinee SKS that runs well but could probably use an extractor upgrade as 1 out of 100 rounds of steel case will stick in the chamber. It comes out after you pop the extractor back over it and pull it out, but it still happens. The action, FWIW, is very smooth in comparison to the WASR-10 mu buddy just bought.
Also, while some of the AK guys are here, my buddy's WASR-10 is apparently brand new and is having a couple problems. The mag fits super tight and does not wobble at all (doesn't seem to have the dimples I've heard of before). It fits so tight, in fact, that you can't get the mag release forward to pull the mag out. Is this a dremel fix or a break-in fix? Also, it is failing to extract fairly often, I get the feeling this is a break-in fix but I'm not sure. Any help?
Also, while some of the AK guys are here, my buddy's WASR-10 is apparently brand new and is having a couple problems. The mag fits super tight and does not wobble at all (doesn't seem to have the dimples I've heard of before). It fits so tight, in fact, that you can't get the mag release forward to pull the mag out. Is this a dremel fix or a break-in fix? Also, it is failing to extract fairly often, I get the feeling this is a break-in fix but I'm not sure. Any help?
sarduy
Member
try a different mag!
the only problem that i got with my AK was some feeding problems with a single mag, once i findout witch mag was i replace it with a bulgarian mag, problem solve! as for the failing to extract...just because it's an AK doesn't mean he doesn't need to clean it, when was the last time he toke it apart and clean it? i would remove the bolt and use a brass brush to clean the bolt, extractor and the bolt-carrir rails... then use a few drops of Mobil-1 synthetic oil to the rails where the moves back and forward, bolt, bolt-carrier, around the gas-piston, and the trigger group, that should give you a nice smooth action
the only problem that i got with my AK was some feeding problems with a single mag, once i findout witch mag was i replace it with a bulgarian mag, problem solve! as for the failing to extract...just because it's an AK doesn't mean he doesn't need to clean it, when was the last time he toke it apart and clean it? i would remove the bolt and use a brass brush to clean the bolt, extractor and the bolt-carrir rails... then use a few drops of Mobil-1 synthetic oil to the rails where the moves back and forward, bolt, bolt-carrier, around the gas-piston, and the trigger group, that should give you a nice smooth action
chris in va
Member
I've had an SKS, wasn't impressed. My Saiga is much better for various reasons, one to include adding optics.
I've got both. The SKS is a great little rifle that really doesn't do anything very well. You can hunt with it, but it's not that great for hunting, (mediocre accuracy, poor optics mounting, weak cartridge). You could use it for a fighting rifle, but it's not the equal of an AR or AK. You can target shoot with it, but it's not that accurate. What it is is very cheap, well made, very reliable and it can do just about everything in a mediocre fashion. Should you get one? Heck yes. They're a collectible piece of history at a bargain price, (although they were a much better buy a few years ago).
The AK can hunt and target shoot about as well as the SKS, (which isn't saying much), but it's also a great fighting rifle. If I had to choose between the two, I'd pick an AK in a second. If you get one of the Yugo M70's or a Saiga, you'll have an AK that will match the SKS for accuracy and it will also be shorter, lighter, take detachable mags and have several good optics mounting options as well as a better trigger.
The AK can hunt and target shoot about as well as the SKS, (which isn't saying much), but it's also a great fighting rifle. If I had to choose between the two, I'd pick an AK in a second. If you get one of the Yugo M70's or a Saiga, you'll have an AK that will match the SKS for accuracy and it will also be shorter, lighter, take detachable mags and have several good optics mounting options as well as a better trigger.
ohgrady
Member
eventually you will buy one of each.......
Start with an SKS. You will get a feel for the 7.62x39 cartridge while spending less money. If you have a chance to shoot often you'll be showing your targets to people that tell you "AK's and SKS's aren't accurate" and be saying "mine is"..........
Then you'll catch the bug........and you'll buy an AK any way. My trips to the range started just 6 months ago with two rifles in 7.62x39 - last Friday I was packing in 4(I looked crazy I'm sure-one man carrying in 4 rifles and two ammo boxes at the same time)!
Grady
Start with an SKS. You will get a feel for the 7.62x39 cartridge while spending less money. If you have a chance to shoot often you'll be showing your targets to people that tell you "AK's and SKS's aren't accurate" and be saying "mine is"..........
Then you'll catch the bug........and you'll buy an AK any way. My trips to the range started just 6 months ago with two rifles in 7.62x39 - last Friday I was packing in 4(I looked crazy I'm sure-one man carrying in 4 rifles and two ammo boxes at the same time)!
Grady
RockyMtnTactical
Member
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Dollar for dollar, the SKS is better. I actually like it better than the AK, that's personal. However, the Saiga is a great value if you are looking for an AK.
Tarvis
Member
Brand spankin' new, this was the first time it had ever been shot and it had problems with both mags, which may not be saying much as they were the same type of mag which could have been the problem.
RaspberrySurprise
Member
I own and enjoy both a Yugo SKS and a WASR AK.
jjohnson
Member
SKS is a Great "Truck Rifle"
Well, I have a couple of Chinese Type 56's and the Yugo copy as well.
They are disgustingly reliable and solid. As noted, the ChiCom version came with soft wood - but I don't mind a few dings. They're capable shooters, being more designed as rifles that machineguns. Noted, they're nearly impossible to scope mount with anything that'll stay put, but if you put an electronic dot sight on it, you can still hit things out to the effective range of the 7.62x39 round.
Being cheap and rugged, if somewhat heavy relative to the power of the cartridge, it's a favorite truck gun of mine. It's not as "mall ninja cool"
as any of the AK copies, but hey, for what I paid for each of them (under $200) they're fine by me.
Since I don't plan on taking one into combat, I figure if I can't hit what I want with 10 rounds in the mag, shame on me.
I may try a Tapco mag just for fun - the downside of the SKS (in MY world) is that during deer season, trucking around with a loaded auto rifle isn't cool with the DNR, and with the AK or mag-modified SKS, it's way easier to pull the mag than to dump the contents of the SKS. Of course, the mag on the SKS does dump very easily - but I would prefer a RELIABLE detatchable mag nonetheless.
I still won't turn away a homeless AK if any of you boys want to find one a new home. Gotta admire those commie weapons - they do pretty much exactly what they were designed to do, every time they're told, even if they are a little on the ugly side.
Well, I have a couple of Chinese Type 56's and the Yugo copy as well.
They are disgustingly reliable and solid. As noted, the ChiCom version came with soft wood - but I don't mind a few dings. They're capable shooters, being more designed as rifles that machineguns. Noted, they're nearly impossible to scope mount with anything that'll stay put, but if you put an electronic dot sight on it, you can still hit things out to the effective range of the 7.62x39 round.
Being cheap and rugged, if somewhat heavy relative to the power of the cartridge, it's a favorite truck gun of mine. It's not as "mall ninja cool"
as any of the AK copies, but hey, for what I paid for each of them (under $200) they're fine by me.Since I don't plan on taking one into combat, I figure if I can't hit what I want with 10 rounds in the mag, shame on me.
I may try a Tapco mag just for fun - the downside of the SKS (in MY world) is that during deer season, trucking around with a loaded auto rifle isn't cool with the DNR, and with the AK or mag-modified SKS, it's way easier to pull the mag than to dump the contents of the SKS. Of course, the mag on the SKS does dump very easily - but I would prefer a RELIABLE detatchable mag nonetheless.
I still won't turn away a homeless AK if any of you boys want to find one a new home.
Gotta admire those commie weapons - they do pretty much exactly what they were designed to do, every time they're told, even if they are a little on the ugly side.Cayoot
Member
I have both, in fact, I have 4 SKS (1 Russian, 2 Chinks and 1 Yougo) and a single AK.
I like them for different roles.
As a trunk gun (because my work takes me on the road alot), I really like the AK because it is small and can be loaded quickly (It's illegal to carry a loaded rifle in the trunk here in Michigan). When I have to stop on the side of the road to change a tire, I keep a rolled army blanket to kneel on...inside the folds of the blanket is where I keep the AK. That way it is always handy while I'm on the side of the road, but out of sight. When I finish making the repair, I just pick up the rolled kneeling pad (with AK inside) and put it back in the trunk.
However, for a survival EOTWAWKI situation, I prefer the SKS because it is not dependant upon removable mags. The SKS 10 rounder is much more rugged and I will not want to be Spraying and Praying (Just Praying) because I will not have a military supply system to keep feeding me ammo. It will just be me and what I have saved up.
The SKS is much more rugged than the AK (IMO), and because the ammo is kept on strippers rather than in mags, I can carry more ammo in a lighter, smaller package.
Just my 2 cents
I like them for different roles.
As a trunk gun (because my work takes me on the road alot), I really like the AK because it is small and can be loaded quickly (It's illegal to carry a loaded rifle in the trunk here in Michigan). When I have to stop on the side of the road to change a tire, I keep a rolled army blanket to kneel on...inside the folds of the blanket is where I keep the AK. That way it is always handy while I'm on the side of the road, but out of sight. When I finish making the repair, I just pick up the rolled kneeling pad (with AK inside) and put it back in the trunk.
However, for a survival EOTWAWKI situation, I prefer the SKS because it is not dependant upon removable mags. The SKS 10 rounder is much more rugged and I will not want to be Spraying and Praying (Just Praying) because I will not have a military supply system to keep feeding me ammo. It will just be me and what I have saved up.
The SKS is much more rugged than the AK (IMO), and because the ammo is kept on strippers rather than in mags, I can carry more ammo in a lighter, smaller package.
Just my 2 cents
Jimfern
Member
SKS
I haven't tried an AK yet, but two of my favorite rifles are my Yugo SKS and my AR-15. They are just plain fun to shoot. I can only imagine an AK would be similar.
My SKS is quite accurate, as well, given I'm using it's iron sights and cheap Wolf ammo.
I haven't tried an AK yet, but two of my favorite rifles are my Yugo SKS and my AR-15. They are just plain fun to shoot. I can only imagine an AK would be similar.
My SKS is quite accurate, as well, given I'm using it's iron sights and cheap Wolf ammo.
SSN Vet
Member
Hmmm......
let's see. Every nation that once used the SKS for their military, dumped it in favor of the AK.
Hmmmm....
Maybe because the AK goes ....
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
click (drop mag) click (insert mag)
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
let's see. Every nation that once used the SKS for their military, dumped it in favor of the AK.
Hmmmm....
Maybe because the AK goes ....
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
click (drop mag) click (insert mag)
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
ZeSpectre
Member
The OP has made his purchase but I still wanted to comment.
SKS - shoot, use as club at close range (or the bayonet if it's still attached) and resume shooting
AK - Shoot n' shoot n' shoot
(As a lefty I've found that the SKS is slightly less prone to throwing crap in my face).
SKS - shoot, use as club at close range (or the bayonet if it's still attached) and resume shooting
AK - Shoot n' shoot n' shoot
(As a lefty I've found that the SKS is slightly less prone to throwing crap in my face).
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