Started up my rifle collection

[Tibu]

I was this weekend visiting a couple of local gun shops not really looking for anything and in one of the shops they had basically on sale a brand new DPMS AP4 Ar15 Carbine and I couldn't resist to snatch it up as my first "American" rifle to compliment my first rifle at all; my Norinco Paratrooper SKS.

But first is a range report on the Norinco SKS:

Well I was really nervous, considering I was about to shoot an almost 30smothing year old rifle made in China (oh boy). Even though I had it checked out, I was cold sweating like a pig. Loaded a single round, closed the bolt and proceeded to acquire my target. I had read about how using scopes on SKS was basically useless so I didn't expect to hit my target. Anyways, aimed for the X mark (standing stance btw) and proceeded to gently squeeze the trigger. At first, I was wondering WTH was going on as the trigger has no resistance at first for waht seems a long travel. Then it suddenly stops, squeeze a bit harder and BANG!. Checked to see if my fingers and hands were still attached; everything OK. Check my target, hit dead center on the X mark. This is at the maximum range of the indoor range, which is 120FT.



Shot two more rounds and they still hit exactly where I aimed. I then loaded the mag to full and kept shooting. Everything went until... for some reason, the sks seemed to fire a 3 round burst. Yes... my pants doth got soiled the first round seemed to strike on target and the other two were progressively off as you can see. Now I have a new understanding for the term: "Slam Fire". Overall I love the little bugger and is a joy to shoot.

My experience with the Ar15 however was not so joyful. Basically followed the breaking in procedure as stipulated on the manual to the letter. However, either the sights are WAY off or I officially am somehow retarded. Aim straight for the red X and the shots land, oh about 3-4 inches to the right and 2-3 inches low. Switch to resting the rifle and me sitting down and I get the same results. I am really frustrated. I couldn't check with the in range instructor as they were closing (i got there really late). But, I will definitely go on tuesday and have the rifle checked out, and see if it's me.

 

[mmike87]

Well I was really nervous, considering I was about to shoot an almost 30smothing year old rifle made in China (oh boy).

The Chinese rifles are fine ... just don't chew on any part of it because it's probably got lead paint ... (just kidding)

That actually a real nice looking SKS, and a nice group to go with it. Enjoy! I find SKS rifles really easy to shoot well for some reason. I don't own one (yet) but really enjoyed shooting them when given the chance.

 

[silverlance]

sks rifles are very good rifles. if headspace is OK (looks like it is, since you've already done tested it "the hard way"), then it is unlikely to put you at danger - that big hunk of steel receiver cover will prevent any escaped gas from hurting you anyway. I have both a chinese paratrooper and a yugo m59. both are excellent rifles and i have never felt undergunned with either.

the ar15 is inaccurate simply because you didn't adjust the sights. unlike the sks, the ar15 is finely adjustable. the sks is minute of man, the ar minute of angle.

use a bullet tip or better yet a ar tool to adjust elevation via the front sight, and the knobs for windage and range.

someone who knows more about ar than i do can explain this last better.

 

[DiN_BLiX]

I shoot 60 year old rifles with 40 year old ammo

 

[dstorm1911]

Man and here I been shootin a bunch of these 60+ year old Chinese mausers the last 6 months!? what was I thinkin and we even tell folks they are only to be used as Wall hangers they are in such rough shape........ I have yet to see a Chicom SKS ever have an issue not created by the shooter that would have occurred with ANY SKS,

Nice shootin there partner

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

I shoot 60 year old rifles with 40 year old ammo

I got you beat. I'm just about out of 50 year old ammo for my 60 year old rifle. After that, nothing but handloads. There's a reason why those rifles still function after all those years: they were built right.

Nice rifles. Since your group was consistent, you and your rifle were actually accurate. Precision is the ability to get a desired result(hit where you want it to hit). Accuracy is the ability to repeat results(tighter groups). Adjusting the sights or aiming 3-4 inches left and 2-3 inches high will get the hits you want.

Take good care of those rifles and they'll take good care of you.

 

[Tibu]

Well I took a gander at the Ar manual again and realized that the pages that outline the rifle sight zeroing procedure were sort of slightly stuck together and when I was thumbing the pages I completely missed it. (sigh) Next range trip I'll be sure to try that out. Although I have one question; What exactly do I use or how do I adjust the front sight post? In the manual theu use something that I honestly have no idea what it is.

 

[Outlaws]

What distance were you shooting the AR at?

 

[GigaBuist]

What exactly do I use or how do I adjust the front sight post? In the manual theu use something that I honestly have no idea what it is.

There is a tool for this, and I have a couple of them around here, but they're not totally necessary.

When I bought my AR I sighted it in with an uncle of mine. A marine. Needless to say he was well familiar with the procedure using minimal tools.

A loaded .223 / 5.56 cartridge works well for pushing down the detent next to the front post. With that post down you can use a pair of needle nose plyers to rotate the sight.

Do make sure that you haven't set the rear sight to anything but the 0-300 yard setting before you muddle with the front one. Also, at 40 yards you should expect your bullets to impact low if you're looking for a 200 yard zero.

Windage (left and right) adjustment should be covered pretty well in the manual.

 

[silverlance]

not all old rifles were "made right". just as there are real POS guns today, there were many then. one such example is the 8mm mauser carcanos. to a lesser degree, and some might argue, the ishapore 308 enfield.

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

not all old rifles were "made right". just as there are real POS guns today, there were many then. one such example is the 8mm mauser carcanos. to a lesser degree, and some might argue, the ishapore 308 enfield.

When I said "those rifles" I did not mean "all old rifles". I'm well aware of poor quality rifles of that era. I was referring to the military surplus that are still serviceable and in use today.