To upgrade or not to upgrade this SKS?

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Fonzie2k

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Hey everyone!

I just got a super nice unissued Yugo SKS. I originally wanted an SKS so that I would have something to upgrade that I wouldn't care much about but it turned out to be the nicest surplus SKS i've ever seen :/

Its actually a really handy little rifle and I'm wavering now on whether or not to get the Tapco 6 position stock that I've been wanting for awhile.

I was planning on getting detachable mags and a new stock but the internal mag is better for shooting prone... and the wood is just so darn nice.

Any thoughts? Are these nice to have in a more modern configuration? I just kinda have it as a general purpose rifle.... Coyotes, target shooting, plinking, and a doomsday gun:uhoh:

This is definitely an opinion oriented post so give me yours
 
There are plenty of trashed sks carbines out there. Sounds like a good excuse to buy another one. I personally keep my sks in full military configuration.
 
The plan was never to bubba it... i'm a huge fan of keeping things historical. I was only going to make modifications that can be undone.
 
Well if you go the Tapco route it is easy to change it back to the original configuration. I have a stock SKS and another one with the folding stock; both will take the 30 round duck bill mags but like you I tend to use the stock mags on both. They are both nice and it just depend on what I am using the weapons for. Nice open non-scratch type hunting the wood stock original is my goto. If there will be brush and misery then the synthetic stocked one is the weapon of choice. Both shoot well for my purposes but I do believe the wooden stock original is a micro dot more accurate. The synthetic on mine is heavier than the wood but I can go back original with it in about 10 minutes or less.

It is your weapon and if you like, feel, think the cool factor is maxed out with a particular mod then whatever your reason nostalgia isn't worth the mediocrity of something that you are not satisfied with or doesn't fit.
 
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As the owner of seven SKS's, I'll tell you that I've never seen an aftermarket removable mag that works reliably. For me, stripper clips are much faster, easier to carry, and no bulky empties to carry home.

I know a lot of folks like the Tapco, but I find them ugly as sin. Mine all stay in original form now.
 
Thats actually all really good insight. I do have a legitimate fear of messing up the wood stock... this thing is actually beautiful.

After playing with stripper clips ive realized how fast and easy they are so I think ill stay with the internal magazine
 
The only thing I have done to my Norinco is add a Tech-Sights rear sight. I have a 30 rd mag that works well in my rifle but I prefer the factory 10 rounder. I can't get stripper clips to load in my gun though :(
 
I'll make you a package deal on three "plastic' stocks, then you can can learn the real price for a good piece of wood.

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Keep your wood stock and save your money for a AK or get an Enfield that doesnt throw your brass away.


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So the Yugos do not like detachable mags? and Bigedp51, is the scout style mount over the gas tube on your SKS with the Tapco stock any good? I really like having a long eye relief scope but I wasn't sure if that was a solid place to put it.
 
Upgrade? That's not the right word.

Leave it alone. You want detachable mags, buy an AK.
 
Fonzie2k

If I had to do it over I would "NEVER" have bought any of the plastic stocks for my SKS. None of these plastic stocks have the the metal cross bolt which locks the receiver into the stock that gives the receiver a better lockup in the wooden stock.

Save your money and just buy a Tech-Sight rear sight and forget the aftermarket plastic stocks and the "cool" factor that doesn't add any accuracy improvements.
 
I am not A fan of the SKS. I know that it is A rugged litle carbine made for military aplications and does A fine job as it is. I can understand wanting one. I don't see any reason to spend money trying to make it something it is not. Use it as is and buy something nicer later.
 
I think the Yugo SKSs were let in as Curio & Relic collectibles, same as the Russian SKSs. There are a lot of generic SKS rifles with little or no collector interest in circulation that are better platforms for customisation.
 
I think the Yugo SKSs were let in as Curio & Relic collectibles, same as the Russian SKSs.
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All the SKS models except the Chinese are C&R. If it's been bubba'd it also loses it's C&R status.
 
If you change parts you have to play the 922r game which means changing more parts. I did the parts change and I'm mostly happy with it, my detach mags have been flawless, the tapco stock works well for me, I think I just want too many other things that take away from the attention I give the rifle.
 
I didn't buy this because I really wanted an AR or Ak, I got it because I really like the SKS. The only real change I'm thinking about making now is a stock that offers a pistol grip and a longer butt. I do like those Tech Sights that someone mentioned though.

The only real problem with the original wood is that I'm concerned about bunging it up when I'm out in the brush with it, and I really like having a pistol grip to work with.....

I think I know how my wife feels when she buys shoes now
 
You could try to find a Model D SKS that takes AK mags by design. I saw one in the for sale forum here not long ago for around $400, I think.

While my experience with the SKS is admittedly limited, I've been interested in them as I may inherit one. I asked this very question several months ago, and got generally the same response. Leave it alone, don't make it something it isn't, if you want an AK/AR get an AK/AR, aftermarket mags don't work, aftermarket mags are too heavy.

It's your gun, man. Do with it as you please. There is a lot of experience and knowledge in these threads, but sometimes, the best knowledge comes with your own personal experiences. Even if you gain that experience by making a mistake.
 
I figured out a solution... I can postpone making a decision by just purchasing ammo everytime i have cash to spend on a stock. lol I think i'll just leave it original... the only thing a new stock would add is a little comfort, not effectiveness
 
If you have a yugo with the grenade attachment and all go ahead and change it. It has little additional value, the least of all the sks, with that stuff on it and you can always keep the wood.
 
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