Which Rifle should i choose?

[Commissar Gribb]

You can get a 20 round mag for an SKS, by the way.

I wouldnt suggest getting a larger cap magazine for an SKS as

* in many cases, it causes problems by invalidating it's C&R status/ making it into a rifle that wouldnt normally be importable etc..

* large cap after market mags generally work like crap

* large cap mags look awful on SKS's IMO.

* SKS's work near- flawlessly and with boring reliability with the OEM mags. So why mess with it?

 

[Lonestar.45]

Ah the lovely "over-penetration" issue rears its ugly head. I would love to see a rifle round hit a person square in the chest and still have the power to escape through one or two walls in my house, travel across the street, into a neighbors house, through their walls, and injure someone. QUOTE]

Just make sure the BG isn't standing in front of one of your windows then, eh?

 

[SecuritySixShooter]

Alright so heres where im at...basically its between the SKS and the Shotgun. I live in Lexington, KY and apparently there are no rifle ranges around here . At least thats what the firearms dealers are telling me. I do have some farms i can go to but not on a regular basis. So im wondering if a rifle is still in my best interest? Did find another shotgun i liked while i was out though. Moesinburg (butchered that spelling) 500 Home Defender, any opinions? At any rate i still have my two pistols to rely on if nothing else.

Fear not AK guys...I will have one sometime in the near future regardless.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Alright so heres where im at...basically its between the SKS and the Shotgun. I live in Lexington, KY and apparently there are no rifle ranges around here . At least thats what the firearms dealers are telling me. I do have some farms i can go to but not on a regular basis. So im wondering if a rifle is still in my best interest? Did find another shotgun i liked while i was out though. Moesinburg (butchered that spelling) 500 Home Defender, any opinions?

The Mossberg 500s are ok guns, but shotguns will not serve the same purposes as a rifle. If you can only have one or the other, I'd definitely go with the SKS, but stay away from anything Chinese. Lots of the Chinese SKS rifles were actually manufactured with the civilian market in mind, and do not have the same quality and ruggedness of the military issue SKS rifles.

Besides, You don't need a range nearby. You can do most of your practice with dry fire drills, combined with a good pellet rifle for plinking. So long as you get to the range a couple of times a year, you will be good to go. Rifle practice is supposed to be 90% dry fire drills and 10% live fire anyway. You develop most of your rifle skills with dry fire drills.

 

[Ed]

Everyone can use a shotgun. You can bird hunt, rabbit hunt,Deer hunt,skeet shoot, turkey hunt use it for home defense, Blow up cans at a range, Find shells easily if you need to. Plus you can get a NEW Rem 870 for under $250. Then you can get a SKS also if you want. For $500 If I didn't have any I'd get a 870, a Win 94 used and ammo. You can substitute a SKS. And Honestly for life in Kentucky, you have everything you need.

 

[el44vaquero]

Those AKs are really good guns. They've been in service for many years. They sure knew what they were doing when they made the old originals. Aks take a beating and keep on firing.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Those AKs are really good guns. They've been in service for many years. They sure knew what they were doing when they made the old originals. Aks take a beating and keep on firing.

True, but the same can be said for the SKS. Lots of the imported AKs are not wonderful weapons in terms of quality, though if you pay enough, you can get a really nice one. Admittedly, though, even the junky looking ones work great. I've had three AKs, and still have one, and none of them have ever jammed or malfunctioned in any way. Same for all four SKS rifles I've owned, though. Keep in mind, though, that every AK that comes into the country for civilian sale has been manufactured with the civilian market in mind, while the vast majority (except for Chineese) of the SKS rifles were bult with hard military use by their own nationals in mind.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Everyone can use a shotgun. You can bird hunt, rabbit hunt,Deer hunt,skeet shoot, turkey hunt use it for home defense, Blow up cans at a range, Find shells easily if you need to. Plus you can get a NEW Rem 870 for under $250. Then you can get a SKS also if you want. For $500 If I didn't have any I'd get a 870, a Win 94 used and ammo. You can substitute a SKS. And Honestly for life in Kentucky, you have everything you need.

I have to say that I agree. The Rem 870 and the Win 94 in .30-30 is a great general purpose combo. I would look for a pre-1964 Winchester 94, however, as they are usually still pretty inexpensive, and even the old beaters are better guns than they're putting out of Winchester now, or since 1964. I have two pre-64 Win 94s, and they are both great dependable and accurate rifles. Accuracy is better than with any SKS rifle you'll find, though the SKS will outrange .30-30 due to the pointed bullets it can use, while the 94 is stuck with blunt nose bullets.

 

[orangeninja]

"Keep in mind, though, that every AK that comes into the country for civilian sale has been manufactured with the civilian market in mind, while the vast majority (except for Chineese) of the SKS rifles were bult with hard military use by their own nationals in mind."

You know I never thought of this, but that is the best argument for an SKS over an AK I've heard yet. Good one.

 

[mustanger98]

Thinking of .30-30, I like my old tang sighted '94 real well. However, while it's stuck with RN SP's, I'm branching out starting with a Savage 340 and fixin' to get a .30-30 barrel for my H&R HandiRifle. According to Layne Simpson's article in this month's Shooting Times, you can load a 150gr spitzer type in the single-shot or bolt action (won't feed through the mag though) and turn a 200yd deer rifle into a 300yd deer rifle.

BTW, I've mentioned this before, that I took their money in a (100yd reduced) Quigley bucket match with my old '94 and 165gr cast lead. You don't have the option of partaking in this pleasure with an SKS or AK.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

So, you're down to the SKS or a shotty.

In your original post, you stated:

This arm will be used for fun/defense/SHTF gun.

The SKS will fulfill those as well or better than the shotty.

Fun: 7.62x39mm is dirt cheap, and you will be able to put more downrange than out of a shotty.
Defense: Shotty better for close-in, SKS takes it at all other ranges.
SHTF: SKS is better hands down.


However, with the prices of SKSs what they are, you should be able to get an SKS and a good used shotty for the price of an AK.

 

[El Rojo]

Just make sure the BG isn't standing in front of one of your windows then, eh?

In my particular situation, that would be fine as I have nothing in front of my hosue but miles of open land and I have a brick wall in the back yard. Despite my anecdotal response, I still contend that I would rather shoot someone and live than hesitate or not have the ability to shoot because I was afraid the bullet might over penetrate and cause me legal problems in the distant future.

Then again I have a Remington 870 with #4 buck in my bedroom for just such occassions. I also have my M1 Carbine, K-31, and M38 there too. Do you think any of those guns would over penetrate? I can just see it now, I shoot with my M38 and miss, everyone in the house is deaf and blind for the next three hours and the bullet kills 14 neighbors from over penetration.

 

[benEzra]

"Keep in mind, though, that every AK that comes into the country for civilian sale has been manufactured with the civilian market in mind, while the vast majority (except for Chineese) of the SKS rifles were bult with hard military use by their own nationals in mind."

True, but the main difference is the deletion of the full-auto fire-control parts, and a receiver that is designed not to take them. All the other parts of an AK lookalike should be mil-spec or close to it, and most of the major parts are probably made on the same equipment that made real AK's for eastern bloc militaries. The bolt, gas system, barrel, stock, sights, and what fire-control components you have are pretty much as Mikhail Kalashnikov designed them, and the magazines are real milspec AK mags, which is why civilian AK lookalikes are every bit as reliable as the real thing. And the bores are chrome-lined.

I personally prefer AK lookalikes simply because I can't stand straight stocks (I much prefer a pistol grip design, for ergonomic reasons). My wife has a beautiful Russian SKS, though (1952 Tula) and it's certainly a fine rifle.

I will say that Russian SKS's are NOT inexpensive anymore. My wife paid $99 for hers in the mid-'90s, but in the years since they stopped being imported I've seen dinged-up Russian SKS's going for $325, and you can get a Romanian AK lookalike for not much more than that. The Yugoslavian SKS's are quite reasonably priced, though, and Romanian SKS's may still be inexpensive but I haven't seen any lately.

Ix-nay on the 20-round SKS mags. AFAIK they are Chinese made and really only fit Chinese SKS's well, and reliability is spotty.

 

[Doug S]

I've owned all of the firearms that you mentioned. The Mossberg is a breed of its own, and not really a fun range plinker. It would make an excellent HD gun, but you seem to be looking for a multi-purpose longarm. My Romanian SAR 1 is a fine, reliable firearm that would meet your requirements. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one. My 357 Winchester levergun (which I bought new) was a piece of junk in my opinion. An unreliable rattle trap that I sold shortly after purchase. The SKS is another firearm that I think would serve you fine. In fact the SKS would be my recommendation based on the requirements you listed. I've owned Russian, Yugos & a couple of Chinese. The Chinese are my favorite. Don't let anyone tell you the Chinese isn't a good rifle. If your concerned with picking a Chinese milsurp there are some features to look for. First look for a triangle code with the 3 Chinese characters. These markings should be in line with the ejection port on the receiver, not further to the rear. Also look at the receiver cover. The military receiver covers are serial numbered, commercial models will not be serial numbered. If the rifle still has a bayonet, look at the mount. If it is screwed on (not riveted) it is more likely a military model. Some other things to look for are a single stock lug on military models. The later Chinese milsurps used a softer wood, and the stocks can be a bit marked up. The serial numbers on some Chinese guns can give you an indication of approximate date of manufacture. Most of the commericially produced guns will date to the late 1980's & 1990's. That said, I own both a standard Chinese milsurp, and a commericial paratrooper. They are both 100% reliable. I've not heard anyone that I know personally complain about the Chinese models regardless of date of manufacture. As far as I know they all have a pretty good reputation for reliability.

 

[possum]

+1 again for pac762. The ak is gonna fill your fun slot, defense and defenitly the shtf type scenario. Shotgun is great if there is another weapon to back it up it is just to limited in what it can do for a shtf type. plus ammo and mags are too cheap these days for the ak to not have a whole bunch. Natchezss has a special right now on 40 rd ak mags and they work flawlessly I have four of them. Also the drums allow for even more fire power.

 

[SecuritySixShooter]

Alright i have a couple of questions concerning the SKS...what is the difference between the russian,yugo,chinese, etc SKS? Now for the really stupid question...after looking at an SKS i have to ask the newbie question of the year...how do you load the internal 10 rd mag?

 

[rbernie]

Yugo SKSs generally have a grenade launcher. Other than that, they all pretty much look and feel the same to casual inspection and the only way to know is to either REALLY know SKSs or look at the markings on the receiver.

SKS's load via stripper clips; the stripper clip holder is on the top leading edge of the breech bolt.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Alright i have a couple of questions concerning the SKS...what is the difference between the russian,yugo,chinese, etc SKS? Now for the really stupid question...after looking at an SKS i have to ask the newbie question of the year...how do you load the internal 10 rd mag?

You load it from the top like a Mauser 98. You can use stripper clips or do it one at a time. There is little difference in the design of those rifles you mentioned. The quality varies a little, though. The Russians are thought to be the best quality, followed by the Soviet Block guns, and then the Chinese.

 

[orangeninja]

I would place the Yugo SKS on the level with the Russian ones with the exception that the Yugo does not have a chrome lined bore....which won't make a difference if your not shooting corrosive ammo. The Yugo is an all milled rifle....great guns.

 

[SecuritySixShooter]

The reason i ask is because from all the gun shops ive been to i have only found one yugo (in bad shape) and the rest have been Chinese (milsurps and one sporter). What is the differences in say the chinese milsurp and the russians? At any rate i am really looking forward to expanding my small collection. Oh, and i once found a website devoted to the SKS but have since not run acrossed it...any help?

 

[phoglund]

You may want to consider having an FFL order a rifle for you from AIM Surplus or SOG. They both have some fine rifles for $90 to $150 depending on condition. An FFL will usually charge a small to moderate fee to facilitate the purchase/transfer.

The SKS specific web site you are thinking of is probably:

http://www.simonov.net/

Good luck!

P.S. I have both a Russian SKS and a Yugo SKS. I actually like the Yugo better although it is a bit longer because of the Grenade launcher.

 

[orangeninja]

2 things:

first go to www.surplussrifle.com and read up on all the SKS information...they have an absolute TON of data.

second go to www.sksboards.com/forum/ a great place to research and ask questions.


Once you've done those...go out into the world and purchase thee an SKS. Thou wilst then smite thine enemy the white tailed deer, and take into thee sustinance from thine enemy's carcass. Thine enemy shall tremble in your presence and know that thou hast the mighty SKS at thy side.

Sorry...it got Biblical for a second.

 

[mustanger98]

Sorry...it got Biblical for a second.

Now you done it... Now I'm feeling the spirit move me to preach the Gospel of John Moses Browning.

 

[losangeles]

You say you are a new shooter? So where's the .22!

Factor in an affordable .22 to your budget! As cheap as 7.62x39 is, .22 is still worlds cheaper and lets you get a lot of shooting done. Learning things quickly is good, but I don't see why that should be an excuse for not having a practice .22 around. A Marlin Model 60 or Savage MkII are only 100 or so dollars, I'm sure you can find a used one for cheaper.

Also, there are more manufacturers than Century of AK types. I don't own an AK type myself, I do own a Yugo SKS. I researched getting an AK this year, and from what I've read it sounds like it would be worth it to spend a little more for an Arsenal AK or VEPR-II. Better made, and the VEPR rifles have a good reputation for accuracy as far as kalashnikov types are considered.

On the other hand, I love the last shot bolt hold open on the SKS, stripper clips are cheaper than mags, and reloading with them is fast with practice.

An SKS, 100 stripper clips, a case of ammo, and a .22 and some bricks of ammo is well within your budget range.

Great point on the .22!