Yugo M59/66 with Russian sidemount

[cabinetman]

Having heard, read, and seen the discovery of so may Yugo "sniper" rifles, I decided to add a sidemount to one of my Yugo SKSs. I purchased a Russian 4 x 24 side mount designed specifically for the SKS and the 7.62 x 39 round. The scope was delivered to my door from St. Petersburg Russia complete with a case, eyepiece, mounting bar, and manual for $120. It's got a lighted retical and has a range finder scale on the bottom. You can see them here: www.kalinkaoptics.com

The Yugo was an $89 Aim special that is all matching. I didn't want to damage the original stock, so I purchased a replacement from AIM for $12, cut and altered it to clear the hardware, and refinished it. Here's the result.

The Yugo SKS was used as a sniper but no arsenals created them. They were done in the field by the owners and there are many Yugos out there with holes drilled and tapped in the left side of the stocks just for a mounting bar.

If you'd like to see some authentic Yugo snipers, go here:

http://www16.brinkster.com/skssniper/yugosks.html

Here's my rendition. BTW, the laser bore sighter tells me this rifle in perfect right off the bench! I can't wait to get it to the range.

Rome

 

[rugerfreak]

Nice rig-----but how's the cheek weld with the stock??? Just asking because the scope looks awfull high.

 

[cabinetman]

No bad at all

Yes, this scope is higher than the "traditional" SKS scope mount on the recevier cover. However, you really need to have it higer to clear the brass. Secondly, however, it's not as high as it would appear. I've got a MAS 49/56 with the original mount and that is a high rig.

Cheekpieces were regularly used with these rifle and I'm making one today. It will only be about 1" high, however, as that's all I need to get a good weld on the stock. In addition, this is what the authentic Yugo snipers wore, anyway. The beauty is that this scope will retain zero 100% of the time, and can be slid off in a second, then replaced in a second to zero once again. All in all a slick and, imho, proper way. If you haven't, yet, check out the link showing the "original" authentic scope. It, too is side mounted and pretty high, not unlike the AK47 side mounts. As a matter of face, this same setup is used on the AK but with a different mounting plate.

Here's a photo that shows the rifle from the rear if that will help you. Again, it was on the x at 25 yards with my laser bore sighter out of the box!

Rome

 

[cool45auto]

Looks like a good set up. I've been toying with the idea of doing that to mine. When you put the original stock back on does it cover up the mounting holes? Let us know how it does at the range.

 

[cabinetman]

Yep, the holes are covered and not noticable. That was one criteria I worked toward. I'll post a range report during the week.

Rome