Question for the gun guys

[detch01]

I'm considering picking up a rebuilt ex-Soviet SKS. Anyone with any experience with the weapon: how is it as a shooter for reliability, ease of maintenance, etc. Are there any quirks or inherent problems with the weapon I should be aware of before I lay down a few bucks on it? I'm not going to spend a lot of money on it. I figure it will be a safe and fun rifle to shoot, but I'm definitely not looking for long-range accuracy with it.


Cheers,
asw

[uptown]

I thought the SKS was Chinese, but I thought wrong. After wiki and checking it out it looks like a awesome little rifle. Most those Russian rifles...if not all, are known for reliability, toughness and ease of operation. That's why the Aks are so dominate world wide. I personally would buy just about any Russian made weapon if the price was right.

[detch01]

The Chinese used it and built their own version under license but I understand that it was a post-WWII soviet design used by the soviet military until the advent of the AK47 in the early 50's. I'm told that these particular rifles were ex-military rifles built as "OP" or Hunting/Fishing weapons (yeah, I know - fishing? really) and are Soviet built and rebuilt.

[Nefarious]

I'm considering picking up a rebuilt ex-Soviet SKS. Anyone with any experience with the weapon: how is it as a shooter for reliability, ease of maintenance, etc. Are there any quirks or inherent problems with the weapon I should be aware of before I lay down a few bucks on it? I'm not going to spend a lot of money on it. I figure it will be a safe and fun rifle to shoot, but I'm definitely not looking for long-range accuracy with it.


Cheers,
asw

Detch...

I am an SKS Nut and own several.

As far as quirks, or inherent problems, No. The SKS is a pretty safe and reliable shooter.

Disassemble the Bolt and thoroughly clean the firing pin and re-assemble and make sure it's free floating and rattles when you shake it. That is the number one thing about owning a safe shooter. Remove all cosmoline from rifle.

As far as selecting the right one, If you are going Soviet... matching numbers all over and strong blueing makes a desirable Russian. Scratched out numbers on the stock indicate refurbishment, restamped metal parts indicate replacement parts.

It is of my opinion, but I would stay away from after market parts and magazines. Keep it original, but if you do decide to "bubba" it... keep all the original parts.

[Nefarious]

I should add, very Early Chinese SKS rifles are built with Soviet parts and are being sold right now as Sino-Soviets or Sino-Banians. You might see that term being used to describe a rifle on-line. These rifles are coming in from Albania.

These rifles were some of the first Chinese SKS rifles built and are just as good as quality as their Russian counterparts. The problem is usually the condition, but I've seen them clean up very well.

You hear a lot of people knock the Chinese SKS and other firearms. Don't believe the rumors. Chinese SKS Rifles are just as good as every other Russian SKS. They produced the SKS for over 40 years and they made numerous production changes throughout the years, the Soviets only produced the SKS from 1949 till 1956.

[detch01]

Good information Nef - ty 

Cheers,
asw

[Nefarious]

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php

Everything and more you wanted to know about the SKS. Great community.

[detch01]

Thanks for the link Nef - great site 


Cheers,
asw

[SilverZ06]

I had a chinese sks and loved shooting it. great rifle. The only thing I did not like was trying to mount a scope. The piece the scope mounts on is not rigid so there is no real good way to use a scope. Your scope would not be accurate and your sight would change with every shot. Just stick to the iron sights and you will love the gun. At least that is what I did.

[wpeters]

I had a chinese sks and loved shooting it. great rifle. The only thing I did not like was trying to mount a scope. The piece the scope mounts on is not rigid so there is no real good way to use a scope. Your scope would not be accurate and your sight would change with every shot. Just stick to the iron sights and you will love the gun. At least that is what I did.

Good advice.   Also if you got the scope to work you still knock the aim off because shell casings are ejected vertically.

[Rich46yo]

I could cry when I remember what they were going for when they first became available.

They are still a good bang for the buck. Mine has always gone bang! Ive never had problem with after-market 30 OR 40 round mags either. The Soviets are generally most desirable. I have a Yugo. But its a nice one. A very reliable rifle.

[Nefarious]

Good advice.   Also if you got the scope to work you still knock the aim off because shell casings are ejected vertically.

There are deflectors for that issue, but as mentioned the receiver cover mounts will never hold zero. It can also prevent loading stripper clips, so scope size is limited unless you use detachable mags. You can tap and drill a receiver mount if you absolutely need a scope to be more accurate.

I have had success with hi cap magazines too, but I collect for the history so the plastic stocks and stuff is just not me. I tinker with my AKs, not my SKSs.