Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
1/25/2004 8:11:31 AM EDT
Any Ar 15 owners have an sks also? I have been thinking of getting one and am wondering if I will be disappointed after having owned an AR. I am aware that they (sks) are not as refined or as accurate but they are cheap and the ammo is cheap. The gunshop down the street have them new for $190 and used for $135. I have seen them cheaper on the internet but it would be more convenient to buy down the street.
             Thanks
1/25/2004 8:19:38 AM EDT
[#1]
I have a Bushy and a SKS that takes AK mags. It is pretty fun to put the 75 round drum in make the barrel real hot. Not a sniping rifle or a target rifle but it will smoke a 2 legged turd at 300 yards.
1/25/2004 8:20:55 AM EDT
[#2]
IMO, save your money.
1/25/2004 8:21:10 AM EDT
[#3]
They are better as a beginner gun than a add-on gun.

Mine never gets out of the safe because I would rather shoot my AR's and M-1A's.

I like what SteyrAug said about the SAR's. The SAR is handier and more fun for only $200 more.

If it is just that you have $200 burning a whole in your pocket, AR accesories can be fun.
1/25/2004 8:24:03 AM EDT
[#4]
I've got one.  Bought it after my AR's.  It's cheap to shoot and fun.  I take it and the AR's to the range.  
1/25/2004 8:25:50 AM EDT
[#5]
Buy one,for the money you won't regret it!
1/25/2004 8:26:12 AM EDT
[#6]
I have a couple SKS's and they are among my favorite rifles.

Especially with the "stock" fixed mags, they just work and work and work.  Mine are decently accurate, but some will need trigger work to be considered acceptable.

For the price, you really can't go wrong.  You get "real wood" a "milled" receiver, nice chromed bore, super cheap ammo, and a fairly reliable design given the 'tilting bolt' lockup.  Easy to clean, too.  





1/25/2004 8:26:47 AM EDT
[#7]
$190 new.  I can remember when they were $59 new and packed in cosmo.

I do have one, along with an AR and SAR1.  It is a fun gun to shoot.  I do wish I could get the 20 round mag I bought to work, I do so much dislike having to reload after 10 rounds.

It can hit a 5" bull with 9 out of 10 times, so I am happy with it.  I realized when I first got it that it wasn't going to be a bench rifle and I have never expected it to.  

I squeeze the trigger, it goes bang and the bullet go in the general area I wanted it to.  
1/25/2004 8:36:17 AM EDT
[#8]
Get an AK.
Best deals out there right now are Romanian SAR's(get your hands on one and check it out well if you can or order from AIM Surplus) or ArsenalUSA AKs. The Arsenal rifles are awesome, shoot accurately, but are about $600.
Go over to the AK forums and ask about them there for more info. I know they are more but it will be money well spent.
Otherwise, for the SKS, load up on stripper clips for fast reloading. I've seen some really nice SKSs out there and some real junk so check 'em out good.
1/25/2004 8:45:01 AM EDT
[#9]
i prefer them to an AK. for me they are more comfortable to shoot. They are great for a truck gun. Also nice for anytime you need something to drag through the muck with.

mike
1/25/2004 8:54:00 AM EDT
[#10]
I got one of those Romanian ones with my C&R a while back.  It's a nice gun for the money...I like it...

1/25/2004 8:58:25 AM EDT
[#11]
I have a unissued Yugo SKS that I bought last summer for $169.00  It doesn't have a chrome lined barrel and is pretty accurate.  7.62x39 is nice and cheap too.  It's just a plinker for me.
1/25/2004 9:04:02 AM EDT
[#12]
Personally I'd spend a little more and get an AK. But they are okay if you're looking for a cheap 7.626x39 plinker. Most guys I know don't bother shooting them a whole lot once they get an AK.
1/25/2004 9:09:04 AM EDT
[#13]
I own both. Add an SKS to your collection. They are super fun to shoot and it will not fail you if you stick with the factory mag.
Dont expect AR accuracy at all.
1/25/2004 9:10:00 AM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
For the price, you really can't go wrong.  You get "real wood" a "milled" receiver, nice chromed bore, super cheap ammo, and a fairly reliable design given the 'tilting bolt' lockup.  Easy to clean, too.  
View Quote


The Yugoslavian ones are not chome lined.  They are the only ones that are not apart from very early Soviet ones.  As a matter of fact, the Yugos didn't chome line their AKs either.  What this means for you is DO NOT buy a 'used' Yugo SKS.  Buying an unissued one, is probably fine, but there have been MANY problems reported by those who have bought lower grade Yugo SKSs.  All the reported problems are a direct result of the lack of chome lining, and the funky 59/66 gas valve(corrosion is the issue here too).  

A beaten up Chinese, Romanian, or Soviet one will work well, but beware of non new Yugos!

For the record, if it's unissued, buy it.  I got one at a local gunshow for $115.  If you lead a 'tactical' life, you won't like it, but if you are a shooter, or beginning collector, you'll kick yourself for missing them while this cheap.  This is a military grade 7.62*39 firearm for much cheaper than half assed low grade commercial 22 rimfires.
1/25/2004 9:10:38 AM EDT
[#15]
Truck gun is an excellent idea.  Around here they run $99 nib at shows.  I have a Sar1 and a SEAK on order but the next show I go to I'm going to pick one up.  Its an unbeatable deal.  I already have lots of 7.62 commie so its not a new caliber for me to stock.  Plus they have all the evil features black features for $99.   Just remember they are not chrome lined unless you get a russian or chines and they are falling block like an FAL.  

My buddy nate bought a watermellon and bayonetted it then shot it off and it looked like fun.  [:D]
1/25/2004 12:02:46 PM EDT
[#16]
I had a Norinco, POS.
I just bought a Yugo with the grenade launcher/grenade sight/Tritium night sights that still glow.

Mine is "unissued" from 1970. got it for $139.

get one. lots of fun.
1/25/2004 12:17:44 PM EDT
[#17]
For $190, spring another $20 and get a Saiga.

They are pretty good quality, better quality than a SAR.

MUCH better than an SKS.

That's what my money would go to if I wanted a cheap 7.62 plinker (I already have a SAR-1).
1/25/2004 12:29:52 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
I had a Norinco, POS.
I just bought a Yugo with the grenade launcher/grenade sight/[red]Tritium[/red] night sights that still glow.

Mine is "unissued" from 1970. got it for $139.

get one. lots of fun.
View Quote





Alas, it's just good old low tech Luminous Paint.


Another vote for get one. The unissued Yugo's are pretty nice!
1/25/2004 1:33:39 PM EDT
[#19]
I bought mine YEARS ago (at least 10) and I dont think I have shot mine in over 8 years. I do remember that I had NO jams and it was flawless. Only work I done to it was replace the stock with a butler Creek... nice.

Vote: Get one
1/25/2004 1:40:42 PM EDT
[#20]
Only SKS I can personally reference is a NIB Russki.
More accurate than most AKs, and just as reliable, IMHO.  Rather superior ergonomics.  YMMV.
1/25/2004 1:54:01 PM EDT
[#21]
Yeah, get one. Its not an either or thing.  For the money they can't be beat and I think the accuracy of the current crop of Yugos will surprise you.  Its fun, its accurate, and its cheap.  What other reason would you possibly need.
1/25/2004 2:26:48 PM EDT
[#22]
Great way to throw some lead when you just feel like it.
1/25/2004 2:27:47 PM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I had a Norinco, POS.
I just bought a Yugo with the grenade launcher/grenade sight/[red]Tritium[/red] night sights that still glow.

Mine is "unissued" from 1970. got it for $139.

get one. lots of fun.
View Quote





Alas, it's just good old low tech Luminous Paint.


Another vote for get one. The unissued Yugo's are pretty nice!
View Quote


whoops my friend, I beg to differ...
The Yugo has many different versions.
I do have the Tritium sights, front and rear, the little glass vials still glow.
The luminous paint are big "dots" vs the Tritium vials.
When I bought mine, there are several mixes.
front tritium, rear luminous paint/front paint, rear tritium/ paint front and rear/tritium front and rear.

Also, some have ports milled into the grenade launcher, dose nothing for braking tho.
1/25/2004 3:19:58 PM EDT
[#24]
I have a nice Tula Armory model (Russian) that sits on the shelf. It just doesn't make it to the range anymore.

It's a pain to load, even with stripper clips, and it is not very accurate. The safety is a hassle to manipulate and the trigger pull is horrid.

It is pretty entertaining to shoot it at 50 yards and watch the ejected shell casings fly straight forward twenty yards or so. The bayonet is kind of a kick, too.

That said, I'm not selling mine and I think everyone should have one. [:)]
1/25/2004 3:27:14 PM EDT
[#25]
SKSs are a load of fun.  They are cheap, reliable, and excellent for plinking or even hunting.
1/25/2004 5:01:16 PM EDT
[#26]
I really doubt that Yugoslavia invented Tritium sights first. I think they are Radium at best.
1/25/2004 6:53:04 PM EDT
[#27]
Excellent trunk/beater/loaner gun.  
Much better ergonomically than a AK.  Especially the safety.  
With it's fixed mag & 'tradional' stock it doesn't fall under any assault weapon bans & is more "PC" if you have to use it for social purposes.
1/25/2004 7:26:08 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I had a Norinco, POS.
I just bought a Yugo with the grenade launcher/grenade sight/[red]Tritium[/red] night sights that still glow.

Mine is "unissued" from 1970. got it for $139.

get one. lots of fun.
View Quote





Alas, it's just good old low tech Luminous Paint.


Another vote for get one. The unissued Yugo's are pretty nice!
View Quote


whoops my friend, I beg to differ...
The Yugo has many different versions.
I do have the Tritium sights, front and rear, the little glass vials still glow.
The luminous paint are big "dots" vs the Tritium vials.
When I bought mine, there are several mixes.
front tritium, rear luminous paint/front paint, rear tritium/ paint front and rear/tritium front and rear.

Also, some have ports milled into the grenade launcher, dose nothing for braking tho.
View Quote



[size=6]DOH...![/size=6][BD]...!
1/25/2004 7:33:35 PM EDT
[#29]
My first gun, 4 short years ago, was a Norinco SKS. They are an excellent first gun, IMO, but i wouldnt want another one now. I like the one I have now and it fills a spot in the safe. It is still damn fun to shoot though.
1/25/2004 7:56:57 PM EDT
[#30]
I will vote for the Saiga.  The gun can be found brand new for $189.00, it has a siderail already mounted, and can be modified to accept standard com bloc mags.  The modification will of course require adding a number of USA parts to make it legal, but that is up to you.(and a certain uncle)   The siderail beats most SKS scope mount systems hands down, and being able to run 10, 20, 30, 40 or 75 round mags reliably beats the SKS strippers also.  No issues with rust, chrome lined barrel is standard and most seem to run 16 in barrels.  What is there not to like?
1/25/2004 8:13:37 PM EDT
[#31]
Is it possible to get the Saiga 762 carbines with the mag well already milled/opened to take standard AK double stack mags, AND have the necessary US parts?  If possible, where can they be found for cheap?
1/25/2004 8:15:51 PM EDT
[#32]
The wholesale price of near new Yugo SKSs is down to about $89. now.  They are very reliable and generally more accurate than an AK.  I have several SKS and enjoy them.  Hard to go wrong if the price is right.
1/25/2004 8:38:54 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
For $190, spring another $20 and get a Saiga.

They are pretty good quality, better quality than a SAR.

MUCH better than an SKS.

That's what my money would go to if I wanted a cheap 7.62 plinker (I already have a SAR-1).
View Quote


The Saiga rifles are nice in terms of fit/finish, being 'neutered' Russian AKs...

The only problem is that the 'neutering' means no hicap mags or pistol grip, and metalwork is reqd to put a pistol grip on & use conventional AK mags......

P.S. You only need to do the US Parts thing if you add a pistol grip.

As for the SKS, the 'milled slots' would be a flash hider. Given the 'nature' of comblok ammo, this is a useful item (even if it barely works)...
1/25/2004 8:55:13 PM EDT
[#34]
Get yourself a C&R license and you can save quite a bit by buying a qualified SKS by mail order.

Admittedly, the license costs $30 itself, but it can also be used for other purchases and for discounts from outfits like Brownells.

Right now AIM has C&R eligible, excellent condition Yugos for $109.  [url]www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Yugoslavian_M59_66_7_62x39_SKS_Rifle.html[/url]
1/26/2004 12:10:46 AM EDT
[#35]
Got my first SKS way back during Christmas 87'.  The Chinesse were just starting to import them back than and got a NIB one with the pig sticker up front.  Got a second beater during the mid 90s, cleaned it up and then presented to a friend on a plaque as a retirement gift.  As mentioned great starter and truck guns.  

Used on once during a exercise in the desert after two paratroopers had a night mid air collision and both chutes collapsed.  They fell about 100'.  One fracture his back and the other a collaped lung.  Took the SKS (Chicom) extended the baynote and stuck it into the ground and attach the strobe light to it for the emergency MEDEVAC Landing Zone.
1/26/2004 2:40:12 AM EDT
[#36]
Get the SKS that takes the AK mags.
1/26/2004 2:41:27 AM EDT
[#37]
Get the SKS that takes the AK mags.
1/26/2004 3:38:38 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Get the SKS that takes the AK mags.
View Quote


And which one is that??
1/26/2004 4:04:09 AM EDT
[#39]
I bought on back in 1991 (I think)

I don't think I've shot it since 1992. [:|]
1/26/2004 8:18:25 AM EDT
[#40]
SKS's are very rugged and reliable, I prefer it
to be in original condition w/ folding bayo and
10 rd fixed mag.

My SKS is my most used gun that I take to the range.
1/26/2004 8:20:55 AM EDT
[#41]
Why is the SKS associated with trailer parks and Schaffer beer?
1/26/2004 8:38:50 AM EDT
[#42]
Ive seen the ak mag taking sks, but I can honestly say, Ive never seen one that will accept a 75 round ak drum. Something in them prevents a drum from locking up in one, so I call bs on sks with drums. Maybe Im wrong, but I cant a drum to go in the ones I have tried.
1/26/2004 8:55:03 AM EDT
[#43]
I like guns-I have AR's, AK's, AND SKS's along with some Mosin Nagants-I like 'em all, trying to compare/contrast the various firearms is IMHO apples/oranges.
If you want one, get one, they're one of the most underrated firearms out there.
1/26/2004 9:03:54 AM EDT
[#44]
My RRA AR, and my Ugo SKS

I love them both.

[img]http://foxxz.net/albums/album04/My_Two_Black_Rifles.jpg[/img]
1/26/2004 10:09:40 AM EDT
[#45]
I've got an unissued Yugo SKS. It's great, get one.

Ammo is pretty cheap, the gun is reliable, has the cool bayonet, people get scared when you say "grenade launcher", and if you have a C&R you can have it shipped straight to your door.

If you want to kill SHTF zombies and such, it's a good loaner or backup gun too.

I got mine for about $130, and well, these guns are just worth it imo.
1/26/2004 10:09:58 AM EDT
[#46]
Why did you do that to that poor ol Yugo.
1/27/2004 6:21:49 AM EDT
[#47]
Quoted:
Why did you do that to that poor ol Yugo.
View Quote


I am guessing you mean me.  Its the Advanced Technology Dragonov stock with a scope mount and red dot and detachable 30 round mag.  It is so fun to shoot, the pistol grip and red dot really add a lot.  And it turns heads at the range.

I have been pondering getting another one and leaving it mil, but I love the stock and sight set up.
1/27/2004 6:30:34 AM EDT
[#48]
Sigh.

Regarding the Yugo...

You've got a 922(r) violation there.

Yugos have "non-sporting" features (bayo lug, grenade launcher, night sights).   Ergo, they are technically banned from importation.  However, they get around that by being importable under the curio & relic designation.  But C&R protections only apply to guns in "original military configuration."  So, once your gun is no longer in original military configuration, it must be comprised of 10 or less of the "specified" imported parts, or its a 922(r) violation. Changing the stock, adding the detachable mag, etc., all remove the rifle from the "safe harbor" it enjoyed under C&R status.

Over at Survivor's SKS boards, a number of members have letters to this effect from the ATF.


1/27/2004 6:49:32 AM EDT
[#49]
Quoted:
Sigh.

Regarding the Yugo...

You've got a 922(r) violation there.

Yugos have "non-sporting" features (bayo lug, grenade launcher, night sights).   Ergo, they are technically banned from importation.  However, they get around that by being importable under the curio & relic designation.  But C&R protections only apply to guns in "original military configuration."  So, once your gun is no longer in original military configuration, it must be comprised of 10 or less of the "specified" imported parts, or its a 922(r) violation. Changing the stock, adding the detachable mag, etc., all remove the rifle from the "safe harbor" it enjoyed under C&R status.

Over at Survivor's SKS boards, a number of members have letters to this effect from the ATF.


View Quote


Ah, thanks for the info.  will the AWB sunset change any of that?

I will make it mil-spec again ASAP
1/27/2004 7:28:16 AM EDT
[#50]
will the AWB sunset change any of that?
View Quote


Naw.

The 1994 law that (will/may/ought to/should) sunset, only counts "evil features" in addition to a detachable mag in terms of defining an "assault weapon."

Section 922(r) will not sunset, and that's what prohibits "assembly from imported parts" of a weapon identical to one prohibited from importation.  

Just to get an idea of how bad it is with the Yugos, recall that Kalifornistan bans "grenade launchers" on any gun.  So some importers were removing the Yugo grenade launcher and replacing it with a brake to make "cali-legal" Yugo variants.  No go.   ATFE says that removes C&R designation, thus, no assumbly unless its done using less than 10 of certain parts specified in the regulations.

There are some US made compliance parts, but not enought right now.  That's the major problem.  Its near impossible to replace enought of the stuff in an SKS with US made equivilents to get around 922(r).  (That's what they do on SAR1s, CETME's, etc).

Hope that helps.