SKS as a marksman's rifle?

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.17BMG

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I understand that this isn't the intended purpose of the gun or the 7.62x39mm cartridge, but how does it perform as a marksman's rifle? What can I expect if I take an SKS, put a scope on it, attach a bi-pod, and give it a woodland camouflage paint job? What will the effective range be? How will it compare to .223 Remington and .308 Winchester bolt-action marksman's rifles?

I ask because I am already pretty heavily invested in surplus M43 cartridges. I don't really want to have to start stockpiling another type of cartridge, but I do feel it would be prudent to add a decent marksman's rifle to my collection.
 
I have a buddy that has one and he scoped it out. Apparently the Chinese version is not known for their accuracy. The Russian ones are better all around
 
It's a military service rifle, not a precision tack-driver.

With milsurp ammo you could expect 2-6 MOA from any given SKS depending on it's mechanical condition, regardless of country of origin. You can do better with commercial ammo or handloads. Adding "accessories" won't make it any more accurate though a scope will allow you to see your target better.
 
The effective range depends on the size of the target. And the paint job on the barn door.
It will compare to .223 Remington and .308 Winchester bolt-action marksman's rifles, but not well.
 
If you really want an SKS type rifle for your "marksman's" rifle, you may want to look at a Yugo 59 or 59/66. They have a reputation for better accuracy than the Russkies or Chinese. It's non-chromed bore may be the reason.
 
easyrider604 said:
If you really want an SKS type rifle for your "marksman's" rifle, you may want to look at a Yugo 59 or 59/66. They have a reputation for better accuracy than the Russkies or Chinese. It's non-chromed bore may be the reason.
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I really don't care what type of gun it is, a bolt action would be great. I'm just looking for a marksman's rifle that will be compatible with my M43 stockpile, so it needs to be easy to clean and chambered for 7.62x39.
 
Another alternative is the CZ858, if a military semi-auto design appeals to you. It is way more accurate than an SKS, 1.5 to 2 MOA accuracy depending on who you are talking to.

The Czech military surplus 7.62 x 39 ammo you have is not really designed and manufactured to deliver MOA groups. So the CZ858 could be close to bolties in terms of accuracy.
 
.17BMG said:
I really don't care what type of gun it is, a bolt action would be great. I'm just looking for a marksman's rifle that will be compatible with my M43 stockpile, so it needs to be easy to clean and chambered for 7.62x39.
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Then build it.

Get a stevens 200 action. I bought mine for 330 from cabelas canada. Sell or keep the original barrel, your choice, then twist on a match grade shilen prefit barrel for another 400.

Problem solved.
 
A good, tough reliable semi auto that will never let you down, but a precision shooter it ain't. It has some decent accuracy with the open sights, but IMO, it isn't worth sinking a lot of money into to make it a "marksmans" weapon.
 
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