Leave your shell deflectors on the bench *Update June 1/2013*
With the recommendation of a few members Ive decided to post a bit of info on a mod that Aramir recommended. It seems there is a solution to the SKS ejecting spent casings straight up in the air that looks nearly factory original and works like a dream. By clearancing a small portion of the ejection window, it will allow the ejector to kick the shells straight out to the right. I forgot to take pics before but you can compare to your own rifle to see how small an amount of material needs to be removed. On the lower left corner of the ejection window there is an angle that needs to be cut back to a smaller radius. Thats it! You dont need to lengthen the window any, just turn the angle into a small radius and youre done.
And touched up with some fresh bluing, reassembled
You can barely tell its been modified, until you start firing. Now I can mount a fullsize scope without worry, or an ugly shell deflector.
*Update*
Decided to take more pics of the latest SKS to get this mod.
What you'll need:
An SKS! (but everyone has one of those, don't they?)
Die grinder or rasp
Small carbide burr, 1/4" or so diameter works well
Masking tape
Optional:
Compressed air (makes cleaning the filings out of the receiver, barrel and rear sight base a lot easier)
Step 1: Degrease receiver. You want the tape to stick. Run a tape line along the bottom edge of the ejection window parallel with it
Step 2: Run a second tape line from the top left corner of the ejection window, intersecting the other tape line 90 degrees
Step 3: Using your die grinder, remove the exposed material. You can leave a little radius in the bottom corner.
Step 4: deburr and smooth any new edges, clean, lube and reassemble. Test fire the rifle. You may have not removed quite enough material yet. If this happens, remove some more. Remember not to cut down into the bottom edge of the ejection window as this will not affect ejection but will make your work look sloppy. Keep pushing the radius and rear edge to the rear until the rifle ejects at 2 to 3 o'clock. Spent casings will fly forward. When youre happy with your work, touch up the area with some cold blue.
Step 5: Go enjoy that pig!
