SKS Gas Tube too long

[dand883]

I have been looking at more info on sks's lately since i can't make it out to the range, and it brought back something from a few months ago. I have some corrosive ammo, and i got a tapco stockand since i don't like permanently modifying anything i can get back if i wanted i thought i would get a second gas tube/rod that i can put the tapco handguard on, and if it rusts from the corrosive ammo, no harm no foul as i still have the original.
What i found though is that the spare gas tube/rod (which i think came from a chinese sks) is a bit to long to fit in the space it is supposed to go into (1953 russian). The end fits over the gas block fine, seats fine, seems the right diameter, but is like 1/16" to 1/8" (was a few months ago, so exact measurement is a little fuzzy) to long to fit in place.
My initial thoughts are filing the rod/tube down untill it does fit and make it work, but was wondering what are the chances of messing up something if i take a little too much off.
Has anyone else noticed a difference in length between models/years for the gas system, or do i have some oddball rifle?

 

[dand883]

Bump

 

[Geoff B]

I would suggest carefully filing it until it fits. At worst, if you cut too much, buy another spare. It's not like you are screwing up a whole rifle!

 

[North2006west]

I'm sure you are aware of this but...be careful of the gas tube release - if it is too high or too low the gas tube won't seat giving the impression that the tube is too long.

 

[dand883]

I'm sure you are aware of this but...be careful of the gas tube release - if it is too high or too low the gas tube won't seat giving the impression that the tube is too long.

No, this tube is just too long. When i seat it on the gas block i can't even get it close to fitting in between it and the face of the op rod, and the piston is equally as long

 

[The Kurgan]

dand;
I purchased a NOS (new old stock) gas tube/handguard from a Urkaine based eBay seller a few years ago. It was a brand new item that was never fitted to an SKS. I used it to replace a loose fitting handguard that came with one of my earlier Russian refurbs. It was "too long" as well, but after a bit of time with a file, I was able to "custom fit" it to my SKS. Patience with a file and you will be rewarded.

 

[dand883]

dand;
I purchased a NOS (new old stock) gas tube/handguard from a Urkaine based eBay seller a few years ago. It was a brand new item that was never fitted to an SKS. I used it to replace a loose fitting handguard that came with one of my earlier Russian refurbs. It was "too long" as well, but after a bit of time with a file, I was able to "custom fit" it to my SKS. Patience with a file and you will be rewarded.

Did you get a new gas piston with your tube? I got the piston as well and it is also long, can it just be filed down?