Should I or shouldn't I?

Wow! Thanks for the detailed cleaning advice! Ijones. Having taken the SKS apart already for its first clean and boil, I think the second time will be easier both in knowledge and in loosening the mechanisms. Really leaning on Stratos' advice to to get non- corrosive and make things easier! Just weird to boil a gun, makes me think of the Russian Front when they boiled old boots and dead horses for food!

Besides when you take the time to completely take it apart and clean it you get to know your particular rifle. You will notice little things that sometimes surprise you. I know from doing so many you would be surprised how many little details are different from the others. Like each one has it's own character. The color and pattern of the stock, the markings and stamps, all these little thing make each one unique. Take the time to get to know it. It ends up to be very fascinating. Part of the reason when you get one... well, the reason why they multiply...
 
Hi all,
This will be my first foray into milsurps and red rifles. Was wondering about all the hype about SKSs. There are a bunch for sale ( don't know what kind ie. Russian, Chinese, Romanian...) at the local store for $199 and ammo is $6 a box. Checked the CGN and see all types of info about these rifles but nothing about any f- ups, malfunctions, failures, breakages etc. Granted I didn't look through the 1000s of posts but do these guns never fail? I'm more into modern black rifles ( of non- Commie manufacture) and was thinking of getting one for poops and giggles since the price point is so low. Anyone out there have had issues with these rifles?
Should I or shouldn't I join the Red side?

You might just waste $199 ! so be very careful, very very careful.
 
Besides when you take the time to completely take it apart and clean it you get to know your particular rifle. You will notice little things that sometimes surprise you. I know from doing so many you would be surprised how many little details are different from the others. Like each one has it's own character. The color and pattern of the stock, the markings and stamps, all these little thing make each one unique. Take the time to get to know it. It ends up to be very fascinating. Part of the reason when you get one... well, the reason why they multiply...
Don't think I will end up with 16 of them, Ijones, but looking forward to getting real familiar with mine soon! Like Stratos said, a Mosin might be in the future! This red gun thing might turn into an obsession!
 
Don't think I will end up with 16 of them, Ijones, but looking forward to getting real familiar with mine soon! Like Stratos said, a Mosin might be in the future! This red gun thing might turn into an obsession!

The Mosin's are a blast too...I was a late comer to the Mosin and at first didn't really care for the look of them but then I thought I would take the plunge and I am some glad I did....went to the Range with my Mosin 91/30 and an SKS and had a great Range day...very enjoyable!! Just make sure you keep lots of storage space available.....lol.
 
The Mosin's are a blast too...I was a late comer to the Mosin and at first didn't really care for the look of them but then I thought I would take the plunge and I am some glad I did....went to the Range with my Mosin 91/30 and an SKS and had a great Range day...very enjoyable!! Just make sure you keep lots of storage space available.....lol.
Good morming Strato!!
Look what you started...haven't shot the SKS yet ( better be a nice day on Boxing Day) and you got me talking Mosin now!! And I don't even like bolt actions!! Too slow for zombies!! Thanks man! LOL!
BTW, now curious! Are there any specific Mosin that are better than others? I've heard of M44, M38, 91/30 etc. I know some refer to year and others to model. I like the carbine version best as the regular one looks really long. Are they easy to come by?
 
Well if you don't like bolt actions, it sounds like you need the semi auto svt40 next . Shoots the same cheap ammo
as the mosin but with less recoil and more KABOOM!
The svt40 is similar to an sks except longer , lighter, removable magazine and a muzzle brake.
They are easy to disassemble and clean once you learn the bullet trick.
 
Good morming Strato!!
Look what you started...haven't shot the SKS yet ( better be a nice day on Boxing Day) and you got me talking Mosin now!! And I don't even like bolt actions!! Too slow for zombies!! Thanks man! LOL!
BTW, now curious! Are there any specific Mosin that are better than others? I've heard of M44, M38, 91/30 etc. I know some refer to year and others to model. I like the carbine version best as the regular one looks really long. Are they easy to come by?

lol...the addiction grows fast with these red Rifles. I was like you not much of a Bolt action kind of guy but that all changed once I took my Mosin out to the Range, It is extremely fun to shoot. I not sure what the M38 Carbine will be like but if it is anything like my 91/30 it will be a fun Range gun too....here is a pic of my 91/30 with a S & K Mount at the Range back in October.

SAM_2496_zpsff5e8b3f.jpg
 
Well if you don't like bolt actions, it sounds like you need the semi auto svt40 next . Shoots the same cheap ammo
as the mosin but with less recoil and more KABOOM!
The svt40 is similar to an sks except longer , lighter, removable magazine and a muzzle brake.
They are easy to disassemble and clean once you learn the bullet trick.
Looked up the sticky by Joce on the Svt 40. Really good info and write up. Never seen one in person. Would love to try one and see how it shoots. Thanks for letting me know about ANOTHER red rifle!! Gonna need all the Windex, boiling water and degreaser I can get my hands on if I continue down this road!
 
Hi Strato,
That is a gorgeous rifle! Looks like an extended K98. Is the 91/30 the sniper version or did you gunsmith the scope mount yourself?
Does it group well? Thanks for posting the pic. I'm a bit of a dumkoptf with posting pics as ( duh) I don't own a smartphone or a digital camera....I know, WTF eh? Coincidentally, showed my SKS to a friend yesterday who happens to have a Norc version himself ( man! They are everywhere!!) he said I did a good job on the clean up so thanks again for all the help given!
 
I have too many SKS's and they prevent me from buying other rifles as I've used up every inch of space in my "hobby room"! :)

Ok, call me a noob as far as collecting goes. Strato, please chime in too. Why does one need so many firearms of the same type? You can only shoot one at a time. Is it for collecting? Historical value? Comparison of one vs. another? Back up in case one breaks? Testing loads?
I've always had the one gun, one caliber or different guns, one caliber philosophy so you alway shoot something a little different. Besides, the " Buy one, sell one" rule from the wife really limits any more additions to the family!
 
Hi Strato,
That is a gorgeous rifle! Looks like an extended K98. Is the 91/30 the sniper version or did you gunsmith the scope mount yourself?
Does it group well? Thanks for posting the pic. I'm a bit of a dumkoptf with posting pics as ( duh) I don't own a smartphone or a digital camera....I know, WTF eh? Coincidentally, showed my SKS to a friend yesterday who happens to have a Norc version himself ( man! They are everywhere!!) he said I did a good job on the clean up so thanks again for all the help given!

Thanks Still alive and no problem at all you are more than welcome,
That is why I love this site so much lots of great info here...I have learned so much in the last few Years...
I actually put this on myself you just have to remove part of the rear site (just a pin holds it in) and then the S & K Mount drops right in...I have very little mechanical ability so it has to be easy...lol. For me I am a real WW2 /Cold War history buff so collecting these old war horses is a lot of fun simply for the historical value...I can imagine if these things could talk the stories behind some of them.
 
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Thanks Still alive,

I actually put this on myself you just have to remove part of the rear site (just a pin holds it in) and then the S & K Mount drops right in...I have very little mechanical ability so it has to be easy...lol. For me I am a real WW2 /Cold War history buff so collecting these old war horses is a lot of fun simply for the historical value...I can imagine if these things could talk the stories behind some of them.
Man, being a WW2/ Cold war buff myself, I would love to get a Luger, a Broomhandle, a PPK, K98, M1, Lee Enfield SMLE, AK-47 (ha!), Browning HP, and a partridge in a pear tree!! So many toys, so little time and money!!
 
Man, being a WW2/ Cold war buff myself, I would love to get a Luger, a Broomhandle, a PPK, K98, M1, Lee Enfield SMLE, AK-47 (ha!), Browning HP, and a partridge in a pear tree!! So many toys, so little time and money!!

lol...We live in a Condo so space is somewhat limited but if the day comes that we ever get a House I may get a room to dedicate to my Hobby...lol There are just so many goodies out there!!
 
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lol...We live in a Condo so space is somewhat limits but if the day comes that we ever get a House I may get a room to dedicate to my Hobby...lol There are just so many goodies out there!!

You must get a lot of interesting looks when the mean looking gun cases keep going in and out of your condo! I hear Halifax is not too gun friendly! I live in farm country so shooting happens here all the time.
 
Looked up the sticky by Joce on the Svt 40. Really good info and write up. Never seen one in person. Would love to try one and see how it shoots. Thanks for letting me know about ANOTHER red rifle!! Gonna need all the Windex, boiling water and degreaser I can get my hands on if I continue down this road!

They are just as addicting as the other red rifles, I just picked up two more !
My first svt40 is very accurate and the recoil is very mild just a push but holy mother is it loud!
Everyone who shoots it walks away wide eyed with a huge smile .The 7. 62 x54r is an awesome round for hunting
or blowing up targets
 
You must get a lot of interesting looks when the mean looking gun cases keep going in and out of your condo! I hear Halifax is not too gun friendly! I live in farm country so shooting happens here all the time.

It isn't too bad now that the other tenants got to know us but when we first moved in here a few Years ago it was a little awkward......lol. Unfortunately Halifax has a high crime rate involving the use of Firearms so many Haligonians associate all Guns as evil and bad.... I grew up down in the Annapolis Valley where Gun ownership was and still is to a large extent the norm.
 
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