Still a big fan of your work - looking forward to getting mine!
This, in my opinion, is a major improvement to the SKS. I would actually prefer this over something like a Type 81 or M10X just from the standpoint of SKS parts availability in Canada but the added detachable magazine system, left side cocking handle and bolt release features take the rifle to a whole new level. I also like how the pistol grip is now a part of the fire control group such that you no longer have to unscrew a bolt securing the pistol grip in order to remove the fire control group out of the stock as is the case with most of the aftermarket pistol-gripped SKS stocks from ATI, Tapco, Choate and FAB Defense. By doing so you've maintained the simple and expedient take-down procedure of the original SKS concept while at the same time improving upon it. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with.
This, in my opinion, is a major improvement to the SKS. I would actually prefer this over something like a Type 81 or M10X just from the standpoint of SKS parts availability in Canada but the added detachable magazine system, left side cocking handle and bolt release features take the rifle to a whole new level. I also like how the pistol grip is now a part of the fire control group such that you no longer have to unscrew a bolt securing the pistol grip in order to remove the fire control group out of the stock as is the case with most of the aftermarket pistol-gripped SKS stocks from ATI, Tapco, Choate and FAB Defense. By doing so you've maintained the simple and expedient take-down procedure of the original SKS concept while at the same time improving upon it. I look forward to seeing what else you come up with.
Out of curiosity, what's the 22 part of the SK-22 name?
Do you plan to share the "how to" directions for others who would do this build on their own?
I believe it's related to 2022. Previous versions were something like SK15, SK17...
... talking about just the mag conversion (to sks-d). what do you think the chance of success and working properly for an average joe doing it for the first time? machinery needed?
Or, do you plan to offer these conversions for sale - either with the SKS supplied by the customer or yourself?
I'd be in for one - AND you can even have my numbers matching (except stock) SKS for the conversion!
Looking great. Love the charging handle. I think there could even be a way to have the charging handle spring-loaded so that it folds forward when not in use, and then folds out to lock at 90 degrees for charging, then folds away when you let go.
I use a die grinder with a 5/16" ball-nosed carbide burr for the bulk of the material removal. Operating this tool is a sort of cross between free-handing a router, and using a Dremel. I wouldn't recommend it to someone didn't have a lot of experience with rotary tools - it has all the liabilities of a dremel, but with a significantly more powerful motor.
Obviously you don't need to use a tool like this, because you don't need to complete the milling in 15 minutes.
A minimum standard of tooling to accomplish this conversion in a reasonable timeframe would be a dremel-type rotary tool, with a selection of carbide cutting burrs, sanding drums, and a disc type grinding stone to cut the front magazine notch.
There are far too many considerations to list here, but I do consider the process to be straightforward enough for someone who is reasonably handy.
If you can carve a duck out of wood with a rotary tool, you can cut a magazine well.
I can probably make a forum post detailing the process and considerations that I follow