I'm seriously considering an SKS. the Russian refurbs and Norinco's are the same price, but which is the better gun in terms of accuracy and workmanship. I will shoot some surplus ammo, but I also intend to reload, so accuracy potential is an issue.
Chinese or Russian
- Thread starter Papaclaude
- Start date
Than don't get an SkS. Also I don't recomend novice reloadeder's to use this rifle to learn how to reload on due to the fact it has a free floating pin that if the primer is not set properly can cause some issues down the road. As for Russain or Chinese, both ex-military issue rifles are great buy's as long as you steer clear of the cilivan produced crap. These types of rifles are built like tank's and if properly cared for will long out last your childrens children.
If they're the same price, go with the russian. I have several of both and I'm happy with all of them. From a functional standpoint there really isn't much difference between them. The russians have a bit more history and are decently made.
Variability in accuracy will depend more on the actual gun than the manufacturer. Neither is terribly accurate. It is an sks afterall.
Variability in accuracy will depend more on the actual gun than the manufacturer. Neither is terribly accurate. It is an sks afterall.
You can not go wrong with either a Chinese or Russian SKS. Most of the Russians are refurbished. The Chinese military grade SKS that will be sold by Marstar and others are Brand New old stock. If cosmetics are important to you then pick out your own rifle.
don't be a wimp, buy both and lots of ammo, go to the range and enjoy yourself.
find out which is more accurate and let us know. Don't forget, we expect a full range report with lots of pictures, and this ASAP!!!!
By far the cheapest centerfire to shoot and accurate enough for most needs anyway.
find out which is more accurate and let us know. Don't forget, we expect a full range report with lots of pictures, and this ASAP!!!!
By far the cheapest centerfire to shoot and accurate enough for most needs anyway.
- Location
- Chilliwack
I have a really nice Chinese SKS, never had a problem with it... did I mention that its for sale in the exchange forum 
Get the original, not a copy. They are pretty accurate, a member here that I know who has 3 of them told me he can get them to group @ 100 meters from a 2 - 4" group out of 5 shots consistently (sand bag rested with open iron sights, surplus ammo).
Hi I have several Russians and one Chinese SKS. I think the Russians are a little better made but that being said the Chinese can be very accurate. Mine shoots 4" groups or better with surplus ammo at 100yds with issue sights. The russians I have usually group around 5-6" but two of my friends have Russians that will group closer to 3". I think shooting an SKS is more for fun than accuracy. I also wouldn't bother reloading for one as surplus ammo is so cheap.
- Location
- In lalaland, that is Ottawa.
But. how old are his eyes? My orbs are pushing 83 and even with a cheap CTC plastic goggle, spray painted black for right eye, and a 1/8" hole drilled , with one year old Rx glasses, and a tuned trigger, laminated Tula with chrome bore ( from LeBaron), I can not achieve this accuracy. I surmize that the age and condition of the shooters eyes is a very large factor in his success. Tell him not to attend the EOHC Milsurp shoot on Sat. Sep't 11th, please.
Little bit of off topic ramble to talk about SKS accuracy
I did some comparison shooting a couple of days ago. Had my Baikal 7.62 x 54 and the Baikal .223 as well as my Russian SKS. Set up separate targets for each rifle at 100 yards. Iron sights on all guns. 7.62 x 54 was very good, out of 30 shots, most were within a 3 inch circle, with a few fliers. .223 was not bad, but not as good as the 54r.
SKS was horrible, with privy hunting ammo and with surplus. No clear groupings or patterns, lots of shots off the target totally. However, at 25 yards and 50 yards, the SKS was quite accurate, almost as good as the other two rifles. Couldn't get consistent enough groupings to adjust the sites. Perhaps it's just my SKS, but I'm not really to keen on it right now.
I did some comparison shooting a couple of days ago. Had my Baikal 7.62 x 54 and the Baikal .223 as well as my Russian SKS. Set up separate targets for each rifle at 100 yards. Iron sights on all guns. 7.62 x 54 was very good, out of 30 shots, most were within a 3 inch circle, with a few fliers. .223 was not bad, but not as good as the 54r.
SKS was horrible, with privy hunting ammo and with surplus. No clear groupings or patterns, lots of shots off the target totally. However, at 25 yards and 50 yards, the SKS was quite accurate, almost as good as the other two rifles. Couldn't get consistent enough groupings to adjust the sites. Perhaps it's just my SKS, but I'm not really to keen on it right now.
X2......plus they are known to slam-fire.
- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
I shoot the crap out of my two shooters... and they reward me with excellent accuracy at 100 yards. It took about one crate of ammo to really perfect shooting these beauties... and with any semi-auto... you're not going to achieve bolt action groupings.
BTW, I have found that the Prvi ammo is only marginally better than the surplus ammo in accuracy and consistency, but clearly the right ammo if you're using the SKS for deer. The surplus ball rounds are only good for the range.
BTW, I have found that the Prvi ammo is only marginally better than the surplus ammo in accuracy and consistency, but clearly the right ammo if you're using the SKS for deer. The surplus ball rounds are only good for the range.
- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
Umm... not if properly maintained.
I have 2 Russkies and one Chicom. They are all pretty damn accurate, but the quality of wood on the Russian (hardwood or laminate) far exceeds the coarse Chuwood on the Chinese. On the same note, I use the ChiCom as a bush gun, because the stock doesn't get scratched as easy as the varnished finish on the Russians.
