Choosing an SKS?

peter2772000 said:
SKS-D; I noticed nobody mentioned it? Any reason other than the fact it seems to go for roughly 3x the price of a Norc or russian SKS. From what I can tell looking at the few pics available, the D runs the same mag as the AK-47.

The standard AK mags don't have that 1.5-2" obtrusive front lip. I'm seriously interested in the AK version rather than the standard SKS. Any valid reasons for NOT going with the SKS-D other than cost?
Click to expand...

Had a D for 10 years. Good, 100% reliable and accurate (for an SKS) shooter. No gun related Failures to Chamber/Fire/Eject.

However, when the real SKSs, as in Russian Tula/Izhevsk made, came into the market last year, it was only logical to me, to get rid of my assault rifle wannabe D model and put the money elsewhere. This D was the best firearm investment I ever made, by the way.:D

I will answer your question with another. Is there any valid reason for going with the SKS-D, aside from the Look Cool Factor of that 30 round AK mag (if that is your desire)?

None whatsoever, IMO. My reasons are (of course YMMV):
1. Given that we have the ridiculous 5-round limit, there is no point to having a 10/5, 20/5, 30/5 removable box magazine sticking out.

2. I personally find it much easier and faster to a) load 5 rounds via stripper clip than b) removing, changing magazines and having to rack the bolt to chamber....because the D doesn't have a Last Shot Hold Open feature. A battle rifle that doesn't have this LSHO feature is compromising its operator. That split second required to rack the bolt can be the difference in a life or death situation. I'm sure a manual of arms can be developed to speed up this cocking movement but still.
Yeah, I know we are not going to war with our SKSs.

3. It took me two hands to release the spent AK mag, which adds to the time to change mags.

4. This is a one-time hassle, but I did have to fiddle with my AK-type mags' lips, as well as front and rear catches/notches for them to fit smoothly.

5. With today's readily available surplus ammo, to load AK mags, you need to strip the rounds from the clips, load them one by one into the AK mags. With the Standard SKS fixed mag, you simply insert the clip into its slot atop the bolt carrier, push down five cartridges, remove clip while giving one short tug on the bolt carrier handle and you are ready to shoot.

6. Reality is that the SKS was not designed to take AK mags. It was designed before the AK. Norinco converted them to AK mags as a marketing gimmick to sell Ds to people who prefer removeable box mags.

Having said the above, if you really like the LCF of a long removable box, check out the Tapco 20/5 mags. They do have the ugly duckbill, but more important, they preserve the LSHO feature of the standard fixed mag. As well, you retain the option of reverting to the original mag.

I have a couple of these Tapcos and they work well in my Tula 56. Just needed to shave off a millimeter of wood either side of the magwell, to fit.
For when I need to look cool at the range.:D
 
Last edited:
Has anybody seen the SKS paratrooper version with the shorter barrel . Ive seen one or two in peoples personal collection , but they seem to pop up even more rarely than the sks d .
 
I believe only gone fishing has SKS on the Island. They have a few in stock plus they have 3 location to choose. WSS sold out and waiting for a big shipment from Marstar. Save yourself time and money go to Gone fishing and buy yourself Russian SKS.

ratherbefishin said:
I din't see any SKS in WSS in Nanaimo-or accessories,although I did buy a case of ammunition
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom