Completed lh sks bolt mod by canuck94

[canuck94]

This will be a simple project to add an SKS charging bolt to the left side of the bolt carrier.

For this project, I wanted to keep the bolt as is on the right side but added a second bolt to the left side. This allows charging the gun without removing your right hand from the trigger.

I bought an extra bolt from HiCal for this work.

First I marked the bolt for cutting.

Then cut the extra bolt off leaving enough meat to shape for the welding.

Here's how it will look like once welded.

Another step will be to cut the receiver cover to allow full bolt travel.

Regardless whether you cut the existing bolt and weld it back on the left side or add another bolt on the left side like I did in this example, you will have to cut the receiver cover to allow full bolt travel. Start by drilling a pilot hole at the intersect point to maintain a radius corner. This is stronger than a sharp corner and will help to prevent over travel when cutting.

Stay tuned as we start the assembly.

All welded and assembled. All works as it should and no issues of course. This was a simple fun project and one anyone can do at home.

 

[jaroslav]

Why not turn a bolt carrier handle on a lathe, then drill a hole in the carrier, fit the handle in and weld.

 

[canuck94]

Why not turn a bolt carrier handle on a lathe, then drill a hole in the carrier, fit the handle in and weld.

Most people do not have a lathe and I try to do all my mods with more common tools. The most exotic tool I use is a mig, the rest is a grinder, a dremel tool and a few hand tools.

 

[ComradeVlad]

In USSR.... Stalin would just send leftys to the gulag.

 

[collector67]

Stalin?

 

[ComradeVlad]

Stalin?

lol yes thanks, good thing hes dead now.... otherwise KGB would be at my door.

 

[jaroslav]

lol yes thanks, good thing hes dead now.... otherwise KGB would be at my door.

Wrong. They have brought him up and he meets tourists on the Red Square.

 

[Curtton]

The last person who welded the charging handle to the left side without drilling into the carrier, the handle fell off after shooting several rounds.

I would have done it a galil style.

 

[canuck94]

The last person who welded the charging handle to the left side without drilling into the carrier, the handle fell off after shooting several rounds.

I would have done it a galil style.

That would be an indication of a piss poor welding job.

The bolt doesn't impact on any part of the gun's receiver .

 

[canuck94]

All done!

Next a pump action SKS

 

[peacemaker56]

Nice , looks pretty good . I like it

 

[jaroslav]

All done!



Next a pump action SKS

NO WAY. Curious seeing it done.

 

[Tvw]

Quality workmanship, looks great!

T

 

[DT741]

Have you test fired it yet ?

 

[randyhub]

What kind of sight is that?

 

[canuck94]

Thanks for all the kind words and to answer a few questions. Yes I fired it off and no issues. It's a peep that I made last year on this one and is adjustable left to right. Fiber optics up front. Makes a very fast carbine.

 

[edojan]

Stalin?

lol yes thanks, good thing hes dead now.... otherwise KGB would be at my door.

Wrong. They have brought him up and he meets tourists on the Red Square.

Wrong. The guy who still meets tourists on the Red Square is Lenin. Stalin used to do it as well but tovarisch Khruschev put an end to it back in 1961

Sorry for the off topic. Nice workmanship on sks. All lefties would certainly appreciate the feature

 

[VanIsleCam]

I give you two thumbs up and a bottle of vodka OP!

 

[FarmerDanz]

Thats cool man! Props for modding the old school way.

 

[Hitzy]

Looks better using the original style bolt handle then home made. I'd probably remove the right side one at this point however as the double does look a bit odd.
The Galil style idea would be good, as it would be even more ambidextrous...could be fit to either side.