Doesn't need it, but who cares, there are lots of accessories that people put on other guns that aren't needed but they don't get
ragged on. Jeez, why do people care so much about leaving it original and thinking that its better. If I like the gun better after the modifications
have been made to it, then to me its better than the original. Its like putting nice rims on your car/truck, it doesn't add to the performance
or functionality of the vehicle but to the owner, it adds that aesthetic appeal to him and thus, to him, it is better than the original.
I have a few sks's, one is in the process of being built to look more modern and more "today's type of battle rifle" My other sks's I'll leave
in their original condition because I think they look good as well and have some historical significance. But that was my taste/choice. They are
my rifles and to me they look good both ways, I don't see one as better than the other, I just wanted something different.