Help with SKS trigger group...

[Knottybuoy]

Hi All,

I recently purchased an SKS in a Tapco stock from a local CGN member off the EE. Really nice rifle. However, in trying to get it clean before using it, (I'm very picky) I took everything apart and cleaned the bejesus out of it.

The last component I wanted to remove and clean was the trigger group. There's a hole in the pistol grip of the Tapco stock that lets you get a screwdriver or a punch and depress the catch that holds the group on the rifle.

I got a screwdriver in there and pushed the catch in but I could only get it so far. Now the trigger group never popped out, and the operation of the trigger and safety is blocked. I cant pop the catch out again by trying to push the trigger group back into the rifle.

I'm guessing Ill need to probably take the pistol grip off the stock to get at the catch better.

So, a couple questions -

1) How hard to you actually have to press the release catch to pop out the trigger group?

2) Anyone know what size socket I'll need to remove the pistol grip?

3) Please reassure me that I haven't broken my new toy, lol (I doubt I have)

 

[dand883]

I can't remember the socket size you need from memory but it is small, like 3/8" or something, but you most certainly do have to take the pistol grip off every time you want to remove the trigger group, which is a real PITA. This is why i will go 2 or 3 trips to the range with non corrosive, then have one big blast with corrosive before i clean it.
I have been thinking about putting the wood back on with a buttpad and see how it feels so i can avoid taking the grip off each time.
I tried the same thing initially with mine as well, and no worries, it will take more then a chunk of plastic handle to hurt the sks

 

[Knottybuoy]

Hey, Thanks I figured that Tapco's engineering wasn't spot-on with this one and that I'd have to remove the pistol grip to get the trigger group out, just wanted confirmation of that.

Anyone else on the forum know what size the bolthead is? I would prefer to not have to buy a whole socket set for just one bolt.

 

[dand883]

I also found that with the straight tube they ship it with i had to jam my face almost painfully against the rifle to line up the sights. When i tried the angled tube from my 10/22 stock it lined up much better, i don't know why they don't give you the option. I was able to email tapco and get a second angled one for the SKS, just as an FYI.

As well as a socket you will need an extension, it's down there a ways, too far for just a ratchet/socket alone. You can get a small cheapy socket set at canadiantire/walmart/maybe even the dollar store which has a few screw driver attachments and such for pretty cheap, so you don't need to go and buy a whole huge automotive set. Any small cheap set with sizes between 1/4" and 3/4" will fit it, just make sure it has an extension.

 

[Knottybuoy]

The only problem I had with my sights when I got it was the picatinny rail on the upper handguard. When playing around with it inside, The rail overpowered the sight picture and made it difficult to focus on the rear leaf. Once I got it outside this weekend, having targets at a longer distance solved that problem. I didn't get to fire it though, I had planned to get ammo for it at the gun store in Chilliwack when I went out, but they were out of stock till next week! I was kicking myself for not picking some up in Vancouver before I left.

Thanks for the info/suggestions. Much appreciated.

 

[dand883]

No problem, and check out Canadaammo if you can't find any ammo locally, the non corrosive stuff they have is awesome, and free shipping over $100.