How hard is SKS on optics?

[chaslavk]

So people say that guns with heavy bolt destroy scopes, is SKS scope buster?

Thank you.

 

[Magellann]

Sks's are pretty easy on the recoil, most scopes won't be a problem on them.

 

[chaslavk]

Recoil is not what destroys scopes but force of the bolt returning. FN FAL is one gun that does that and some say AK, M1A, SVD, G3 are scope busters. Sprig piston air guns can destroy even leupolds.

 

[RDMC]

As long as you use a brass deflector...not hard

 

[nw mb]

...have had a cheap scorpion reflex mounted on a magwedge on mine...holds zero...so far so good...

 

[fiddler]

X39 has a recoil of 7 pounds, so not hard on the scope itself. The biggest challenge for a scope on an SKS is mounting to keep zero. Unless you permanently alter the rifle for scope mounts it won't be that great. Receiver mounted configuration is not that great in my books. Some scout mounts over the front sight are not too bad but I would avoid rec mounted optics.

 

[transam_218]

So far about 300 rounds through my nc star, holding the same position. Mine is drilled and tapped so should be solid.

 

[Klebelenator]

Have a cheap UTG with a Choate base on my Russian SKS - no problem. I wouldn't put an expensive scope on a SKS.

 

[chaslavk]

I think you answered my question, thanks. Now I have to find appropriate optics. I would like to find original Russian optics.

 

[Ar180shooter]

X39 has a recoil of 7 pounds, so not hard on the scope itself. The biggest challenge for a scope on an SKS is mounting to keep zero. Unless you permanently alter the rifle for scope mounts it won't be that great. Receiver mounted configuration is not that great in my books. Some scout mounts over the front sight are not too bad but I would avoid rec mounted optics.

The Magwedge Kwikrail doesn't require permanent modification and keeps zero.

 

[MagWedge Industries]

The Magwedge Kwikrail doesn't require permanent modification and keeps zero.

Thanks for pointing that out, much appreciated!

 

[kennymo]

I kinda wonder if crappy dust cover mounts helped to bring around the tales of scope busting. A buddy went through a handful of Barska's before he gave up on the scoped SKS and bought a red dot. I've only had the TRS 25 dot on my Pro Mag side mount, so I can't really comment on any difference in performance. I don't hear of many issues with the Choate mounts either it seems....maybe cheap mount combined with cheap scope = broken reticles and other woes = internet complaints?

 

[Gotrek]

I run a scope made for .22 and airguns on a choate mount. Still holding zero after 2 crates. But I mean I wouldn't recommend that. just a toy gun for me.

 

[MagWedge Industries]

If I recall correctly the Choate is a mount that requires drilling and tapping and therefore will retain zero.

I personally don't favour the extra expense or effort of drilling and tapping which is why I came up with the KwikRail. I am also not keen on modifying a rifle when its not necessary especially when it comes to modifying the receiver.

But as has been said many times, YMMV ...

 

[Gotrek]

Yes drilled and tapped. And if you product was available when I did mine I would of bought it for sure. It looks way better in my opinion and is not permanent.

 

[chaslavk]

I had what you call chote mount in mind. Where id good place to buy them? West rifle has same mount for $70.