Looking to take the SKS plunge

target-guy

target-guy

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Hey all......
I'm looking to get my first "decent" SKS.
Looking for a fun rifle to do some "target" shooting with my kids.
In terms or quality and "accuracy", what should I be looking for in an SKS.
Eventually looking to put a scope on it.
I have looked at a couple but found that the stocks seem quite short.
Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
 
If you are going to put a scope on it, try to find a used SKS with a good mount included in the package; you could save a bit of money there. Look for a Russian or a military Chinese rifle rather than a commercial Chinese one. Look for one with s perfect bore, no rust, no pitting etc. Ideally, if the gas cylinder and piston can be also free of any rust or pitting; that helps assess the quality of the maintenance done by previous owners (same with the firing pin).

Lots of info in here about which scope mounts are good; stay away from anything that's simply installed on the receiver cover.

For the stock: the original stock can feel a bit short, but there are pads which you can install on the butt plate and that works ok (simpler and cheaper than buying an aftermarket stock).

All that's just my two cents of course, but do know that chances are you'll end up with more than just one SKS - they seem to accumulate once you start! :)

Lou
 
Make sure you know the difference between cosmoline and rust. Cosmo looks like taffy or soft candy, while rust is granular and crunchy. Both are brown.
Shop around. Some stores offer a "Super Grade" along with the "B" grade examples. Might be worthwhile to pay the extra bucks unless you really know your stuff.
Here's a nice roundup of differences between variants - good reading:
http://www.yooperj.com/SKS-1.htm
 
Clean it off with boiling water ( cosmo melts and runs away ) wipe dry, hot water also heats metal and that helps evaporate extra water droplets .... you can shoot corrosive cheap ammo all day, no need to clean at range just don't put away dirty, clean before the end of the day....water is most important to neutralize the corrosive salt deposits left behind by the cheap ammo....once thats done you can use q-tips to nook and cranny everything, hoppes #9 solvent and oil....= no rust ... i have been doing it like that for the last couple of years and no issues......just look for a nice one you find attractive....enjoy my friend, you won't regret it, very cool rifle :)
 
An SKS is fun, cheap to shoot, and many people actually learn to shoot with it. Having that said, if you can get 4 inch groups with it you're doing good. If you put a scope on it you will get slightly better than 4 inch groups. In simple terms, if you want accuracy you should put your hard earned cash into a different rifle that is capable of more accurate shooting.

A stock SKS and a few cases of ammo go a long way. Don't waste your money on aftermarket crap that changes nothing more than the way it looks.
 
fiddler said:
An SKS is fun, cheap to shoot, and many people actually learn to shoot with it. Having that said, if you can get 4 inch groups with it you're doing good. If you put a scope on it you will get slightly better than 4 inch groups. In simple terms, if you want accuracy you should put your hard earned cash into a different rifle that is capable of more accurate shooting.

A stock SKS and a few cases of ammo go a long way. Don't waste your money on aftermarket crap that changes nothing more than the way it looks.
Click to expand...
Yep, SKS are fun for cheap, but if you and your kids want to shoot target accurately the SKS may not be the perfect answer! Tradeex has Shultz and Larson .22 target rifles for around $300 and .22 ammo is cheap, might be another option for you! Good luck either way.
 
Yep they are not sniper rifles, but can sure put a smile on your face for cheap! And these days cheap smiles while shooting are getting harder and harder to find!

It is a great training rifle, lots of practice with cheap ammo, you actually have to be a good shooter to make it shoot. If not spray five into the backstop guilt free.

I dont think that this rifle is a good platform to adapt optics to though. Learn to use tangent sights.

If you just want a shooter just buy whatever SKS is cheapest, it does not matter. They are all a solid value and built like a tank.

What I look for in a used SKS:
Blued metal - I am a sucker for wood and blue, flat black is meh.
Condition of the bore and bolt face - clean bright shiny bore and no pitting on the bolt face.
Visual appearance - no rust or pitting
Numbers matching

Get one! Get some...
 
I have to say, I recently got my PAL. Four days after it arrived, I got my (first) SKS.
I finally got out to shoot it today. The first gun I shot in 35 years, and I am hooked. I think that I've had it apart and back together a dozen times more. I've spent more time cleaning than shooting.
My advice is simple. -GO GET ONE. Just be prepared to spend a little time on maintenance, and it will be worth it. Actually that is pretty much true for any tool or sport or hobby you might get into. GO GET ONE
 
I'm sure there are plenty of guys with an SKS in your area....ask and I'm sure someone will let you try their SKS...you might not like the rifle or maybe you will....save you money before buying and regretting the purchase later on
 
I had SKS as my 1st gun and I have one now. My 11 yo had already shot SKS and 91/30. Still I'd advise - get .22LR bolt rifle to do some "target" shooting with your kids. It will teach you and kids better basic shooting skills. Much easier to clean (please spare me "it takes no time to clean SKS") and .22LR still cheaper to shoot than SKS.
 
I would also consider buying a used one for like 180$ if you can find one, or trade something you don't want for one. You WILL need a sight tool, so make sure to pick one up.

Accuracy is meh, but their fun for shooting cheap corrosive in the winter at steel. IF you want a scope only one that is even someone decent (no gunsmithing) would be the ones that run the long rail from back to front like magwedge.

Your groups will probably be around 6-8 inchs at 100yards. My sks's never get out to much anymore but I still keep em for collection purpose.
 
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