Question about SKS storage

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Corry

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I'm wondering if there is any negative affect on storing my SKS with the bolt in the open position. Previously I always stored it closed because I thought it was better to have less tension on the spring when stored for a few weeks or more. However I switched to Tapco 5/20 mags and like the idea of it being stored in my gun safe ready to have a preloaded mag popped in on short notice.... you know incase the Zombies show up one night ;)

Anyway what is everyones opinion, should I store it closed or open (FYI the it has to be open to load the mag) does it affect the spring do you think?
 
Store it closed. There's absolutely no advantage to having it open. Besides, it takes a second to #### the bolt.
 
Tyler said:
Store it closed. There's absolutely no advantage to having it open. Besides, it takes a second to #### the bolt.
Click to expand...

Well there actually is an advantage that's why I asked... when you remove the stock mag and its closed and empty, when you #### the bolt it does't lock open, you have to reach in an push the lock pin up, then load the mag.
 
Corry said:
Well there actually is an advantage that's why I asked... when you remove the stock mag and its closed and empty, when you #### the bolt it does't lock open, you have to reach in an push the lock pin up, then load the mag.
Click to expand...

With the bolt closed and the rifle in the shoulder, insert the mag as far as it will go. #### the action, hold it to the rear, and insert the back of the magazine. Let the bolt go forward.

Job done.

fenceline said:
Having a spring compressed or decompressed does not wear it out. It is repeated compression and release that causes fatigue over time.
Click to expand...

http://mcb-homis.com/magspring/index.htm
 
Tyler said:
With the bolt closed and the rifle in the shoulder, insert the mag as far as it will go. #### the action, hold it to the rear, and insert the back of the magazine. Let the bolt go forward.

Job done.
Click to expand...

Cool, just tried that and it works well thanks... so in your opinion it hurts the spring? Is that why you say store it closed?
 
Check the link above.

Never store a rifle with the spring under compression, unless you plan on replacing it.

Find me a military or police force that does this.

Can't?

There's your answer.
 
Tyler said:
With the bolt closed and the rifle in the shoulder, insert the mag as far as it will go. #### the action, hold it to the rear, and insert the back of the magazine. Let the bolt go forward.

Job done.



http://mcb-homis.com/magspring/index.htm
Click to expand...

Interesting. When speaking of fatigue on a spring I've always thought of it in terms of whether the metal retains its strength, not compression length.
 
Tyler said:
Check the link above.

Never store a rifle with the spring under compression, unless you plan on replacing it.

Find me a military or police force that does this.

Can't?

There's your answer.
Click to expand...

Good info, I kind of suspected it wasn't good for the spring. Your method of loading the Mag when shouldered works well so I'll just go with that. Thanks
 
Corry said:
Well there actually is an advantage that's why I asked... when you remove the stock mag and its closed and empty, when you #### the bolt it does't lock open, you have to reach in an push the lock pin up, then load the mag.
Click to expand...

Here's a idea if you are really concerned with speed. You keep the original mag in and get a stripper clip. Load the stripper clip with 5 rounds. It is quicker to #### the bolt back and load with a stripper clip then to play around with a detachable mag especially if the bolt doesn't even hold open. If it was a 20rd mag I could see some conceivable advantage to having a mag like that but since it is only allowed to hold 5 anyways it is much quicker to use the stripper clip.
If your plan is a home defence gun (home defence in this case referring to the impending zombie invasion) then you have to consider what is really more important, a 'look good' item or a more effective not as cool looking one. The original mag will function perfectly every time, it can be loaded quicker (stripper clips are quicker than mags when the mag can only hold 5 or 10 rounds), it has bolt hold open for quicker reloading encase the zombies aren't stopped by 5 rounds, you don't have to fiddle with the mag to load it into the gun properly, and to top it off it gives a lower profile so it will not get snagged. Just my recommendation
 
fenceline said:
Interesting. When speaking of fatigue on a spring I've always thought of it in terms of whether the metal retains its strength, not compression length.
Click to expand...

I've heard the same thing as well, though it sort of defies logic when you think about it. Compress something long enough and under enough strain, it will eventually take a hold. I'm no metallurgist, but it seems like common sense to me.

In a pinch though, all you really need to do is just pull it back. I've done this before with mag springs and main springs without issue, and they will work for a time... long enough to get them exchanged anyway.
 
Eaglelord17 said:
Here's a idea if you are really concerned with speed. You keep the original mag in and get a stripper clip. Load the stripper clip with 5 rounds. It is quicker to #### the bolt back and load with a stripper clip then to play around with a detachable mag especially if the bolt doesn't even hold open. If it was a 20rd mag I could see some conceivable advantage to having a mag like that but since it is only allowed to hold 5 anyways it is much quicker to use the stripper clip.
If your plan is a home defence gun (home defence in this case referring to the impending zombie invasion) then you have to consider what is really more important, a 'look good' item or a more effective not as cool looking one. The original mag will function perfectly every time, it can be loaded quicker (stripper clips are quicker than mags when the mag can only hold 5 or 10 rounds), it has bolt hold open for quicker reloading encase the zombies aren't stopped by 5 rounds, you don't have to fiddle with the mag to load it into the gun properly, and to top it off it gives a lower profile so it will not get snagged. Just my recommendation
Click to expand...

Its actually pretty quick the way Tyler suggested... maybe I'll have to time it and see which is quicker... but I do think with several mags its quicker when reloading the second time.

Oh and this is just kind of a novelty idea, my HD gun is this.....

 
I like to leave the guns with the springs not under tension, I think they will take a set over time, but thats just my personal thought, I have no proof to the contrary.
 
Corry said:
Its actually pretty quick the way Tyler suggested... maybe I'll have to time it and see which is quicker... but I do think with several mags its quicker when reloading the second time.

Oh and this is just kind of a novelty idea, my HD gun is this.....

Click to expand...

Very cool nice job
 
i read somewhere that storing an SKS with hammer resting on firing pin can cause problems with sticky firing pin. Also leaving a spring compressed will not affect it. Think of all the valve springs in engines.
 
"...there actually is an advantage..." No there isn't.
"...Never store a rifle with the spring under compression..." Nonsense. Springs do not, I say again, do not lose temper from being compressed. Ever think about your car springs losing "stiffness"? They're under tension all the time and asre constantly compressed. Geezuz.
 
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