Russian SKS for hunting

Last time I checked the 7.62 x 39 was inferior to the 30-30 as far as ballistics go. Something like 10 % less velocity with a 150 gr pill, which translates into 20% less kinetic energy. If I had to chose between an SKS and a lever action 30-30, the choice would be obvious.
Moreover, if I had to chose between the venerable 303 sporter, which costs the same as an SKS, and the SKS, the choice would be even more obvious. Oh wait, I've already made this choice ;)

;)Same here. I have a MINT Jungle Carbine. Actually, this one is my 4th or 5th and has all the bayonet, sling and spare mag trimmings. And, to keep it company, at the last local gun show, I picked up a model 95 Winchester, ;) in 303Br,:d.
 
The SKS could be a good deer rifle if:

It has a decent trigger (may need some tuning)

It is sighted in

It will group (may need some tuning)

You hunt bush where max shot is 75 yards and probably less.

You use soft point hunting ammo.

My rifle has the bayonet removed, to make it a bit handier. It is bedded for better accuracy and has better sights installed. I would not hesitate to use it on Ontario bush deer. But I would prefer my Winchester M94 in 30-30.

TiaWeWo.jpg
 
Its inexpensive! It will kill! It will get you hunting. When it comes to firearms get what ever gets you out there. We all have big dreams but if you dream too big you will never achieve that goal. Start with what ever gets you hunting.
 
Soft points do good damage within 150 yards. I’ve done it. Don’t listen to those who say it’s not accurate enough, it will be a 3 moa rifle when you do your due diligence.
 
A shooter grade SKS makes a great truck rifle and will do the job if that is all you got or want but there are far better choices of affordable firearms for hunting in far better cartridge choices.
To each, their own and the more the merrier keeps the world interesting.
 
The SKS could be a good deer rifle if:

It has a decent trigger (may need some tuning)

It is sighted in

It will group (may need some tuning)

You hunt bush where max shot is 75 yards and probably less.

You use soft point hunting ammo.

My rifle has the bayonet removed, to make it a bit handier. It is bedded for better accuracy and has better sights installed. I would not hesitate to use it on Ontario bush deer. But I would prefer my Winchester M94 in 30-30.

TiaWeWo.jpg

Nice bubba work! It reminds me of the tech-sight, wich was more accurate than the stock sights.
 
Got no problem with my new build. Hits a 6inch plate at 100yards easy every time. The dear is mine !
could easily push that out way farther.

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Pie plate 100 yards with a scope? I should hope so! I have a bone stock russian one, and a pie plat at 100 years with my 61 year old eyes with factor irons is a regular event; standing free hand, a letter size sheet of paper is only moderately challenging.

In the bush, protruding stuff and extra weight are your enemies; loose the bayonet; you don't need it; the big mag will be in the road too; get a short one. That style of scope mount is not rigid enough for accuracy; go back to the irons; replace the front sight with a hi-viz one; get a sight tool and adjust for point of aim. Better sight picture in the bush anyway.

My two cents. BTW, when the moment that counts happens, that folding stock is another gadget you don't need to have to f*** with.
 
IMO, if you buy a good SKS, buy a stock, buy a mag(s), a mag adapter, and a scope mount of sorts, you are likely more money in than you would be with a good used 30-30, and have a rifle that weighs a lot more and is a lot less handy.

Me, a carbine length 6.5 x 55 with open sights; perfect for everything from ground hogs to moose and bear, out about twice as far if required.
 
I've shot a 1/2 dozen big bodied AB WT"s with the 7.62x39 in a CZ527 carbine and never had to shoot any twice.Handloaded 123gr PRIVI or Hornady.My SKS shoots claybird sized groups at 100 yards with as issued irons.If I was scoping one it would be with a Choate style side receiver mt.and ejection side port modification.
 
I've hunted with the SKS (4 of 'em.) and found them to be nicely accurate inside 100 yds. I kept the issue stocks on my ones and shaped the front sights to a pin type. The bayonet was the first item tossed & I cut off its' mounting lug and blended it to the barrel band contour. I kept the issue mag assembies on mine as
they have a good profile for workin' the bush.

If I were to get another one, I would set it up with an ATI Fiberforce stock and a compact scope like this one.;)
SKS Stock.jpg
 

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Pie plate 100 yards with a scope? I should hope so! I have a bone stock russian one, and a pie plat at 100 years with my 61 year old eyes with factor irons is a regular event; standing free hand, a letter size sheet of paper is only moderately challenging.

In the bush, protruding stuff and extra weight are your enemies; loose the bayonet; you don't need it; the big mag will be in the road too; get a short one. That style of scope mount is not rigid enough for accuracy; go back to the irons; replace the front sight with a hi-viz one; get a sight tool and adjust for point of aim. Better sight picture in the bush anyway.

My two cents. BTW, when the moment that counts happens, that folding stock is another gadget you don't need to have to f*** with.

Piss off.
 
"standing free hand, a letter size sheet of paper is only moderately challenging."

Do you shoot it flat or turn it sideways?
I find edgewise is really challenging but I'm sure it can be done.
 
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