Shutting the gas valve on the SKS?

[kultz]

Theoretically, the movement of parts in a firearm during the firing cycle will throw off the point of aim.

In a semi-automatic rifle, such as the SKS, the gas operated system throws around quite a large amount of mass during firing.

However, if I recall correctly, it is possible to shut the gas valve on the SKS, thereby turning off the self-loading. This effectively turns the rifle into a 'straight-pull bolt action'.

Now, the question is, how much difference will it make?

There are now less moving parts during firing, but is the difference noticeable in the SKS in particular?

In other words, how much of the often touted inaccuracy of the rifle is due to its semiautomatic nature, and how much is due to bad design or shoddy workmanship?


Just a question of curiosity, let's discuss this like reasonable people.

 

[tiriaq]

SKS does not have a valve.
How much metal is actually moving in an SKS while the bullet is in transit through the barrel?

 

[PerversPépère]

The only one with a gas shutoff valve is the second model Yugo.
For some reason I just can't remember that model designation.
PP.

 

[Tyockell18]

Yeah the Yugo M59/66 with the grenade launcher.
They also sometimes have a problem with a seal deteriorating over time do to this valve.

 

[RobSmith]

59/66 ... I have one ....

Valve or not I don't think you'd see much if any difference, by the time all those metal parts start clanging together the bullet is already long gone.

 

[Dsiwy]

SKS does not have a valve.
How much metal is actually moving in an SKS while the bullet is in transit through the barrel?

YUGO SKS 59/66 have gas valves, so do North Korean SKSs

 

[rob350]

What would happen if a guy removed the gas piston?

 

[Kodiak Outpost]

I can't see it making any measurable difference in accuracy. We're talking about an sks here. There are a lot of other factors limiting the accuracy. Just enjoy it for what it is.

 

[fat tony]

Yeah, well, I don't know anything at all but I took out the piston in mine and I found it shot much better from the bench. To some SKS purists, removing the piston and shooting it that way is like some sort of grave moral error, but I find the bolt & carrier coming back at 300 mph somewhat disconcerting. I guess I should get some snap caps and do some dry firing.

Edit: if you use Privi Partisan and use it as a straight pull, it will sometimes have hard extractions, to the point of having to beat on the bolt carrier handle with a chunk of 2X4 to get it open, try it yourself though, empirical data is important if you get it yourself - it's the only way most people trust things. - and I keep hearing the 'bullet is long gone by the time. . . '
- and on and on, but that does not help my marksmanship with the SKS

 

[kultz]

This is all very interesting. Thanks for the responses.

So, can it be said that the majority of the inaccuracy comes from design and manufacture?

And as corollary, a semi-automatic rifle designed and manufactured for maximized accuracy can reach bolt-action level of performance?

Just a thought.

More importantly, what can be done to the SKS to mess up the accuracy even more?

 

[Satain]

Hmmm...
I wonder, if you remove the entire gas system & cycled the action yourself also how accurate it would be.

Naaa! SkS are way to much fun to
As for making them more accurate. Try to look up in youtube for the sailor SkS trigger job video's and get your self a fiberglass stock to bed. Also try to get a Buffer Tech SkS buffer as this will keep your main spring from moving around plus those NcStar buffer tubes without the weaver mount seem to provide me with the best accuracy I have yet to see out of this platform. Also try reading the stickies as there is a wealth of infromation availible there too