SKS Accuracy Test

[fiddler]

...volleying is extremely effective...and not much thought about today when everyone idolizes snipers at a mile...even a couple of SKS's at a couple hundred yards with full mags are a sight to behold!

Too much TV, snipers, and hero worship. Wars were won with neither.


We shoot gongs to 400m. It takes a few shots to find your range, but once you're tuned in, it becomes very consistent with an SKS. Also all the more reason to understand your battle setting and calibrate the ranges accordingly.

 

[EL34/6L6]

You guys using bags at long distances? Soldiers usually didn't have access to benches and locking rests.

 

[grelmar]

You guys using bags at long distances? Soldiers usually didn't have access to benches and locking rests.

No, but they have backpacks, the berm of the ditch they're crouched in, a random log in a field, a broken down wall... Whatever advantage they can take.

 

[EL34/6L6]

No, but they have backpacks, the berm of the ditch they're crouched in, a random log in a field, a broken down wall... Whatever advantage they can take.

Yes, which is why I mentioned bags. They are likely the only comparable thing that soldiers would have used.
Just curious if shooters here are measuring their SKS' accuracy with the rifle in a vise on a table/bench. Which would surpass any real life application for comparison purposes.

 

[fiddler]

You guys using bags at long distances? Soldiers usually didn't have access to benches and locking rests.

usually prone or a log, but back pack works well.

 

[1960]

I have 2 SKS. My Russian is terrible shoots 6-8 inches high at 100 yds. I think it is an issue with the front sight, can't get it to turn into
the thread-block far enough. The Chinese shoots great out of the box. 2.5-3 inch @ 100. Both are blast to shoot! Can't beat the price of that milsurp ammo!

 

[fiddler]

I have 2 SKS. My Russian is terrible shoots 6-8 inches high at 100 yds. I think it is an issue with the front sight, can't get it to turn into
the thread-block far enough. The Chinese shoots great out of the box. 2.5-3 inch @ 100. Both are blast to shoot! Can't beat the price of that milsurp ammo!

You want to RAISE the post on the Russian to drop the POI. Screwing it in lower makes your shots go higher.

 

[safehunter]

Spent the morning at the range in the rain.

Using my trusty SKS. Devcon bedded and "pillared". Wolf springs on trigger, trs-25 and bc mount. Bayonet mount ground off. Norinco surplus corrosive ammo. 100 yards using a bench rest on the front.

First "group" - 4 targets on backboard - 5 shots at each (I used the same target for a slug after which I covered with paper)

Last "group" - 2 targets on backboard - 5 shots each.

Between my groups I did shoot some offhand at 25 and 50, stripper clip drills, rapid fire etc. Can you believe I once put that sks up on the EE? Thank god no one took it!

 

[nw mb]

safehunter, really nice groups (didn't you say first 'i'll take it gets it?'...i'll take it! )

 

[Ganderite]

Those look to be about 4" groups. That is about double the group the ammo is capable of. In my heavy barreled test rifle milsurp ammo is about 1.75".

Comparing an SKS to a heavy barreled target rifle with a 24X scope, it is remarkable the SKS group is only 4"

 

[1960]

You want to RAISE the post on the Russian to drop the POI. Screwing it in lower makes your shots go higher.

You are right, fiddler. I bought a $10. front sight tool, piece of junk. Won't raise or lower the post, the cut out is too short and can't get any purchase on the post.

 

[grelmar]

Yes, which is why I mentioned bags. They are likely the only comparable thing that soldiers would have used.
Just curious if shooters here are measuring their SKS' accuracy with the rifle in a vise on a table/bench. Which would surpass any real life application for comparison purposes.

Oh, Ok, I prolly misunderstood you. Usually I use my backpack or a front support sandbag.

safehunter Nice groups... If those are 1" squares, we're looking at what, < 3" groups? And possibly confirming some suspiscions I had about removing the bayo (no need to grind off the bayo lug) and bedding...

Now I need to find an afternoon to get out and test again.

 

[fiddler]

You are right, fiddler. I bought a $10. front sight tool, piece of junk. Won't raise or lower the post, the cut out is too short and can't get any purchase on the post.

Soak the bejeebers out of it with penetrating oil for a day or two. The sights tend to seize after sitting for 50 or more years. Same with the left/right adjustment. You should be able to turn the post up and down with needlenose pliers.