SKS at the range

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neilselden

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Hi,
Just a quick range report from this morning. I was using the SKS with aperture sights, from a bench with bag support, at 50 yards, Barnaul 123gr HP.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the results, although there's quite a bit of the shooting mechanics for me to work on.


You can see the groups here (from left to right):

1) 5 shots. It think the vertical stringing was me - I had a hard time seeing the exact center of the target.
2) 3 shots.
3) 5 shots. Again, the vertical stringing was probably my fault.


Cheers,
Neil
 
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Firing in semi-auto can cause the stringing, also insure the receiver is
tight against the cross bolt, if not shim the rear with aluminum tape. In
some cases you may need to sand a little where the stock contacts the ferrule.
 
Hi,
It's in a laminate stock and the action is really tight in it.

But from the reading I've done, it seems vertical stringing can be caused by the barrel heating up, or by the rifle being muzzle heavy, or not properly resting on your support when you shoot.

Next time at the range, I'll do what I can to eliminate any errors I'm introducing and see from there.

All in all though, I'm happy with the rifle. That said, if you have more insights or thoughts, I'm happy to listen!

Cheers,
Neil
 
My thoughts ... The SKS is not a target rifle , 7.62 x 39 with it's loopy trajectory is not a target round, and the iron sights leave much to be desired.

I think you did well, love it for what it is.

What's your trigger like ?
 
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Vicar said:
My thoughts ... The SKS is not a target rifle , 7.62 x 39 with it's loopy trajectory is not a target round, and the iron sights leave much to be desired.

I think you did well, love it for what it is.

What's your trigger like ?
Click to expand...

The trigger has a fair bit of creep, and when the travel is gone, it feels like it breaks cleanly. But it is a heavy trigger.

Thanks,
Neil
 
chadeech said:
I love my SKS but it is what it is and that is good results for one ,enjoy
Click to expand...

I really like mine a lot as well. And yep, I'm pretty happy with the groups. And I'd like try for better: I notice I will sometimes rush the trigger pull, and I sometimes I don't wait for the natural pause in my breathing.

Cheers
Neil
 
Not all 7.62x39 guns are created equal. Certain platforms can eek out better accuracy then others. Evidence shows that my CSA VZ58 patterns noticeably better then my SKS and Type 81. 7.62x39 accuracy is also sometimes dependent on the ammo itself. My CSA VZ 58 may pattern Barnual into 3.5-4.5 MOA, but will also pattern Hornady SST into 1.5-2.5 MOA.

 
neilselden said:
That's interesting. I'd feel odd shooting like that at the range.

I wonder what effect removing the bayonet would have?

Cheers,
Neil
Click to expand...
I think it plays a role in managing barrel harmonics. If the barrel was designed this way, removing the bayo could change POI. Not sure if anyone tested it properly. A good copy should print ~3-4 MOA at 100 m. My eyes are not as good as they used to be, sadly - time for progressive lenses and magnified optics is nigh
 
5.45 said:
I think it plays a role in managing barrel harmonics. If the barrel was designed this way, removing the bayo could change POI. Not sure if anyone tested it properly. A good copy should print ~3-4 MOA at 100 m. My eyes are not as good as they used to be, sadly - time for progressive lenses and magnified optics is nigh
Click to expand...

Hmmm. I also think the SKS is 3-4 moa in a good case. I did have one group at 100yds better than that, but only that one. So it was just Lady Luck smiling on my shooting lane that day.

I'll give it a go with bayonet extended, if the RO doesn't mind.

Then I'll start trying different ammo just for the hell of it. That said, my range sells Barnaul for $0.40/round, so I'll likely use that for normal shooting practice.

Cheers,
Neil
 
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Murray 3-D said:
Not all 7.62x39 guns are created equal. Certain platforms can eek out better accuracy then others. Evidence shows that my CSA VZ58 patterns noticeably better then my SKS and Type 81. 7.62x39 accuracy is also sometimes dependent on the ammo itself. My CSA VZ 58 may pattern Barnual into 3.5-4.5 MOA, but will also pattern Hornady SST into 1.5-2.5 MOA.

Click to expand...

If Nutnfancy is to be believed (personally I think he's credible), his Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 was printing 1-1.5 moa groups.

Cheers,
Neil
 
Vertical stringing is often an indication that the barrel is heating up and starting to warp. Not too much you can do about that except slow down between shots and allow the barrel to cool down.
 
neilselden said:
If Nutnfancy is to be believed (personally I think he's credible), his Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 was printing 1-1.5 moa groups.
Cheers,
Neil
Click to expand...

The Ruger American Ranch is definitely at least 1MOA rifle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArvRTl3ambY). Personally, with my Ruger Ranch and a Bug Buster scope I can print about 1.5-1.7" 5 shot groups at 100y all they long. See pics for yourself. The 7.62x39mm is not that bad ammo as some uninformed people think.

Ruger Ranch June17/2020; scope x8; Barnaul 7.62x39mm; group 1.5"
MgWNY8a.jpg


Ruger Ranch June17/2020; scope x8; Norinco white package 7.62x39mm; group 1 5/8"=1.63"
ouZVpzA.jpg


Ruger Ranch June17/2020; scope x8; Barnaul 7.62x39mm; group 1 9/16"=1.56"
NaA9qBg.jpg
 
PSE said:
Vertical stringing is often an indication that the barrel is heating up and starting to warp. Not too much you can do about that except slow down between shots and allow the barrel to cool down.
Click to expand...

Hi,
I've read about that. I'll have to start looking after each shot to see if I'm fitting that pattern. As it is, I check the target after my 3 or 5 round group.

I've also heard that poor breath control is another cause of vertical stringing. I guess that as you breathe, you're moving the rifle up and down.

Cheers,
Neil
 
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4FA9FE1D-7B44-4B37-BC73-D6566D67DB5A.jpg
Ruger ranch x39 100m primary arms 6x wolf ammo I’m happy....it’s my go to rifle now
 

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