SKS - tapco or original...verdict still out - thoughts?

scar2112

scar2112

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So I got an SKS from west-rifle and am very happy with it overall. I got a tapco stock and put it on, the pin on the gas tube came out real smoothly (2-3 taps) and simply reused it so I can undo the changes easily in case I didn't like the tapco stock.
So now I have mixed feelings about the tapco stock, the pistol grip is really nice I have to say, its nice to be able to adjust. But It looks just ok I think, it just doesn't have that original soviet look/feel to it any more. I have the olive drab with bayonet cut.
Thinking of going back to the wood stock it came with for now and ordering the tapco gas tube so that way I can switch out stocks at the range on the fly when I want to switch things up.
They are alright quality I guess...feels like the magazine would break if dropped though.
What do you guys think of the tapco stocks?
 
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Some people like them I geuss but I would never buy one. I tried an ATI stock once and havent bought a piece of plastic for an SKS since. The Russian wood stocks are tiny, like a youth stock but I think its the only stock that should be on mine. A chinese stock with an extended butt pad would be as "tacticool" as I could go with an SKS
 
I don't know about that...I had an older Chinese sks (think '90's commercial type) that really was nothing special. After I put the Tapco on it I liked it much better. It handled better, felt better and was more of a pleasure to shoot. Now, I wouldn't do this to a fine older Soviet version (or even one of the true military chinese ones). For what mine was...I'm happier now with it. But obviously, to each their own...
 
I guess it's eveybody to each his own...opinions that is. The SKS, does not matter if it's a so called quality Russian SKS or a Chinese SKS or Yugo they are all the same,some just look better than others. They will be around a long time for sale cheap. If you own a SKS and want to shoot it with any comfort, a stock change or mod is a must. The Tapco and ATI may not make it shoot better but will change the lengh of pull so your not all humped up like a monkey f**king a football when shooting. For me lengh of pull was a big plus that a tapco did for me. Another stock option is a Timbersmith wood stock.

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I agree with bjs7293, I like my SKS as it is fun to shoot but feel like I am shooting a "youth" gun. I have a Tec sight on mine and love it but this made the length of pull problem even worse. With Tapco have gone from a length of pull from about 12" to just over 15 (extra butt pad) is perfect! Don't care for look of tapco stock but function over fashion. Luckily I have a SKS in laminate stock if I need to pose for pictures :D
 
I like both.
I love original look because it has history.
I love Tapco stock when I go to the range, I am pretty tall so I need that extra reach.
I guess if someone wants to put extra on it they would prefer Tapco Stock.
Mind you I shoot well from both.
If you have couple of shooters for example dad and son I would suggest Tapco T6 because you can change back and forth without problem.
ATI stocks are different story I would only change to it if I had my stock damaged. Monte Carlo is Ok but it is up to each individual. ATI has lighter stock in my opinion and Tapco has more option to add scopes, lights and etc.
 
i put an intrafuse on mine, i am totally happy with it but to be honest if i had to do it again i wouldnt even bother cause the novelty of the tapco stock wore off quick. i would rather spend the 168 dollars on a bctactical rear mount sight and a red dot scope. once again...there is nothing wrong with the tapco stock but its "new car smell" wears off quick
 
I quite prefer the original stock on the SKS over the Tapco. Frankly, other than Tech-sights, I see no reason to spend money modifying this low-cost, functional-fun shooter. For the most part, it's great just the way it is.

Buy more ammo. :)

UncleMax
 
I have had the opportunity to field test both.

SKS in it's original wood finish and then the TAPCO model.

Prior to the field test, I was thinking of purchasing the TAPCO kit.

However, after holding the original wood finish, it "fit". It didnt feel bulky, it was lighter and aiming the weapon down range, I changed my mind and would be purchasing an original.

Besides, god forbid I dropped the TAPCO on the concrete, it could get expensive if something broke. Not to mention if the wood finish is still good after all these years, it will still last for another lifetime
 
ive shot a couple sks's and wasnt that impressed. id like to try one of those timbersmith stocks though. my sks is just as it was made. been thinking about adding a pistol grip to the wood stock though. just havnt seen one sitting around i liked yet
 
My friend also prefers the original stock even though he hasn't had a chance to fire it with the tapco on it, I will probably head out to the range this weekend to try some handloads and waste some surplus ammo and decide what I want to do then and also see what my friend thinks after he gets to try it out.
At the moment I cannot track down a tapco gas tube, they seem to be on back order all over...I do plan on keeping the stock but I want to be able to swap out on the fly without taking that pin out too many times..so its staying on for now.
Though It would be fun to get a $40 red-dot sight for the front rail.
That natural wood timbersmith looks alright..
 
I have a different solution: go and get a limbsaver medium slip on recoil pad and you have a 13" length of pull.
Works great, and reduces the recoil to almost nil. Costs double of the cheapy chinese butt spacers. I've tried both and Limbsaver is better.
 
I owned a TAPCO, but went back to the laminate stock. Nothing wrong with TAPCO, but the SKS in its original config was more accurate for me.
 
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