Want SKS as first Rifle-Buy New Surplus/Used/E.E/dealer/Tactical or Wood?

st1264

st1264

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I want a SKS as a first rifle because it's cheap, non-restricted, well made and you can fire cheap surplus ammo. I'm just wondering if I should buy a "new" surplus rifle or used? Is the Tapco stock preferred or do most just go with the wood and keep it that way? I know there are many Used in the EE, just wondering what I should do. I shot a real AK47 (wood stock) in the states so I liked the feel of the round, but not sure if the stock will feel similar-SKS is bigger. Also some have modified theirs to accept the AK type mags. Please let me know your experiences. I do like the looks of the tactical stock, not sure how it will feel. I did shoot an AR15 9mm and it felt comfortable but a little "toy like".

Opinions please...

Feel free to PM me if you like.
 
If I were buying one I'd go with a Russian or Yugo, but thats just me. I've heard good reports on the Norc SkS's too. I think the real key is to try and pick one from a batch if you can. Out of any given shipment there can be real quality rifles that are finished nice and shoot well, and there can be lemons. If you order on line, you don't get a chance to inspect yourself, so you are kinda at the mercy of lady luck. If you ever make it to Hamilton, Al Simmons has a bunch in stock, and they will usually help you pick a nice one.
 
So buying from a dealer or an individual with synthetic stock, scopes and things like that is a waste of $? Just get a surplus one and start shooting? I only have one store here so I think the internet or E.E is my best bet. Anyone prefer the Tapco stock?
 
I have a Norinco SKS and have found it to be a fine shooter (read that as good) but i have modified it.

Stock choice should be an experience, preference and application thing. If you like the Tapco stock and like the fit go with it. I have fired one or two AR type rifles and don't like the stock configuration. I used an ATI Monte Carlo stock and glass bedded the recoil lug area to get the best fit. I find it to be comfortable to shoot. I felt the ATI foldable ultralight to be uncomfortable to shoulder and the cheek weld was too low for using optics.

I installed a drill and tap Choate scope mount on it with a 2.5x scope so i wanted the raised cheek of the Monte Carlo get a better cheek weld when sighting. Consider if you want to use optics and how would you correct the cheek weld with a skeleton type stock.

I just ordered one of the new Marstar Chinese surplus SKS's. For the price i wouldn't bother with getting used. I plan to use the original wood stock and to install a scope on it. I will correct the cheek weld by adding a cheek piece similar to those used on Enfield sniper rifles during WWII.

Steve
 
Take it for what you will, but I would personally pick-up a nice mild refurb from a reputable CGN seller, like weimajack for example. His are hand picked, beautiful, and they're Russian -- enough said. If you like "new", he also has some nice China military SKS's.
 
I wouldn't buy anything with a scope mount that was not drilled and tapped on the receiver.

Having installed and used the Choate drill and tap scope mount i wouldn't use anything else. Dust cover mounts, rear sight replacements and gas tube mounts will all wander. Drill and tap the receiver and that won't happen.
 
Good advice from all above. Which one you go with and how you modify it really depends on what you want as we all have preferences. These rifles are very well built so a used one will usually only have superficial wear to worry about. I would recommend starting basic with a plain wood stocked rifle and then buy the modifications that you want and see what works for you and what was a waste of time and money. The tapco stocks arent for me as my CZ 858 is far better at the assault rifle role than the SKS ever could be in every way. For that, I like the SKS in wood with era appropriate looking modifications (I.E. no plastic) But that is my opinion only and will certainly vary from other's opinions. Russians run from bottom of the barrel refurbs to beautiful works of art, the Chinese military are also fantastic rifles and brand spanking new. Mine was very tight fitting, solid, deep luscious bluing and overall incredibly high quality for the money. You could easily pay double for one without feeling ripped off. The modern chinese rifles are when quality slides off a little. These once have "Made In China" on the reciever. They are still solid rifles but fit and finish arent as good as Russian and Chinese military. Have a gander through the different SKS stickies, Curtton has put together a very detailed in depth library of knowledge on chinese SKS's. Umcoles, I had a scout scope mount that held zero solidly, did you have trouble with one? I also had the idea of making a Mk1T style cheek piece for mine. Please post pics and info when you do it, I'd love to toss around a few ideas with you on it.
 
Doesn't matter what kind you buy, just spend the money on ammo rather than Black Rifle Barbie dressup addons. Unless it is Hello Digikitty, which is like totally awesome!
 
Like you said Supernova so much of it is based on application and preference. I just prefer to have the optics mounted closer up as it gives more options for what I can use. No i have not had a scout mount wander. But i have read many reports of bad performance from dust cover mounts and seen a couple of shooters having trouble with gas tube mounts.

For sure i will post pics and the method i use on that cheek piece, that is my over Christmas break plan. A couple of things i can say from the first attempt. I made it out of a scrap of 2x4 for the first try. i made the rough cuts on a table saw but the piece was too short and was nerve wracking to cut because i was afraid for my fingers! Next version I will use a piece at least 24 inches long to make the rough cuts on the saw then chop saw them to just over length.

I have a few of what i think are interesting ideas for mods to the Chinese surplus rifle i bought and i thought i would post the build. Staying wood stock but adding a few things and staying away from plastic.
 
I agree completely. I'm planning a Chinese military build in the new year that I'm pretty excited about. Looking forward to seeing your build, especially that cheek piece :cheers:

umcoles said:
Like you said Supernova so much of it is based on application and preference. I just prefer to have the optics mounted closer up as it gives more options for what I can use. No i have not had a scout mount wander. But i have read many reports of bad performance from dust cover mounts and seen a couple of shooters having trouble with gas tube mounts.

For sure i will post pics and the method i use on that cheek piece, that is my over Christmas break plan. A couple of things i can say from the first attempt. I made it out of a scrap of 2x4 for the first try. i made the rough cuts on a table saw but the piece was too short and was nerve wracking to cut because i was afraid for my fingers! Next version I will use a piece at least 24 inches long to make the rough cuts on the saw then chop saw them to just over length.

I have a few of what i think are interesting ideas for mods to the Chinese surplus rifle i bought and i thought i would post the build. Staying wood stock but adding a few things and staying away from plastic.
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