SKS: Shaky Operating Rod?

GunXpatriot · February 23, 2013, 10:12 PM

So I've watched a number of videos on SKS rifles on youtube. What I have yet to see (or rather, hear) is a shaky operating rod, or at least I think that is what it is called. The handguard on my rifle is mis-matched, which I know is generally not a problem so long as the parts are good. And that that the only real problem from mix-matched parts could be headspace, or at least to my knowledge. Anyway, is it normal for an operating rod to be shaky when shaking the rifle? It seemed legit, and I don't think it would cause anything catastrophic even if it were bad, but it's always better to be sure, I guess. I'm also going to get the thing headspaced, because the last thing I want is a rifle grenade

In reality, this is probably the last thing I should be concerned about, but I'm extremely finicky about these types of things.

Thanks!

kdstang · February 24, 2013, 11:18 AM

As long as the upper handguard is secured by the rear sight block takedown lever, there shouldn't be a problem. The primary piston operating rod is designed to have a little tolerance to withstand carbon and debris.

GunXpatriot · February 24, 2013, 04:23 PM

Alright, yeah, that makes sense. Thanks!

okiewita40 · February 25, 2013, 03:14 AM

You may want to check the length of the piston itself. It could be that a previous owner could have stuck a piston rod in there for an AK vs. SKS.

GunXpatriot · February 25, 2013, 06:53 PM

What is the proper length of the piston?

**James K** · February 25, 2013, 07:34 PM

It is not likely that the wrong piston is in there; the AK piston is not only a lot shorter but too large in diameter to fit the gas cylinder of an SKS.

Jim

GunXpatriot · February 25, 2013, 07:53 PM

Thanks James.

February 23, 2013, 10:12 PM	#1
GunXpatriot Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2011 Location: New York Posts: 204	SKS: Shaky Operating Rod? So I've watched a number of videos on SKS rifles on youtube. What I have yet to see (or rather, hear) is a shaky operating rod, or at least I think that is what it is called. The handguard on my rifle is mis-matched, which I know is generally not a problem so long as the parts are good. And that that the only real problem from mix-matched parts could be headspace, or at least to my knowledge. Anyway, is it normal for an operating rod to be shaky when shaking the rifle? It seemed legit, and I don't think it would cause anything catastrophic even if it were bad, but it's always better to be sure, I guess. I'm also going to get the thing headspaced, because the last thing I want is a rifle grenade In reality, this is probably the last thing I should be concerned about, but I'm extremely finicky about these types of things. Thanks!

February 25, 2013, 03:14 AM	#4
okiewita40 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 347	You may want to check the length of the piston itself. It could be that a previous owner could have stuck a piston rod in there for an AK vs. SKS. __________________ What on god's green earth do you think your doing?

February 25, 2013, 07:34 PM	#6
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,418	It is not likely that the wrong piston is in there; the AK piston is not only a lot shorter but too large in diameter to fit the gas cylinder of an SKS. Jim __________________ Jim K

February 24, 2013, 11:18 AM	#2
kdstang Junior Member Join Date: December 11, 2011 Posts: 13	As long as the upper handguard is secured by the rear sight block takedown lever, there shouldn't be a problem. The primary piston operating rod is designed to have a little tolerance to withstand carbon and debris.

February 24, 2013, 04:23 PM	#3
GunXpatriot Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2011 Location: New York Posts: 204	Alright, yeah, that makes sense. Thanks!

February 25, 2013, 06:53 PM	#5
GunXpatriot Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2011 Location: New York Posts: 204	What is the proper length of the piston?

February 25, 2013, 07:53 PM	#7
GunXpatriot Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2011 Location: New York Posts: 204	Thanks James.