SKS info???

wolfe 21 · May 11, 2011, 11:10 AM

Hello,

I will freely admit when I know less than nothing about a specific firearm. As such, I am here to ask for opinions/knowledge. My LGS has an SKS in what I'm assuming is either a Tapco or Butler Creek Side folder stock with detachable poly mag for $250. I'm interested just because it's something I don't have and know nothing about, but would like to know a few things.

Is this a fair price? Seems in good condition, bluing is 95%+, has bi-pod and compensator.
Is there anything I should be looking for as far as glaring flaws or known defects?
I thought these guns were fixed 10 round; how'd this one develop a detachable mag? (looks like an ak mag, but with an extension in the front to secure it to the action?)

thanks for any information,
James.

tynimiller · May 11, 2011, 01:10 PM

$250...with good rifleing is a good deal. I thought I got a good deal for my norinco one at $300. The originals are held to 10rounds with original stock, however I know there were some Chinese ones made that accept AK mags...which may be what you got your hands on...others will know more.

Lashlarue · May 11, 2011, 03:49 PM

I sold my Norinco SKS with nothing more than a 30 round mag in 2002 for $350. I paid $99 for it and and got a 1260rd ammo box for another $99. I understand it is still humming along with nary a bobble. He still loves the spike bayonet, too!Norinco makes the best sks's. Too bad we don't or can't import them any longer. Mine like most was an unfired specamin.

Woodencardboard · May 11, 2011, 05:38 PM

The sks originally has a 10 round fixed mag but they can easily be modified for detachable mags. $250 sounds like Good price. My norinco is set up in basically the same way.

Kreyzhorse · May 11, 2011, 07:57 PM

Without seeing it, I'd say that the price is good.

wolfe 21 · May 11, 2011, 10:36 PM

appreciate the feedback everyone. I'm honestly just interested because it's one of the few things my LGS has that I don't already own too many of (my preferences are 1911s and Ruger SAA clones). Besides, I haven't bought a rifle in almost a year, the last being a Canadian Centennial Win. 94 in 30/30.
I also wish we could still import the Norinco brand, but more for the M-14 clones than the SKS's.

I've heard these guns are reasonably more accurate than AK's. Is there anything to that (I'm not expecting MOA groups at distance, but drilling an adult size torso target at 100yds seems reasonable to me...?) Any other oddities to look for.

James.

dean1818 · May 12, 2011, 02:30 AM

Look closely at the bore to ensure that there isnt corrosion.

I bought one as a "fun" gun last year.

I like it very much !

kadima · May 12, 2011, 05:25 AM

James,
there is a whole world of informations about the SKS on the net. I believe it is basically because of the C&R status and availability of reasonably priced rifles and cheap, while still effective ammo.

I have a 1951 Tula arsenal SKS non refurbished and in original conditions and @ 100 metres, with commercial Barnaul ammo I stay within the "8" of the 25 metres free pistol UIT target. Prone position, iron sights. 'nuff accurate?

K.

wolfe 21 · May 12, 2011, 07:30 AM

sounds good to me. I guess it's time to search the net for info and hope it's still at the shop when I go back this Saturday.

James.

redstategunnut · May 12, 2011, 07:54 AM

Skip it. The modification to allow detachable magazines routinely results in an unreliable weapon. Spend the same money on an unmodified basic SKS, buy a few dozen stripper clips, smooth them out and drive on, you'll have a highly effective rifle.

cecILL · May 13, 2011, 07:02 AM

Agree, find one unmolested.

okiewita40 · May 13, 2011, 07:57 AM

+ 100 with redstate

TDodge7 · May 13, 2011, 09:54 AM

My sks has detachable magazines and I haven't had a single problem . I know plenty of people with sks's that also have detachable magazines and 0 problems , no reason to skip it just because of the mags , even if it has a detachable magazine that doesn't work well you can always put an original fixed mag back into it , it's no reason to skip buying the gun . The tapco 20rd mags seem to work well with just about everyone , the metal ak looking ones not so much (except usa brand). Just stick to tapco and usa brand detachable magazines and you'll be fine . The price is good on the one you found , I'd jump on it , I love my sks .

May 11, 2011, 11:10 AM	#1
wolfe 21 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2006 Posts: 205	SKS info??? Hello, I will freely admit when I know less than nothing about a specific firearm. As such, I am here to ask for opinions/knowledge. My LGS has an SKS in what I'm assuming is either a Tapco or Butler Creek Side folder stock with detachable poly mag for $250. I'm interested just because it's something I don't have and know nothing about, but would like to know a few things. Is this a fair price? Seems in good condition, bluing is 95%+, has bi-pod and compensator. Is there anything I should be looking for as far as glaring flaws or known defects? I thought these guns were fixed 10 round; how'd this one develop a detachable mag? (looks like an ak mag, but with an extension in the front to secure it to the action?) thanks for any information, James.

May 11, 2011, 01:10 PM	#2
tynimiller Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2010 Location: Osceola, IN Posts: 258	$250...with good rifleing is a good deal. I thought I got a good deal for my norinco one at $300. The originals are held to 10rounds with original stock, however I know there were some Chinese ones made that accept AK mags...which may be what you got your hands on...others will know more. __________________ ~ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE EVER OFFERED TO DIE FOR ME (you), JESUS CHRIST AND THE AMERICAN G.I. ONE DIED FOR MY (your) SOUL, THE OTHER FOR YOUR FREEDOM!~

May 11, 2011, 03:49 PM	#3
Lashlarue Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2008 Posts: 533	I sold my Norinco SKS with nothing more than a 30 round mag in 2002 for $350. I paid $99 for it and and got a 1260rd ammo box for another $99. I understand it is still humming along with nary a bobble. He still loves the spike bayonet, too!Norinco makes the best sks's. Too bad we don't or can't import them any longer. Mine like most was an unfired specamin. __________________ I've made a lot of money in my life, most was spent on booze, babes, guns, and poker,the rest I wasted!

May 11, 2011, 07:57 PM	#5
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Without seeing it, I'd say that the price is good. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

May 12, 2011, 02:30 AM	#7
dean1818 Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: Frisco Texas Posts: 844	Look closely at the bore to ensure that there isnt corrosion. I bought one as a "fun" gun last year. I like it very much ! __________________ An imperfect servant of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Buying American made, wherever I still can

May 11, 2011, 05:38 PM	#4
Woodencardboard Member Join Date: June 15, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 46	The sks originally has a 10 round fixed mag but they can easily be modified for detachable mags. $250 sounds like Good price. My norinco is set up in basically the same way.

May 11, 2011, 10:36 PM	#6
wolfe 21 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2006 Posts: 205	appreciate the feedback everyone. I'm honestly just interested because it's one of the few things my LGS has that I don't already own too many of (my preferences are 1911s and Ruger SAA clones). Besides, I haven't bought a rifle in almost a year, the last being a Canadian Centennial Win. 94 in 30/30. I also wish we could still import the Norinco brand, but more for the M-14 clones than the SKS's. I've heard these guns are reasonably more accurate than AK's. Is there anything to that (I'm not expecting MOA groups at distance, but drilling an adult size torso target at 100yds seems reasonable to me...?) Any other oddities to look for. James.

May 12, 2011, 05:25 AM	#8
kadima Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Posts: 190	James, there is a whole world of informations about the SKS on the net. I believe it is basically because of the C&R status and availability of reasonably priced rifles and cheap, while still effective ammo. I have a 1951 Tula arsenal SKS non refurbished and in original conditions and @ 100 metres, with commercial Barnaul ammo I stay within the "8" of the 25 metres free pistol UIT target. Prone position, iron sights. 'nuff accurate? K.

May 12, 2011, 07:30 AM	#9
wolfe 21 Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2006 Posts: 205	sounds good to me. I guess it's time to search the net for info and hope it's still at the shop when I go back this Saturday. James.

May 12, 2011, 07:54 AM	#10
redstategunnut Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2009 Location: see name Posts: 405	Skip it. The modification to allow detachable magazines routinely results in an unreliable weapon. Spend the same money on an unmodified basic SKS, buy a few dozen stripper clips, smooth them out and drive on, you'll have a highly effective rifle.

May 13, 2011, 07:02 AM	#11
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	Agree, find one unmolested.

May 13, 2011, 07:57 AM	#12
okiewita40 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 409	+ 100 with redstate __________________ What on god's green earth do you think your doing?

May 13, 2011, 09:54 AM	#13
TDodge7 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2008 Posts: 111	My sks has detachable magazines and I haven't had a single problem . I know plenty of people with sks's that also have detachable magazines and 0 problems , no reason to skip it just because of the mags , even if it has a detachable magazine that doesn't work well you can always put an original fixed mag back into it , it's no reason to skip buying the gun . The tapco 20rd mags seem to work well with just about everyone , the metal ak looking ones not so much (except usa brand). Just stick to tapco and usa brand detachable magazines and you'll be fine . The price is good on the one you found , I'd jump on it , I love my sks .