In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
AK / SKS
cbxjeff
Member Posts: 17,601 ✭✭✭✭
My son tells me that he wants to buy his first rifle. He must have some friends that have mentioned SKS. I'm no expert, which is why I'm here. I have an AK and think even though it is twice the cost - that is the way to go. What are the pros and cons? What argument do I put up? I also have a Bushmaster and a Colt, but they are out of his price range. Thanks in advance.Jeff
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
It's too late for me, save yourself.
Comments
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
GUN CONTROL: If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com
? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
The AK-47 is less accurate than the SKS, mostly because the SKS has a longer barrel and is more of an "infantry rifle" designed for longer range battlefield shooting. It has almost always been in semi-auto, even when the Russian military and the VietCong used it. The AK-47 has a shorter barrel and is more designed for "spray and pray", being that it is and always will be mostly used in full-auto mode while on the battlefield.The AK-47 is banned in many more places than the SKS, due to the fact that it is unquestionably an assault rifle with a "conspicuous pistol grip" and the disabled capacity for full-auto fire. The SKS can pass for a hunting/target rifle if it doesnt have a bayonet or a huge aftermarket magazine.The PC aspect: The AK-47 is designed to accept hi-capacity magazines, which besides being repulsive to many (stupid) people, are illegal in 5 states. Thats not to say you wouldnt be able to find 5 or 10 round mags, but the 30 and 40 round "banana clip" mags are much more prevalent.Being that I own one and I am still in high-school, the stigma of owning an gun is even worse if you own a "horrible death machine" like an AK-47 or an AR-15 (see my eyes roll).The gun scares the cops, scares the other people at the range, and scares the neighbors, all of which is made worse by being a kid. Thats not to say it's not worth it, but it IS something to think about.
Now that that's all covered, if you were to get an SKS, I'd recommend a post-ban Norinco. They are, from my experience, well made and undeserving of the scorn with which some regard them. Romanians are also great if you arrange to have the rear sight fixed. Like the others said, they can work loose and fall off.Original Russians are the best quality of all, but they are all preban and carry a bayonet and a fixed magazine unless they've been removed. Being that they are the oldest and first model SKS, it is VERY rare to find one in legitimately good condition; most are battle scarred and bore ravaged. Regardless of their condition, they are very expensive. Dont expect to find one (even in poor to fair condition) for less than $300.Bulgarians are all in preban with a huge grenade launching attachment on the front, which is unnecessary, ugly, and illegal in some states. Mostly only for collectors.Avoid Egyptians like the plague. They are poorly made and most have been poorly cared for. These have serious problems with slamfires. Luckily, they are rather rare.For any preban (meaning they were made and imported before the 1994 assault weapons ban) SKS, expect a lower quality bore and expect to pay more than $250. They almost always include a bayonet for collectable purposes. They are mostly designed for collectors who dont care about the bore quality.
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.