View Full Version : 60 dollar SKS
Bought a Chinese SKS today for 60 dollars. This thing is butt ugly with some kind of cheap pistol grip folding stock. It also has a thirty round magazine which I understand is not a good thing although I was able to run through 10 rounds with no problems. That was all the ammo the guy had.
I'm looking for suggestions. I definately want to change the stock. What do you think about the B/C sporter stocks? Do I have other options. What should I do about the Magazine? Keep it or look to change back to the factory style? Is this thing even legal in it's current configuration? If not, what do I need to do to get it legal? Also, Can someone point me to a manual for this thing? It looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years and I have no knowledge of how to even take it down.
Any input, thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I'll try to put up a picture of it tomorrow.
BlenderWizard
11-22-2007, 15:47
1. They're alright
2. Maybe a Chinese fiberglass
3. Probably find a 10 round original
4. Who cares?
5. eBay usually has manuals, or go to www.sksboards.com or www.simonov.net
hoplophile
11-22-2007, 15:53
The SKS works best in its original configiration. After years of buying "extras" that would make it "better", such as: stocks, magazines, scopes, bipods, etc. now all of mine are back the way I got them: Military issue configuration.
You can still find reasonable military wood stock sets and other things for the Chikomz at places like Sarco Inc, Cheaper than Dirt, Tapco, Centerfire Systems and others. Just type in "SKS parts" on the web and it'll give you a lot of sources. Sarco Inc even has "SKS survival kits" that include many parts that either wear out or otherwise need replacing on the SKS, including stocks. Some of those stocks can be found for about 20 bucks if you find the right place.
I'm biased by my own experience with trying all the goodies, and my advice is: Get it back into military configuration and leave it that way. You'll like it a lot better in the long run and it will be more functional and reliable too. The only exception with my SKS's is that I have one Chikom that I put an aftermarket receiver-mounted ghost ring sight on it, and it makes a world of difference in target acquisition and repeat accuracy in rapid fire. They make 2 styles, but I use the simpler and less expensive "flip-change" one.
69Rocket-Joe
11-25-2007, 07:50
Any input, thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I'll try to put up a picture of it tomorrow.
You can also get some info here: http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/index.asp
They have tons of info on Mil Surp rifles. A handy source, now where are pics of this thing???!!! :D
-Joe
Sorry for the delay on the pictures. Here they are. Folded and open.
Thanks for the input guys. I'm definately on the hunt to replace this stock. It is from Combat Exchange but I just think it's ugly and it has to go.
69Rocket-Joe
11-25-2007, 17:06
Sorry for the delay on the pictures. Here they are. Folded and open.
Thanks for the input guys. I'm definately on the hunt to replace this stock. It is from Combat Exchange but I just think it's ugly and it has to go.
I'd have paid $60 for that happily. If you are interested in selling the stock my brother may be interested. Let me know when you find a replacement.
-Joe
hoplophile
11-25-2007, 18:58
Incidentally, I think that folding stock may be illegal on any sks brought into the country before 1989 or so. I have 2 of these stocks and was advised by someone in the know to replace the latch with a conversion that makes it a fixed stock. I still have the latches but will only use them if something happens with the laws governing the folders. (that is, if I ever decide to change my SKS's out of military config again).
Also....be careful about detachable mags on any SKS and bayonets on Chikom ones for the same reason. Believe it or not, it's illegal to install them even though you can buy them anywhere.
Just some friendly advice.
69Rocket-Joe
11-25-2007, 19:18
Incidentally, I think that folding stock may be illegal on any sks brought into the country before 1989 or so. I have 2 of these stocks and was advised by someone in the know to replace the latch with a conversion that makes it a fixed stock. I still have the latches but will only use them if something happens with the laws governing the folders. (that is, if I ever decide to change my SKS's out of military config again).
Also....be careful about detachable mags on any SKS and bayonets on Chikom ones for the same reason. Believe it or not, it's illegal to install them even though you can buy them anywhere.
Just some friendly advice.
I thought with the AWB sunset folders, removable mags, flash hiders, and bayo's were good again with the proper number of US made compliance parts.
-Joe
hoplophile
11-25-2007, 20:00
The AWB that sunsetted was enacted later than the prohibitions I mentioned. They came into effect under Bush-1 and thus are still in effect to this day. They encompassed import restrictions as well as prohibitions on what some arms may or may not include. (Look at some of the ads from places that sell SKS accessories and they mention "Section 922R" regulations).
For a better clarification (which I'm not qualified to make) you might want to check-in with a BATF website or call them. Might be worth it when you find out I'm right and therefore could either lose some equipment or worse if they want to get crappy about it with you.
69Rocket-Joe
11-25-2007, 21:07
922 (r)
The Imported Parts Law(1990)
178.39 otherwise known as 922(r) 10 Foreign parts law on semiauto Rifles & Shotguns
http://www.atf.treas.gov/regulations/27cfr178.html
Sec. 178.39 Assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns.
(a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph (c) of this section if the assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution
by a licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or
(2) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of
testing or experimentation authorized by the Director under the
provisions of Sec. 178.151; or
(3) The repair of any rifle or shotgun which had been imported into or assembled in the United States prior to November 30, 1990, or the replacement of any part of such firearm.
(c) For purposes of this section, the term imported parts are:
(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
(2) Barrels
(3) Barrel extensions
(4) Mounting blocks (trunions)
(5) Muzzle attachments
(6) Bolts
(7) Bolt carriers
(8) Operating rods
(9) Gas pistons
(10) Trigger housings
(11) Triggers
(12) Hammers
(13) Sears
(14) Disconnectors
(15) Buttstocks
(16) Pistol grips
(17) Forearms, handguards
(18) Magazine bodies
(19) Followers
(20) Floorplates
Yeah I knew about 922R. Like I said the AWB made assembling almost anything illegal. Now you just have to abide by 922R and as long as you have enough compliant parts you are fine. The trick would be if a new AWB were to go into place that you prove when the rifle was assembled.
-Joe
hoplophile
11-25-2007, 23:05
I may have cited the wrong reg when I mentioned 922R with regard to the Chinese SKS. I'll have to take a more in-depth look into it and see if I can find the right one.
Thanks for posting that info Joe.
Thanks for all this info guys even though now I'm feeling maybe I should have passed on this thing. I kinda feel like a bought an illegal pink elephant.
I never have understood 922R. Is there a site somewhere that clarifies some of this stuff?
69Rocket-Joe
11-26-2007, 11:03
I may have cited the wrong reg when I mentioned 922R with regard to the Chinese SKS. I'll have to take a more in-depth look into it and see if I can find the right one.
Thanks for posting that info Joe.
No problem, you may have a point on the Chinese ones though. I don't know if there is something more with them or not. They can no longer be imported but I don't know if modifying them has any further restrictions beyond 922R.
-Joe
69Rocket-Joe
11-26-2007, 11:05
Thanks for all this info guys even though now I'm feeling maybe I should have passed on this thing. I kinda feel like a bought an illegal pink elephant.
I never have understood 922R. Is there a site somewhere that clarifies some of this stuff?
If you are going to convert it back to a fixed stock and fixed magazine you have nothing to fear. If you leave it as is then you need to dig into it a little more.
-Joe
hoplophile
11-26-2007, 17:40
Rugmar, like 69 says............as long as you don't put any aftermarket things on it you'll be OK (there may be SOME that are still approved, but you need to check) . You got a great deal and with about 20-40 bucks put into getting it back to original it will still be a great deal.
If I were in your shoes I'd be tickled pink to have gotten the deal you did.
Ok guys , thanks. I ordered a wooden stock from Cheaper than dirt yesterday. Now if I can just find a fixed 10 round magazine for it. So are you saying I should be ok at that point?
69Rocket-Joe
11-26-2007, 20:30
Ok guys , thanks. I ordered a wooden stock from Cheaper than dirt yesterday. Now if I can just find a fixed 10 round magazine for it. So are you saying I should be ok at that point?
I would then believe you would be fine as the rifle will have been restored to close to original military configuration. Did the stock from CTD include an upper handguard? I think there are a couple places out there offering Yugo uppers with gas tubes.
-Joe
Yes, it comes with a handguard. Now to find that magazine. Any ideas on that?
hoplophile
11-27-2007, 17:40
Yes, it comes with a handguard. Now to find that magazine. Any ideas on that?
Rugmar..........I think you could have gotten that stock with the mag and a whole lot of other spare parts from SARCO,Inc (one of the places I mentioned in my first post) for about 40 bucks plus shipping.
69Rocket-Joe
11-27-2007, 19:06
I think SARCO has the original magazines for $30. This place has them for $25: http://www.buymilitaria.com/sks_htm_files/sks_rifle_10rd_magazine.htm
AIM has a hardwood stock set with upper for $9.95 but no original magazines. I think you would get a better price if you posted a wanted ad here and other gun sites as someone who has converted to removable mags may sell off the original cheap.
-Joe
hoplophile
11-27-2007, 21:43
My memory is getting really bad. I was sure I saw a magazine listed in the Sarco parts kit. (Sorry)
There were 2 other places:
www.militarygunsupply.com (http://www.militarygunsupply.com) has them at 20 bucks.
Numrich Arms / Gun Parts Corp lists them for 13 bucks but they're currently out. It may have been them that I bought my kit from with the magazine years ago for 40 bucks, which had a lot of other parts included.
69Rocket-Joe
11-28-2007, 11:08
My memory is getting really bad. I was sure I saw a magazine listed in the Sarco parts kit. (Sorry)
I don't think you are going crazy, I thought I saw them at SARCO as well, for $30.
-Joe
Rugmar..........I think you could have gotten that stock with the mag and a whole lot of other spare parts from SARCO,Inc (one of the places I mentioned in my first post) for about 40 bucks plus shipping.
Yeah, I looked there but didn't see a picture, only a description, so I didn't really have a clue as to what I would get. Tried calling them but no one wanted to talk. Got put on eternal hold. So......I tried one of the other places you mentioned and scored. Thanks!
Do you guys think I need to stick with a 10 round fixed magazine or can I get a 20 round fixed? Sorry to be such a newb here about the SKS but I have never really studied up on them or really had a whole lot of interest until this one just threw itself in my face. I really appreciate all the help and suggestions.
69Rocket-Joe
11-28-2007, 16:44
I'd go with an original 10 round fixed and stripper clips. Should help create a stone cold reliable rifle. I wondered the same thing about the SARCO fixed mag and the limited description and no pic.
-Joe
I ordered the 10 round factory mag from buymilsurp.com. I had to pay 35 bucks for it but I think it will do well. When all is said and done I'll have about 170 bucks in this 60 dollar rifle. :lol:
Thanks again for all your help guys! I'll post pictures when I get the parts and get it put back to original.
hoplophile
11-29-2007, 20:51
I'm sure the 10-rounders at SARCO are original mil-issue. They don't substitute aftermarket items like some other places might. Ive used the 20-round Chikom fixed military mags with the stars on the sides and will never change from the original 10 rounders again. There are some people who claim the 20's are great but the two I had needed to be babysat continually and never went through a whole day of shooting without several problems in feeding. I tried them in both my Chikom SKS's, so I know it wasn't just a problem with the rifles.
In SARCO's defense about your being on hold forever............they are a big operation with only a few people manning the sales stations. Most of what they do is higher-dollar orders from militaries and police units (both U.S. and foreign). They even deal in Class III weapons and a lot of people have to keep their attention on that segment of the business for obvious legal reasons. I currently am waiting for a parts order from them and even though they take a while, they have reliable and competent service and excellent quality military SKS parts.
And (very important) some of the best prices in the market.
How ya doin',
Wanted to ask Rugmar if he could break down his costs so far.
And re-state who he purchased the items from.
You mentioned $170 to date. Know it's $60 for the rifle, $35 for the mag, but was wondering about the stock and handgaurd you mentioned earlier. And any other parts / misc items you're including in the $170. Then there is your time & labor, of course.
Lord knows it's less then the $250 I spent on mine recently. But mine is un-modified, so I've spent no $ on restoring it.
Thanks,
Manny
69Rocket-Joe
11-30-2007, 18:11
How ya doin',
Wanted to ask Rugmar if he could break down his costs so far.
And re-state who he purchased the items from.
You mentioned $170 to date. Know it's $60 for the rifle, $35 for the mag, but was wondering about the stock and handgaurd you mentioned earlier. And any other parts / misc items you're including in the $170. Then there is your time & labor, of course.
Lord knows it's less then the $250 I spent on mine recently. But mine is un-modified, so I've spent no $ on restoring it.
Thanks,
Manny
He might make some of those dollars back if he sells me the stock at a fair price. I was going to offer a fixed original Yugo mag in trade but he got a replacement before I could pull the one off my project gun.
-Joe
The gun was from a guy I know - 60 dollars
Stock was from Cheaper than Dirt , I also got the spike bayonet for it although I'm not sure if I'm allowed to keep it installed (anyone?)- Total including shipping was 74 dollars.
Mag was from Buymilsurp.com-40 bucks including shipping.
Total = 174.00
I think it looks pretty good although it needs a little work IMO. The stock to receiver fit is extremely tight. It is a real bear to get it together and probably needs a little sanding. The finish is horrible and I'll probably redo it at some point. Also the magazine needs to be re-blued and that will be done whenever I do the stock.
Joe, if you really want this stock send me a pm and I'll give you my address. How does twenty bucks and I'll pay the shipping sound?
Here's a picture.
69Rocket-Joe
12-01-2007, 13:50
The gun was from a guy I know - 60 dollars
Stock was from Cheaper than Dirt , I also got the spike bayonet for it although I'm not sure if I'm allowed to keep it installed (anyone?)- Total including shipping was 74 dollars.
Mag was from Buymilsurp.com-40 bucks including shipping.
Total = 174.00
I think it looks pretty good although it needs a little work IMO. The stock to receiver fit is extremely tight. It is a real bear to get it together and probably needs a little sanding. The finish is horrible and I'll probably redo it at some point. Also the magazine needs to be re-blued and that will be done whenever I do the stock.
Joe, if you really want this stock send me a pm and I'll give you my address. How does twenty bucks and I'll pay the shipping sound?
Here's a picture.
I think that turned out looking pretty sharp. I think you did good. What was the stock advertised as originally being from? You should be fine with the bayonet. What you have now is a rifle in pretty much original issue condition. Not sure if that stock is what my brother is looking for or not but I'll take it and if he doesn't want it I'll squirrel it away.
-Joe
I think that turned out looking pretty sharp. I think you did good. What was the stock advertised as originally being from? You should be fine with the bayonet. What you have now is a rifle in pretty much original issue condition. Not sure if that stock is what my brother is looking for or not but I'll take it and if he doesn't want it I'll squirrel it away.
-Joe
I never really saw any info on what the stock was originally from. Maybe I just missed it. Here is a direct link to the stock I bought.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SKS175-46738-1877.html
Travis Morgan
12-02-2007, 01:25
Thanks for the input guys. I'm definately on the hunt to replace this stock. It is from Combat Exchange but I just think it's ugly and it has to go.
If ugly is an issue, WHY did you buy an SKS?
If ugly is an issue, WHY did you buy an SKS?
I personally don't think of the SKS as ugly. I may have at one point but they have kind of grown on me. The folding stock was what I was refering to as being ugly. Just my opinion of course.
BlenderWizard
12-04-2007, 14:51
If ugly is an issue, WHY did you buy an SKS?
Hmmmm... coming to the SKS part of the boards and calling the SKS ugly is probably not the wisest thing I've seen this week.
Travis Morgan
12-04-2007, 17:20
You sound like the 'tards over at Glocktalk. I happen to like my anvil, but I don't get ***** everytime someone mentions that it's heavy.
Edited by Ruger22C
There is NO need to insult anyone here , or at any other Board. Keep the conversation civil, and friendly please. This means EVERYONE.
I would not make any sense at all to have to close this thread.
69Rocket-Joe
12-04-2007, 18:06
I never really saw any info on what the stock was originally from. Maybe I just missed it. Here is a direct link to the stock I bought.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SKS175-46738-1877.html
That looks like a decent about of stuff for the price. Although I remember not long ago you could get complete Yugo rifles for under $100. I think I took part in a 3fer from Century for 3 M59/66's for $250. They were sold as having cracked stocks but all were good.
-Joe
hoplophile
12-04-2007, 20:21
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder............and I "behold" the SKS as being an almost unbelievably reliable, rugged, simple, powerful and compact piece of equipment, especially at the price you pay for it.
If all women could adopt human attributes equal to the cold metal characteristics of these little babes I doubt they'd ever have a problem finding a good man or keeping him either.
In weighing what you get out of them against what you put into them........I consider the SKS to be PURE SEX!!
69Rocket-Joe
12-04-2007, 20:29
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder............and I "behold" the SKS as being an almost unbelievably reliable, rugged, simple, powerful and compact piece of equipment, especially at the price you pay for it.
If all women could adopt human attributes equal to the cold metal characteristics of these little babes I doubt they'd ever have a problem finding a good man or keeping him either.
In weighing what you get out of them against what you put into them........I consider the SKS to be PURE SEX!!
For the price you get a pretty high quality little rifle. You guys are making me think I should get a couple more Yugo's before they are all gone. I still need a Russian. :D For a semi auto I really don't know what you could buy that would beat and SKS in terms of bang for the buck. That and you can modify the heck out of them with a HUGE aftermarket support.
-Joe
hoplophile
12-04-2007, 20:45
Yugos are about all there is out there anymore. Russians are the most expensive and rare of the really desireable ones. Romanians are very nice too, but hard to find. I also like the Chikomz, but most have barrels that are pinned-on as opposed to most others which are screwed in, and some people don't like that. Makes little diff to me for my needs, much like the Yugos not having chromed bores. They all work great for me.
Thanks to all who posted here. Several of you guys gave me some good advice and pointed me to the stuff I needed. That's what I was hoping for. Much appreciated!
Rocket-Joe, I'll be home Thursday and I'll be in touch.
Just wanted to let you guys know that I couldn't stand looking at that red shoe polish looking stain on that wooden stock I bought. I got started stripping her all down to bare wood and getting ready for a refinish. I'm currently re-blueing the magazine and all the little metal bits and pieces. I'll take a few pics along the way and post them here as I go. The stock looks like oak to me. Is that typical?
hoplophile
01-11-2008, 23:26
If it's a Chikom stock it's probably asian mahogany. They're good serviceable stocks and can be made to look pretty nice if there's not too much grease soaked-in. If it's a Yugo stock, it's teakwood. Those are the only two types of wood used in SKS's I'm aware of that resemble oak.
Not sure if a Yugo would fit a Chikom SKS without a bunch of tweaking though.
Well here it is with the finish removed. I ran a wet rag over it so you could see the grain pattern a little better. When dry it is a very light color like birch or beech. What type of wood does it look like to you?
hoplophile
01-13-2008, 07:10
Asian mahogany, and it's a nice one too. If you like darker wood it'll take walnut stain. I left mine in the natural color and used Birchwood Casey's "Tru Oil" stock finish. I think you might like the results if you do yours that way too.
Since the Chikom stocks are usually dry-finished with varnish or shellac, there's probably not a lot of grease imbedded in the wood. That's make for a better-looking finish too.
I just got my teak stock done yesterday and there are some storage dings in it that I couldn't see with all the oil and grease on it. I'm happy overall though.
Thanks Hoplophile. Do you have any pics of yours in the gallery?
I'm leaning toward something darker like walnut but I'm open to other suggestions as well. I'm not trying to make it into some kind of showpiece but I do want it to look nice and that crappy red stain wasn't doing it for me.
hoplophile
01-13-2008, 12:01
I'm more of a low-tech guy and haven't gone as far as to photo anything I can post here.
I think if you put stain on it the stock will look good, but the grain comes out better without it. When I finish my SKS's, I just get all the crap out of the wood and then apply something that will bring-out the beauty and feel good on the hands when shooting. Your wood will come-out a light brown just as it is if you use something like I mentioned above. It only gives a finish coating to the surface.
Staining will help cover some of the dings that remain darker, but you'll have to go to some extra work to make the dings less dark if you just apply finish. The dings don't mean that much to me. All my guns are working tools and I don't own any safe queens, so small blemishes are just that.
Well I finally finished re-blue on all the parts today. Everything came out pretty nice. The stock is finished as well and I believe I'll be happy with it. It is still drying. I used a walnut stain and it looks good although it is a little dark. I just chose the stain and polyurethane spray method cause it's easy and I've used it in the past with good results.
I'll post up a new picture of it when I get everything reassembled. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions guys. I'm about ready to start hunting another one of these SKS's now!
hoplophile
01-19-2008, 21:02
I'd like to see how it turns out. Good luck on finding more of them at decent prices. They're probably out there, but they're thinning out fast.
OK, here are a few shots of the finished product. Man that was a fun little project. Pretty inexpensive too, 9 bucks for two bottles of Perma-Blue and 5 bucks for some sandpaper. Everything else I had on hand.
This thread probably needs to be moved to the picture gallery and thats ok if a mod feels the need to move it.
She looks a lot different now huh?
You did a beautiful job of refinishing your SKS. It looks better than brand new!
Since there are so many pictures in this thread, I am going to move it to the gallery. It will be just as accessable there as it is here.
hoplophile
01-20-2008, 10:47
Great results, Rug. Getting it done is half the fun. Fondling it, shooting it and hearing the admiration of others is the other half.
Congrats!
Thanks to all who gave hints and advice on this. I shot it again today and it was so much fun. Works flawless and not to bad in the accuracy dept at least for my intended purpose. I was ripping up cans and water bottles at 60 to 70 yds. Very satisfying. Thanks again guys.
BigOleSwingin`
02-24-2008, 17:54
OK, here are a few shots of the finished product. Man that was a fun little project. Pretty inexpensive too, 9 bucks for two bottles of Perma-Blue and 5 bucks for some sandpaper. Everything else I had on hand.
This thread probably needs to be moved to the picture gallery and thats ok if a mod feels the need to move it.
She looks a lot different now huh?
Awesome!
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