Is an SKS a "must have" rifle?

[Clay]

Im at an impasse.

Found a Norinco SKS for what I consider a good price, good enough I could put it up most places and a few bucks. Rifle looks nice, only around 250 rounds through it.

But is an SKS one of those rifles that you all would consider a "must have"? Much in the same way that most consider an AR in some form a "must have", or for others maybe an AK fits that bill. I have both of those, so what say you??

I just cant decide if I want to do this deal.

thanks,
clay

[ralphb72]

Not to me, if you have an AK and AR, I would say something in a .308/7.62 nato if you don't already have one, or ammo and magazines.

[turnandshoot4]

I agree. I have an sks that is a safe queen due to the creepy trigger and OK accuracy.

[jediagh]

Okay have an AK not ARs and no plan to build upon that family yet.
However what are you looking to do with the SKS that your AR and AK cannot do?
Also, at least for me, I look at my firearms as just part of the package of a complete weapon system. Meaning you have the gun, but do you have the 'support equipment' for it in case the SHTF?

Ex.
1911
Extra Magazines
Holster for Leg
Holster for everyday use
Magazine Holders
Ammo

AK47
Sling for AK
Extra Magazines
Ammo Bag or Tact Vest to hold the gear
Case
Gun Sock
Cleaning Materials
Ammo
more Ammo
more more ammo

=)
You get the point right?

[Slab]

I dont think so man. It keeps you in the same caliber as your AK but beyond that i dont think it will serve a specific use that an AR or AK cant fill.

buy more ammo

[SavageEagle]

Ok accuracy my butt! If it's the 20" barrel, it's accuracy is 5-10x better than the AK. The AK is EFFECTIVE out to 400yrds, but not accurate. The SKS is dam near a tack driver if it's in great condition. I would know, my Norinco is deadly accurate with iron sights at 100yrds. I've heard 500yrds with dead accuracy but I can't confirm that. If you talk to the guys at Atterbury, they'll tell you of a little old Korean lady that has one and with open sights can hit bullseye 8/10 shots everytime. If you already have an AK then you have ammo for both a CQB rifle and a much more effective medium-long range rifle. I want an AK to round out my rifle collection then I'll be happy.

Some won't consider it a "must have", but it's reliability and ease of use rival that of an AK. Ammo is fairly cheap. It's a bit heavy, but not that heavy that you can't stand and shoot accurately. The triggers can be fixed if you don't like it.

One thing to look at before the money changes hands though. rack the bolt, get it ready to fire, safety off, unloaded of course. Once you have it ready to dry fire, tap the butt on the ground. Lightly, but with some force. If it fires it has trigger issues. Not serious unless you don't get it fixed before taking it to the range. LOL

If it IS the 20", nothing over 325-350 if it's in GREAT shape. I paid 250 for mine but it had a folding stock. Mine now has the Tapco stock and I use the Tapco 20rnd Detachable Mags...

From this.....


To this....


No longer has the Scope. Stay FAR away from the NCStar Reciever Cover Mounts. Crappy Mounts.

[jblomenberg16]

If you don't have an AK, it is a yes, if you do have an AK, I'd say not so much unless you just want to standardize calibers and have a rifle with a bit longer barrel for slightly better accuracy.

I've gone the AR and SKS route. To me the AK is in the middle of the two. The SKS is the inexpensive plinker that also has some practical use if ever needed. The AR is my sports car that also gets some plinking work and would also have a purpose.

jediagh is on to something with his thread. I'm not a big SHTF / Tinfoil hat guy, but do have a basic plan in place if I need it. Part of that plan is functioning rifles and hanguns in a limited number of common calibers.

Because of the less expensive ammo, I've chosen to invest more in my SKS in terms of ammo and in making it my primary rifle.

I think the ultimate decision may come down to what do you want to do with it? Norinco SKS's don't have a huge amount of collectors appeal, but sure do make nice range rifles to blow up pop cans, milk jugs, and just make noise. If you have the money and have the other guns you want/need, I'd say go for it. If not, I'd say wait and look at investing in ammo for what you've got.

[redneckjoe]

A sks is a great gun and fun and uses the same 7.62x39 that the ak uses
so if you have both you have 2 guns that share the same ammo

[SavageEagle]

I would also like to add, that as others have said, if you have a different gun that you NEED for a certain reason, wait, save and get it. IF NOT, I would get the SKS before they ban them in the upcoming proposed AWB. They will be one on the list and if it gets sent to committee, forget ever finding an SKS under $500-600.

[Hammer]

I have both the AK and an SKS. I usually bring both to the range when i go. I believe the SKS shots better as far as accuracy and less recoil. I look at it as a compliment to the collection.