SKS vs. M1 Carbine

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

I got this idea from another board and thought it may be fun here.

There were predominately two carbines in use in WWII and Korea: The Soviet designed SKS with its 7.62x39mm cartridge and the US designed M1 Carbine with its .30 carbine, or 7.62x33mm, cartridge.

The M1 Carbine and the SKS were both combat accurate carbines. While the SKS only held 10 rounds, the M1 Carbine held 15 in a detachable magazine. Both were quick to reload.

The real practical difference, in my opinion, is the cartridge fired:

The SKS fired a 7.62x39mm round loaded with a 123gr spitzer bullet at around 2,410fps.

The M1 Carbine fired a .30 caliber round (metric 7.62x33mm) with a bullet weighing 110gr at around 1,190fps.

If you had to pick one to use in a defensive situation (think Katrina here), which would it be?

Assume military ammo only, no hollowpoints. Both can have bayonets.

I personally think I would have to take the SKS, but only because of its ballistics. Properly fitted with a stock extender, I do like the M1 Carbine quite a bit, and almost bought one instead of the SKS. The only reason I did not was because the one I could find was an old, beat up example that the owner wanted $1,000 for due to it having been in his family since World War I ( ??? ) I walked. I do still plan to get one however.

My vote goes to the SKS and plenty of stripper clips due to its ammunition. What's your choice?

Josh <><