Norinco SKS

[Downeaster]

I see a Norinco SKS for sale locally in 95% condition for $200.  It has the fixed 10 round magazine and spike bayonet.  I am debating with the idea of getting it, taking off the bayonet and upgrading it (via Tapco) and turning it into a poor man's tactical rifle.  Does anyone own one of these and has anyone ever done the tactical route?  I hear the Norinco SKS's are drop dead reliable.  Anyway, Tapco makes some pretty cool stuff for the SKS and I hear that its products are excellent, as well.

[30-30man]

The SKS, no matter what country of origin is very reliable as is. The Norinco has the chrome barrels which are easily cleaned. $200 is about right and a good price for a Norinco. I've seen Yugos approach the $250-300 mark now. Expect 2-4"groups at 100 yards with iron sights. (Plenty Good for Hunting/Pest Control)  All the aftermarket stuff for the SKS is a waste of money. It is all made to make the SKS look like an Ak-47. Don't bubba a completly good working gun. The bayonet is enough to cause fear when needed by an intruder. The only aftermarket brand out there worth considering is the Tapco and even then, it wil not be as reliable as the original issue.  A tactical rifle must be functional and the aftermarket clips have a bad reputation.  You have to cut and file all of them including the Tapco to get it to work right.  There are 20 round Chinese made clips for the SKS but you'll pay a premium because they are the only high capacity mag that works reliably.  Learn to use stripper clips and enjoy the heck out of it.  The SKS is a very fine gun and is way under priced in MHO.

[~Ace~]

I agree with everything 30-30man  said, Don't BUBBA the rifle. But a aftermarket stock is often needed to get the right "Feel" if your a larger framed person. The China guns are made for short lil dudes, and often just won't Fit americans. The Yugo's are a NATO length gun and generally fit better.

Stay with the Fixed mag (factory 10 or 20) . Any aftermarket "Duckbill" mag is begging for problems.

The Bayonet has lots of positive points, the biggest of which is it's use as a Monopod.

If you replace the stock with a Folder, you will need the other Tapco parts to make it .922 compliant.

[saltydog]

Chinese are next best to the Russians SKS. The short stock is so you can wear winter and combat gear when using the rifle. You can deal with a short stock but not one that is too long. Don't waste time on aftermarket items. Keep rifle orginal so it will maintian it's value and function reliably.