Discussion of the SKS platform of semi auto rifles
Preservation forum, please no altered military surplus rifles or discussions on altering in this forum. Please read the rules at the top of each forum.
I have been wanting an SKS for a while now. A co-worker of a family member happened to have one for sale and sent me a pic last weekend. Long story short, I purchased it for $140 and feel like I got a great deal. From what I can tell so far this is a 1950 Tula refurbed with the BBQ paint..and all the numbers appear to match. Despite the few scratches and dings the stock looks pretty good with a nice finish to it. I don't know much about these carbines and can now look forward to many youtube videos until I can disassemble/clean/reassemble with ease along with researching some of the history behind them.
The only thing wrong with it was that prior to his acquisition someone had mounted a b-square scope mount and removed the cover latch. The hex bolt that is in now can't be fastened from the opposite side though it seems to stand no chance of falling out. I purchased a replacement latch from ncstar and it seems rather difficult with no instructions. Anyone have any pointers for this install?
Why can't I ever stumble upon deals like this. $140 for a russian sks. You stole that thing! Extremely great deal and a great looking rifle to boot
Let me make a short, open, blanket comment. There are no good guns. There are no bad guns. Any gun in the hands of a bad man is a bad thing. Any gun in the hands of a descent person is no threat to anyone--- except bad people. -- Charleton Heston
Guns are not good, they are not evil. Save those descriptions for the people holding the firearm. -- Unknown
1943 Izhevsk
1937 Izhevsk
1935/48/50 Tula (hex)
1939 Tula (laminate stock)
And many other firearms
Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
Theodore Roosevelt
gurn wrote:Well done! Great looking SKS too. Don't realty understand what you mean about the hex bolt and all, need more info.
Thanks!
The take down latch that goes through the bolt cover was cut out in order to install a crappy scope mount. There is a hex bolt that came with the mount that goes through the bolt cover, holding it and the scope mount in place. To take down the rifle you must unscrew the hex bolt and remove. Problem is, there is no way to fasten the hex bolt anymore, no nut/washer for it and it's internally threaded anyways. It's basically just a stick of metal slid through thats keeping the cover on. It seems to stay in place well when inserted but I don't want to rely on that for firing despite being told that hundreds of rounds have been put through this way.
I bought a replacement cover latch and was able to "mostly" install it. It comes with no directions and there seems be about 0 detailed info on the web to walk me through it. Basically I just inserted the latch (with cover and spring off) then hammered the pin (that keeps the latch in the gun) into place using a hammer and punch. They make the pins too long though as a bit sticks out the opposite side keeping the latch from fitting through the bolt cover. I had to go buy a file at lunch today and plan on filing down the excess pin tonight and everything should function fine at that point, assuming all goes well.
To be fair, I didn't realize that Russians go for so much. All I knew on these rifles is that the local shops sell SKS's for $399. I figured a pawn would give him $200 and was prepared to pay a max of $250-275. I think the guy wanted a part for his AR so badly that he just wanted to get rid of the thing to get fast cash. He said he would happily take $150, so I don't feel too guilty here.
I was successfully able to install the cover latch after filing down the excess metal. Everything looks good to go now and I'm gonna take it out to the woods this weekend
