SKS vs AK47 (was swap)
This is for Doug Wilson.
In the previous thread, several posters including myself indicated that they'd rather have an SKS and a Ruger 10/22 vs an AK, and you asked why.
First of all, I think it should be obvious why a .22LR rifle and a medium caliber semi-auto rifle are better than JUST a medium caliber semi-auto rifle alone. So that was the distinction.
In terms of JUST an AK vs JUST an SKS, I think the AK is better, and given the choice THAT way I'd pick the AK. Of course the AK costs twice as much money, which makes that sort of comparison unfair.
On AK vs SKS, in general both are strong, abuse resistant, reliable, and combat proven rifles.
Neither is remarkably accurate, but either is good enough for the intended purpose of short range combat.
Pretty much the chief advantage of the AK-47 is CAPACITY. If you MUST have the ability to toss off lots of rounds quickly, having the ability to take 30 or 40 round mags is a big plus. IE, if you KNOW you are going to get into military type combat, the AK is better.
Some people will like the pistol grip of the AK better, and the AK has many more parts and accessories available to customize the gun. So those are minor potential advantages.
But other than these things? I don't see much advantage to the AK.
Meanwhile, the SKS has a built in bayonet (which doesn't hurt), is considered a C&R gun (which is a potential advantage in selling it), and (IMO most important) LACKS the vertical pistol grip and detachable magazine that classify it as an "assault rifle" in most jurisdictions that make that distinction.
So the SKS is "just" a semi-automatic rifle, and the 10 round fixed magazine means the gun can go with you legally around most of the country as just an ordinary "hunting" rifle.
The fact that it is less intimidating is a bit of a plus as well.
Meanwhile in a pinch, if you are practiced, you can reload an SKS with stripper clips (10 rounds at a time) pretty fast, nearly as fast as swapping out AK mags. And if you want to, there are 20 (and I think 30) round fixed SKS mags available.
Ultimately, the SKS will give you maybe 80% of the functionality of the AK, at maybe half the price.
In the previous thread, several posters including myself indicated that they'd rather have an SKS and a Ruger 10/22 vs an AK, and you asked why.
First of all, I think it should be obvious why a .22LR rifle and a medium caliber semi-auto rifle are better than JUST a medium caliber semi-auto rifle alone. So that was the distinction.
In terms of JUST an AK vs JUST an SKS, I think the AK is better, and given the choice THAT way I'd pick the AK. Of course the AK costs twice as much money, which makes that sort of comparison unfair.
On AK vs SKS, in general both are strong, abuse resistant, reliable, and combat proven rifles.
Neither is remarkably accurate, but either is good enough for the intended purpose of short range combat.
Pretty much the chief advantage of the AK-47 is CAPACITY. If you MUST have the ability to toss off lots of rounds quickly, having the ability to take 30 or 40 round mags is a big plus. IE, if you KNOW you are going to get into military type combat, the AK is better.
Some people will like the pistol grip of the AK better, and the AK has many more parts and accessories available to customize the gun. So those are minor potential advantages.
But other than these things? I don't see much advantage to the AK.
Meanwhile, the SKS has a built in bayonet (which doesn't hurt), is considered a C&R gun (which is a potential advantage in selling it), and (IMO most important) LACKS the vertical pistol grip and detachable magazine that classify it as an "assault rifle" in most jurisdictions that make that distinction.
So the SKS is "just" a semi-automatic rifle, and the 10 round fixed magazine means the gun can go with you legally around most of the country as just an ordinary "hunting" rifle.
The fact that it is less intimidating is a bit of a plus as well.
Meanwhile in a pinch, if you are practiced, you can reload an SKS with stripper clips (10 rounds at a time) pretty fast, nearly as fast as swapping out AK mags. And if you want to, there are 20 (and I think 30) round fixed SKS mags available.
Ultimately, the SKS will give you maybe 80% of the functionality of the AK, at maybe half the price.
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Also the sks is a milled receiver vs the bent sheet metal AK. The milled AKs being alot more expensive the 2x that of the sks. Personally I have for many years recomended to my family and friend that an sks and a bandolier of ammo belongs in each of their families home emergency kits. The ones that listened went out and bought $69 sks's and are happy. The ones that didn't, still won't listen and don't care so I guess they are happy too, so far..... 0 -
I have a norinco sks that holds 30 rounds or more depending on the magazine. Is this normal or is it because its just old. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by dav1965
I have a norinco sks that holds 30 rounds or more depending on the magazine. Is this normal or is it because its just old.
There are SKS design rifles that can take standard AK mags, so that's probably what you have.
But the "ordinary" SKS has a fixed internal magazine.
As to forged vs. stamped receivers, obviously forged (or milled) are better than stamped, given the choice. Still, AKs in general are not known for their "fine craftsmanship", and I have yet to hear any story of someone wearing out the stamped receiver on their AK.0 -
The SKS comes factory with an internal 10rd mag. The 30rd mag on your SKS is a aftermarket add on, you can purchase these detachable mags in 15 20 30 40 round or even the 100rd betta drum. 0 -
Some AKs came with detachable mags. They are considered rare and the owner always wants a premium for them[xx(]. 0 -
I REALLY appreciate the amount of consideration and thought you guys have put into educating me, here - ESPECIALLY beantownshootah.
Overthe few years I've been here, this group has humbled and educated me. When I joined, I thought I knew something about firearms. Well, I've never been accused of a lack of arrogance.
Thanks so much, Y'all !!
Doug0 -
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
I REALLY appreciate the amount of consideration and thought you guys have put into educating me, here - ESPECIALLY beantownshootah.
Overthe few years I've been here, this group has humbled and educated me. When I joined, I thought I knew something about firearms. Well, I've never been accused of a lack of arrogance.
Thanks so much, Y'all !!
Doug
You're welcome. Glad I could make a contribution.
The term "expert" is pretty over-used (and I really don't consider myself one at all), but I never fail to be impressed by both the breadth and in some cases depth of knowledge of the posters on this board. There is good stuff here from people that have "been there", if you ask!
One other thing about the SKS. Yugo SKS rifles aren't being made anymore, and I believe that there are no others currently being imported into the USA. (I'm not sure if any are being manufactured anywhere for that matter). The design has basically been superseded by the AK, and AK rifles are still being turned out in truckloads all over the world.
While the fear of a gun ban has driven up prices on ALL semiautomatic guns, if you look at the last ten years, the price of SKS rifles has just been going up and up and up.
You basically can't touch these guns for under $200-$250 anymore even incredibly beaten-up ones, and prices are still increasing. Not all that long ago, these were half that price.
I don't know that SKS rifles will ever actually SURPASS the cost of AK rifles (probably not), but the gap in price between the two has been narrowing. Assuming the C&R license isn't eliminated (and you never know), I think these SKS rifles will become more and more desirable with time.
The problem is that in terms of military type guns, the transition between the older bolt action guns, and the more modern "assault" type guns with detachable box magazines happened relatively fast.
There really wasn't that long in history when fixed magazine semi-automatic guns like the SKS (or Garand) were in common military use, maybe the 1940s through the 1970s, and there aren't that many of them around.
The point is, I think that old truism about yesterday's junk becoming tomorrow's treasure is probably true here. I suspect that SKS rifles are only going to keep going up in value and will be one of those things that in 10-20 years time, you're going to wish you had held onto.0 -
OK.
I'm convinced.
Doug0 -
now how does the saiga ak47 fit into your theory when its a true russian ak brand spankin new for around $450... 0 -
Here then.......best of both[:)][:)][:)]
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=144328617
nambu0 -
They are indeed the best of both worlds. Back in the day they could be had for 150. I still have some put back.
quote:Originally posted by mm8nambu
Here then.......best of both[:)][:)][:)]
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=144328617
nambu0 -
quote:Originally posted by cwi555
They are indeed the best of both worlds. Back in the day they could be had for 150. I still have some put back.
quote:Originally posted by mm8nambu
Here then.......best of both[:)][:)][:)]
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=144328617
nambu
Don't guess you want your money back?[:o)][8)]..nambu0
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