SKS or AK ?

HARDBALL

New member
Hi all,

I want to buy either a SKS or AK. Price is a BIG consideration so I am leaning towards the SKS. However,if I could only own one of these two 7.62x39mm , which would be the best choice. (I do have OTHER non-Soviet rifles). I know that the SKS (and they AK ?)
are not noted for great accuracy much beyond 150 or so yards,nevertheless, I want to own one arm that is as"fool proof" as a rifle can be. i.e., I want it to shoot when I pull the trigger!
As long it as it can hit accurate to 100 yards,and I KNOW that it is a reliable arm in all kinds of conditions, I'd be a happy man.
I would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Any info on which "country of production" and where I might purchase (i.e. links) would also be appreciated.

God Bless America,

HARDBALL
 
My belief is the SKS is a bit more accurate, and costs less. The AK is a bit lighter (depending on the model) and more compact.

Which do you care about more?
 
ditto onthe SAR. Yes, it's another couple hundred, but there's a good chance you'ld spend that much anyway trying to get your SKS to a point where you're happy with it. I vote AK all the way -- wish i'd taken my own advice four years ago.

-K
 
Got a Russian SKS (Tula 1953) a couple of weeks ago. Apparently it's been re-arsenaled (refurbished at the factory) with a real nice black/bluing job, sweet laminated stock and matching serial numbers all-around. IMO, it's a great shooter and collector's piece.
It cost me a grand total of $205.00. Boy, ya can't beat that. As far as the AK's are concerned they're probably a better investment with high-cap mags and all that. Chinese SKS's can be had for under $200 so an AK clone will be double that. I just feel there's more history in owning an original. Best Regards, J. Parker
 
My vote.

Go with the AK. The price is right. Reloads go much faster with mags than with stripper clips. If the SKS mag were to become damaged during a situation (i.e. dented or whatever) the gun becomes a single shot. With an AK you just change mags.

Just food for thought.
 
I don't think you'd go wrong with either choice, but I'd lean toward the AK. I have a couple of SAR-1 Romanian AKs and several SKS' (Russian, Chinese, and Romanian). All are very reliable.

On thing to consider is that SKS prices have gone up quite a lot in the past few years, while AK prices have come down. A few years ago, people thought of SKS' as $100 rifles. Now you can pay $300-$400 for a Russian SKS. But your can order a SAR-1 for under $300 (dealer). You should be able to find or order one for around $350 or so. You can interpret that a couple of ways, but to me, that makes the AK seem like a better deal. I think it's going to be a long time before MOST people think of SKS' as $350 rifles.

Also, the AK looks much more exotic and"evil" than an SKS. That may be a plus or minus to you. The ability of the AK to RELIABLY use detachable magazines, and the availability of cheap large-capacity magazines is a plus for the AK. Also, the SAR series of AKs come with scope mount rail installed - making it easy to install the Russian scopes or red-dot sights. I think SKS' work best when left in their standard configuration - if you want to mount a scope, or use larger and/or detachable magazines, I'd get the AK. If you do decide to get an SKS and can order it, I'd check G-U Wholesale and see if they still have Romanians. A friend and I got very nice ones from them a few months ago for $129.95 each. You might check www.aimsurplus.com for the AK. Good luck.

Doug
 
buy AK, I cannot even see or touch AK in this state,
AK is lighter, thus better scout gun, buy AK with left side scope mount built-in, scope mounting is so easy, SKS is quite hard to mount scope,(also did I say blasting 30 rds magazine full-auto using bump method in AK is much much more fun?)
new SKS's price is about same as SAR-1 price,
if you can find used SKS for around 100$, that's good too
 
Last edited:
Most SKS rifles are used. If you did find a new in the box SKS it would cost almost as much as a NIB SAR. And brand new AK mags are only $5.95.
 
Back
Top