Feb 05 2005
“Tactical” SKS Project
Goal: To create an inexpensive “tactical” rifle using the Norinco SKS-D as a starting point. Visualized was a cheap, reliable rifle mounting a reflex sight in a scout configuration. As the scout mount replaces the existing rear leaf sight, a replacement rear peep sight was required to ensure that some sighting system remained available to the user should the optics be damaged or otherwise fail. A series of minor asthetic and ergonomic changes were planned in order to create a more comfortable rifle overall.
Stay tuned, this entry will be updated as the modifications are made.
This project came about after a few discussions on the Zombie Squad Survival Forums about the perfect “Anti-zombie” rifle. I felt the SKS was quite probably the perfect rifle for this role, but still found myself favoring the more expensive residents of my gun cabinet. I began this project in an effort to create the perfect general purpose anti-zombie rifle “On a budget”. As such I allowed a maximum of $150 for the slated improvements (magazines, ammunition and existing mods excepted).
Modification 1: Bolt Carrier - The Albanian version of the SKS features a different bolt carrier with a curved charging handle (as opposed to the “knob” that is standard on most other SKS variants). I had acquired one of these some years back, and it has been present on the SKS-D since I first bought it.
Besides being a bit more pleasing to the eye, I’ve found the curved charging handle to be easier to manipulate while on the range (it feels more familiar, like the M1 or M14). Installation could not be easier as this is a “drop in” part, simply swapping out your current bolt carrier for the Albanian one (I have used this bolt carrier on my Tula, Norinco SKS and now the Norinco SKS-D with no problems what so ever).
Modification 2: Handguard - An asthetic change that I have been meaning to make for some time was the replacement of the wooden handguard with a ventilated metal version. I’ve not seen many offered through local suppliers, and eventually I turned to Ebay finding one for dirt cheap.
Installation was fairly simple, involving driving a retaining pin from the gas cylinder (a little difficult as it was hard to determine which side of the pin to hammer on), then removing the handguard retaining cap (entire process is better documented here). Installing the new handguard was simplicity itself compared to removing the old wooden one.
Modification 3: Front sight - Williams markets a fibreoptic front sight post replacement for the SKS. Designed to improve the visibility in “low light” conditions, this sight is not adjustable for elevation or windage (which is not important as the rear aperature I’ll be installing adjusts for windage) and was fairly simple to install.
To install the firesight you remove the front sight post, and drive the drum out to either the left or right (this is much easier if you have the C-clamp style sight adjustment tool, fortunately I do). Then drop in the Firesight and tighten down a screw that sits in the old drum cavity and you’re away).
Modification 4: Rear Aperature Sight - TechSights has come up with a receiver mounted peep sight for the SKS (the TS100), exactly what I needed with the planned installation of the scout mount (and removal of current rear leaf sight) from mine (excellent service from these guys by the way, prompt responses and quick shipping). The sight mounts across the rear of the receiver replacing the receiver cover retaining pin.
Installation (including removal of the leaf sight) took approximately 45 minutes of fiddling, but the instructions included are excellent. The sight picture is not exactly “clean” as the mount for the leaf sight obstructs the lower portion of the front sight post, but still provides a much improved overall sight picture (without machining the “wings” on top of the leaf sight mount down theres really no way to improve this and keep an overall low profile). As the rear aperature sight is intended to serve as “back-up iron sights” this is more than acceptable for my purposes.
Modification 5: Scout Mount - Millet offers a scout mount that replaces the rear sight for the AK47 and SKS. Using the mounting points on the rifle, this mount provides a basic rail for weaver style scopes.
Installation was fairly simple, with the one hiccup being the removal of the rear sight spring (this is required as the Millet mount utilizes a piece that slides into the spring recess and provides tension to keep the mount stable). Once this was done, the sight was installed (with only a little percussive effort) and I was immediately impressed with how solid the mount was.
Removal is easy, requiring only an allen key to release a single bolt, and then the removal of the cross pin (this had been a concern of mine as the mount WILL have to be removed in order to clean the gas cylinder on the rifle). Millet appears to have taken this into account, as the elevation screw does not need to be adjusted for removal, and should facilitate a “return to zero” when the mount is re-attached.
Sadly the mount (as I suspected) is high enough to block the iron sights altogether, but as removal is simple this is not a catastrophic set-back.
Modification 6: Optics - The final modification slated for this rifle was the addition of an inexpensive reflex sight. Until the reflex sight arrives I obtained a red dot scope which serves the same purpose and will allow me to test the rifle at the range.
While less asthetically pleasing than the reflex sight, the red dot is located perfectly when the rifle is shouldered, and gives the user a wide field of view.
The reflex sight finally arrived, and as I’ve already got the red dot I’ll test them out on the range and figure out which is the better option.
It certainly looks a little more futuristic than the uber-red dot.
Modification 7: Tactical Illuminator (Flashlight) - It was a bargain, and I couldn’t resist, a flashlight with remote switch was picked up for a song, and mounted on the rifle. The results (when combined with the red dot sight) are amazing.
The flashlight was moved to the strong side of the rifle, as I felt during range tests that the weak side (or body side when slung) should be kept as obstruction free as possible.
Modification 8: Stock overhaul - A customized stock designed to incorporate a pistol grip into a standard SKS stock. Key goals were the retention of the storage compartment in the buttstock, and utilization of the hollow pistolgrip to store extra hex keys needed for disassembly of the rifle in the field.
I have to agree that the Albanian bolt carrier handle is damn sexy. I think having “low light” sights are a must have. Don’t the zombies come out in the dark? Fortunatly my Yugo has night sights too. In a pinch you can use white out. Talking about the sight adjustment tool has reminded me to call Greg and borrow the tool that you sent the guys. Must be nice to have a wife that lets you spend money on weapons.
Thanks Dan, I bought the Albanian bolt on a lark a few years back when I was just trolling the old gunscanada auction site. Figured what the hell.
Turned out to be a good buy, additionally the bolt has a nicer finish than it’s Norinco counterpart (equal to the Yugo), and looks a little more polished.
Yeah, the Yugo night sights were nice (I DO regret selling my Yugo dammit!), but these will do in a pinch. I s’pose I could paint the lower portion of the sight post to give it proper day/night visibility, but we’ll wait and see how it works before changing it.
Money on weapons? Whadya mean?
-GRIN-
Hey Dan, when I’m not in class, doing research papers, working or raising a family, my plan is to grab that sight adjust and get up to the range. I would suggest we go on my next flex day, but that’s this Wednesday and the range is closed! Zut alor!
cool gun. what did it cost?
Hey good job!
I did my SKS-D scout style… I took one of those cheap gas tube scope mounts for a full size SKS and cut it down to size (very tight size that is). I ended up having to fit the rear of the gas tube for lateral movement, but it works good now and allows use of the factory iron sights.
Found yer site on Google. COOL!
http://www.image-bucket.com/images/nedwreck/33shots0001.jpg <
I was wondering what modifications, if any, have to be made for the rifle to accept removable magazines. I own a Yugo model.
(Responded to by email)
In response to a comment you left on my blog I thought I’d drop a quick line.
According to all reports the modification of a standard SKS to one that accepts AK47 magazines is a significant undertaking, it involves machining the receiver and bolt, modifying the trigger group and strengthening the stock.
It’s not for the faint hearted.
There are “work-arounds”, first to mind are the “duckbill” magazines (which are AK47 mags, with an extension welded on the leading edge, that act in place of the integral magazine), the one’s I experimented with were almost universally unreliable.
There are also “mod kits” (made by Hitech I believe) that allow the use of standard mags after the installation of a special adapter (in essence the same function as the “duckbill” portion of the mags described above).
The bottom line appears to be, leave the SKS as it is…. it’s reliable, simple and effective in it’s stock configuration. If you’re REALLY interested in a removeable magazine fed SKS, look around for a “D” or “M” model, although I keep hearing they approach the AK in price (and you might as well get an AK at that point).
If you’re seriously interested in seeing the plans for the modification I can track them down (I have them on my hard drive somewhere), but it’s not a simple drop-in solution.
Hope this was some help.
Good luck!
Erik
Hey, do you know what if any wood stocks will fit a Norince sks? I can do some modifications but don’t want to get crazy. Thanks.
(responded to by email)
Um, yes… SKS stocks. The cheap Norinco Chu wood stocks are available all over the place, try Canadian Gun Nutz (If you’re in Canada) or Survivors SKS Boards (If you’re in the US) and check the excahnge forums for a “take off SKS stock”.
I paid $35 for the spare stock I experimented with.
Good luck!
Hey there….
Nice SKS!
I was wondering what your red dot set you back ($$$)?
And by the way, do you have any experience with the fixed 20-round?
I really enjoyed your column. I have the SKS-D as well with the SK clips. Recently the magazine catch the holds the clip in has broken. Where can I find another?
Thanks,
Chris
(REsponded to by email)
Hey Chris,
Wow…I’m not sure where you’d find a relacement mag release, where are you located?
The best suggestion I have is that an AK mag release MAY work for you (am not sure if the parts are compatable). If not it may be close enough to allow modification to get it to work on your SKS.
try sksman;
http://www.sksman.com/parts/AK%20parts1.html
I’ll try googling this a little more, and see if I can’t find some SKS specific parts.
Erik
Having a hard time removing the drum. Just pound on it?
(Responded to by email)
I assume your referring to the front sight post drum?
Yes, it’s not threaded or anything, you can drive it out using a punch or a sight adjustment tool. I can’t recall off hand if they are supposed to be removed from one specific side (I don’t think so), but if it’s any help I remove mine by driving it out the right hand side (looking at the sight from butt to muzzle).
Good luck!
You did a great job on the stock. I’m really impressed. I also have an sks-D (paratrooper as well) and have every intention of bringing it over to the dark side. What I want to know is how to mod an sks stock (would have to be synthetic) to accept a tri-rail for a slew of tactical “zombie detering” goodies. If youve know of any pics of this on the web let me know.
Once again,
Nice job
I just bought my 1st SKS. Yugo. I took it to the range and now I am hooked!!! I just ordered a Choate Dragunov Stock in Olive Drab. Thanks for your info and inspiration. I am considering the Millet Mount and the Reflex sight setup like you have here!
Ron
Nate:
I looked into installing rails on my mod’d stock, sadly the wood didn’t make for a reliable installation.
I expect a synthetic would be easier.
My plan was to buy small lengths of rail, then to use JB weld (liquid steel, whatever) to build out the forestock in the chosen areas (so it’s parallel to the barrel) then to screw in the lengths of rails.
Simple, but it seemed like it would work. I may still try it as I have an extra SKS stock sitting here (although with wood I’ll likely have to fudge around with the mounts).
Ron: Hey welcome to the SKS club!
They’re addictive little rifles, hell I saw one listed online for sale and was tempted to buy a standard Chinese SKS for the hell of it.
Love those rifles! The SKS has been really good to me.
Let me know how the upgrades work out!
Wow! I just bought my first SKS (Chinese what else?) and love it. I’m ready to install a red dot sight or scope of some type as my aging eyes have trouble seeing the iron sights. Hate getting old but love retirement! Haven’t done squat yet and would appreciate whatever input anyone might have regarding the above. Thanks in advance. Larry
I recently purcheased my first SKS and am in love. Unfortunately, I can find no information on how to disassemble it for a proper cleaning with its sythetic stock configurattion. Any ideas? Jason
Hey,
Great site! I found the site looking for SKS info, just bought 2 yugo’s (what can I say? They were dirt cheap and 2 is better than one!)
Jason, check out:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/carbine/index.asp
Anyway, I’m going to restore the wood on one and keep it as a “classic”, and make some mods to the other to make a scout. I’m debating on whether to remove the bayonet on that one. Perhaps I should be weighing the merits of bayonet as part of an integrated anti-zombie system. Any thoughts??
Steve
Where can I find a complete trigger group to fit a SKS-D? Any info will greatly appreciated.
Doc
Depends where you are located Doc, any hints?
gun looks great, I’m modifying mine right now but having trouble finding a good way to have a full size scope added. Only opions look like the dust cover with shell deflector, and I’ve head bad things about it not keeping 0. My real question, you being more of an expert on this than I, is there a good 30rd mag out there? One that doesn’t require me to modify to fit ak? Everyone I’ve tried so far won’t even catch the bolt when the clip is spent. anyway, if you can help, tell me what you know!!! and where did you get the light… looks way cool. thanks
i was wondering abou thtose clips on that green and black sks. are those for an ak. if so, where can i find an adapter.
Disassembly of the SKS for cleaning from an ATI version Dragunov synthetic stock requires removal of the trigger group first (no mean trick as the stock really limits access to the button) to allow the entire receiver/barrel assembly to lift clear of the boss behind the receiver cover. After that, disassembly is the same as any other. It might be possible to cut the boss off the stock to allow easy removal of the receiver cover. I have found the CHOATE Dragunov stock to be much easier to deal with, as there is no boss behind the receiver cover. The only difficulty is removing the trigger group, which Choate addressed by making the front of the pistol grip removable to allow access the the button. Russian type side mounts and rails, as well as really nice Russion scopes can be found at Kalinkaoptics.com at very reasonable prices, and provide an easily removable scope setup that maintains zero upon re-installation and really looks awesome on the SKS or AK.
Well, I gave up on the cheap stock, So I went with a Unfinished “Factory Secconds Type” Thumbhole Stock (major blemishes) and took a lot of work to get it the way I wanted, see how ya All like it
http://www.customsys.com/sks/mysks.jpg
I followed most of you advise you had. But the new TAPCO M4 Stock with the SKS D looks relly excellent. I added a ScoutScope Mount from Marstar, parts from SKSman, AK74 Short Flash Hider, easy take down pin, US made Zydel handguard gas cyclinder, and bought from ebay a Aimpoint Tactical Red Dod scope.
Hey CADPAT,
Yeah, the Tapco T6 stock I’ve seen kicking around looks pretty slick. I’m loathe to give up the stock I built, but who knows I may grab one of them in the not so distant future.
How do you find the Marstar scout mount? Considering it’s two and a half times the price I paid for the Millett mount I was a little leery.
The sight is built like a rock and with T6 stock its looks like an AK variant. If you get a T6 stock you will have to use something to reshape the mag well. There designed for the standard SKS not the D model. It took me about an Hours with a little sanding of the plastic until I was satified with fit. I am going to send the stock and handguard to a friend in BC for an Airbrushed CADPAT paint job.
I need a complete SKS-D Trigger Group Assembly. Thank you!
Nice SKS!
Seems A comparible aftermarket stock would give you the extra storage. some of the other emails were looking for extra parts, Center Fire Systems r Numrich Gun Parts Corp may help.
Overall like yur rifle. where did U find that lightmount? I could use 1. TW
Hey Tony!
Found the light on Ebay ages back, they were going for about $10.00 each, and at the time included the bracket for the light, and a mount (along with the remote switch for the light).
Figured what the hell, oddly I haven’t seen them that cheap in a while.
What is the correct positioning of the stock cross bolt on an Albanian SKS
SKS looks great! Excellent work.
Yeah i have a SKS that takes mags, its norinco and says its made in china, idunno if its an SKS_D or M, or what I know its not a type 68 because it doesnt have a fire selector, i wanna know if it takes AK mags, any advise would be appreciated
Reply sent by email:
I only have one mag, i bought the rifle from a friend of mine, im in california and AK mags are bitch to get out here if not impossible, i can drive outta state, but i dont wanna go thru all that trouble to end up geting the wrong mags, its chinese on the side, but its obviously not a type 68 (no fire selector). It looks like an AK mag dead-on and theres no evidence of machining on the gun so im sure its not aftermarket, im sure it takes AK mags but i want to be fucking sure. Any help u can give me would be appreciated.
Oh yeah, almost forgot, theres a book out called the Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks, has a lot of good tips in it.
Reply sent by email:
It does not have a bolt hold open, or groves for chargers, and the mag release is the push in lever type, so ur saying it is a D? Kool that helps me alot, I appreciate this. Does the D take AK mags?
Reply sent by email:
Thanx alot man, i appreciate ur help, im modifying that SKS and making my Yugo a sniper rifle, i can send some pics when im done with them, Tell me about this Zombie Squad thing?
Where can i find a 40 shot clip for a sks in Canada.
Hi! did you gun-blue the bolt carrier? can it be done with good results?
Reply sent by email:
Hi again, :o)
I was wondering , did the pistol grip keep you from removing the trigger group? I just installed a T6 stock from tapco (via sks man) and you need to remove the pistol grip to disassemble the rifle …
Reply sent by Email:
the stock looks good, but I dont know for the ergonomics, the chinesse wood stock fitted me perfectly… maybe I just need to get used to it … it’s not lighter then the wood stock … that is the main disapointment …
The amount of info your project carries is amaizing by the way … I think I will try to epoxy a type of bolt or something on the wood stock (of my next sks) , so I can screw and unscrew the handle easely …
Thanks
Fred
and also … hehehe
I added some duck tape inside the end of the telescopic part , just befor the butt pad .. it was a bit loose and made some noise … it stoped it from moving.
Hi, there, where can I buy Albanian bolt carrier and sks D rifle accepting AK Mag.
Thank you and more power,
Ben
Ontario
Reply sent by email:
I just happend on this site while searching sks mods. I really like the mods you did, and the OD grean/black tiger paint is sick.
I just got my first yugo and am turning it into a sniper rifle. I have two stocks, one the swing out synthetic type and the regulator wood. I was going to use the synthetic for the sniper version and leave the wooden as is for the classic look. The problem im having is the the synthetic stock seem alittle too big and I can’t get a nice smug fit…about 1/8th inch play when assembled.
LOL…Can’t have that now can we. I was think about making some kind of shim or weadge to solve this, But I really dont like the synthetic stock that much anyway so I might end up selling it if I cant make it loveable. Any ideas from getting a better fit?
Reply sent by Email:
Thanks for the info, I’ll let you know how it comes out. I may have to just call this my AZR MK2 project, as I am also a strong advocate that the only way to survise the raising of the undead is to prepare with what little time is left avalible to us.
Bart: Want to hear something that really sucks? You guys know that chick at Dairy Queen?
CJ: The fat one?
Bart: Yeah. She was coming over tonight. I would have tapped that shit for sure.
Terry: Bart — dude, everybody’s dead, okay? Your mom’s dead. Your brother’s dead. That fat chick at Dairy Queen… dead.
Bart: Yeah. That sucks too.
Where can I get the Albanian verison of the ‘Bolt Carrier’ for my Chinese SKS?
Damon: Not sure where you can find one. I got mine at the exchange forums over at Canadian Gun Nutz, and I know they were available south of the border, but a quick google search wasn’t any help tracking one down.
I s’pose you could always fashion your own by grinding the charging handle on a standard bolt down, or welding a new handle on, might take a bit of metalworking skill but it wouldn’t be that difficult.
Good luck!
doing my 2nd ATI stock installation, and this is the 2nd time I’ve pounded every way possible on that handguard retaining pin. I got my 1st one done after a lot of work, but the 2nd one isn’t budging with 2 adult men pounding like apes.
Anyone have any tips or tricks, other than the very attractive option of just buying a new complete handguard assy with tube already in place?