Jul 25 2005
Anti-Zombie Rifle - Follow-up
The Anti-Zombie Rifle has been put through it’s paces, and with 500 rounds through it in its present configuration I feel confident that the modifications are holding up well (as nothing has shaken itself loose), and I think we can call it a success.
Based on experience at the range there are three remaining additions / modifications that seem to be called for;
- Creation of proper secondary tool/cleaning kit for pistol grip (containing some minor handtools and allen keys for dismantling rifle in the field).
- Attachment of a buttstock magazine pouch for 30 round magazine.
- Obtain mag cinch to lock two mags together in rifle.
Optimally I would like the rifle to be a “grab and go” sort of rifle, having everything needed to keep the rifle running (including ammunition) attached to the rifle itself so that the operator is ready to go, regardless of any other equipment that may be to hand (in keeping with the anti-zombie theme, natch).
The single point sling I had acquired was not perfect, and I am still in the process of making a proper “harness” style single point sling (damn my sewing is horrible!), we’ll see if and how this works when finished
The real weak point of this configuration for the rifle is the reliance on batteries. I have run the Barska through it’s paces, and am convinced that one spare battery is more than sufficient (the scope ran for over a week solid with it on it’s highest setting… it would undoubtedly last longer than my ammunition would), and there are iron sights to fall back on (as we set out in the specs), and the flashlight seems (during tests) to offer about 7 hours of light before the batteries fail (I’ll be trying this one again with newer batteries).
Obviously to store spare batteries for both the scope and light, along with the two allen keys that are needed to remove the scout mount, and a small bottle of CLP along with the standard SKS/AK cleaning kit, we’re going to need more storage space than the buttstock compartment.
Suggestions anyone?
11 Responses to “Anti-Zombie Rifle - Follow-up”
Are those AK mags? If so, how’d you do that?
Hehe, I’d like to spin a tale of re-engineering an SKS and the trials and tribulations that ensued…
Truth be told it’s an SKS-D (sometimes referred to as an SKS-M) which was slightly redesigned to accept AK47 magazines then commercially produced by Norinco.
It does so at the expense of the last round hold open feature, but is still infinitly more reliable than any of the duckbill arrangements I’ve tried for the standard SKS.
We got a small flood of SKS-Ds North of the line, and they seemed fairly popular (mainly because us poor untrustworthy citizens cannot possess AK’s themselves), although even after all this work I question whether the mags are any improvement over stripper clips….
Heya Mug, My suggestion would be to get a couple of those 10 pocket Chinese bandoliers (sorry, I don’t have a link handy right now, but I’ll be back).
180rnds and still a sapre pocket for batteries, etc.
I like to fold them in half and tie the ends together. They can then be slung like a messenger bag for easy transport.
As for your single point sling, I have a question: In the third picture it looks as if there is a bolt sticking vertically through the stock, possibly as a retainer for the pistol grip?
If you could recess thread that and attach a swivel point there, that would be the perfect location for a sling. I can source for you, but off the top of my head, I know that Uncle Mike’s makes their QD swivels for the machine screws that go into the mag spring cap on the 870s and 1187s.
Just an idea.
Ooh! Another idea would be to get a barrel band w/sling swivel off of a Garand or a Mauser 98, reshape it fit upside down behind the pistol grip and then use a set screw to hold it in place. That would be even easier.
Damn AK!
Both are excellent suggestions! Up till this point I had a single point sling with a fabric wrap around for the wrist of the stock, I don’t like it as it seems given to movement, and theres enough shifting around already.
I’ve got a few uncle mikes QD sling swivels in the tool box (you’re absolutely right, theres a bolt and thumbscrew at the top of the wrist that holds the pistol grip on), I’ll try it out tonight. S’pose I’ll need some sort of washer to prevent the whole enchilada from pulling through the wood.
The band idea is good as well, certainly would be a solid solution.
Damn, you’re full of good ideas aren’t you?
-GRIN-
This is still by far the best SKS ever.
I need to take a roadtrip up there just to bask in it’s glow.
Glad I could be of help, Mug.
I can think up a solution to nearly anything. That comes from being a performance exhaust journeyman. Implementing the solutions are sometimes too much trouble though.
Gee … hadn’t noticed the change in your tag line until this morning! When did that happen?
I’ll miss the Scotch drinking
Dad: Sorry, changed the tagline here a few weeks back, not doing too much scotch drinking these days (in fact am still way overdue to do a proper shopping trip at the liquor store). Figured until I get back into the routine I should make an effort to eliminate false advertising on the site.
-GRIN-
Where did you find that AK mag adapter for the SKS. I can’t find it and I really need to find that because the SKS detchable mags seem to not have a perfect fit and tend to jam. Please e-mail me at kaena@inbox.com were I can find an AK mag adapter and that albanian bolt carrier too. By the way, your SKS looks great but it would be better with a muzzle brake
(Responded to via email)
Thanks for the feedback!
There is no adapter I’m afraid, the rifle was redesigned by the chinese (Norinco) and commercially produced in this configuration (that is, accepting AK47 magazines). I’ve experimented with the duckbill mags and I do feel your pain, it was this experience that led me to the purchase of my SKS-D.
To convert a standard SKS to take AK47 mags takes more than a bit of skill with both metal and woodworking (or so I am told, I have never even attempted a conversion), and in the end you may just neuter the rifle if you’re not careful.
If its any consolation I actually prefer the SKS with the fixed magazine, I was considering selling this one and buying a standard SKS with the proceeds.
Good luck!
Erik