converting a sks to ak magazines

[randyt]

I've often wondered about converting a sks to use ak 47 magazines. It seems like a PIA but it also seems like it would be handy. On one hand just get a ak and call it good. Are there ak's available with a 20 inch barrel?

I've seen different magazine configurations for the sks but not really ak 47 mags. In some cases that type of mag is pricey.

any thoughts?

[Cwi555]

Jul 14, 2012 17:17:35 GMT -7 randyt said:

I've often wondered about converting a sks to use ak 47 magazines. It seems like a PIA but it also seems like it would be handy. On one hand just get a ak and call it good. Are there ak's available with a 20 inch barrel?

I've seen different magazine configurations for the sks but not really ak 47 mags. In some cases that type of mag is pricey.

any thoughts?

Models D and M came configured commercially with AK mags.

[randyt]

I pondered on a model d or m but I want it with a 20 inch barrel. Also the prices have really jumped up and it's challenging to plunk down the money when I have a couple sks that I paid less than a hundred dollars a piece for. There are other issues with the conversion, the legalities. In converting will the sks require 922 compliance, I'm not sure. Will find out for sure though if I attempt the conversion.

[randyt]

I thought about converting a sks to 5.45 x 39 for funnsies. It looks like a interesting caliber.

[mud]

I think its not legal to covert it to ak mags if it was not sold like that. You can remove the stock mag and use horned mags legally.

[Pinpin]

why not just get an AK to begin with?

[randyt]

I have a ak that I built. It has a 16 inch barrel. I would like to pick up a 20 inch barrel for it. I've seen the saiga brand ak's and those seem like a very nice rifle. Owned a few other ak's over the years. Bottom line is I still prefer the sks and probably even prefer the fixed magazine over detachable magazines. It sux to have a firearm with detachable mags and no mags.

[WILL]

Are there AK’s with a 20” barrel? I’ve got this RPK…



It has a long, heavy, finned barrel and a detachable magazine. I would consider a detachable magazine as an important feature for a combat weapon. Not so important for a hunting or GP gun. Still, it’s a pretty heavy weapon system, mostly good for fixed position defense and suppressive fire. Kind of like an AK on steroids. I guess in an emergency, I could saw off the bi-pod to lighten it up a bit, but that would reduce the effectiveness of what it was designed to do, and it would still be heavy for a 7.62 x 39 rifle.

It’s probably about the same weight as an FN/FAL, but shooting a weaker cartridge. On the plus side, it holds 30, 40 or even 75 round magazines and has alot of penetration power for an intermediate cartridge. Penetrating vehicles and dense forest/ jungle growth is an important consideration Florida SHTF weapons. Since long range shooting isn’t really a concern in Florida, and an utterly reliable platform is top priority, an AK style weapon fit’s the bill nicely.

[heysmithy]

I've done a lot of SKS mods over the years and every time I keep coming back to bone stock. The aftermarket stocks usually add weight, don't fit right, reduce functionality, and sometimes even make the gun less reliable. The receiver scope setups never fit right, won't stay sighted in through sustained firing, sit way too high above the barrel, and sometimes get in the way of the case ejecting. The aftermarket mags cause FTFs and ruin the bolts last shot hold open. The muzzle breaks reduce accuracy, don't noticeably reduce muzzle climb, and sometimes can come loose.

Bottom line - Leave that poor SKS alone. If you want an AK you should just get one, you'll be a lot happier. Trying to turn an SKS into an AK is just going to result in a gun that doesn't do anything well.

As a side note: The SKS is a fine gun all on its own. More accurate than the AK, arguably just as reliable or more so in some respects, solidly built MILLED parts (not stamped). The big thing that people like more about the AK is the detachable mags, and even that is arguable, since that big honkin' banana mag gets in the way all the time. So learn to use stripper clips efficiently and you can still reload quickly, but you can go prone if you need to, or go hunting without hanging up on every other hanging tree branch, and you won't have to worry about your mag getting full of mud.

[hunter63]

Jul 15, 2012 10:57:47 GMT -7 randyt said:

I have a ak currently and have owned different models over the years. I still prefer the sks. Stripper clips are a good option and I learned to use them with a 1917 eddystone. I don't even like detachable magazines as a rule in firearms. Maybe that's why I don't care for an ak and don't really realize the reason LOL.

Here's my khyber pass ak that I put together a while back.

So that's it done, huh?.....very cool....don't think I saw the finished rifle.

[randyt]

Hunter, I thought I posted the finished rifle. Technically it's not really finished, I haven't duracoated it yet LOL. Maybe a mustard patina LOL. It shoots good, not even one malfunction. It was well worth building it, not really a dollars and cents project but due to the project I understand an ak very well now.

I'm thinking about cutting that forward grip off. Don't care for it and it gets in the way a it for fast magazine changes.

[hunter63]

You might have, I might have just missed it.......very cool, just glad I had a chance to see it.
Thanks....that had to be an education.

My first build ever was a navy colt revolver, brass frame......what a mistake!....LOL.
Said it was a "Kit".....LOL, yeah that was an under statement, block of brass and a file.....I must have put it together and taken it back apart 1000 times.

They should include a new set of screws with the kit so as to have something that looked decent when you are done.

[randyt]

thanks for the nice comments Hunter. I can see how a revolvers timing could be challenging at times.