AK vs SKS

[ChuteTheMall]

Within 50 yards, taking only a shot or three, against a deer or an armed attacker, would you choose a standard SKS or a standard AK? Which is more accurate or more practical? Why?

[Bill G Gonzales]

I'm assuming you are talking about stock guns. With the conditions you've set I'd take the SKS. It has a longer barrel which gives higher velocity and better bullet performance. The longer barrel also gives shooters a longer sight radius for more precise shot placement. This is all theoretical as within 50 yards the performance of either would be pretty much identical in terms of terminal performance.

[DJ Niner]

I'd agree, and add that the longer SKS stock fits many (most?) shooters MUCH better than the short AK-style stock, or those nasty MAK-90 thumbhole "things". Very important for quick snap-shooting.

I've seen AKs run against SKSs at side matches during pistol competitions; if the shooters are of approximately equal skill (a difficult estimation, at best), then the SKS shooter usually wins.

As long as there are no long shot strings/mandatory reloads... ;f

[TED]

The impression seems to be that generally SKS's are more accurate than AK's. I personally do not beleive this to be the case. For one thing there is a much wider spectrum of quality in the AK's than the SKS. For example, no one ever made a bad SKS, however, Romanian and Egyptian AK's are known for their problems and amognst the most cheap and avaialble AK's. Now if I am comparing a bad AK toa godd SKS, what does that do for me.

Also, one would assume that you are talking 7.62x39 SKS vs. 7.62x39 AK. However, one of the benefits of the AK is that you have several caliber choices and any (even the Romanian and Egyptian ones) AK in 5.56 or 5.45 would certainly be more accurate than any SKS I've ever seen.

So there is the accuracy thing. For the rest of the considerations, there is absoultely no question whatsoever, the AK completely dominates the SKS, not even close. In this regard, I would take any AK over any SKS (even the Romanian and Egyptian ones). The AK is infinitely more suitable for combat.

TED

[DARTH 44]

Howdy!
If I want accuracy I`d go with the SKS,but if I were to go into
combat I`d take an AK over SKS anyday.
Truth to be said,I don`t believe the "Unaccurate Kalashnikovs" BS.
I can easily hit a target at 200 meters(219yds)shooting in full auto.

Oh my! My trigger finger is getting an itch!;f

RKBA!

[Decguns]

Within 50, or even a 100 yards, the differnce between accuracy of the SKS and AK would be minimal (Not that I ever met an SKS that was drastically more accurate than an AK). I don't think the target would notice the difference between the two.

I would suggest hefting both models yourself and seeing which one handles better for you. The fixed magazine and extra length of the SKS may fit you better. I find the AK far more easy to employ due to its shorter length, but that long 30 round magazine can get in the way. For hunting the 5 round mags are perfect.

[raindog]

Originally posted by ChuteTheMall
Within 50 yards, taking only a shot or three, against a deer or an armed attacker, would you choose a standard SKS or a standard AK? Which is more accurate or more practical? Why?

Dunno about accuracy. At 50 yards, it isn't really an issue. Both guns can shoot quite accurately at that range. Both use the same extremely inexpensive ammo.

SKS:
90 dollars. 110 if you get a really good one.
10 round internal magazine, but the strippers are fairly quick if you lubricate them and practice.
Straight rifle stock, so one less "evil" feature.

AK:
About 300 dollars.
30 rounds and detachable box mags.
Pistol grip for better weapon mobility.

[DARTH 44]

I forgot to mention...human size target

SKS with its longer 520mm barrel and longer sight radius
should be more accurate than the AK(415mm barrel),
but like Decguns said the difference would be rather slight.
Both SKS and AK could seriously benefit from better sights
than the crude military tiny-notch affairs they sport.

Go with what suits you best,or better yet get them both.
:cool: ;c ;g ;f

Good shooting

[wicked1]

I usually plink pop cans at 50 yards with both my AK's and my SKS with ease. I will choose the AK any day over the SKS. Even in a worst case scenario you miss with either the AK has 39 rounds still left in its magazine ready to be unloaded very very rapidly at the target.;f

[Ripcode]

One to hunt with and feed me, I'd pick the SKS.

Against an attacker in a home or close quarters, I'd pick the AK for the compactness.

[WFO2]

Shot my Yugo SKS at the range this weekened ( along with a few other things ) from approx 70 yards I put an 11 shot string all rounds touching 2 inches hi and too the right of center . As soon as I get my sights adjusted ( tool on order )this will be one tack driving @#$^^ . I was impressed..........

[Toxie]

I agree with D.

Defence the AK, hunting the SKS

[younggenious]

Just like TED mentioned, it depends on the quality of the AK. If you get a high quality AK like a VEPR II or something, with the longer 20" barrel, I don't think the SKS would compare.

[obxprnstar]

Originally posted by younggenious
Just like TED mentioned, it depends on the quality of the AK. If you get a high quality AK like a VEPR II or something, with the longer 20" barrel, I don't think the SKS would compare.

Yeah, but how much are you paying for the High Quality AK VS the SKS?

[RMTactical]

SKS, more accurate and better ergonomics than the AK.