sks and mags?

[Paul_vang]

Funny thing. I've been looking for an sks lately and have not seen any being sold with magazines. They all seem to have a metal blocking plate where mags usually go on rifles???? What is that for? Do they not accept magazines? People sell them with stripper clips, but I've also seen magazines for sale. Do I need to do a conversion if I want one that accepts magazines?

TIA

[DJ Niner]

If the SKS looks like these, it is a normal, unmodified SKS:
http://www.impactguns.com/store/media/sks_yugo_ca_sm.jpg

http://www.ellisonsmilitaryrifles.com/archives/russiansks.jpg


These will rapidly UNLOAD if you hit the magazine release lever; the mag body will pivot downward and "dump" any remaining ammo, without detaching completely from the rifle. They can be reloaded with single rounds, or with a 10-shot stripper-clip.

[DJ Niner]

If it looks like these, it was modified at the factory to accept AK-47-type detachable magazines:

http://yerfrockethellhound.com/zskssporter.JPG


Click this link to see mine...
http://www.glocktalk.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=2514611

[DJ Niner]

But if the SKS's magazine looks like this, it is not original or factory-modified. Some SKS mags like these work very well; some don't work at all. Note the only visible different is in the part that is usually hidden inside the rifle when the mag is in the weapon; you may have to ask to handle the rifle, or remove the mag to get a good look at it.

http://www.joeken.com/accxsksmag.jpg

http://www.simonov.net/images/magazines/usasteel.jpg

[Paul_vang]

so those SKS mags are not reliable? I'm guessing the Modded ones are spendier? Will those SKS mags work with the unmodded versions?

[DJ Niner]

Some of those mags, when properly installed, will work properly; some never do; some work for a while, then stop working.

Yes, the factory-modified weapons are a bit higher priced.

The mags with the long front tabs on them are made to replace the factory internal 10-shot magazine. You have to pull the action out of the stock, remove the old magazine, and then install (and fit, if necessary) the new mag. Some of these mags are non-removable (must be reloaded from the top with single rounds or stripper clips); others can be removed and replaced by using the old mag release lever (just rock it in and out while holding the lever open).

[MrMurphy]

I've never shot a SKS with detachable magazines work properly for more than a mag or two. Stick with the regular 10-shot fixed mag, and use stripper clips (about as fast anyways).

[DJ Niner]

Probably good advice; then you don't have to worry about how to carry a handful of those odd-shaped Franken-mags!