[nfafan]

Both guns did well for themselves in SEA mud paddies. But the AKM has enough room in the recvr to pack a LOT of crud, whereas the SKS is the more conventionially built rifle.

[synical]

I have to agree with therewolf. I have both I love my sks more. however the sks I have is a sino soviet norinco and is worth about $850 bucks so I have only shot it a few times I dont want it damaged. If you dont know what sino soviet is, its a russian made sks made in a chinese factory. A first year production of 1956. And mine is mint! but the AK is fun to shoot too. I just like my sks more cause its more accurate.

[TDS92A]

I have both and enjoy both but I enjoy my AK more. Not really sure why, it just feels better when shooting. Now if I am in the prone position I prefer my SKS.

[orangello]

Do you want a rifle to do short rifle stuff, or do you want a light carbine-type rifle for doing pistol stuff at longer ranges? That seems to be the question. AK is more of a carbine-type rifle than the heavier, more accurate, more comfortable to shoot SKS, IMO.

I bought an SKS in a ramline montecarlo-style stock. I changed it to a tapco "tacticool" adjustable-butt stock with multiple 20 round duckbill mags. I will be going back to the montecarlo-style stock soon for the added comfort.

[Werminator]

I went with the sks myself. I prefer the longer sighting radius and I had a hard time finding an AK that really felt right when I held it. I am looking for one still but the sks I picked up is surprisingly accurate and a ton of fun...

[therewolf]

Originally, I held the SKS in low regard.

Until I got one, and started shooting it.

The AKs are a lot of fun though, when a bunch of guys are

pouring it all into one target downrange.

[Werminator]

Also, I had an SKS as a kid and it was a fun gun for hunting. I decided when I started looking for a SHTF rifle that if I was laying money down it needed to be multipurpose. I looked long and hard for a Norinco as I felt it was a balance of cost and features (mostly chrome lining and being one of the lighter weight options in its overall ergo category). I can't deny that I am looking now for another SHTF rifle but not to replace the sks, simply one more for the "fam"...

[nfafan]

I have AKs and one last Norinco-marked SKS that will be a keeper.

I'll take the SKS as a shooter 8-days a week over an AK. No mags to lose or damage, and you can load it without strippers, but if you have them - a bonus.

And if you can save your empty stripper clips, you can re-load them at a later time. I think of how folks go nutso over an 8-shot Garand with proprietary en-bloc - that is a single-shot without them, whereas an SKS will always support 10rds.

Yes, AKs are great for suppressive fire, but if you can get the sights down with an SKS, you're gold.

[therewolf]

Originally Posted by nfafan

I have AKs and one last Norinco-marked SKS that will be a keeper.

I'll take the SKS as a shooter 8-days a week over an AK. No mags to lose or damage, and you can load it without strippers, but if you have them - a bonus.

And if you can save your empty stripper clips, you can re-load them at a later time. I think of how folks go nutso over an 8-shot Garand with proprietary en-bloc - that is a single-shot without them, whereas an SKS will always support 10rds.

Yes, AKs are great for suppressive fire, but if you can get the sights down with an SKS, you're gold.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Now, try field-stripping & cleaning

that M1,M4, M14, or M16 in the bush...

[TDS92A]

I think that I will pass. I got a few grey hairs from trying that with the M16A1. In the immortal words of Daddy Bush "Not gonna do it, would not be prudent".

Originally Posted by therewolf

Couldn't have said it better myself. Now, try field-stripping & cleaning

that M1,M4, M14, or M16 in the bush...