First Rifle? Yugo SKS 59/66 7.62x39 Opinions?

[TimoneX]

I'm a bow guy and have been since I was a kid, but have only owned one firearm, namely a 410 shotgun for small game hunting. Now with the world seemingly coming apart I want to be able to defend my family if necessary, but I'm pretty ignorant about this stuff. I fired a friend's AR-15 when I was a teenager and liked it, but never envisioned wanting or needing anything of the sort myself. Times change, and now I want a medium or high capacity rifle and I seek advice from you guys.

There is a Yugoslavian made SKS rifle(7.62x39) for sale locally for $300 out the door. It comes with folding stock, 1x30 round, and 2x10 round clips, folding bayonet, and shoulder strap. This is NOT the weapon, but appears to be identical:

12438

Whaddya guys think? Reasonable choice for a noob?

[REO 54]

Well,I suppose you could do worse.Not bad though.Have someone locally you trust who has a knowledge about guns check it out. Also check out gunbroker.com and other types of sites to get a price idea. I'd haggel a bit.

[Kenny]

If your gonna buy an Sks the yugo is the way to go, as far as protecting your family goes. Sometimes people have there house broken into because the thief knows there is a gun there. Sometimes that thief gets your gun before you do. When you have a firearm in your house you have to make sure that doesn't happen. Education is important.

[Canadian-guerilla]

start with a .22 LR ( maybe two ) with 25 bricks of ammo

for a larger caliber
buy something that is commonplace ( for spare parts ) and lots of ammo


TIME IS SHORT

NOV 9TH / NOV 11TH

DECIDE AND BUY MONDAY MORNING


imho

[Hystckndle]

300 bucks, not bad.

But CG is AOK in my book with what he says.
.22 LR to start,
like a Ruger 10-22
( yeah, Haystack has two like he says , also not a bad idea IMO )
and for the extra 100 bucks you can get a bucket of ammo.
regards to all,
Haystackneedle

[southfork]

I have a Norinco and a yugo, love them both, had a romanian ak47, didnt like it at all and sold it but I think it had the foged reciever not the milled one and it just seemed cheap.

[Kenny]

Norinco and the yugo are quite similar yugo is the one you can get the 30 round mag for, the norinco is a bit different, ammo is common so are parts, can't really go wrong. not a bad bush gun, you could shoot a deer with it. Collaspible stock makes it smaller to carry. Best part its a really common assault style rifle, no matter where you go you will find them. Same with the Ruger 10/22 they are everywhere, both guns you can do some customizing to fit your needs.

[TimoneX]

Thanx guys, I appreciate all the input. Gonna pick her up in the am. I already have a notion to add a scope and bipod, so if you guys have any direction, it'd also be greatly appreciated. Need to get some time at the range and see if I can still shoot str8. :bear_unsure:

[TimoneX]

start with a .22 LR ( maybe two ) with 25 bricks of ammo

for a larger caliber
buy something that is commonplace ( for spare parts ) and lots of ammo


TIME IS SHORT

NOV 9TH / NOV 11TH

DECIDE AND BUY MONDAY MORNING


imho

I almost went with something smaller just to kinda ease into this, but it does kinda feel like time is short. I've bulked up a bit over the last couple years and shouldn't have much trouble handling it, though it does have some heft to it. It was a very natural feeling weapon, hopefully it remains so at the range.

[K_Flynn]

Nothing wrong with an SKS, but take my word for it, you will want to upgrade to an AK or an AR eventually. Might as well start with one and skip the SKS.

[TimoneX]

There was a Saiga available for 25% more than the SKS, but it didn't feel quite as solid or comfortable and given the same round and capacity I couldn't justify the additional expense. I could see me shopping around for an AR at some point, but I have had first hand experience with the platform so I'll have some idea how the SKS compares. I'm leaning toward cheap and simple at this point to get my feet wet, but I wanted something with decent firepower too.

[noworries]

A carbine is not a rifle.
An underpowered carbine is not equal to a full-powered rifle ctg, even when fitted with a carbine length 16 or 18" barrel.

Rather like a wood shaft kids arrow compared to a HD carbon or aluminum shaft or a 27# draw bow versus a 65#. 27 pound draw is fine for small game, or backyard target shooting, but would you hunt deer or larger game with it?

First rifle? A .308win is a choice you will not regret. Not much recoil, versatile and available in many bullet weights. Like owning a takedown bow with a full range of limbs for varying pull weights... An even better cartridge if you begin to handload for it.

A Rem 700 ADL can likely be found new for around $350, or used maybe with a scope for about the same money. Savage makes a fine rifle in same price arena. Look at gunbroker.com and search on .308 Winchester under bolt action rifles...

Other rifles similarly easy to shoot are .243win, .260rem, and 7mm-08. The .270win or .280rem would also be a versatile rifle. The .30-06 is America's most popular hunting round, but does recoil more than the others mentioned. If you intend to hunt Big Game of over 350lbs, it would be an excellent choice, along with the .338-06 or the .35 Whelen.

The 7.62x39mm round is significantly disadvantaged in power, velocity, and trajectory effectiveness compared to any of the ctgs listed above. A decent rifle will group 5rds in an inch or less at 100yds; the SKS or AK-47 is lucky to put 5rds into 6" at the same range.

If you intend to hunt game, possibly shoot at some distance, and expect to hit where you aim, you need a rifle made for all-around use and not a military carbine made for close-range combat or murder of unarmed civilians.

[Unca Walt]

I would strongly recommend you get the bipod for your SKS. I have one and love it. Cheap as can be. http://img01.static-nextag.com/image/ABU-Ncstar-Bipod-With/10/000/005/045/163/504516325.jpg $17. On and off in one second. (ABU Ncstar bipod shown)

One thing it does: It keeps your magazine offa the ground when shooting prone.

[Mike]

I'm a bow guy and have been since I was a kid, but have only owned one firearm, namely a 410 shotgun for small game hunting. Now with the world seemingly coming apart I want to be able to defend my family if necessary, but I'm pretty ignorant about this stuff. I fired a friend's AR-15 when I was a teenager and liked it, but never envisioned wanting or needing anything of the sort myself. Times change, and now I want a medium or high capacity rifle and I seek advice from you guys.

There is a Yugoslavian made SKS rifle(7.62x39) for sale locally for $300 out the door. It comes with folding stock, 1x30 round, and 2x10 round clips, folding bayonet, and shoulder strap. This is NOT the weapon, but appears to be identical:

12438

Whaddya guys think? Reasonable choice for a noob? Hi, here's what the original looks like. http://jgsales.com/yugoslavian-sks-59-66,-7.62x39.-good-to-very-good-condition.-p-4574.html I take my hat off to you if your a bow hunter. It's a hard way to get your meat. I would pass. Not because of the gun but it's extensive modifications.Look for a place to shoot or join a club. My club has archery and firearms. Teach yourself. If you can learn to shoot a bow you can do it. Don't rush and remember the gun salesman may know less than you. LOL I know, I was one. I worked at a big chain store but out of a dozen salesmen only 2 shot regularly and the rest hunted once a year. Here's another link for you. www.thecmp.org Take you time until you know what you want. Regards, Mike

[Kenny]

Hi, here's what the original looks like. http://jgsales.com/yugoslavian-sks-59-66,-7.62x39.-good-to-very-good-condition.-p-4574.html I take my hat off to you if your a bow hunter. It's a hard way to get your meat. I would pass. Not because of the gun but it's extensive modifications.Look for a place to shoot or join a club. My club has archery and firearms. Teach yourself. If you can learn to shoot a bow you can do it. Don't rush and remember the gun salesman may know less than you. LOL I know, I was one. I worked at a big chain store but out of a dozen salesmen only 2 shot regularly and the rest hunted once a year. Here's another link for you. www.thecmp.org Take you time until you know what you want. Regards, Mike

You can always replace the stock, one real reason people buy the SKS is because of the availability of cheap and easy mods that really only serve to improve your shooting experience, lets face it guns are cool and when you make them cooler they become cooler which means when you add a fold out stock its cause you want to, if you don't like it jump on the net and dress it up different, anyone knows guns knows the SKS is a good functional gun and I would really hesitate to say that the one tim looking at is extensively modified because it has a fold out stock, take you half an hour to do a good job putting what you want on it, ammo is cheap gun is good looks menacing, which is also good in a confrontation, a good phsycological edge.

[TimoneX]

I have the weapon, so there's no going back now. :bear_original: The owner was very pleasant and accommodating, always a good sign. I watched a youtube on how to tear the weapon down and did so prior to purchase...at least The bolt, carrier, spring, etc. It's a stunningly simple and elegant piece of machinery and all the working parts appeared to be original and in pristine condition. The firing pin seemed a little bit sticky, I understand it's an occasional problem with the gun. I haven't taken apart the gas chamber stuff yet.


Hi, here's what the original looks like. http://jgsales.com/yugoslavian-sks-59-66,-7.62x39.-good-to-very-good-condition.-p-4574.html I take my hat off to you if your a bow hunter. It's a hard way to get your meat. I would pass. Not because of the gun but it's extensive modifications.Look for a place to shoot or join a club. My club has archery and firearms. Teach yourself. If you can learn to shoot a bow you can do it. Don't rush and remember the gun salesman may know less than you. LOL I know, I was one. I worked at a big chain store but out of a dozen salesmen only 2 shot regularly and the rest hunted once a year. Here's another link for you. www.thecmp.org Take you time until you know what you want. Regards, Mike

Yeah I saw the different versions of the gun on a wiki before I picked it up. The Yugo manufactured ones seem to be pretty rugged and I'd have been turned off if there were aftermarket internals. I like the stock actually, it's very solid and well made. I probably wouldn't have changed it myself, but I'm very pleased with the look, feel, and functionality and don't consider it a negative, though I might have had I not handled it.

I haven't been bow hunting in years, I love to target shoot though. Great stress reliever. Thanks for the link and wisdom.

[TimoneX]

You can always replace the stock, one real reason people buy the SKS is because of the availability of cheap and easy mods that really only serve to improve your shooting experience, lets face it guns are cool and when you make them cooler they become cooler which means when you add a fold out stock its cause you want to, if you don't like it jump on the net and dress it up different, anyone knows guns knows the SKS is a good functional gun and I would really hesitate to say that the one tim looking at is extensively modified because it has a fold out stock, take you half an hour to do a good job putting what you want on it, ammo is cheap gun is good looks menacing, which is also good in a confrontation, a good phsycological edge.

There are a ton of goodies for this gun, definitely a plus. I don't see me changing the stock cuz I think it's terrific. I might add an additional butt plate though. It's definitely an intimidating looking weapon, I wouldn't like it pointed in my direction at all.

[TimoneX]

I would strongly recommend you get the bipod for your SKS. I have one and love it. Cheap as can be. http://img01.static-nextag.com/image/ABU-Ncstar-Bipod-With/10/000/005/045/163/504516325.jpg $17. On and off in one second. (ABU Ncstar bipod shown)

One thing it does: It keeps your magazine offa the ground when shooting prone.

Thanks, a bipod will likely be my first accessory purchase. I've seen them attached to the handrest under the gas chamber and toward the barrel tip, is there generally a clear preference? I think either would cause me to cough up the pig sticker, but that's okay, the feet are more important.

[Mike]

Hi, here's a link www.ammoengine.com to help you feed your new baby. ( at least a place to start) , Regards, Mike

[noworries]

I dunno man...

Looks to me like you still are coming up short on your goals. Undoubtedly, you've spent lots more on your archery gear, as a guy who has bought carbon shaft arrows, had a compound bow tuned at an archery shop, bought quality broadheads; I know those things cost serious money, not to mention camo gear and all the other the other accoutrement an archer needs in addition to a decent bow of adequate draw weight.

If you're trying to arrange firearms for family defense on the cheap, I'd urge you to reconsider. The SKS is not qualified to be a primary defense weapon; not if you are selecting it from other options.

Neither the SKS or AK-47 firing 7.62x39 ammo is a rifle. The AK's virtue is they will sling a lot of lead downrange fast. An SKS makes decent back-up or spare gun if you get invested in the "7.62x39 is a survival weapon" cult.

Yet, as a bow hunter, you presumably understand the need for power and accuracy. You're unlikely to have either once you drink deep of the 7.62x39 Kool-Aid. These weapons are not "rifles". Only thing they have in common with a defense or battle rifle is rifling in the tube the bullet exits from.

Gonna own weapons for self-defense? Defense of your home and family? A damn good idea, but you are not off to a good start with this purchase unless you intend the gun to serve one of your children or as a backup.

Any weapon is better than none, but choosing an SKS as a primary defense tool is tantamount to taking a handicap in a game where the stakes are your life. Hope you will get seriously motivated, do some research, and buy quality tools to enable your defense goals. If money is a problem; sell something to fund your firearms purchases. You really need the weapons that are capable of delivering power and precision if you ever need to fight for your life and family.

[TimoneX]

Gonna own weapons for self-defense? Defense of your home and family? A damn good idea, but you are not off to a good start with this purchase unless you intend the gun to serve one of your children or as a backup.

Thanx I appreciate your insight. I picked up some ammo, but haven't yet figured out when I can get some range time in. While considering this purchase the possibility or perhaps even likelihood that this weapon will eventually end up in the hands of one of my two teenage sons at some point was more than a passing thought. Though it's not exactly light, it is remarkably easy to handle and is supposed to have very gentle recoil characteristics, which should suit the lady of the house or one of my scrawny boys if/when I go for something with more firepower down the road.

[Kenny]

Thanx I appreciate your insight. I picked up some ammo, but haven't yet figured out when I can get some range time in. While considering this purchase the possibility or perhaps even likelihood that this weapon will eventually end up in the hands of one of my two teenage sons at some point was more than a passing thought. Though it's not exactly light, it is remarkably easy to handle and is supposed to have very gentle recoil characteristics, which should suit the lady of the house or one of my scrawny boys if/when I go for something with more firepower down the road.

I believe noworries makes a good point, I would have recommended a shotgun but it seemed the SKS was there and the YUGO makes a nice addition to anyones collection, Shotgun close range in the urban makes for a good tool and plus you can get a rem 870 on the cheap with tonnes of goodies lots of parts, styles of barrels rifled and such. I do think the SKS will serve you well. sometimes in the spirit of the defense of our families we put all of our faith in defensive weapons. A good plan and preparedness is the foundation of any defensive plan, maybe the confidence that comes with holding that SKS might just be what gets your loved ones safe.

you did a good thing no matter what its a step in the proper direction, now put some lead down range and make that yugo an extension of your mind and body.

[JEKYLL-7]

I wouldn't use my SKS as my primary home defense gun. The main reason being that a lot of them are going to end up being fed with milsurp FMJ ammunition (at least up here, 90%+ of the x39 cases I see are milsurp). I do own some Norinco non-corrosive as well as some hunting softpoints, but for the price of the hunting rounds, you might as well use one of the other calibers listed. I also think that the tried and true 12 gauge is THE home defense weapon. FMJ stuff is good for making small holes in stuff, but not for splattering perps.

The SKS fills an odd little niche that did not need to be there, but was created by the influx of cheap guns and ammo, making it economical to shoot. I do enjoy mine, but it's not really the best gun at doing any one particular thing.

[Unca Walt]

I like the stock actually, it's very solid and well made. I probably wouldn't have changed it myself, but I'm very pleased with the look, feel, and functionality and don't consider it a negative, though I might have had I not handled it.

I haven't been bow hunting in years, I love to target shoot though. Great stress reliever. Thanks for the link and wisdom.

That is what jumped out at me with the link.

My bringumhome has a stock that I would not use for firewood. It could not have cost more than a dime to manufacture. :hahaha:I think it is PINE!!! :s13:

[Unca Walt]

Thanks, a bipod will likely be my first accessory purchase. I've seen them attached to the handrest under the gas chamber and toward the barrel tip, is there generally a clear preference? I think either would cause me to cough up the pig sticker, but that's okay, the feet are more important.

You do not need to divest yerself of the bayonet.

That bipod clomps right on easypeasy. Plenty of space for it. No change whatsoever needed to the rifle. You will instinctively find where it goes best. You can plunk it on the round (and checkered) end of the bayonet handle, or just in front of the bayonet on the barrel. Whatever blows yer skirt up.

And for a measly $17, how fargin wrong can ya go? :cool:

HAH! I just did a quick-look and found it for $15. http://www.opticsplanet.net/ncstar-ak-sks-bipod-aba.html

[Unca Walt]

Thanx I appreciate your insight. I picked up some ammo, but haven't yet figured out when I can get some range time in. While considering this purchase the possibility or perhaps even likelihood that this weapon will eventually end up in the hands of one of my two teenage sons at some point was more than a passing thought. Though it's not exactly light, it is remarkably easy to handle and is supposed to have very gentle recoil characteristics, which should suit the lady of the house or one of my scrawny boys if/when I go for something with more firepower down the road.

The SKS has the kick of a p ussycat. Here is a pic of my grandling, Wolfie, plinking with it:

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad184/UncaWalt/wolfieshoot2.jpg

Here's his target. It was the first time he ever fired a rifle:

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad184/UncaWalt/wolfietarget.jpg

I took ten shots:

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad184/UncaWalt/bullseye.jpg

Since it was Wolfie's first time, I had him practice aiming for a while. I made up a set of SKS-specific sight pictures for him. You might want to use it:

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad184/UncaWalt/gunsightgroup.jpg

Hope this helps.

[Mike]

The SKS has the kick of a p ussycat. Here is a pic of my grandling, Wolfie, plinking with it:
http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad184/UncaWalt/wolfieshoot2.jpg
Here's his target. It was the first time he ever fired a rifle:


Hi, not bad for his first time especially with a not exactly target rifle. In the 80's when SKS's were in the $100-125 range I compared it with a Ruger Mini 30. The Ruger had a scope but the SKS shot the pants off it. The SKS was a Chinese with iron sights. Good for Wolfie, :thumbs_up: Regards, Mike

[Kenny]

You did well, there are different schools of thought of what you need in home defense, some I heard say you can't shoot outside of 50 yards with it, thats fine, there is an aspect of Law you should understand when you pull the trigger. In a jury of your peers how do you think you would do having to defend yourself after stopping a alleged criminal at 600 yards, you would be hard pressed to defend yourself, and there is plenty of ways to use a rifle in close quarters combat, its usually the ammo you use that makes the difference. if you have any questions feel free to ask.

[Unca Walt]

You did well, there are different schools of thought of what you need in home defense, some I heard say you can't shoot outside of 50 yards with it, thats fine, there is an aspect of Law you should understand when you pull the trigger. In a jury of your peers how do you think you would do having to defend yourself after stopping a alleged criminal at 600 yards, you would be hard pressed to defend yourself, and there is plenty of ways to use a rifle in close quarters combat, its usually the ammo you use that makes the difference. if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Good info, Kenny.

But I got to thinkin'... If I dropped a criminal (alleged) at 600 yards, it would be because there would be no need to defend myself legally.

Clearly, legal crap would be mucho in abeyance.

I WOULD have a dilemma: Love to carve a notch in the stock in commemoration of such a shot, but the stock on my Weatherby is just too fargin pretty to deface. :biggrin::s11::s13:

I even have it covered in leatherette camo diapers.

[Kenny]

Mmm!! I here ya your gun sounds awesome, and I know what you mean about carving a notch hee hee. And that is a good point about the 600 yard shot. Personally I think the shotgun is the best home defense but I would love a model 700 just incase.