sks vs. nagant

the allmighty · 06-03-2006, 02:09 PM

i am looking for a cheap rifle to deer hunt with. wich one would be better with no scope and shooting at average ranges of about 50-75 yds.

Red Thomas · 06-03-2006, 03:58 PM

The Nagant will carry a heavier bullet that will not be easily deflected by leaves, twigs, hide, etc. The 7.62X54 R is a full sized rifle cartridge.

Brother Simonov's gun (the SKS) is an assault rifle, meaning that by definition it fires a cartridge of intermediate power.

They are both thirty caliber rifles so it's a function of how much power do you want/need. With open sights almost anyone could hit a paper plate (it just happens to be about the size of the kill zone of deer size game) reliably at the ranges you mention.

Stiletto · 06-03-2006, 04:09 PM

For DEER inside 100yd, either one will deliver plenty of energy.

An SKS will be less abusive to fire, and will be more compact than a 91/30. If you're thinking of using one of the MN carbines (M38 or M44), they are lighter than either the long rifles or the SKS, and with recoil pads or good technique, will be plenty comfy.

Rolan_Kraps · 06-03-2006, 05:21 PM

I'd have to echo what they've said. I have all three and find that the SKS is the most fun to shoot. I've never hunted with the Nagant or the Nagant carbine (I had a M44), but took my "one and only" deer with a SKS.

How much do you want to spend? You can get a good, used, 30-30 for about as much as SKS's are going for now. I'd advise on the Marlin 336 over the Winchester. The Marlin is a much better gun. It ejects to the side and is easier to break down and clean.

NRAJOE · 06-03-2006, 06:09 PM

I'd go with a Nagant over an SKS...

I'd also go with a Swiss K-31 over a Nagant....

DAL · 06-03-2006, 09:58 PM

Regardless of recoil, and I don't think the MN is anything most people can't handle, in terms of accuracy the MN has the SKS beaten six ways to Sunday, at least in my experience.
DAL

jellydonut · 06-04-2006, 12:11 AM

I'm with DAL. Just be careful to use commercial hunting ammo with the Mosin Nagant when hunting, if you get the mosin, because much of the milsurp for it is steel core. That means it'll whiz right through the deer without expanding and you could have yourself a runner very easily. Also, make sure you know where you're hitting with the iron sights before going out in the field. Many times, at least the mosins, shoot higher than where you aim with the open sights, especially at close ranges. So know your impact point. Good luck
JD

SPOCAHP ANAR · 06-04-2006, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRAJOE

I'd go with a Nagant over an SKS...
I'd also go with a Swiss K-31 over a Nagant....

The K31 aftermarket scope configuration may not be to your liking look at your mounts before ordering. However if you use open sights K31 all the way. Highly reliable and in the same pricerange you are talking about.

Beer Forever · 06-04-2006, 10:12 AM

I guess I'll be the odd man out and go SKS.

jellydonut · 06-04-2006, 10:38 AM

Can you get non-FMJ for the K31? They shoot 7mm, right? That ammo is kinda pricey around here. If my state allowed rifle deer hunting, I'd personally go with the SKS just cuz you can do quick follow up shots if necessary, and it's shorter & easier to carry if you're stalking the deer.

samosin · 06-04-2006, 03:15 PM

The SKS is NOT an assault weapon, even by the Congressional "assault weapon" definition, unless it has been modified. You can even own one in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia as long as it's not a Yugo with an evil grenade launcher. I guess they've had a problem with drive-by grenadings in Sacramento.

As far as killing Bambi, the other posters gave good advice. Both the SKS and the Mosin Nagant are capable of putting venison on the table at the distances you're talking about, it's really just your preference of semi-auto or bolt action. Whichever you use, check it out at the range first to see where it shoots - most were arsenal-zeroed for 300 meters, and will shoot high at shorter distances.

FutureMarine · 06-05-2006, 12:32 PM

SKS vs nagant??

in my opinion that is like asking what do you want, a Soda or ketchup?

They are rifles that are IMO uncomparable, because one is made for closer range and higher capacity, and the other is made for a longer range and not as much capacity

BattleRifleG3 · 06-05-2006, 01:07 PM

Reasons to pick the Mosin - I prefer the balance of the Mosin and it has more power, equivalent roughly to the 30-06. Probably a longer site radius (depending on model) meaning easier to aim accurately (note I didn't say the rifle was more accurate itself
Reasons to pick the SKS - lighter recoil and less expensive ammo, and easier to find. Result of this is more practice at a lower expense in ammo and physical effort.

What would I recommend? Buy both and PRACTICE with each of them. See how you do and pick whichever one you're more confident with. They are likely to be equivalent in their inherent accuracy.

FutureMarine · 06-05-2006, 01:08 PM

i would choose mosin too

spicybeefjerky · 06-05-2006, 11:09 PM

k-31?? you wont need a lot of bullets for it if your deer hunting...its not like they fire back and take cover....whenever i hunt its with one round ready to go and the other as a reserve....thats 2 rounds...whichever rifle you choose just be sure you practice with it beforehand and know your rifle's "ins and outs"...experience is the best teacher

MosinDave · 06-05-2006, 11:22 PM

I would honestly take a Mosin over an Sks for hunting. ( favoritism aside ) I would feel more confident using a full powered rifle cartridge over the medium sized cartridge for the added insurance that the first shot would be a clean kill.

jellydonut · 06-06-2006, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spicybeefjerky

k-31?? you wont need a lot of bullets for it if your deer hunting...its not like they fire back and take cover....

Wouldn't it be so much more exciting if they did though? :P

MosinDave · 06-06-2006, 12:31 AM

I'm guessing a hunters safety course would tun into a combat and tactics warfare class if that was the case :P

Demon Streamin · 07-12-2006, 01:15 AM

I have both an M44 and K31. Each are good shooters,fully capable of bringing down most targets with one shot.For me the 44 is just fun to shoot,shorter barrel, handy in the brush. Plus the folding bayo is cool.( shoots better with the sticker extended, why I don't know!) But the K31 is a sweet shooter, overall. The trigger pull is better., like squeezin a pillow. stouter action, longer barrel, heavier weapon. !!!! I can't decide which is better!!!

FutureMarine · 07-12-2006, 01:03 PM

well if you are looking for pure accuracy the k31 has the m44 by the belt buckle. but if you are looking for handiness then the m44 may serve you well. you need a 91/30!

06-03-2006, 02:09 PM	#1
the allmighty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 9	sks vs. nagant i am looking for a cheap rifle to deer hunt with. wich one would be better with no scope and shooting at average ranges of about 50-75 yds.

06-05-2006, 12:32 PM	#12
FutureMarine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PRK Posts: 1,946	SKS vs nagant?? in my opinion that is like asking what do you want, a Soda or ketchup? They are rifles that are IMO uncomparable, because one is made for closer range and higher capacity, and the other is made for a longer range and not as much capacity __________________ Semper Fi

06-05-2006, 01:07 PM	#13
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Reasons to pick the Mosin - I prefer the balance of the Mosin and it has more power, equivalent roughly to the 30-06. Probably a longer site radius (depending on model) meaning easier to aim accurately (note I didn't say the rifle was more accurate itself Reasons to pick the SKS - lighter recoil and less expensive ammo, and easier to find. Result of this is more practice at a lower expense in ammo and physical effort. What would I recommend? Buy both and PRACTICE with each of them. See how you do and pick whichever one you're more confident with. They are likely to be equivalent in their inherent accuracy. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

06-05-2006, 01:08 PM	#14
FutureMarine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PRK Posts: 1,946	i would choose mosin too __________________ Semper Fi

07-12-2006, 01:03 PM	#20
FutureMarine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PRK Posts: 1,946	well if you are looking for pure accuracy the k31 has the m44 by the belt buckle. but if you are looking for handiness then the m44 may serve you well. you need a 91/30! __________________ Semper Fi

06-03-2006, 03:58 PM	#2
Red Thomas Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: AZ Posts: 6	The Nagant will carry a heavier bullet that will not be easily deflected by leaves, twigs, hide, etc. The 7.62X54 R is a full sized rifle cartridge. Brother Simonov's gun (the SKS) is an assault rifle, meaning that by definition it fires a cartridge of intermediate power. They are both thirty caliber rifles so it's a function of how much power do you want/need. With open sights almost anyone could hit a paper plate (it just happens to be about the size of the kill zone of deer size game) reliably at the ranges you mention.

06-03-2006, 04:09 PM	#3
Stiletto Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 8	For DEER inside 100yd, either one will deliver plenty of energy. An SKS will be less abusive to fire, and will be more compact than a 91/30. If you're thinking of using one of the MN carbines (M38 or M44), they are lighter than either the long rifles or the SKS, and with recoil pads or good technique, will be plenty comfy.

06-03-2006, 05:21 PM	#4
Rolan_Kraps Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 3	I'd have to echo what they've said. I have all three and find that the SKS is the most fun to shoot. I've never hunted with the Nagant or the Nagant carbine (I had a M44), but took my "one and only" deer with a SKS. How much do you want to spend? You can get a good, used, 30-30 for about as much as SKS's are going for now. I'd advise on the Marlin 336 over the Winchester. The Marlin is a much better gun. It ejects to the side and is easier to break down and clean.

06-03-2006, 06:09 PM	#5
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,052 Images: 3	I'd go with a Nagant over an SKS... I'd also go with a Swiss K-31 over a Nagant....

06-03-2006, 09:58 PM	#6
DAL Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 7	Regardless of recoil, and I don't think the MN is anything most people can't handle, in terms of accuracy the MN has the SKS beaten six ways to Sunday, at least in my experience. DAL

06-04-2006, 12:11 AM	#7
jellydonut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 234	I'm with DAL. Just be careful to use commercial hunting ammo with the Mosin Nagant when hunting, if you get the mosin, because much of the milsurp for it is steel core. That means it'll whiz right through the deer without expanding and you could have yourself a runner very easily. Also, make sure you know where you're hitting with the iron sights before going out in the field. Many times, at least the mosins, shoot higher than where you aim with the open sights, especially at close ranges. So know your impact point. Good luck JD

06-04-2006, 10:12 AM	#9
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	I guess I'll be the odd man out and go SKS.

06-04-2006, 10:38 AM	#10
jellydonut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 234	Can you get non-FMJ for the K31? They shoot 7mm, right? That ammo is kinda pricey around here. If my state allowed rifle deer hunting, I'd personally go with the SKS just cuz you can do quick follow up shots if necessary, and it's shorter & easier to carry if you're stalking the deer.

06-04-2006, 03:15 PM	#11
samosin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 5	The SKS is NOT an assault weapon, even by the Congressional "assault weapon" definition, unless it has been modified. You can even own one in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia as long as it's not a Yugo with an evil grenade launcher. I guess they've had a problem with drive-by grenadings in Sacramento. As far as killing Bambi, the other posters gave good advice. Both the SKS and the Mosin Nagant are capable of putting venison on the table at the distances you're talking about, it's really just your preference of semi-auto or bolt action. Whichever you use, check it out at the range first to see where it shoots - most were arsenal-zeroed for 300 meters, and will shoot high at shorter distances.

06-05-2006, 11:09 PM	#15
spicybeefjerky Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 155	k-31?? you wont need a lot of bullets for it if your deer hunting...its not like they fire back and take cover....whenever i hunt its with one round ready to go and the other as a reserve....thats 2 rounds...whichever rifle you choose just be sure you practice with it beforehand and know your rifle's "ins and outs"...experience is the best teacher

06-05-2006, 11:22 PM	#16
MosinDave Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 571	I would honestly take a Mosin over an Sks for hunting. ( favoritism aside ) I would feel more confident using a full powered rifle cartridge over the medium sized cartridge for the added insurance that the first shot would be a clean kill.

06-06-2006, 12:31 AM	#18
MosinDave Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 571	I'm guessing a hunters safety course would tun into a combat and tactics warfare class if that was the case :P

07-12-2006, 01:15 AM	#19
Demon Streamin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 4	I have both an M44 and K31. Each are good shooters,fully capable of bringing down most targets with one shot.For me the 44 is just fun to shoot,shorter barrel, handy in the brush. Plus the folding bayo is cool.( shoots better with the sticker extended, why I don't know!) But the K31 is a sweet shooter, overall. The trigger pull is better., like squeezin a pillow. stouter action, longer barrel, heavier weapon. !!!! I can't decide which is better!!!