Yugo SKS question

ghost_raven · 01-15-2008, 02:11 AM

Okay... the SKS was going to be my first military rifle. This was before I knew much about anything other than the M-16 and AK-47. So I went into a local sporting goods place and drooled over their relatively modest line of military rifles. One in particular caught my attention. It had a synthetic Dragunov style stock, a scope, military sights, and was larger than an AK-47. It also had a 30 round magazine. I asked about it, and it turned out to be a Norinco SKS... I'd heard a little about the SKS in the past, but this was my first time seeing one, and I was impressed. I put it on layaway, and did research on it as I worked toward paying it off. Well... I found out that while Norinco had made some that were intended for the detachable magazine, many people had retrofitted them for said magazines, this modification often leading to feed problems... and the one I was going to get had been retrofitted. Well, not knowing a lot about gun-smithing, I figured it may be best that I leave the gun for someone who knew more about it, and regretfully swapped my deposit for an AK-47.

Anyway, I'm still liking the idea of getting an SKS for whatever reason, and I find myself most attracted to the Yugo ones. However, I'm hearing about some problems having to do with the gas tube and grenade launcher switch, largely from second hand accounts, though. Is this a serious problem with the Yugo, or is it one of those things where it just takes a slightly more intelligent user?

jmp8927 · 01-15-2008, 11:05 AM

For the record, I own a Norinco SKS and use high-cap mags and have no problems to speak of. The 20rds work 98% as well as the original 10rds and the 30rds work 95% as well so long as you're smart enough to figure out that they may need slight fitting to the individual rifle.

About the Yugo, from what I've read on here(I don't own a Yugo) most of the issues with the gas tube result from a person not having a lot of experience with the rifle. I think by far most of the G&G SKS owners have Yugos and I've yet to hear any serious complaint about them.

Paper · 01-15-2008, 11:29 AM

I have a few Yugos and the only one I had an issue with was shot so much the bolt face had impacted the barrel around .080 to .090".. This had caused headspace issues, and as the gun warmed it tended to not kick out shells..

I sold it as a parts gun for $40 more than I paid for it.

My other Yugos are in very good condition and I haven't had any issues with them..

Shoot em', occasionally clean em' they just keep spitting lead..

SilverRun · 01-15-2008, 12:49 PM

I have owned several yugo SKS's with only one problem. It was related to the firing pin and was fixed. I kept the best one of course and sold the rest. I really like SKS's and Yugo's in particular, but given a choice of only one, I would take the AK. So, did all the former communist countries and half the world. I don't think you made a bad call. I have a couple of the Yugo AK's, and I am very impressed with them. BTW, I am not crazy about the aftermarket SKS mags - I would stay with the stripper clips. You have to think that the communist block countries thought about the aftermarket mags, but choose to stay with the 10 round and stripper clips.

res45 · 01-15-2008, 06:04 PM

On a YUGO SKS put the selector switch at 12 o'clock to launch practice grenades or shoot single shot put it at 2 o'clock to fire the weapon in semi-auto mode. As far as the gas valve goes if it stove pipes or want eject and you know everything else is ok on the rifle and it's been cleaned including giving the chamber a good scrubbing,getting a replacement gas valve it's an easy fix,a $10 part.

ghost_raven · 01-15-2008, 10:24 PM

They make practice grenades?

I'm not insane, I promise! Well, not too insane, anyway.

res45 · 01-16-2008, 03:56 AM

Sure do

M1A2 Grenade Adapter

Blank Ammunition

Cyrano · 01-16-2008, 06:49 AM

I own a Yugo Model 59/66A2. In my opinion, you can't do better for your first military rifle. Once you get it out of the cosmoline (I did mine with mineral spirits; I recommend the dishwasher method!) and take it apart and reassemble it a couple of times, you'll be confident with it. It's easy to maintain, very tolerant of a little dirt, and not fussy about its ammunition.

I do think you'd be better off with an SKS that has not been monkeyed with to accept detachable magazines, though. It was designed for 10 round stripper clips, not detachable box mags. Look around on the internet and you'll find issue SKS rifles for under $200. Classic Arms out of North Carolina always seems to have them in stock and they are very easy to deal with over the phone.

As far as ejection issues, I've never had them. My Yugo throws out the empties with great spirit, like five yards or more in the air. If you are having ejector problems, the first thing to do is thoroughly clean the gas system and give it a very light coat of gun oil. That should solve the problem.

billy · 01-16-2008, 07:07 AM

buy an unissued one and skip a buncha headaches!

Big Dog · 01-16-2008, 07:37 AM

Yep, Billy's right. The 'unissued' Yugos don't have the gas valve issues. If your rifle does, it's usually a very easy fix! Fixed mine three years ago with a little Blue Permatex Gasket Sealer - nary a hiccup since - and I've shot it a lot!
The Yugo is noticeably longer and heavier - excellent to practice your butt-stroking techniques. The others are lighter and handier.

ghost_raven · 01-16-2008, 02:10 PM

Butt-stroking techniques, eh?

Yeah... I'm thinking after my 91/30, a Yugo SKS will be my next investment. From what I'm understanding, assuming I get a used/issued one, it may not hurt to just get it a new gas tube right off.

res45 · 01-16-2008, 03:07 PM

Get the valve not the tube your tube is probably just fine, valve may be also but you just never know till clean it up and shoot it.

New Valve
CNC Warrior :: 59/66 Yugo SKS Gas Valve $9.99

Big Dog · 01-16-2008, 06:21 PM

Yep, I have only ever heard of a couple cases where the tube was corroded enough to need replacement - generally it's just the valve body. If you have a good machinist in town, he could turn a new one from round stock.

one80 · 03-21-2008, 07:15 PM

SKS newbie..

Ive been looking at the Yugo SKS just waiting to get my C&R, but my buddy just called and said that it doesnt accept detachable mags, even if you get the Tapco T6 with the Tapco 20 rd mag. I really wouldnt mind if it didnt but, is this true?

Cyrano · 03-21-2008, 08:16 PM

As noted above in the thread, the SKS is not designed for detachable magazines. It is true you can buy aftermarket parts that in theory will fit where the fixed magazine goes, that will allow the use of AK-47 magazines. That said, I would not recommend doing so. Even if you can get the part to lock properly into the receiver, with the correct alignment, you run the risk of knocking something askew each time you change magazines.

If you feel you absolutely must have detachable mags, cut to the chase and buy an AK-47. It's designed for detachable magazines. If you want a fun rifle that is easy to maintain and won't flatten your bank account, buy a Yugo SKS and about a dozen stripper clips. That's what it boils down to.

racdrof · 03-21-2008, 08:52 PM

I got 2 - 35 round mags for my chinese SKS, no problems. Had a 20 round mag on my yugo, nothing but problems. 20 round mag cam off and the stock 10 round back on.

one80 · 03-21-2008, 11:32 PM

Thanks for the replies, I will just leave the 10 rd mag on it.

marion57 · 03-22-2008, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrano

As noted above in the thread, the SKS is not designed for detachable magazines. It is true you can buy aftermarket parts that in theory will fit where the fixed magazine goes, that will allow the use of AK-47 magazines. That said, I would not recommend doing so. Even if you can get the part to lock properly into the receiver, with the correct alignment, you run the risk of knocking something askew each time you change magazines.

If you feel you absolutely must have detachable mags, cut to the chase and buy an AK-47. It's designed for detachable magazines. If you want a fun rifle that is easy to maintain and won't flatten your bank account, buy a Yugo SKS and about a dozen stripper clips. That's what it boils down to.

well put Cyrano!! I think guys think they can make a AK out of a SKS
+1

M39SKY · 03-22-2008, 12:22 AM

Go to gunshows sometimes. Last week I chanced upon a couple of 37-round and one 20 rounder SKS mags made by DC Engineering, Detroit MI for 25 bucks each. I bought them primarily for US-made compliance parts but they work really well, including last-round bolt hold open.

GlockMeister · 03-22-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by one80

SKS newbie..

Ive been looking at the Yugo SKS just waiting to get my C&R, but my buddy just called and said that it doesnt accept detachable mags, even if you get the Tapco T6 with the Tapco 20 rd mag. I really wouldnt mind if it didnt but, is this true?

Just a little FYI. Keep in mind, once you put one on, make it so it can use them, you've made it no longer eligible for C&R status. If that matters to you that is?

01-15-2008, 02:11 AM	#1
ghost_raven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 408 Trader Rating: (0)	Yugo SKS question Okay... the SKS was going to be my first military rifle. This was before I knew much about anything other than the M-16 and AK-47. So I went into a local sporting goods place and drooled over their relatively modest line of military rifles. One in particular caught my attention. It had a synthetic Dragunov style stock, a scope, military sights, and was larger than an AK-47. It also had a 30 round magazine. I asked about it, and it turned out to be a Norinco SKS... I'd heard a little about the SKS in the past, but this was my first time seeing one, and I was impressed. I put it on layaway, and did research on it as I worked toward paying it off. Well... I found out that while Norinco had made some that were intended for the detachable magazine, many people had retrofitted them for said magazines, this modification often leading to feed problems... and the one I was going to get had been retrofitted. Well, not knowing a lot about gun-smithing, I figured it may be best that I leave the gun for someone who knew more about it, and regretfully swapped my deposit for an AK-47. Anyway, I'm still liking the idea of getting an SKS for whatever reason, and I find myself most attracted to the Yugo ones. However, I'm hearing about some problems having to do with the gas tube and grenade launcher switch, largely from second hand accounts, though. Is this a serious problem with the Yugo, or is it one of those things where it just takes a slightly more intelligent user? __________________ The First Amendment defines America, the Second Amendment defends it. Last edited by ghost_raven; 01-15-2008 at 05:58 AM.

01-15-2008, 11:05 AM	#2
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 1,092 Trader Rating: (0)	For the record, I own a Norinco SKS and use high-cap mags and have no problems to speak of. The 20rds work 98% as well as the original 10rds and the 30rds work 95% as well so long as you're smart enough to figure out that they may need slight fitting to the individual rifle. About the Yugo, from what I've read on here(I don't own a Yugo) most of the issues with the gas tube result from a person not having a lot of experience with the rifle. I think by far most of the G&G SKS owners have Yugos and I've yet to hear any serious complaint about them. __________________ Doing the unexpected makes the unexpected the expected and thus the expected becomes the unexpected.

01-15-2008, 11:29 AM	#3
Paper One Buwwit Weft Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 848 Trader Rating: (0)	I have a few Yugos and the only one I had an issue with was shot so much the bolt face had impacted the barrel around .080 to .090".. This had caused headspace issues, and as the gun warmed it tended to not kick out shells.. I sold it as a parts gun for $40 more than I paid for it. My other Yugos are in very good condition and I haven't had any issues with them.. Shoot em', occasionally clean em' they just keep spitting lead.. __________________

01-15-2008, 10:24 PM	#6
ghost_raven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 408 Trader Rating: (0)	They make practice grenades? I'm not insane, I promise! Well, not too insane, anyway. __________________ The First Amendment defines America, the Second Amendment defends it.

01-16-2008, 07:07 AM	#9
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 10,692 Trader Rating: (0)	buy an unissued one and skip a buncha headaches! __________________ i'll keep an eye out for ya!

01-15-2008, 12:49 PM	#4
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,659 Trader Rating: (0)	I have owned several yugo SKS's with only one problem. It was related to the firing pin and was fixed. I kept the best one of course and sold the rest. I really like SKS's and Yugo's in particular, but given a choice of only one, I would take the AK. So, did all the former communist countries and half the world. I don't think you made a bad call. I have a couple of the Yugo AK's, and I am very impressed with them. BTW, I am not crazy about the aftermarket SKS mags - I would stay with the stripper clips. You have to think that the communist block countries thought about the aftermarket mags, but choose to stay with the 10 round and stripper clips.

01-15-2008, 06:04 PM	#5
res45 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 258 Trader Rating: (0)	On a YUGO SKS put the selector switch at 12 o'clock to launch practice grenades or shoot single shot put it at 2 o'clock to fire the weapon in semi-auto mode. As far as the gas valve goes if it stove pipes or want eject and you know everything else is ok on the rifle and it's been cleaned including giving the chamber a good scrubbing,getting a replacement gas valve it's an easy fix,a $10 part.

01-16-2008, 03:56 AM	#7
res45 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 258 Trader Rating: (0)	Sure do M1A2 Grenade Adapter Blank Ammunition

01-16-2008, 06:49 AM	#8
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,896 Trader Rating: (0)	I own a Yugo Model 59/66A2. In my opinion, you can't do better for your first military rifle. Once you get it out of the cosmoline (I did mine with mineral spirits; I recommend the dishwasher method!) and take it apart and reassemble it a couple of times, you'll be confident with it. It's easy to maintain, very tolerant of a little dirt, and not fussy about its ammunition. I do think you'd be better off with an SKS that has not been monkeyed with to accept detachable magazines, though. It was designed for 10 round stripper clips, not detachable box mags. Look around on the internet and you'll find issue SKS rifles for under $200. Classic Arms out of North Carolina always seems to have them in stock and they are very easy to deal with over the phone. As far as ejection issues, I've never had them. My Yugo throws out the empties with great spirit, like five yards or more in the air. If you are having ejector problems, the first thing to do is thoroughly clean the gas system and give it a very light coat of gun oil. That should solve the problem.

01-16-2008, 07:37 AM	#10
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,020 Trader Rating: (0)	Yep, Billy's right. The 'unissued' Yugos don't have the gas valve issues. If your rifle does, it's usually a very easy fix! Fixed mine three years ago with a little Blue Permatex Gasket Sealer - nary a hiccup since - and I've shot it a lot! The Yugo is noticeably longer and heavier - excellent to practice your butt-stroking techniques. The others are lighter and handier. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

01-16-2008, 02:10 PM	#11
ghost_raven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 408 Trader Rating: (0)	Butt-stroking techniques, eh? Yeah... I'm thinking after my 91/30, a Yugo SKS will be my next investment. From what I'm understanding, assuming I get a used/issued one, it may not hurt to just get it a new gas tube right off. __________________ The First Amendment defines America, the Second Amendment defends it.

01-16-2008, 03:07 PM	#12
res45 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 258 Trader Rating: (0)	Get the valve not the tube your tube is probably just fine, valve may be also but you just never know till clean it up and shoot it. New Valve CNC Warrior :: 59/66 Yugo SKS Gas Valve $9.99

01-16-2008, 06:21 PM	#13
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,020 Trader Rating: (0)	Yep, I have only ever heard of a couple cases where the tube was corroded enough to need replacement - generally it's just the valve body. If you have a good machinist in town, he could turn a new one from round stock. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

03-21-2008, 07:15 PM	#14
one80 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas,NV Posts: 5 Trader Rating: (0)	Does the Yugo sks accept detachable mags? SKS newbie.. Ive been looking at the Yugo SKS just waiting to get my C&R, but my buddy just called and said that it doesnt accept detachable mags, even if you get the Tapco T6 with the Tapco 20 rd mag. I really wouldnt mind if it didnt but, is this true?

03-21-2008, 08:16 PM	#15
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 1,896 Trader Rating: (0)	As noted above in the thread, the SKS is not designed for detachable magazines. It is true you can buy aftermarket parts that in theory will fit where the fixed magazine goes, that will allow the use of AK-47 magazines. That said, I would not recommend doing so. Even if you can get the part to lock properly into the receiver, with the correct alignment, you run the risk of knocking something askew each time you change magazines. If you feel you absolutely must have detachable mags, cut to the chase and buy an AK-47. It's designed for detachable magazines. If you want a fun rifle that is easy to maintain and won't flatten your bank account, buy a Yugo SKS and about a dozen stripper clips. That's what it boils down to.

03-21-2008, 08:52 PM	#16
racdrof Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 183 Trader Rating: (0)	I got 2 - 35 round mags for my chinese SKS, no problems. Had a 20 round mag on my yugo, nothing but problems. 20 round mag cam off and the stock 10 round back on.

03-21-2008, 11:32 PM	#17
one80 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas,NV Posts: 5 Trader Rating: (0)	thx Thanks for the replies, I will just leave the 10 rd mag on it.

03-22-2008, 12:22 AM	#19
M39SKY Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 34 Trader Rating: (0)	Go to gunshows sometimes. Last week I chanced upon a couple of 37-round and one 20 rounder SKS mags made by DC Engineering, Detroit MI for 25 bucks each. I bought them primarily for US-made compliance parts but they work really well, including last-round bolt hold open.