[BattleRifleG3]

I compared the Gas system on my Norinco SKS-D to GunGeek's Romanian, which I thought was on the same pattern. But lo and behold, mine is shorter. Is it just mine, or is it all Norincos? And which models does the US made piston and tube combo at Tapco fit?

 

[Calvin]

I have not heard of a difference in the sizes myself. How much are we talking here, Battle?

 

[BattleRifleG3]

I'm not sure, I think about an Inch, at least.

 

[Gyrene]

BattlerifleG3 - If I remember correctly, the Norinco SKS-D was shortened, to make it a "Paratrooper" rifle/carbine.

I can't understand why everybody wants to go to a shorter and shorter barrel, and try to shoot 500 yards. Is it the added challenge??? The short barrels reduce the accuracy, two ways, they shorten the sight radius, and they shorten the guidance of the barrel, additionally half the power from the powder is blown out the muzzel of the barrel, creating a louder bang (maybe more bang for the buck?). Long distance shooters, even with the AR-15 use barrels up to 26 or 28 inches at least. The guys with the "Quigley Down Under Rifles" (.45-110, .45-120, and the .50-90, and on and on) go out even further and those can be accurate out to and beyond 1,200 yards (the bullets have been proved recently to be able to go out 3,600 yards at Yuma proving ground).

Can anybody give a rational explanation for the trend to short, short barrels?

 

[Big Dog]

It looks good on TV, and every body wants to be "tactical". There are fads in guns, just as elsewhere else.

 

[Calvin]

The gas system is shorter on the D models. Talked to a freind yesterday who has one, and he said he had installed an AK74-type muzzle brake to better burn the powder. His velocity increased about 130 fps more with the brake installed. Accuracy gains were negligible, but the barrel/gas system was much cleaner.

 

[alan c.]

Shortened for easier concealment.