1963 Chinese SKS  vs AR15

   in IPSC Rifle Competition

By: AceEyeEd TY43209 August 15, 2007 

Revisions October 14, 2007, Sept 25, 2008

 Copyright (c) 2007-2008 all rights reserved

Thoughts and Observations: Summer 2007

I can say the performance of my SKS was limited to myself.  If I had the time to practice as much as I do the handgun, I could be much faster. By no means is the SKS a bad performer. This report is the beginning. I will add more detail to see if the corrective actions identified get cleaned up. 

Some issues were tactical errors , and some were maintenance issues. Sure could have used more practice, so start three months ahead of match.  Highlight - best 42%  overall 20% (without issues could have made 35%)

But I had fun, got exercise, and learned something.

I have shot the SKS in IPSC/USPSA 3-Gun and rifle matches, for 6 matches.

Some with open iron sights , then switching to tactical with the addition of the scope. 

First Scope was a Chinese red star 4x20 it broke .

Second - Simmons 1.5 to 5 shotgun scope not bad but I dropped the receiver and bent the scope. triangle reticule

third and newest - Centerpoint 2x7 32 scope with red / green ilum mil dot reticule    

The SKS has to have the bolt back to load a new mag. I will be ordering a Bolt that can allow change out of mag with bolt closed. This will help make tactical mag change outs faster. Mag changes will still be slower on the SKS due to the Duck bill connector.  More info on bolt. Captain of a Crew of One: Evolution of a Homeland Defense Weapon 3  Duckbill see the You Tube links below.

I have emailed the machinist and will have 2 bolts modified to accept mags when the bolt closed. Should be finished by end of sept 07. I will be testing the bolts and their new  ' H ' Buffer for the SKS.

Contact:

Mark Holloway, 25thCTC
mjholowy(REMOVE)@ipa.net
25thCTC

The Bolts I bought, were a bit long on the bottom, which gave inconsistent results. Sometimes the disconnect would not work causing trigger lockup. Eureka. It worked, I ran 150 rds of wolf FMJ and HP with no jams, lockup etc.

H Buffer worked fine. Need to do more bench work to check if the group shot are tighter.

Results of the testing after the changes:

Sight in at 50 yd using Wolf 7.62 x 39 154g SP

This was done seated , with sand bags front and rear

Scope is a 1.5x5 x 40  set to 5x

my last two perfect 2 groups of three are shown below.

Below: 100 yd Test 9/2008 Winchester FMJ 7.62x39 123 gr.

 7x scope SKS Sandbag bench rest

group 1.949 inch. in the top 20% of SKS.

First COLD 3 shots of the day 100 yds. 2.431 inch

All things perfect and the M16/AR15 will beat the SKS every time mainly due to faster mag changes and a lot less recoil allowing the second shot to be completed 1.5 times as fast as the SKS.  see Orange shade in table above. IPSC is points / time. It is the time factor here.

Why do I use the SKS in competition ?

FUN, Ammo cost half as much, I only compete 2 times a year in rifle, and at least I do not come in last. 

I recommend the TAPCO 20 rd . You Tube video below linked for tests.

Needs a day or two of  break in.

For break in spray silicone into mag , load the mag with 20 rounds, let set over night
Use rifle, remove firing pin again remove firing pin and use the rifle to cycle and the rounds through. do this over and over by hand cycle until it runs clean.
Let mags sit over night and repeat process, you could just go shoot,  this is cheaper.

Then take mag apart clean and re-lube with silicone.

I like these mags. No issues after 500 rds.

Lessons Learned last match:

5 stages, 1 - 200 yds , 4 - close with one stage 1/2 size targets,

covered all shooting positions: Seated bench, Standing, kneeling, seated, prone.

photos from last match for the example.

1 sks Vs 45 AR-15  Outnumbered ;o)

1- To be smoother more dry fire practice. (Faster mag changes)

1.5 - more dry fire with movement in close quarters.

2- Purchase new bolt that allows mag changes with bolt closed. (Complete)

3- Tighten all scope mounts, add Lock tite RED high strength thread lock.  lack there of caused me to DNF in the 200 yd stage.

    **  After the match I noticed 2 screws holding the scope and one mount ring was loose. UGH attention to detail.(Complete)

3a-Added new 2x7 32 Scope ilum mildot  Centerpoint

4 - make sure you train to the longest shot.  (Complete)

5- start the practice sequence 2-3 months before match.

6- Disconnect not clean if mag is resting on anything. working on this.

 

SKS 7.62 x 39 AMMO:

 

I use Wolf and Winchester white box.

See this site for Ammo comparison What about all that inexpensive Russian Ammo

 

Wolf  7.62 x 39  - 154 sp  Aug 2007 - preferred for IPSC Major

Chrono tests   10 rds  avg  2136 fps

makes 328 major ipsc / 325 floor

Stock test - 2104 fps

Chinese SKS 1963 20 inch barrel 

temp - 95 f   Hum 75%  Alt 850  bar  

Sunny, no wind

 

Ballistic Table:

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Mag Issues

Best by far is the TAPCO 20 rd composite.  Bolt hold back, and smooth feeding. Nice feed follower full cap.

some you tube of mag in action.  YouTube - TAPCO SKS 20 Round Mag Rapid Fire

Almost there when it comes to peak performance.

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