Can SKS be loaded without stripper-clip?

[Lupara]

Just in case Kalifornia decides to outlaw the SKS because they decide to consider the stripper-clip to be a "removable magazine", can an SKS be loaded by hand from the top bullet-by-bullet? In that case the gun may be considered legal on court challenge on the grounds that it can be loaded without a stripper-clip, thus the clip is only a help and not really part of the gun.

I don't own one yet but was wondering if loading it in this fashion is possible.

thanks

[Capybara]

Of course you can. I only recent acquired some SKS strippers, courtesy of a fellow Calgunner, one at a time is the only way I have ever loaded my SKS.

[Standard]

Yes, they can be loaded without any clips, one by one into the internal magazine.

[pc_load_letter]

By hand is the only way I load mine.

[TheDigitalPicasso]

Man know I want an SKS but don't know anything about them. I remember a few years back Big 5 had them for sale for like $189-$300.

[Donk310]

The SKS is bad *****. That's all I've got to say about that.

[desertjosh]

Yup^ I love my unissued Yugo.

[frahuang]

Yes, just don't load it this way..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uBCoEy1bISE

[kcheung2]

Yep sure can. I've loaded it from the bottom a few times too. Close the bolt, flip it upside down, open magazine and just drop a handful of loose rounds in. It doesn't work when you try to fill up the mag with 10, the spring needs some leeway so keep it 8 or less.

[537 Paper Street]

You should get some stripper clips though. At least 20. It's a rip that they're going for $2 a clip these days. I remember when you could buy 10 rds that came ON a stripper clip for $1!

[Lupara]

Good to know, thanks. I'm starting to like this gun.

What are the differences between the Soviet and the Chinese models? I know I've never liked Asian woods; what about their metallurgy?

Thanks again

[Standard]

In response to a couple of posters with questions - SKSs are actually great guns in my experience.
They often get compared to AKs, which makes sense, but think of it like a CA AK. Compared to an AK the SKS:
Has a last round BHO
All milled construction(vs stamped AKs)
No mags to buy or worry about
Ten round capacity only (for CA)
Chrome lined bore (not in Yugos)
Longer sight radius
Can single load
Attached bayonet
Cheap parts
Decent accuracy

[Foresight88]

SKS is one of my favorites. It is generally what I like to take with me when I go backpacking, hiking, camping because of it being 100% legal in it's original configuration (no neutering) and doesn't look as "evil" to liberal hippie douches.



I am constantly finding SKS stripper clips everywhere in my home. I'll find them in an occasional pocket, when I clean out my Jeep, bottom of my backpacks, etc.

I normally use stripper clips to load mine, but those which have scopes (properly mounted on a side rail) require me to hand load them which is no problem at all. I don't know what you guys are talking about with your fingers getting sore.

Everyone should have at least 1 SKS - this is especially so for those within our state

[ChuckW]

Yeah, I don't get the sore fingers either. It's easier on the fingers than loading many detachable magazines.

[537 Paper Street]

Mine is Chinese (Norinco). It was my first semi-auto rifle. I think I paid $125 for it around 1990. All the important metal parts are machined and the quality is quite good. Don't know how they stack up against the East-block rifles I've never compared side by side but mine has never had any problems.