AK-47 vs SKS Accuracy

[Standard]

I would second joe gman's assessment but let's not kid ourselves here, these aren't tack drivers. They are shooters. To push either to 150 is testing more of your shooting ability than the rifle capability. That's just my opinion. But neither my SKS nor my AK have any kind of optics so maybe my old eyes are just getting bad.

Yeah 150 yards isn't exactly pushing them.

[saki302]

Assuming you're using decent optics to make the comparison fair-

GOOD AKs (Arsenal milled) have been known to shoot at or near 1" groups at 100 yards with GOOD ammo and optics.

Not sure what an SKS would do, but it may be in the ballpark (since they all come with milled receivers).

A ratty stamped AK, all bets are off. I had a MAK-90 in the 90s which would barely hit pie plates at 50 yards.

-Dave

[Mitch]

My SKS seems more accurate than my AK. I use irons on both and can routinely shoot a closer "group" with the SKS at a longer range than the AK. But the SKS has a longer sight radius.

Yes, I'm sure it's the sight radius. The issue with these rifles at the end of the day is the ammunition. The SKS shoots a lot better than most people (especially people who don't own or shoot the SKS) give it credit for.

Sadly, these rifles have crappy sights to begin with. I am certain they would have better reputations for accuracy if they came with, say, M1 sights.

[Anthracis]

Ive seen guys zeroed at 200m without too much work. Given quality ammo and quality shooter, you can be very accurate with an AK. Even better with a quality optic.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I wouldn't bother posting here if I hadn't spent a good bit of shooting time with both weapons. Posting one or the other as being more accurate because that is what you have is rather pointless.

I'd GUESS that from a bench, the SKS would group a bit tighter, due to longer barrel, and the machining on the SKS is probably a bit better.

In practical shooting, I.E. standing unsupported, I find the SKS a great deal more accurate. The traditional rifle stock and longer sight radius gives the rifle excellent pointability.

The AK is the better 'tactical' weapon, but they are usually smaller, lighter, with a squat buttstock. The same cartridge produces significantly more felt recoil and is more jarring to shoot through the AK. This can be proven by firing short range, 5 shot rapid fire bursts with both weapons. The AK will have much more muzzle flip and scatter the group more than the SKS will.

This is just my unscientific .02 based on personal experience. Maybe someone with tactical pants and a tactical beard will reply that i am completely wrong.

[Standard]

I wouldn't bother posting here if I hadn't spent a good bit of shooting time with both weapons. Posting one or the other as being more accurate because that is what you have is rather pointless.

I'd GUESS that from a bench, the SKS would group a bit tighter, due to longer barrel, and the machining on the SKS is probably a bit better.

In practical shooting, I.E. standing unsupported, I find the SKS a great deal more accurate. The traditional rifle stock and longer sight radius gives the rifle excellent pointability.

The AK is the better 'tactical' weapon, but they are usually smaller, lighter, with a squat buttstock. The same cartridge produces significantly more felt recoil and is more jarring to shoot through the AK. This can be proven by firing short range, 5 shot rapid fire bursts with both weapons. The AK will have much more muzzle flip and scatter the group more than the SKS will.

This is just my unscientific .02 based on personal experience. Maybe someone with tactical pants and a tactical beard will reply that i am completely wrong.

This has been my experience as well.

[akjunkie]

Im surprised no one mentioned the difference in the piston/op rod design of the 2 rifles.

[Mitch]

Im surprised no one mentioned the difference in the piston/op rod design of the 2 rifles.

What effect would that have on accuracy?

[FiveSeven]

What effect would that have on accuracy?

None, the bullet will be out the barrel when piston does it's job.
In a scoped rifle, bolt carrier design in AK can possibly throw you slightly off target, but you'd need bigger cartridge than x39 for that (same goes for receiver flex in milled vs stamped, none play any role in their accuracy).

[major burnout]

I have spent a lot of time shooting AK and SKS rifles, yes even more than you. I wouldnt comment if I was full of sheit. If you have a beard shave it right now. My opinion caries weight. The AK is more tactical. The AK has a shorter barrel. The sks has a longer barrel. Burn your tactical pants. Dont bother posting if you dont have as much shooting experience as me. Thats my .01. My .01 is worth two of your .02. Sks rifles are more accurate than an AK, but if im shooting an AK and you are shooting SKS the AK will be more accurate.

[Jarhead]

[xrMike]

Hehehehehe

[mif_slim]

Dont have a AK but my sks sure shoots better then my saiga.

[gao1976]

Short answer : SKS
Long answer : Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova

[Socalman]

Short answer : SKS
Long answer : Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova

I always thought SKS stood for Sovietska Komunista Shooter