Norinco SKS

[Dan_Eastvale]

Are the detachable magazines legal? Or do you need to get a fixed magazine one? I've seen a few members say theirs have detachable magazines and it was legal to acquire but not sure how...

SKS has a fixed 10 round mag.
Detachable means detachable on the fly.
Those modified to accept 30 round AK mags are illegal in CA but legal here in Utah and most everywhere else in America

[The Gleam]

SKS has a fixed 10 round mag.
Those modified to accept 30 round AK mags are illegal in CA but legal here in Utah and most everywhere else in America

Somewhere in the parts bin I have a 20-round swing-down fixed mag accessory for my Chinese companion, long since detached, but an uncommon item I couldn't bring myself to part with. One day it will go back on.

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[BrokerB]

Yes, star stamped 20 rounders.. I have never tested one to see how they perform

[wild_weasel]

Not surprisingly reloading components for 7.62x39 are in short supply in California. But have managed to finally build up a stock of reloadable Norma brass, bullets, powder, and primers. I'm using data from the Hodgdon reloading center for Hornady 123gr SST's & AA1680 and Berry's 123gr TMJ's & AA5744, which is a little HOTTER than the data in the current Lyman, Hornady or Speer Manuals I own. The SST's are printing to POA at 25m with the rear sight set to 200m and the Berry's FMJ's (reduced load) printing 2 inches lower. What I immediately noticed when cleaning my SKS after is there is almost no carbon fouling on gas piston using AA1680 and AA5744, while the Norma factory loads left it caked with carbon. Looking forward to working up loads for PPU 123gr FMJs and Starline Brass which is currently on backorder.

[beerman]

Yes, star stamped 20 rounders.. I have never tested one to see how they perform

I have, it was problematic when loading 20. Worked ok with 15. Kinda ruined the ergonomics of the gun. Took it off and went back to stock. May still have it somewhere.

[wild_weasel]

I have, it was problematic when loading 20. Worked ok with 15. Kinda ruined the ergonomics of the gun. Took it off and went back to stock. May still have it somewhere.

When I had my first SKS in the 1980s I tried out a Star stamped 20 round SKS fixed magazine, I picked up at a gun show for under $20. I recall the final two or three rounds often POPPED out of the magazine, I'm assuming due to weak magazine tension. Sold it off with the rifle wishing the new owner better luck than I had.