Royal Tiger SKS cleaned up

[watt79]

I bought a $219 Royal Tiger SKS back at the end of June. Finally picked it up this weekend and got a chance to clean it up. There do not appear to be any cracks in the stock, although there seems to be some wood missing from the hand guard. Almost no finish left on the rifle. All numbers match (except the un-numbered stock). I think the stock may be a cut down Albanian replacement. I found two areas of pitting, but no active rust. The firing pin tip looks like it might be damaged. I have been trying to get the pin out of the bolt to get a better look at it but the bolt retaining pin is in there really tight.

[Gutz]

Not bad at all I'd say. How's the bore?

[watt79]

Its in good shape. I couldn't get a clear picture of it with the camera on my phone.

[Gutz]

Very cool, this thing is tons of fun.

[echo1]

Get over to the SKS Survivors board and add your # to the survey. Looks good for the price. PAX

[watt79]

Any opinions on the firing pin tip? Would it be safe to shoot the rifle with the dings in the pin?

[E Michael]

Id replace the pin, you don't want an accidental bump fire.

[surplus-addict]

Looks good, except for that firing pin. I'd definitely get that replaced, and while you're at it you might as well install a firing pin with a spring, like this one.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/bolt-parts/firing-pins/sks-enhanced-firing-pin-prod24637.aspx

Make sure to take some pics of when you fire it!

[watt79]

I will replace the firing pin as soon as I find a way to get that retaining pin out. I basically destroyed a brass punch on it trying to get it to move. That's after soaking it in Liquid Wrench overnight.

[peppermintman]

I will replace the firing pin as soon as I find a way to get that retaining pin out. I basically destroyed a brass punch on it trying to get it to move. That's after soaking it in Liquid Wrench overnight.

Noooooo! Don't use brass. A regular steel hammer Find a piece of scrap steel with a 1" hole in it, 1/2" otta work. Towel over the hole so it dont slip then give it a really good controlled hit. It'll come out

[NOTABIKER]

a little rough but we expect this from them, that gun has seen some use for sure. i bet it is like all SKSs a good shooter.

[DesertWalker]

Try this if you run out of ideas.

I will replace the firing pin as soon as I find a way to get that retaining pin out. I basically destroyed a brass punch on it trying to get it to move. That's after soaking it in Liquid Wrench overnight.

I had to try several different solvents on my RTI $219 SKS. The retaining pin and firing pin were way gummed up with crud and rust. Out of not knowing what to do, I soaked the bolt in whatever I could think of for days. Then I boiled the bolt in hot water. Finally, I was able to drive out the pin with a punch from Harbor Freight. Still, this was the most fun I have had with a rifle. The trigger group also had some rust, but once it was all cleaned up and oiled, it shot flawlessly. Maybe the best $219 (and 10 hours of labor) I have spent on a rifle.

[watt79]

Finally got the pin free. Going to order one of those Murray's firing pins. I think I may end up ordering a new stock for it. Although there are no cracks, the stock is chipping all over the place and the fit to the action is poor. Romanian and Russian stocks should fit these, right?