My newest weapon is a SKS SPORTER made in China by Norinco.   What is unique about this SKS is that it is equipped to take AK mags (20,30 and the drums as well).  I am not sure if this is a factory conversion done by the importer or if it was assembled this way in China. I do know that this little detail makes a nice little rifle considerably more potent.

This is my first SKS rifle.  I am already familiar with the advantages and downsides of the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge. I think this round is one of the best choices for the self (limited) funded militia person. I have as of yet only fired one magazine (30 rounds) through this rifle but it performed fine. I had used a training/urban round.  I have used this round with al the AK variants I have owned and was curious to see if it functioned in this SKS. The results were mixed. The round is a plastic cored cooper jacketed bullet weighing about 60 grains (less than half a normal 7.62 X 39mm round). The charge ( or powder) is a faster burning type similar to that used in handgun loads.  The resulting round is as accurate as regular surplus ammo to at least 100 yards.  My concern with firing it in the SKS was, would it have enough ummph to cycle reliably.

It performed fine with timed single shots. However when the need to fire many rounds very quickly (burping, panic fire, suppression fire.... pick one) the rifle would fail to extract. This happened to me on 3 different occasions. Each time I had burped about 6-8 rounds out of the rifle, when it failed to fire. Upon making the rifle safe (dropping the mag and engaging the safety) I discovered the last round fired had caused a stovepipe jam. I cleared the jam each time. I then made sure the chamber was empty, reloaded, disengaged the safety and continued to fire.  So much for this ammo in that rifle.

The rifle came with a nice composite plastic "Monte Carlo type" stock the original wooden thumbhole stock  was also included in the deal.  The rifle handles nicely it is a little front heavy but this along with the installed muzzle break (also included in the deal) makes for quick recovery between shots.I have little doubt that it will group well enough for "battle rifle standards" in my opinion this is no more than 3-4" at 100 yards.  I am anxious to get back in to the field with some regular FMJ ammo and see how this rifle groups.  Time will tell, I let you know!!!

F.J.