The Case For The SKS Carbine And Why Everyone Should Own One

Respect being given to the AR-15 platform, AK-47 platform and all of the other magazine fed, "high capacity" rifles that hold legendary status, this article is purely to argue the merit of the lowly SKS carbine and why, among other rifles, it should be purchased and stocked for.

In its original configuration, it has a permanently attached 10 round magazine. Even in New York, from what I understand, under the S.A.F.E. Act a rifle has to have a detachable magazine and 1 "evil" feature in order to be banned. In this case it's the attached (as we're talking about a stock rifle) bayonet that is a so called "evil" feature as it were. That can be quickly rectified as it can be cut off. If you really want a bayonet, the easily obtained Mosin Nagant 91/30 bayonet can be slightly modified and used while remaining permanently unattached, not violating state law.

Let's say you’re an AK guy and they just banned your favorite rifle. Fine, it sucks but you can't afford to move and you need a rifle to use "in public" since you have sold/stashed/buried/burned your beloved AK. "In public" meaning one you can take to the range, practice with and pull out in case of emergency that won't catch you a charge for having something that's on the banned list.

Having your supply of 7.62x39, your SKS rifle will run the same ammo as your AK. Stripper clips aren't expensive and you can load them to conform to state law. These same stripper clips are small, compact and can easily be retained by shoving in a pocket as opposed to a dump pouch (unless you choose to). You also have a few other advantages you may not think about! There are no magazines s to lose. Stripper clips are cheap but not necessary for operation of the rifle. You can hand load rounds in to the permanently attached magazine. Stripper clips can generally be bent back in to working shape and under austere conditions, could even be easily replicated. Magazines also get lost and in the wrong situation won't be likely to be resupplied. It's a milled military rifle with a proven track record that can shoot out to 300 yds. Being that it loads 10 rounds at a time, you'll be less likely to waste ammunition. Ammo weight also is less since you don't have the weight of the magazines to carry around.

Price currently is in the $300 range with ragged looking supplies being sold online under $280. They are creeping up in price but are still a great hedge against bad future legislation. Chances are any new legislation will accept the SKS in some form and you'll still have a proven military pattern rifle that will be able to shoot cheap ammo.

So keep the SKS carbine in your thoughts as you browse the gun shows. A lot of deals are still out there to be had and having a few of these rifles on hand would be an asset to anyone who cares about home and personal defense.