NORINCO SKS
Posted Jun 14, 2023
rifle
Introduction
The Norinco SKS is one of the most iconic rifles of the 20th century. Originally designed in 1945, the Russian designed Semi-Automatic carbine has been used by over 90 different countries across the world. Potentially due to its genuine historical use and popularity, the Norinco SKS has seen a recent resurgence in popularity amongst gun collectors and sport shooters. Overall the Norinco SKS is not only a very reliable rifle, but when compared to its competition, it also provides great value.
History
The original Norinco SKS was designed in 1945 by Sergei Gavrilov and military engineer Simonov. Its development was the end result of state of the art engineering and materials of the time, combined with the Russian perspective that a rifle should be relatively simple to maintain and to operate.
The design of the Norinco SKS was based on the successful operation of earlier Russian designs, with some modifications to reduce production cost and improve manufacturing time. The SKS-45 displaced the short Mosin-Nagant carbine as the primary service rifle of the Russian Army and remained in production until the late 1950s.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Carbine of Nations,’ it is estimated that over 90 countries around the world adopted some version of the SKS rifle into their military forces over the years. Soviet Union military equipment was commonly exported to other Eastern bloc countries during the Cold War, but the SKS was also being adopted by Arab, African, and South American countries as well.
Design and Specifications
The Norinco SKS is a fairly lightweight semi-automatic carbine rifle and typically weighs between 7-8 lbs. The SKS is designed with a gas operating system and fires 7.62x39mm. This is an intermediate power ammunition which is also used in the AK-47. The Norinco SKS also has a beneficial 10 round fixed box magazine, which prevents the need for reloads in a pinch.
The Norinco SKS has a 20” barrel length with a 1 in 9.45” twist rate. This makes it more accurate than a standard AK-47 by providing a better spin when trying to shoot at longer ranges. The rifle is rather long with an overall length of 40.2” and a height of 4”.
The Norinco SKS has a conventional wood furniture including a fixed wooden stock. The rifle also features adjustable iron sights that are accurate up to around 400 yards. In addition to being unique to this firearm, the sights also have a rather striking look.
The good
Reliability
The Norinco SKS has an excellent reputation among gun owners for its unparalleled reliability and longevity. Many people will attest to the fact that they can leave the SKS out in the rain or snow and it will still fire perfectly. In fact, the rifle is so reliable that some owners utilize it as their primary hunting rifle, sighting in their groups at 100 yards.
The SKS has been around for nearly 75 years and the original design has not changed much, which speaks to its incredible ability in standing up to any conditions that the user might be facing. The gas operating system of the SKS is extremely efficient and there are barely any issues with jams.
Price
The Norinco SKS is a great rifle to get if you are looking to buy something affordable yet reliable. The rifle has been around for a long time and its technology is outdated, so it is relatively easy to find an SKS for under $200.
Given modern materials, this is an incredible deal when compared to other semi-automatic carbine rifles on the market. Many people find that the value for money is unbeatable and they love being able to get a reliable rifle for an incredibly low price.
Accuracy
The Norinco SKS has an incredibly accurate fixed-position iron sights system. With the adjustable rear sight and post front sight, the Norinco SKS is able to achieve accuracy up to 400 yards.
Like other rifles with iron sights, the Norinco SKS is best utilized at close to medium range shots due to a lack of magnification. However, the accuracy of the SKS is generally better than other weapons it its class given its adjustable-position and post-type sights. This also allows the shooter to make quick target acquisition and to land precise shots with little effort.
Ease of Use
The Norinco SKS is a notoriously simple rifle to operate. It uses a gas-operated action and loading is a breeze with its powerful 10-round fixed box magazine. The stock is fixed in position, so the length of pull is also unambiguous.
Recoil is a non-issue with the Norinco SKS since it is essentially a lightweight semi-automatic carbine that makes even the most aggressive shooter feel comfortable. The SKS is also known for being an incredibly easy gun to maintain since there are only a few moving parts and a lack of complexity across most models.
The Bad
Ammunition
The biggest disadvantage of the Norinco SKS is its choice of ammunition. The rifle is chambered in 7.62x39mm, which is a caliber that is not as readily available in most stores as the more common .223 or .308. This makes it difficult to find affordable rounds of ammunition, especially when you factor in the costs associated with purchasing a reloading kit.
In addition, 7.62x39mm is not typically available in premium calibers and is often considered to be a low-cost ammunition with a lack of power. This makes it more difficult to land accurate shots on larger game at longer distances due to a possible lack of conversion energy.
Scope Mounting
The Norinco SKS is an iron sighted gun, with the sights designed to get a shooter on target quickly up to a distance of 400 yards. While the iron sights can be fine tuned for precision shooting, the majority of gun enthusiasts would prefer the ability to mount a scope, granting them more magnification and accuracy.
Unfortunately, due to its design, it is not possible to mount a scope on the Norinco SKS. The lack of a Picatinny rail or other scope mounting devices makes it difficult to upgrade the rifle. This means that if you are looking to hunt with the Norinco SKS beyond 400-500 yards, optical options will be limited.
Conclusion
The Norinco SKS is an incredibly reliable rifle that is both easy to use and affordable. It has been around since 1945 and its gas operating system ensures smooth operation in any conditions. Its iron sights are incredibly accurate up to 400 yards and its 10 round fixed box magazine reduces reloading time between shots.
It is also an incredibly affordable rifle, with many models available for under $200. The only downside is that ammunition for the SKS is not as readily available as .223 or .308, and it can be difficult to find premium ammunition for it. In addition, there is no scope mounting capability, so if you are looking to hunt at long distances, you may
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Reliable design – the simple design makes the NORINCO SKS a reliable choice for shooting and easy to maintain.
-Inexpensive – the NORINCO SKS is a cost-effective option for those looking for a budget firearm.
-High capacity – with a detachable magazine, the NORINCO SKS can hold up to 10 rounds of 7.62×39mm making it a great choice for hunting and home defense.
-Versatility – the NORINCO SKS can also fire a variety of ammunition including the .223 Remington, 5.45×39mm, and .30-06 Standard.
Cons:
-Limited features – the NORINCO SKS has limited features and no Picatinny rails for mounting accessories.
-Outdated - the SKS was designed in 1945 and is showing its age, with certain parts becoming harder and harder to find.
-Heavy – the NORINCO SKS is a heavier firearm compared to more modern rifles due to its full-length wood stock.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is legally able to purchase a rifle should be able to purchase a NORINCO SKS. However, it is important to research the laws in one's local area. As this is a semi-automatic rifle, there are some areas in which it may be illegal to purchase one. In addition, some people may choose to not purchase a NORINCO SKS in consideration of its country of origin (China). Additionally, because most of them have not been updated to comply with US federal regulations enacted after 1968, anyone who is looking for a rifle to compete in organized competitions should not select a NORINCO SKS.
Comparisons
| NORINCO SKS | Springfield Armory Hellion Bullpup | Palmetto State Armory PA-10 | Palmetto State Armory PSAK47 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62x39mm | 300 BLK | .308 Winchester | 7.62x39mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds | 30 rounds | 20 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 733 m/s | 827 m/s | 845 m/s | 715 m/s |
| Overall Length | 110 cm | 79 cm | 104 cm | 83 cm |
| Barrel Length | 59 cm | 14.7 inches | 20 inches | 16 inches |
| Weight | 4 kg | 7 lbs. 4 oz. | 8 lbs. 11 oz. | 8 lbs. 11 oz. |
| Stock | Birch, laminate wood | Adjustable Synthetic Bullpup | Synthetic Fixed Stock | Synthetic Fixed Stock |
Features / Specs
-7.62x39mm
-20” barrel
-Stripper clip fed
-10 round fixed internal box magazine
-Lightweight hardwood or laminate stock
-Weight 8.5lbs
-Bayonet lug
-Rear flip sight
-Manual safety
Popular Accessories
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- Stripper Clips
- Firing Pin Retainers
- Magazine Follower Assembly
- Firing Pin Spring Kits
- Replacement Sights
- Gas Cylinder Plug
- Barrel Bands
- Cleaning Kits
- Sling Mounts
- Stock Sets
Accuracy
The NORINCO SKS is an inexpensive rifle that is known for its ruggedness and reliability, and it is a popular choice for hunting, shooting sports, and home defense. When it comes to accuracy, the SKS is known for its decent accuracy, especially in shorter range engagements. With a sight radius of around 18 inches, the SKS performs well at distances up to and including 300 yards, which makes it suitable for hunting and target shooting. However, its accuracy drops off at longer ranges, and most shooters suggest that the maximum effective range of the SKS is limited to 400 yards. The SKS is also not known for its precision, and groups of 2-3 inches at 100 yards can be expected with most factory loads. While its accuracy isn't stellar, it is more than sufficient for most practical shooting applications.
