Gunsmiths, I have a non-cowboy gun issue

Capt Quirk · May 26, 2020, 09:05:39 AM

I bought a well used (been around the block a few times), Chinese SKS. The internal magazine was swapped for a stamped steel 30 Rd mag, and the entire site block was removed from the barrel. I found an original site block, and had it installed.

I thought everything was great, until I went to install a bayonet. That is when I discovered that the barrel stopped at the site block. I have heard of "stubbing", where a length of barrel is added on to an existing barrel. Is this a realistic option for me?

August · May 26, 2020, 12:26:44 PM

Is the end of the barrel threaded for a flash hider/compensator??

Capt Quirk · May 26, 2020, 01:21:02 PM

I don't think the barrel reaches the end of the site block, but I saw no threading.

Major 2 · May 26, 2020, 01:50:56 PM

That may be the most radical Counter bore I've seen
Looks like the barrel was faced off at the sight base $:-\$

Here is what I'm use to seeing

Capt Quirk · May 26, 2020, 02:09:21 PM

The barrel actually is a good inch from the end of the site block. I haven't got a clue what the previous owner was thinking.

Major 2 · May 26, 2020, 02:22:25 PM

That is the aim ( no pun intended ) of a counter boar , to dress back the worn crown or damaged muzzle ....

Im2bent · May 26, 2020, 02:34:49 PM

Dam as the Major said that is one extreme counterbore if that is what it is. Was this guy trying to make a diy rifle grenade launcher? Anyhoo back in the day sks rifles ( the Chinese ones) were cheaper than dirt. I remember a guy at the Los Angeles fairgrounds that had a massive stack of them he was selling for 79 bucks a pop. Why yes I did buy one as it was cheaper than a 10/22. Of course at the same show a guy had a stack of brand new HK91's he was selling for.........699 a pop

. Unfortunately even if I had a crystal ball back then i did not have 700bucks to blow......sob... Why yes I am dating myself aren't I? Whats my point? Might be cheaper to buy an unmodded one than throw money at this one. Of course I just looked on Gunbroker and the Yugo sks are going for 2 grand?!?!?!?. However there are also some going for 100 so depends on the background of yours as to value? Repairing the barrel probably wont be a cheap proposition. Not sure what would be involved in a barrel swap if feasible or cost effective?

Capt Quirk · May 26, 2020, 03:07:13 PM

I paid around $400 for it, complete with a piece of hose over the muzzle end, and a cheapo AR style site clamped on. I've seen where these "cheaper than dirt at one time" SKS are going up. I'm slowly trying to undo somebody else's doing, and make it right again.

Just like my 1970 F100, somebody opened a 12 pack or 10 of stupid on that.

St. George · May 26, 2020, 10:44:40 PM

Spares for the SKS abound - get a different barrel from Gunpartsco or Sarco.

Scouts Out!

Capt Quirk · May 27, 2020, 03:28:39 AM

So, replacing the whole barrel is my only best option? Ok, thanks.

Major 2 · May 27, 2020, 03:39:40 AM

St George mentioned SARCO

https://www.sarcoinc.com/original-chinese-sks-barreled-receivers/

here is one on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264737729541

Capt Quirk · May 27, 2020, 05:37:07 AM

Yeah, I've been through Sarco's site before. I need to call Lee's out in Texas anyways, so I'll check with him first. He has always come through, specially when he modified some 7.62 mags for my 9mm.

Major E A Sterner · May 27, 2020, 11:15:25 PM

Have you checked to make sure the front sight is correctly installed? It looks different than the other one pictured below it, Maybe installed backwards?

Galen · May 28, 2020, 04:11:20 AM

Good Luck finding a gunsmith. It's difficult to find a smith that can work on a firearm that isn't 92%plastic.

Im2bent · May 28, 2020, 04:36:28 PM

Quote from: Major 2 on May 27, 2020, 03:39:40 AM
St George mentioned SARCO

https://www.sarcoinc.com/original-chinese-sks-barreled-receivers/

here is one on eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264737729541

89 bucks seems like a good deal doubt you will find a gunsmith to repair the original barrel for less than that. Not even close. Of course having to dish out additional money on top of the original purchase price is never a pleasant.

Capt Quirk · May 28, 2020, 08:44:44 PM

@ Major Sterner, I'm pretty sure it is on correct, as much as possible. The rifle is a good shooter, now that I found a removable magazine that works. The Archangel by somebody, holds 20 rds, and properly feeds 20 rds. I have 3 stamped steel 30 Rd mags, 2 don't feed at all, none of them work with more than 10 rds in them. Got 4 more of the plastic mags coming.

The bayonet issue can be addressed down the road a bit.