Bob Dunlap teaches this course on the Russian designed, and German StG 44 inspired, SKS semi-automatic carbine. Designed in conjunction with its 7.62×39 ammunition, also inspired by the Germans 7.92×33 (8mm Kurtz or Short) cartridge, the SKS was the first Russian Assault Rifle. Produced by the millions and still in service in many parts of the world, this gun saw extensive use in both the Russian and Chinese versions in Vietnam. A cut-away gun is used so that you can actually see the operation and relationship of the internal parts. If you want the quick course on how to get the venerable Simonov carbine apart, back together, and operating as intended, then this course is for you (if you want the “long course,” look into our basic 108 hour Professional Gunsmith Course.)
Among the items covered are:
Design & Function
- The gas system is shown, and its well thought out parts discussed
- Why having the gas port farther than normal from the chamber, and the large diameter system, are a good idea
- Why the guns work well with wide variations in strength and quality of ammo
- The gun was designed to work well with poor quality steel as well as varying levels of quality in manufacture, why?
- The guns unique locking system shown and demonstrated. Where are the locking lugs?
- How the carrier tail serves as a hammer block if the disconnect has disengaged and the bolt is not locked
- How the tip of the magazine follower activates the bolt stop
- The robust extractor and the soldier proof ejector are displayed, and their direct ancestry of those in the later AK-47 are obvious
- The clever way the extractor is forced inward on bolt opening is shown
- The fire control system is displayed and explained
- See the multiple disconnect devices designed into the gun, and how they work
- Stone axe simple safety and its operation shown, required clearances shown, and corrections if necessary
- Design and operation of the magazine shown
- Why the bolt MUST be back before the magazine is removed, and the consequences if it is not
- Why SKS and AK mags are curved
Disassembly
- Extensive disassembly, parts not removed have removal described (or the reasons not to), including barrel, gas block, front and rear sights, receiver cover pin, and the bolt stop pin
- Why the flat tipped firing pin can cause problems, and its solution
- Why the firing pin has cut outs
- Why the springs have multiple strands
- How to correct a negative hammer/sear engagement (and what that is)
- How to adjust the disconnector to get properly aligned trigger bar, sear engagement
- How to improve the trigger pull, the ubiquitous Trigger Job
- If you do a trigger job, why you need to adjust the mag catch engagement
Cleaning & Lubrication
- AGI cleaning & lubrication methods shown, along with the reasons for their use
Reassembly
- Making sure you have no parts left over
- Why it does not hurt to oil the piston
- How to correct a negative angle on the extractor hook
- How to recognize and correct a magazine feeding problem if you damage the lips
Common Problems and Their Correction
- Feeding and extraction
- Barrel problems
- Bedding the barrel
- Making the magazine flush with the stock
Accessories
- What is available
- Magazines available, and removable mag conversions
- Reforming the safety to clear your finger
- What to avoid
If you noticed how often the terms “explanation” and “demonstration” are used, you may be getting some idea of why this course is necessary for any SKS owner, or someone who intends to be.
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