To begin, I commend Admin and Moderators for adding this forum to SKS Boards. Long time coming. Thank you.
And as this is a relatively new discussion section, perhaps it is prudent to define what is meant by a Classic, Unmodified SKS. Understandably, my description might not line up with everyone's definition, but it may help establish some basics which could aide in the formal distinction.
Short history: When SKS's began flooding into the U.S. in the 1980's, they were largely considered as a substandard rifle with little to no military history and hence, no collectible value. They were difficult to 'give away' at $50-70, even with a case of ammo. So began the commercial variant and accessory production to make the SKS more appealing. Paratroopers, large capacity mags, plastic stocks, AK conversions, scope mounts, etc. all emerged to enhance the marketability of the SKS.
Tens of thousands of them were modified at the exporter, importer, distributor, gunshop, and personal owner levels. But I don't think that the presentation of these modified guns is what CLASSIC, UNMODIFIED SKS RIFLES is all about.
As I was once in the mind to modify an SKS, I do stand formerly guilty of the sin. But since my collecting mindset has changed to "Do no harm. Leave it largely as found", I have answered to a higher calling of preservationist collecting,
and that is what this forum section should follow, IMO.And to the Veterans who have faced the SKS in the field, thank you. There are a growing number of current SKS owners who appreciate that the gun is not a substandard unit, and has an established place in combat history, and more presently in legitimate collecting interest.
So, just what are
CLASSIC, UNMODIFIED SKS RIFLES ?
1. An SKS which has received no irreversible alteration since its last arsenal refinish, its last issued, unissued, field/combat modified or repaired, or reserve storage condition.
2. Refer to 1. Very straightforward.So with the basic definition now established,
it may best be served to define what is NOT CLASSIC, UNMODIFIED SKS RIFLES.1. Refinishing. Sanding, staining, coating, rebluing, drilling, accessorizing, scoping, accurizing, waxing and the like, have no business here. Implements of war are not meant to be pretty or pimped. Again, if it is refinishing that you would like to do, or have done, this is not the proper venue.
2. Accessorizing. Any addition of accessories which do not alter the original configuration or condition of the carbine, and can be totally reversed, is fine. It just does not fit into classic discussion, and may be discussed freely in the individual Russian, Chinese, Romanian, etc., or in General SKS Discussion or Workbench forums. Aftermarket accessories are not Classic. Go ahead and install a proper military sling, though. It's not THAT strict around the preservationist clubhouse.
3. If you want to shoot your Classic SKS, by all means do so! Clean out the cosmoline without aggressive chemicals, dress the sear for positive engagement, and even install a spring firing pin (keep the original, though). These were built to make loud noises and to put jacketed lead into the air. But it is not necessary to discuss shooting related topics, as there are already many areas in which to do so.
4. If there is a question as to whether a topic does not fit into CLASSIC, UNMODIFIED SKS RIFLES discussion, then it probably can be answered elsewhere before posting here. This forum is a haven for the unaltered SKS Carbine, and should be respected as such.
5. And finally, if you find that your topic no longer appears in this section, don't panic. It has just been moved to the proper section and the topic may still be active and worthy on its own merits in another section of SKS Boards. I must add the disclaimer that this overview is the opinion of one collector. No one from Admin or Moderators of SKS Boards have asked me to contribute this opinion. But it is my hope that the culture of CLASSIC, UNMODIFIED SKS RIFLES might adopt the motto of:
Do no harm. Leave it largely as found.Thank you -
Martin
