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Author Topic: Replacement Barrel Compatability?  (Read 291 times)

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fjefman

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Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« on: December 09, 2025, 12:54:02 PM »
Does anyone know how compatible SKS barrels are amongst the different models?  I have a Norinco Model M SKS that needs a new barrel.  It is pinned.  Not sure if I need to buy a Norinco M barrel, or a Norinco M barrel, or just any pinned barrel. Any input?

Jeff
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PAX

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2025, 08:57:31 PM »
Threaded barrels are clocked to the receiver, with barrels and receivers both having matching numbers,
1-36(?). I have no clue if pinned are clocked. PAX
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LESchwartz

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2025, 08:21:55 PM »
I'm pretty sure only Chinese barrels are pinned.  I'm not sure if the threads on other barrels are large enough such that they can be turned down or not.  Pinned barrels are not "clocked", but they do need to be aligned, pressed and re-pined similar to AK barrels.

You should watch a few AK building videos to decide if you want to try it yourself on an SKS or take it to a smith.

Larry
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fjefman

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2025, 09:45:25 PM »
Thanks for the input. I have no issues replacing the barrel, just need confirmation that any pinned 16? barrel would work in my M receiver.

Does anybody have a definitive answer?
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LESchwartz

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2025, 09:50:19 PM »
Quote from: fjefman on December 12, 2025, 09:45:25 PM
Thanks for the input. I have no issues replacing the barrel, just need confirmation that any pinned 16? barrel would work in my M receiver.

Does anybody have a definitive answer?

I think any pinned barrel will do, since the receiver inevitably started life as a normal Chinese fixed magazine SKS receiver.

Larry
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fjefman

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2025, 01:08:41 PM »
Quote from: LESchwartz on December 12, 2025, 09:50:19 PM
Quote from: fjefman on December 12, 2025, 09:45:25 PM


I think any pinned barrel will do, since the receiver inevitably started life as a normal Chinese fixed magazine SKS receiver.

Larry

Perfect.  Thanks.  I'll keep searching for a 16" pinned barrel I can swap in.
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PAX

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2025, 05:28:23 PM »
Quote from: fjefman on December 12, 2025, 09:45:25 PM
Thanks for the input. I have no issues replacing the barrel, just need confirmation that any pinned 16? barrel would work in my M receiver.

Does anybody have a definitive answer?

Good luck on hunting down a pinned Para barrel. Might have to settle for a regular length unit and have it turned down while its off for the front site & bayo lugs. Or you can go the easy route and use a P50 or easier still, but not 16.5", is to cut it back to 18.5", and chop the front site globe to fit the remaining undercut muzzle, both no bayo. PAX
P50 on 16.5" chop

18.5" cut with globe
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fjefman

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2025, 08:04:34 PM »
Quote from: PAX on December 27, 2025, 05:28:23 PM
Good luck on hunting down a pinned Para barrel. Might have to settle for a regular length unit and have it turned down while its off for the front site & bayo lugs. Or you can go the easy route and use a P50 or easier still, but not 16.5", is to cut it back to 18.5", and chop the front site globe to fit the remaining undercut muzzle, both no bayo. PAX
P50 on 16.5" chop

Well at that point it might actually be easier to buy a barrel blank and make an entire new barrel from scratch.  I can pull my existing barrel and take all the dimensions from it.  Then I just need a chamber reamer.  This would be a lot more machining time, but I enjoy lathe work, and it would be a fun project.

The rifle in question has been down for a couple years at this point so I can afford a bit more time searching.  Funny enough, eBay seems to have the biggest selection of SKS barrels I've found.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2025, 08:20:33 PM by LESchwartz »
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LESchwartz

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2025, 08:19:27 PM »
Quote from: fjefman on December 27, 2025, 08:04:34 PM
Well at that point it might actually be easier to buy a barrel blank and make an entire new barrel from scratch.  I can pull my existing barrel and take all the dimensions from it.  Then I just need a chamber reamer.  This would be a lot more machining time, but I enjoy lathe work, and it would be a fun project.

There used to be NOS SKS barrels available.  However, most of them have been sold long ago . . .

Larry
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PAX

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2025, 01:04:21 AM »
Quote from: LESchwartz on December 27, 2025, 08:19:27 PM
Quote from: fjefman on December 27, 2025, 08:04:34 PM
Well at that point it might actually be easier to buy a barrel blank and make an entire new barrel from scratch.  I can pull my existing barrel and take all the dimensions from it.  Then I just need a chamber reamer.  This would be a lot more machining time, but I enjoy lathe work, and it would be a fun project.

There used to be NOS SKS barrels available.  However, most of them have been sold long ago . . .

Larry

So true, so long gone.
But in the OPs favor is his ability to use a lathe simplifies the mechanics of it to keep a bayo. IF he can find a barrel, easy to chop to 16.5" recrown, face muzzle and turn down to fit the front site /bayo lug ID while it's off. xt will be proud! Just do it! :? PAX
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"but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of Independence from any who might attempt to abuse them." Sent from behind the KaliKurtain. PAX

Greatguns

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2025, 12:05:25 PM »
The main issue is going to be in the diameter around the chamber. Any Chinese SKS pinned barrel "should" work, but, as mentioned, you will mostly be looking at 20" barrels among those available. One thing you can do is look on Gun Broker at the re-milling companies that sell parts kits. The various GunBusters on there will probably be your best bet. If you find a de-milled Sporter, NR, SKS-S, or SKS-M will be your best options, but if you come across an MC-5D or standard Paratrooper they should also work, but you'll have to swap out the gas tube/piston assembly as the MC-5D and Paratrooper are standard length where as the M has the shorter gas system.
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monaderio

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #11 on: January 04, 2026, 12:52:47 PM »
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PAX

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #12 on: January 04, 2026, 04:55:28 PM »
Quote from: monaderio on January 04, 2026, 12:52:47 PM
Try this URL: https://www.ebay.com/itm/267296616783

Jump on it, complete with sites ready to go. With the way the bayo lug is neutered it looks like it's off a Cowboys Companion. PAX
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monaderio

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #13 on: January 05, 2026, 12:50:11 AM »
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PAX

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Re: Replacement Barrel Compatability?
« Reply #14 on: January 05, 2026, 03:12:34 PM »
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