I've added two more rifles to my collection over the past month, and I thought I would share pictures!

The first addition to the family is my second SKS.  The SKS is a semi-automatic rifle in 7.62x39mm caliber with an integrated magazine.  This was the rifle Russia manufactured immediately after World War II.  It was the primary service rifle of Russia (and other soviet countries) from 1945 through ~1956, when it was replaced by the AK-47.  Russia gave the design specs to all Soviet countries and other communist nations (namely China and North Vietnam).  This particular specimen is Chinese in manufacture, similar to my other SKS.

This SKS was an unexpected Christmas gift from Meredith's stepfather.  He's a retired mechanic that works at a gun store "for fun" in North Carolina.  He sent firearms as belated Christmas presents for Meredith, her brother John, and myself.  Anyway, without further adieu, here's the gun!


Here she is in all her glory.  It took awhile to clean her up and get everything oiled, but she should be ready for shooting!



The SKS came without a bayonet spike, so I picked one up at a gun show a couple weeks back.  It looks great with it!


Since I already have a Chinese SKS, I think this is going to be my "project gun."  The wooden hand guard on the top of the gun has been replaced by a Bakelite hand guard that I'm not very fond of, so I think I'm going to replace the entire stock with a composite set.  The new stock will have a collapsible buttstock and will allow the SKS to accept detachable 20-round mags instead of the built-in 10-round mag.  I haven't decided what color I want yet (probably black) but here's a desert tan version...


For a new stock, hand guard, and one magazine, it'll cost about $160.

Once I get the project underway, I'll let you guys know how it goes.  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures!

-b0b
(...next post, next gun!)

Here's an ammunition comparison to show how hardcore the M44 is.  From top to bottom...

• 7.62x54R, Russia's primary caliber from 1891 through 1947.  This thing packs one heck of a wallop.
• 7.62x51mm, also known as .308 Winchester.  I don't own a firearm in this caliber, but Mike's FN-FAL accepts it.
• 7.62x39mm, Russia's primary caliber since the end of WW2.  Used in my AK47 and both SKS's.
• 5.56x45mm NATO, also known as .223 Remington.  This is America's primary military caliber, used in the AR-15 and M16.

As you can see, the 7.62x54R is one heck of a big round.  Since the M44 is a carbine, it kicks even harder than it would in a full size rifle.  If you look closely at pictures of the M44 you'll notice it only has a piece of sheet metal for a buttplate, so you can really feel it when you shoot that baby.

-b0b
(...w00tsauce.)

I've been thinking about investing in a .223 rifle, maybe from savage arms.  They have the accutrigger that I like.  The .223s are somewhat hard to find in a normal .223 instead of the magnum or other versions.  I was thinking maybe going with a heavy, medium, or fluted heavy barrel if they make it.

Should I get a used or new one?

I would probably put some money in a nice scope as well.

Don't ever say that again.  That's almost as bad as the time you said you look through my window with telescopes all the time.

that means i gotta take pics...then upload them, or i could do nothing

ya i know which one to do!



(working pays off later, but being lazy pays off now!)