I've been considering buying an AK-47 for a while, and while I've been shooting for some years now I've never fired an AK. Then someone mentioned the SKS, which I know even less about. The AK can be had for a little over $300 here in AZ, while the SKS goes for under $100. What are your thoughts on these rifles for just going out and having fun shooting, or even hunting deer-size game?

My other question is what cartridge do any of you prefer? The 7.62x39 seems about comparable to a .30-30, while the 7.62x54 seems closer to a .308 from what I've looked at in reloading forums.

Thanks

If you are just into plinking an SKS will be fine. It is an underpowered Deer cartridge but is capable inside 150 yards if you get a good one. Ammo is dirt cheap and they are fun to shoot.

The 7.62X39 is about equal to a 30-30 only with lower quality bullets. At least with Wolf hunting ammo that is. Most SKS's only shoot the hollow points well versus the heavy soft points. FMJ's are fine for plinking.

You are correct the 7.62 X 54 is in between the 308 and 30-06. Biggest difference is the rim. Packs a good kick in a light weight rifle with steel butt plate. I have 2 of these in M38 Moisin Nagants.

Both are lots of fun.. neither are particularly accurate. The sks can generally be had, with 1000 rounds, for less then the price of a decent AK.

here's something to remember... just because it's an autoloader doesn't prevent it from heating up... i've seen sks's with SMOKE from grease burning in the wood...

another note, both are going to be PACKED with grease... turpintine works very will in removing that grease. you must pay special attention to the gas port, tube, and plunger (either rifle) for grease.. and you should rinse/oil these after EVERY time you shoot.

if it has a muzzle brake, walk away... this is a light kicking firearm, and a brake is just ear damaging (more) noise

jeffe

My SKS is a fun gun and as others have posted on this thread - ammo is dirt cheap. Think "Cheaper than Dirt" You will pay more for an AK. The 7.62 is way down on the list of acceptable deer cartridges.

If you going to play get the AK. If you might hunt with it get the SKS.

Get one of each and get a Dragonov (SP) and have yourself a little Warsaw Pact collection .

I have owned one of each. I shot both of them a lot.
The SKS was more accurate than the AK.
I have killed two whitetail does with the AK.
I used Hansen 123 gr SP. Shots were about 80 yards. It worked very well.