Chinese Type 56 SKS (Why I Own An SKS)

[@Factory_Muff]

Yours is a 1966 but it was never actually used in Vietnam. However, it was used extensively in the Balkan wars by Albanian paramilitary. Never saw Nam though. Good old girl. Get her an original mag.

[@AmattEUR]

Great information, much appreciated! She sure is a good old girl. I do have the original mag and if needed could pop it right back in but I like having the detachable mags for recreational use.

[@Factory_Muff]

@@AmattEUR sweet. My bad. I thought you bought it like that with the duckbill detachable mag. I friggin hate those things personally. I’m kind of a purist when it comes to certain things.

[@AmattEUR]

@@Factory_Muff I totally understand which is why I didn't want to do any permanent alterations to it. I also still have the original gas tube as well. Thanks again for the info about the Albanian paramilitary, that gives the rifle a whole new story to me and that's what I love about surplus collecting, the story these old firearms tell. ✌️

[@Factory_Muff]

@@AmattEUR You’re welcome man. Century Arms is kind of misleading the customer by saying they’re “Vietnam Era” just to make you think it might have been used in Vietnam, but nope. China was handing these things to allied communist states as aid packages and the logistics of actually having said country return the weapons To China after use would have made it a much more expensive endeavor. I learned most of what I know about our SKS (I have a 1965 Factory 26) from this guy. Perhaps the most knowledgeable person on the internet when it comes to surplus SKS especially Type 56 like ours which are his favorite. In fact, he just recently did a video on the Vietnam debate. I’m sure you will get along with him great. Enjoy. His channel is called Triangle 26. kzbin.info/door/cz0bsW-QkNO8jSf8WqeJrg

[@AmattEUR]

@@Factory_Muff I'll definitely check him out. Thanks!

[@89StarquestTSi]

Dont ever underestimate the sks. Ive taken mine out to 500yds on 15" f class targets which points to a 3moa rifle. Tula ammo at 500yds is moving at 1200fps and 400ft lbs still. Thats point blank magnum territory in ballistics

[@AmattEUR]

I gotta try some long range with my SKS, sounds awesome! Yeah 1200fps at 500yrds is nothing I'd want to be on the receiving end of

[@AmattEUR]

@Danila Makarov one day you will

[@89StarquestTSi]

@Danila Makarov i was lucky enough to grow up in the plains on a homestead ranch. You could see for about 1000yds within a 200° viewpoint from our front porch

[@AmattEUR]

@@89StarquestTSi sounds like heaven...or Iowa

[@89StarquestTSi]

@@AmattEUR it wasnt quite heaven... And it definitely wasnt Iowa lol but it was on the east side of the pecos river in New Mexico. Grew up hunting tahr/javalina boar and coyotes in my backyard. From the porch to the closest Reservoir was 900yds. To the well was 600yds. To the first fence line was 200yds.

[@davidforsythe3037]

I have had a “no name Tula” for many years. It’s built like a tank. Never fails, and is more than sufficiently accurate for what they were designed to do. Thanks for covering

[@AmattEUR]

It's quite a beast indeed! Nice that you snagged a Tula 👍

[@qwason13]

First rifle I bought the day I received my PAL( Canadian gun license) and it was a 1977 made the year I was born which makes it one of my fav’s

[@AmattEUR]

Very nice! Great rifle to start with since there's so much history and fundamentals to be learned through the SKS. Not bad on recoil either

[@JosiahDietrich]

I have a soft spot for the Chinese SKS. When I was in my early teens, my dad bought one for me because it was lighter recoil than the 30-30 I used my first year hunting. At the time I was super skinny and very recoil sensitive...yes, I was a bitch. We added a recoil pad that served 2 purposes. Reduction of recoil and and extra half or 3/4" stock extension because I am over 6' tall. I took some of my first deer with it. Years ago we pulled it back out for shooting and it felt like home even after a decade after using a Remington 30-06 hunting in my late teens-early 20s and a couple years in the Corps used to the M4. In closer range plinking it was a lot more accurate than expected. I'll still take my AR15 over the SKS if I had to choose only one...but the SKS is CA compliant as it is and an old friend that still shoots well even after I've neglected him for a few years.

[@AmattEUR]

Hey Josiah! Great story and thanks for sharing. I think we were all a little recoil sensitive at some point so don't feel too bad. Plus it gave your dad a great excuse to get you an SKS! I love pulling out these old rifles from time to time, dusting them off and taking them shooting. Great piece of history!

[@JosiahDietrich]

it was still less than $100 at the time in '94 or '95. It was also related or a reaction to the 1994 Federal assault weapons ban. Bonus history context adding to sentimentality and early pro 2A activism.

[@AmattEUR]

@@JosiahDietrich if we learned anything from the assault weapons ban is that assault weapons bans do nothing to curtail crime. Glad you took advantage of the SKS market at that time

[@oklahomaokie]

@@JosiahDietrich I bought one when I turned 18 in 1996 for $99. My dad threw a fit and I was then scared to shoot it because I didn't want to get into more trouble. I never shot it and sold it years later after marriage for $250. I have owned a few since and they are fun to shoot and I have also taken deer with them. Good luck to you with yours. Dust it off and keep having fun!

[@pandawarriors33]

My father gave me his SKS and it's about 30 years old now. I absolutely love the SKS

[@AmattEUR]

That's so cool your dad passed it down to you! I love it too, almost more than any other rifle in my collection.

[@robinsonmitchell9995]

Left side engraving id's factory 26 - Jianshe Arsenal as manufacturer, Serial number plus the milled trigger group frame ID this as mid-production SKS, made in 1967. The "11" in the serial number is how many years after 1956 the gun was made, ergo 1967. It also has the mid length barrel lug which confirms it as a mid-production piece made between 65 and 80.

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks Robinson, I appreciate the info. It's good to know more about my rifle, when and where it came from. There aren't many decent resources to date SKS' especially since there's so many variations out there. This definitely helps! 👍

[@loyal9patriots76]

I'm confirming what @Robinson Mitchell said regarding the date of your SKS. This dating method is specific for Chinese SKS with the 26 in the Triangle, with the Chinese Characters to the Right of the Triangle and the Serial Number to the right of that.

[@AmattEUR]

@@loyal9patriots76 Thanks, really appreciate the info! The main reason for showing the markings was for help identifying it

[@sarge12212]

Actually, no. Your math is off. Start with 1955 and add 11 = 1966.

[@rebelyankee4910]

Got a lot of different platforms, and battle rifles, including a mint condition 1954 Russian Tula SKS. At one time had the SKS clothed tactical with the magpul stock, and 20 round mags, a few 30 round steel mags, and the 78 round drum. All fed well. Recently put it back into the original wood, and went back to using the stripper clips in it, that with the proper technique will feed flawlessly, guickly into the original 10 round box. Lift up on the bullet of the top round while pushing down on the base, bingo. Technique works well with other stripper clips as well to include the SMLE. SKS IMHO is one of the best, most reliable rifles ever made, and I say that owning more than a few. Good video, keep it up.

[@AmattEUR]

Those are some great tips and sounds like you have a nice SKS collection. I totally agree, need more than one SKS but unfortunately just like the rest of the surplus market everything is drying up. I appreciate the comment!

[@rebelyankee4910]

@@AmattEUR Had two Russian SKS I bought close to 40 yrs. ago for 125.00 each. Gave one to my oldest son for a b-day present years ago. Only one left. Bought it in Chicago during the assault rifle ban, as it was exempt. When the ban was rescinded, expanded my collection of platforms to include, an AK, AR, HK G3, SMLE, MAC10 and a few others. Many classics, but still love that SKS. Love the classics! Back in 1976 bought a Colt Python for under 400.00. Still love that old school gun too! Carry that as a Sunday BBQ gun here in Tennessee. EDC can range from a 1911, CZ75, to a Taurus TCM in .380 most days, weather dependent. Tennessee is a gun owners paradise. 2nd. ammendent sanctuary state, with constitutional carry in state, although I still maintain a carry permit that grants reciprocity in over 40 other states. SKS is often my truck gun. Good deer, or wild boar rifle spur of the moment, as well as an improvised battle rifle for two legged predators. Understated firepower that attracts very lil attention even in plain sight with the bayonet. Doesn't look too threatening to the firearm ignorant, it passes just under the radar of alarm. Good choice, enjoy yours brother! :)

[@JamesMiller-o6j]

Thank you for making your most enlightening video on the sks. Most appreciative of your good work that makes me even prouder to own my Chinese machine.

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks for watching man! I do appreciate it. Ya, those Chinese SKSs are outstanding pieces of history

[@christophermassi341]

11 before the sn is I believe around 1967. Manufacturering started in 56. Add 56 to whatever the first two digits to get the year. Triangle26 channel has a great video breaking down all of the different sn’s and their meanings.

[@AmattEUR]

Thank you sir! Info is much appreciated 👍

[@helterskelter156]

The Chinese refined the SKS carabine. Though perhaps the least collectible, my experience shows that the Chinese made SKS are of the best overall quality, especially their latest made models you can still find “French Ticklers” that were never issued, and are basically “brand new”. PS. I’ve been collecting SKS for a while, and tried many mags. Nothing beats the original non-detachable magazines. Just make sure you use proper, surplus stripper clips.

[@andrewwhited9578]

Man, i just found this channel, and you talking about AKs only costing 600-700 dollars is insane. The difference only a few years can make is huge.

[@mr.5.04]

Good luck finding an Sks for 300$

[@michaeloppenheimer2582]

An SKS will hold up under battlefield conditions nicely!!!

[@YourLocalR3NecK]

The thing I love about the SKS that you get with very few rifles is its versatility from one gun. Now yes ARs can be built any way, switch out the upper and you can change calibers and barrel lengths as you please. But the SKS is a ONE gun. The 762 is the PERFECT JOAT cartridge. Its just big and heavy enough to take on light 30 caliber tasks, but being an intermediate cartridge', it take on intermediate caliber tasks even better. It can be set up as a DMR, a traditional rifle, a battle rifle, a hunting rifle, a sporting gun, you name it, all while being the same ORIGINAL gun. The only issue with them is the price. They've slowly been going up but you're seeing more supply these days from more imports so its still not nearly as bad as Mosins, but if you're on a budget and need ONE rifle that you can configure into any setup desired, the SKS is the one to get it done.

[@ernest9606]

Love my Chinese sks. There built like a ruger gp100. They'll shoot till the end of time. Perfect for wilderness survival and home defense

[@AmattEUR]

Yep. At the end of times, there'll be cockroaches and Type 56 SKSs. Thanks for watching ✌️

[@Akhazmat907]

I love the sks. I have dropped moose, black bear and caribou with it up here in Alaska.

[@AmattEUR]

That's awesome! The sks is probably great for the cold temperatures of Alaska since the parts have low tolerances.

[@xuchun5371]

i believe your rifle did had American blood on it.

[@Akhazmat907]

@@xuchun5371 thats fine. I also have a 30-06 that has lots of Vietnamese on it.

[@Defeat1998]

The honor guards of the Chinese People's Liberation Army are still using 56SKS

[@pcakes1878]

so itll be fine for my mule deer i guess eh?

[@shitikishitiko]

Finally apart of the Sks club it feels good got mine on a deal $450 took it to the range ran some steel tula Im genuinely shocked that this rifle was considered cheap back in the day its a solid rifle

[@AmattEUR]

Welcome to the club haha. 450 is a steal in this market! Congrats!

[@vulgarhyena9616]

The 1” rubber recoil pad you see slipped onto a lot of SKS rifles is never there for recoil, it is installed to elongate the “length of pull” as the Chinese are quite small and these stocks are very short. I’m. 6ft and the 1” rubber pad adds the perfect length of pull for me. Nice rifle! These have only gone up in value!

[@AmattEUR]

And will probably continue to go up.in value due to their popularity in video games and gun culture. I hope to keep mine forever. The recoil pad to increase length of pull is a great idea

[@azbogivediglagoli4759]

I have 3 of them. All are Russian: 1954, 56 and 57. The last year of production in USSR was 1958. I am 6 feet too, but looking for shorter length of pull for scout project SKS. Had to buy one Chinese fiberglass stock and working on it right now to feet my 1954 SKS. I am even thinking to shorten the butt of the stock, and change its angle for my frontal shooting posture. Fiberglass stock gives possibility for some modes, such as moulding semipistol grip into it.

[@AmattEUR]

@@azbogivediglagoli4759 sounds awesome! The fact that you have 3 Russian SKS' is amazing since they're almost impossible to find at a decent price these days. I'd definitely recommend getting the aftermarket stock for mods so you can keep the original one in tact. These little nuggets of history are becoming more and more scarce every year.

[@azbogivediglagoli4759]

@@AmattEUR I think these carbines were underestimated in the past. Now the prices we face are way more realistic than 10-15-20 years ago.

[@AmattEUR]

@@azbogivediglagoli4759 totally agree, to manufacture a firearm like the SKS in today's market would easily be approaching $900-1000. Crazy to think 15-20 years ago they could be had for a 10th of that price.

[@andyappleton3353]

I bought my Chinese SKS from Classic Firearms right around the same time. I got mine when they were selling them for $300 also. Prolly the best 3 hundy I ever spent. Great video!

[@AmattEUR]

Glad you snatched one up too! No regrets what so ever haha

[@u2mister17]

Not being fugley but bought my '52 #s matching Tula in the early '80s in the box with all the acc. for....$39. Yep still have it. My buddy at the same time bought an AK for the same price.

[@AmattEUR]

@@u2mister17 those were the glory days of surplus firearms. Wish the surplus market wasn't so dried up

[@floydteter4323]

Funny intro. Proud owner here of two SKS rifles: Chinese and Yugo. Fun rifles and ammo is still relatively cheap if you look around. And that Yugo grenade launcher is big fun (using a rubber grenade).

[@AmattEUR]

Hey Floyd, thanks so much! Those Yugos look really fun and so cool you have a rubber grenade! There's so much variety and character with the SKS.

[@factorybear5264]

Yugos are cool but it would have been better if they made them chrome lined.

[@rcl8793]

Fun plinker and cool piece of history. I own two of them and like them. That being said, buy one after you get an AR or AK.

[@AmattEUR]

Definitely a fun plinker that also happens to be a cool piece of history. You're right, go the AR route first, you could always get/build one chambered in 7.62x39. And at half the price of most AKs I snatched this SKS before getting an AK.

[@stephenmaurer7008]

Awesome! I picked up a Chinese Type-56 SKS at a local gun show. The only thing I did to the rifle was add some bright pink Testors model paint to the front sight and cleaned the stock and finished the wood with boiled linseed oil. I owned a Norinco SKS that took AK 30 round mags back in the 1990's. My current Chinese Type-56 is much more accurate ans seems to be better made.

[@AmattEUR]

Hey Stephen, glad you picked one up. The Chinese made a great SKS. Model paint on the front sight is a good idea and probably makes a huge difference 👍

[@B_R_]

I've owned two of them. Still one of my favorite rifles.

[@AmattEUR]

Nice! One of my favorites as well 👍

[@johnknouse8846]

I grabbed one of those a couple years ago. Got the rifle, and 2,000 rounds of ammo for about $600. The “kinda” good old days! I’ve got a book on the history of the SKS carbine, and it has a lot of info on the Chinese models, including manufacture date by serial number. It has to do with the first 2 numbers. They started manufacturing them in ‘56, so if the first 2 numbers on yours are “11”, then add 11 to 56, and yours may have been made in 67. Wish I had some land like you do to shoot! Stuck here in Houston, with a bunch of 25 yard indoor ranges!

[@AmattEUR]

600 for the rifle and 2000rds ain't bad at all, especially since Russian ammo just got banned... 🙄 Thanks for the info on the year of manufacturing, I heard 1967 from others too so definitely sounds right. It's tough when you only have access to 25yd indoor ranges, does Houston not have any outdoor ranges outside the metro area? I grew up in Dallas and remember there being a few outdoor ranges less than an hour outside the city.

[@fifthwardmexican8674]

Hey are you trying to part ways with your sks

[@fifthwardmexican8674]

John?

[@shermg5479]

I have the same exact SKS, and in its original state. All matching serials and such. Purchased from CF. Flawless shooting gun. The only thing I added to its side were stripper clips!!!! And boy with the wear and tear does it look great!!! I got it when they were $180 bucks.

[@AmattEUR]

Nice! That's a great price. I got mine from CF when it was just a little more at $200, worth every penny. The wear and tear beats any aftermarket stock out there

[@shermg5479]

@@AmattEUR Indeed, my friend. Something about that spike bayonet just makes me like it more. The bladed ones just have a toy-ish look to them in my opinion. But hey, to each their own.

[@AmattEUR]

For a while I wanted the blade bayonet more but when I saw it in person I had the same thought, looks like a cheap toy even though I'm sure it's plenty effective. But you're right the spike bayonets look much better to me as well.

[@donball5918]

Certainly a very functional -- and reasonably priced -- rifle well worth the money. Of recent, I've seen ammo priced as low as about 50 cents a round (price always subject to some variability). You might also note the use of 10 round stripper clips to quickly reload.

[@AmattEUR]

Good points! I love that rifle more than most of my other more contemporary firearms. Some say you can reload the 10rd box mag with 3 consecutive stripper clips faster than reloading a 30rd AK mag making the SKS slightly better for certain applications.

[@vincentsilva5663]

I'm glad bought mine 2 years ago for 375 flat chinese straight blade bayonet love the SKS the go to war rifle

[@AmattEUR]

I'm glad you got one too! They're drying up quick and the only ones left are way more expensive than only a couple years ago. Definitely a great all-purpose rifle that has stood the test of time

[@vincentsilva5663]

@@AmattEUR yes sir it has i don't know why a lot of people give the SKS shit but i know dam well for a fact that rifle will keep you alive

[@bradclem6226]

Your not going to beat a SKS they r well made and the simplicity is amazing like 3 moving parts. Mine is 1963 with a blade bayonet and the stock was beat to hell I had to take some fine sandpaper to it just to be able to handle it without getting a splinter. But all matching serial numbers and the bore shine like new money and very accurate to 300 yards. They shoot better then a AK because of the longer barrel, I think will keep mine.good video 👍

[@AmattEUR]

You're absolutely right in many ways. Very accurate and hard to beat! Even at the crazy prices they're going for these days it's hard to find an AK for less. And the "character" you get from these historic artifacts are so cool and fun to talk about. I think an SKS is a much better conversation starter than your typical run of the mill AK. Thanks for watching! ✌️

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

Fun gun tip if your ammo is hitting the base of your barrel stretch out your follower spring in the Tapco magazines and they work flawless

[@amyeuchler-en2bs]

The " recoil pads " were more used more for an extension because the Chinese and Japanese had short arms.

[@AmattEUR]

Good point. I do find, however, that the length of pull is pretty long compared to other rifles.

[@Marz-px6vx]

The sks is one of the most reliable guns I have owned it's heavy but I never had any issue with it. I got it from my father in law like 16years ago and it's still a fun gun I just bought an aftermarket stock for mine. But he bought it for $99 from off a news paper add selling sks

[@AmattEUR]

That's so cool you used to be able to buy firearms from newspaper adds. People would flip out if they saw a gun add in their morning papers these days. Definitely a very reliable gun

[@ALLDAYBLAZER]

I got one from classic in 2019 . i did tapco wood Monte Carlo stock,tapco 20rd mags , texas arms mag release ,matador site rail, with utg bug buster 3 .i went full buba on it.

[@AmattEUR]

Haha, nothing wrong with going full buba! I love the bug buster scope, have one myself on another rifle

[@Rumpleskin]

How does do? Do you think it was worth the trouble to upgrade? I like playing with my guns too

[@AmattEUR]

@@Rumpleskin with the gun's value in the current market I'd stay away from any permanent modifications. But otherwise have at it!

[@rudder727]

5.56 is still selling for $.60-75 per round. I just picked up 7.62X39 for $.30/round which is still high... so I had to go buy an SKS.

[@AmattEUR]

Haha, I understand the pain! I wanna shoot my ARs but still trying to conserve my 556/223. And you're right, just saw a case of 762x39 for about $300. Still not pre-pandemic prices but getting there 🤞

[@AmattEUR]

@Gabe Shaw hell ya Gabe, 22 fun only lasts so long before you need a little more oomph in your life

[@LarryGarcia-p3j]

SKS is a Simple easy to maintain firearm. I purchased mine over 20yrs ago and it is stlll in top condition. Only problem I have now is trying to find stripper clips for loading it with.

[@AmattEUR]

It sure is simple and easy to maintain. I found some good stripper clips years ago but who knows if they're still out there

[@RustyReaper23]

I’ve used FMJs in a sks on a wood box from about 50 yards and I could visually see the holes it was leaving. Iron sights only

[@29madmangaud29]

yeah, I've got the same, however I bought mine brand new out of the box back in '90, I've got about 350 rds through it, beautiful Norinco,,,,, with a "PIG-STICKER"...great gun, doesn't kick to bad, wifey likes it to!

[@AmattEUR]

Very cool! The ol' Pig-Sticker makes it look awesome too. Recoil ain't bad at all however, it's not the lightest rifle especially with that dumb drum attached

[@markbroad119]

I do like the scope mount. Mine is a 1969. Very battle worn. Likely Albania. I want to go back to the stock mag and would like a 4x scope with wide plain of view

[@AmattEUR]

I recently went back to the stock mag. But it's easy to go back and forth. Thanks for watching ✌️

[@Zanathane]

I know I'm odd in the majority of the gun community, but I smile when people talk about modern guns being too heavy to run around with. I'm used to carrying around 10+lbs muzzleloaders though.

[@RichyN25]

myself and 5 buddies all got Chinese Type 56 SKS from Classic Firearms as well, we love ours as well, fun little cheap rifle for fun times at the range lol

[@AmattEUR]

Awesome! Great fun at the range for sure

[@marktheamazing3683]

you can grind the bottom flange on the bolt and reload with the bolt closed, sks-m came like that from the factory

[@AmattEUR]

I've heard about that. I just don't want to do any permanent modifications since the prices are so wacky right now. The good old days of finding a cheap SKS are long gone

[@michaelmaston4702]

To pull a full magazine, you drop the magazine as far as you can. Then you pull back the bolt with one hand while removing the magazine with the other hand. Pretty awkward...but with practice...quite doable.

[@AmattEUR]

Technically with last shot hold open you just drop the mag and then insert a new one without having to hold the bolt back. Also you can manually lock the bolt back by pushing up on the bolt stop. But it's just a workaround for a much older design and about the best you can get with a detachable magazine for the SKS. Thanks for watching ✌️

[@piobmhor8529]

I bought a 1954 Tula SKS for $129 from Canadian Tire about 10 years ago. Last time I checked, they were going for over $500. Took the old girl out to my tree stand one day early in deer season. I was just going to check my trail cameras so I wasn’t planning on staying out long. We have coyotes and bears out my way, so it was just for predator protection. Sure enough, I wasn’t in my tree stand more than 10 minutes before a beautiful 8 pointer decided to stop by. Using Barnaul 7.62x39 soft point and the original iron sights, I dropped him with one single well aimed shot. He died where he stood, ethically and humanely. The SKS is more than capable of dropping any mid-sized game. In Canada, our Commie government won’t let us have any cool firearms (aka anything that looks scary to a Liberal), so the SKS is the closest thing anyone on a budget can get to a fighting rifle. It’s a lot of fun to shoot as well. I highly recommend getting one or two, but don’t pay too much for it.

[@AmattEUR]

That's awesome to hear about the humane kill you got. Well done! It's funny though that your government will allow a semi-auto rifle chambered in 7.62x39, capable of taking detachable 30rd mags, but only because it has wood instead of polymer and aluminum. Unfortunately people that make gun laws don't know anything about guns. Thanks for watching ✌️

[@alexandreostrowski3722]

> Commies made SKS's. They were free to own in Soviet Union. ( .22 cal was not an fiream but "sport inventory") > You call your government "Commies" cuz they are bannig guns etc. > WTF DUDE?!

[@jordanblair5474]

Imo the finest rifle made. This is my end of world pick.

[@AmattEUR]

Good choice for sure. Highly reliable, accurate and ammo is plentiful 👍

[@jimkiernan3563]

That Ncstar rail looks exactly like what I'm looking for. Cool setup, man!

[@AmattEUR]

Hey thanks man! Ncstar may be cheap but it gets the job done

[@jimkiernan3563]

@@AmattEUR hey if milsurp taught us anything it's that cheap doesn't necessarily mean bad haha btw what's the red dot you're using? I actually thought it was a scout scope till you said something.

[@AmattEUR]

@@jimkiernan3563 ain't that the truth. Unfortunately the red dot isn't available anymore but this is the link www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07GL7BKYX?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@jimkiernan3563]

@@AmattEUR ah damn. Thanks anyway, bro.

[@Factory_Muff]

I love Russians too. And Italians. Even more since a few days ago. Yours is a 1966 bud. You have one of the best made battle rifles in the world. If it was mine, I would switch back to the original magazine.

[@bagrnut]

Never mind I found your reply about fitting the gas tube😊

[@AmattEUR]

Sounds good, thanks for watching ✌️

[@fishfuxors]

I like my Factory 156 Chinese SKS a LOT!

[@AmattEUR]

I like your Chinese SKS too!

[@JW-fq1pp]

I have a Norinco Type 56 with the blade bayonet, all numbers matching. Not common, but they are out there.

[@AmattEUR]

Very cool Jay! Getting more uncommon everyday. What used to be a plentiful are unfortunately becoming pretty rare

[@bobbypointer9646]

sks are great ! shoots the same shell as a ruger mini thirty. looks a little like a scaled down m14. ammo is reasonably priced.accurate enough for practical shots. works and is affordable. great cammon sence gun.

[@AmattEUR]

I want a mini thirty so bad but don't want to pay close to $1k for one. Maybe someday. But yes you're right the SKS is an awesome all around gun 👍

[@NittyGritty420]

Dang that’s a nice looking SKS... I’m thinking about getting one someday

[@AmattEUR]

Hey, thanks DJ! If you ever see them for around $300-350 don't hesitate to jump on it

[@NittyGritty420]

@@AmattEUR I won’t I love reliable budget guns

[@yarpos]

my favourite rifle, about the only change I would make is to add a larger reliable magazine , which I havent

[@AmattEUR]

I definitely recommend the 20 rounders

[@Grizzlyman420]

Zastava M70 for the win!!! PSA is making some soliddd 7.62 with the hornady SST rounds 👌🏽

[@shawnrae4022]

Nice job man... even though I just found you 2 years later... ✌🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@AmattEUR]

Haha no problem, I appreciate that. Thanks for watching ✌️

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

I love your rifle one or two modern upgrades in these things are just as good as anything currently available today

[@AmattEUR]

Hey NOCT, thanks for the comments! The couple of modern parts gives it that post-apocalyptic look without overdoing it. Tula ammo works great but you're right, the SKS will (and should) chew up and spit out just about anything you put in it due to it's loose tolerances. I definitely agree with it being one of the best rifles ever made, it just had the unfortunate timing of coming out right at the end of WW2 and right before the AK47 so the rifle was pretty much glossed over by military history. It's a smooth shooting, accurate gun with tons of character and has been copied by many other gun designers for good reason. I'll have to try out your tip of stretching out the Tapco spring if it becomes an issue but for now the detachable magazines are working well enough for me.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Eh no but its a nice relic

[@elliottkarabrannon4676]

What brand scope is that

[@AmattEUR]

Evike red dot but they don't make it anymore

[@PrinceOfMatcha]

@@AmattEUR what similar brands would you recommend then? Awesome video!

[@lanceschaerer6875]

The tab that locks the drums in is a very thin piece of steel, which is why the drum jams unless u hold the base. Wee bit of JB weld and some filing to build that piece up and you're good to go

[@bluesbondsman]

I just built a side charging AR in 7.62x39 and a few in 5,56 over the years. I sure wish I had started the hunt for an SKS a few years ago ! That been to war and still working thing is to me what makes them cool.

[@AmattEUR]

Totally agree! Many of these surplus firearms have quite a story to tell. Also a side charging AR in 7.62x39 sounds awesome!

[@cesarflores8450]

I bought the exact looking Type 56 sks from Classic around that time. All numbers matching beauiful chocolate colored worn stock. Took me two days & the hottest setting in the dishwasher to remove the cosmoline. It is in exellet mechanical cond. First internals iI cleaned was the FIRING PIN CHANNEL as these can cause DEATH when stuck open. Otherwise torso hits out to 200y with steel sights thru my old eyes is common. These really are* the Russian M4 imo. What type of optic mount is that ??

[@AmattEUR]

I remember it taking a while to clean out the cosmoline. Fortunately it was during the hot summer days and I think I did the sun baking method to bleed out the cosmoline. That firing pin channel is very important like you said. Love shooting it though. Russian M4 is a good way of putting it. The optic mount is the cheap NC Star but works really well. Here's a link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html

[@jorgecanahan3647]

Great video, informative and fun to watch

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks Jorge!

[@SteveVi0lence]

When ever I take my sks to the range and fire it with the bayonet, I always get envious looks

[@AmattEUR]

Haha ya, people are sad that their AR15 bayonet lugs are legally useless

[@SteveVi0lence]

@@AmattEUR FACTS! Ive been looking for a bayonet for the ar-15, and I can't find anything! Do you prefer the blade or spike?

[@GF_Burke]

Scored one back then from classic. Should have bought more. Just now ordered from PSA, now $500 shipped. Tapco mags, grind your bolt for mag feed, get the AK mag release, do a trigger job. ((I promises precioussss))

[@AmattEUR]

Very cool! Did you have to mill down the rails the sear slides on? Chinese SKS sear rails are slightly longer and the manufacturer says you may have to mill them down a bit

[@GF_Burke]

@@AmattEUR For the mags? Just the bolt rail slightly so you can insert a mag while the bolt is closed.

[@Oldboyjae]

As a Korean Fuk Yu. You probably right about the drums.

[@AmattEUR]

Lol, Korean glock drums suck too

[@skyb8687]

I have that nc star gas tube with a chaote monte carlo stock black,and a nc star red dot.....flawless performance. Also have the archangel 20rd mag,awesome gun now

[@AmattEUR]

NC Star gets a lot of flack but that gas tube is a great product. Cool sounding set up!

[@pdog109]

@@AmattEUR what scope is that? do you have good eye relief, it looks way far from the shooter eye!

[@AmattEUR]

It's a red dot so it's basically unlimited eye relief

[@skyb8687]

@@pdog109 I posted my comment about a yr ago.and I can without a doubt say that the red dot is the way to go for this setup.since I've done these mods I've popped a few thousand rounds and I've been very impressed with this setup

[@skyb8687]

@@AmattEUR honestly I wouldn't buy any other NC star products.but the gas tube has been great.i think they put more effort into engineering that because it's a functional part of the weapon? Hard to say but it's been very durable

[@StephenMattison66]

Please use a $15 lapel mic. You've got one chance to get audio right. Lapel makes it easy, doesn't matter if you turn your head or move around, same great audio. Also enrichens voice by catching sound from chest. Thanks for SKS info!

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks for the feedback. I know I need to work on my audio

[@StephenMattison66]

@@AmattEUR You don't need to "work" on it, just get a simple lapel mic & plug it in for instant perfect audio. Easy!

[@StephenMattison66]

Sorry for sounding harsh. Many with hearing issues out here, echo kills. Great job making the videos, keep going! Love AK/SKS!!

[@AmattEUR]

It's all good. I was planning on upping my mic quality. Thanks for the comments!

[@tingley428]

1st of your vids I've seen, good "review" (quotes cuz it's not "stock") of the rifle and mods. Earned you a sub. One note though, I would've liked a close up and a bit more detail on the NC Star rail and the red dot (I'm sure that means I'm not the only one). Maybe do a separate vid on it as an attachment review. Just a suggestion from someone who's seen thousands of guntube reviews

[@AmattEUR]

Hey thanks for the feedback. I could do a closer look at that NC star rail. It would be fun revisiting it

[@mr.a9394]

I was exactly looking for this video

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks and happy to oblige. Just curious what about this video were you looking for?

[@erniewalden3050]

Awsome video my American brothet I remember back in late 80s i could buy a sks in a box with sling cleaning kit and ammo pouch brand new for $99. God if i had a time machine id go back and buy a case of them. I have one now and i wouldnt trade it for any ar15 or ak47. But i do own all 3. But if tge world was comen to an end id grab my sks before any other. These guns are built like a ruger gp 100. And here in kentucky a box of cheap russian ammo will cost you $14 and last year i could get a box for $12. The ammo and the sks go up in price every damn year.

[@AmattEUR]

Hey thanks Ernie! I wish I could go back in time and snatch up every cheap surplus firearm I could find, especially the SKS! You're right, it only keeps increasing in value. The SKS would be a great end of the world rifle because it would outlast just about anything, even the cockroaches haha

[@erniewalden3050]

@@AmattEUR haha. I agree 100%

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

I am very affluent most weapon systems from m4 to Mosin-Nagant I actually have to put this to be hands-down the best rifle ever made in comparison to a Springfield socom 16

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Which rifle?

[@madworldsnight5528]

@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader My guess is the SKS

[@realtyrocks1969]

You're cool

[@monsta3038]

Chinese men made the most of them they were$ 99 dorra new in 96.. the ammo was ten cents a round cosmolene smoke every where...good stuff..

[@AmattEUR]

Good times

[@jefferyboring4410]

The bolt can be modded to take a mag with the bolt dropped. I prefer stripper clips learn them and run a bandolier. Make sure the trigger has positive engagement that’s a life saver learn about it cuz these will fire sometime when u drop the bolt or crank the bass no joke

[@AmattEUR]

You're right they have been known to slam-fire. Would be great to be able to insert the mag on a closed bolt but I don't want to do any permanent modifications since these rifles aren't as plentiful as they used to be. Thanks for the info though

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

They only slam fire from dirt firing pins stuck forward

[@jefferyboring4410]

@@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader that’s not true Russian primers are hard American primers are very soft sks will slam a lot with American bullets Also sks some have negative sear engagement and a hard bolt drop or rifle drop will allow the hammer to squirt the seat out from under it. Pls take this as the gospel I’ve experienced these things. U could buy a spring loaded FP kit. Ppl experience and learn different things from each other I’m telling u

[@bagrnut]

Where can I learn about the issue you mentioned?

[@poopahskoopahh8563]

because they're fun

[@AmattEUR]

Amen to that

[@wood-wheel-wizard]

Had 1 of these back in high school minus all the wood. Unfortunately it got buried and destroyed 😂 🤘🏻 Houston

[@AmattEUR]

Don't feel bad about it, I wish I could bury and destroy most things I did in high school 😉

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

What was it spike or blade Bayonet?

[@kelvera88chief67]

Nice video, but if i could suggest investing in a decent mic. Audio is something we don't really notice until quality is poor. Then it becomes all we can focus on.

[@AmattEUR]

Hey Kelvera, thanks for the feedback! I 100% agree and coincidentally filmed a video yesterday using a new lapel mic. I think that'll make a huge improvement.

[@kelvera88chief67]

@@AmattEUR awesome! Looking forward to the new content.

[@michaeloppenheimer2582]

It is reliable gun and if sited property is very accurate !!!

[@EliteNirvana]

I like the original fixed magazines or the steel 30 rounders. I have one from 1962 blade style bayonet that looks like it just rolled off factory floor

[@AmattEUR]

Nice. Though I do like the character of the beat-up looking ones. I ended up switching back to the fixed box mag but still would use the Tapcos if needed. Thanks for checking out the video ✌️

[@praktikalnurse504]

I totally dig your video! New Sub!!

[@AmattEUR]

Thank you! Very nice of you to say ✌️

[@notrelevant3453]

Love this config. Curious what the front rail and scope are.

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks, the rail is NC Star and the optic is Evike UFC HD25 but discontinued. This is the link to the rail www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html

[@notrelevant3453]

@@AmattEUR Thank you! I sported my SKS out at first, but eventually decided it should be more stock, but focused on accuracy, which means optics. Most options are rear mounted, but I like this forward option and it's been difficult to find the mounts for it. Thanks again!

[@AmattEUR]

@notrelevant3453 no problem! The best thing about these mods is that they're not permanent so returning it to stock is easy if you need to. Plus you won't upset all the purists haha

[@Rumpleskin]

I have a couple. One is a 66 and the other is a deballed 79 ( no bayonet lug). Very reliable guns..the last one cycled slow.so I took it apart and found the gas tube still packed in grease. Think squeeze cheese...nasty..but still shot !.what optic is that?

[@AmattEUR]

That cosmoline can be yucky stuff. I pretty much drenched my rifle in mineral spirits when I first took it home. The optic unfortunately isn't made anymore but if you can find it it's called the Evike UFC HD25

[@AllSoWavyReese]

Where did you get the picatinny gas tube replacement

[@AmattEUR]

I got it from opticsplanet. Here's a link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html

[@meganthomasdavis5836]

That intro 😆😆😆

[@BartonRichardson-g5d]

You can observe a lot just by watching.

[@xanderburns1332]

Bought an archangel mag on impulse. hope it works

[@AmattEUR]

I hope it works too, those are my favorite mags for the SKS. It may require a little breaking in since all SKS's aren't made to exact tolerances

[@bryanvogt3371]

Archangels have worked well for me

[@MegaMastiffman]

Chinese copy very good and…well oh yeh fortune cookies!! Great vid thanks

[@AmattEUR]

The SKS is the best fortune cookie ever! Thanks Brendan 🥠

[@dennisshook7140]

I love mine!!!

[@whiteshadow8908]

nice video man thanks!!!!

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks for watching ✌️

[@akagob_]

How’s the optic holding zero, need adjusting much? And how’s the mag? Any feeding problems?

[@AmattEUR]

The optic is holding zero really well, I zeroed it a couple years ago when I first got it and haven't had to adjust it since. The gas tube mount took a little bit of fitting because not all SKS's are made the same but wasn't too difficult. Just make sure to use thread locker on the screws

[@JayBeastBoii]

Saw one at my local store today for 900$.... i loved it but for that price i had to pass.

[@AmattEUR]

Surplus market is rough these days. Give it some time and it'll get better but probably not to where it was before the pandemic

[@Balaclavaballistics]

Didn't know Sacha Baron Cohen was into guns! All jokes aside, how is that drum mag holding up.

[@AmattEUR]

To quote Borat - VERY NICE 👍👍

[@nuclearoutdoorscampingtips5850]

If your rifle won’t eat steal it doesn’t deserve brass in the SKS looks at all ammo including the cheap stuff and asked are you going to eat that?

[@AmattEUR]

Haha, exactly! 😆

[@Tommybn11]

Saludos desde la República Dominicana excelente vídeo

[@AmattEUR]

Gracias mi amigo ✌️

[@bryantdavidson3912]

Just curious, who did you buy the gas tube mount from?

[@AmattEUR]

Optics planet, they're not always in stock but looks like they are now. This the link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html

[@d.j.9961]

What type of mag is that 20 round mag that has a release tab? Where can I get 1? Also, your 30 round might work better fully loader with more pressure on the spring.

[@AmattEUR]

That 20rd mag is made by Tapco which isn't around anymore, at least currently. But you can still find Tapco SKS mags in short supply by Googling them. Promag still makes a bunch of different ones too

[@Lou8430]

Nice video I have the same setup minus the bayonet. Shoots nice but I do have a recall pad on mine as you get a little older you mind the recall. Where did you find your Red Dot mount and scope and does it hold zero. And it only cost $89 when it was purchased.

[@AmattEUR]

Hey, thanks Lou. The red dot isn't being made anymore but the mount is great and holds zero really well as long as you tighten down the set screws. May require some fitting. Here's a link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html

[@Lou8430]

@@AmattEUR Thanks for the info, did you have to modify the gas tube.

[@AmattEUR]

@@Lou8430 I did have to file off about a mm in front of the tube to get it to seat properly but it wasn't hard to do.

[@fattonyd232]

The 11 may mean 1955 + 11 years = 1966

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks, I think that's it because I've had a lot of people tell me that

[@bagrnut]

Did you have to custom fit the gas tube or was it right on the money and installed easily?

[@AmattEUR]

I wouldn't say the installation was difficult but it did require a little fitting.

[@D_19999]

Just got my hands on a norinco Sks for under 550

[@AmattEUR]

Nice! Those were well built

[@khyberpasscustoms9663]

😎 cool

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks 😎

[@khyberpasscustoms9663]

@@AmattEUR it's best work bro

[@AmattEUR]

Much appreciated

[@malokk5773]

As a Canadian I own one because that idiot Trudeau didn’t ban them. Despite being a high powered semiautomatic rifle that was actually built for the battlefield, unlike an ar15.

[@AmattEUR]

Unfortunately people who tend to make gun laws know very little about guns. You're right, it's hypocritical

[@dslife1]

Great video.

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks so much!

[@azbogivediglagoli4759]

Very nice gas tube. What brand it is?

[@AmattEUR]

Thanks! It's a cheap NC Star gas tube but works great. Here's a link www.opticsplanet.com/ncstar-sks-gas-tube-scope-mount-w-side-rails.html

[@AmattEUR]

May require fitting

[@azbogivediglagoli4759]

@@AmattEUR My arms are on the right place, it is not an issue for me to do some work to fit the part. Thanks!

[@roastbeef4918]

I really want a shotgun caliber sks clone.

[@AmattEUR]

Considering they've made an AK 12ga, I don't see why it couldn't be done. And that would be awesome 🤘