FAB Defense SKS Chassis Review

Viewer Requested product review of the FAB Defense Complete SKS Chassis System with UAS Buttstock.
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Personal and professional inquiries are welcomed at "[e-mail]"
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0:00 Intro
0:50 Product Overview
1:26 Competitors
2:30 Intended Market
3:18 Summary 1
4:06 First Impressions
5:08 Installation
6:29 Folding Stock
9:34 Accessory Rails
11:19 Optic Rail
14:59 Pistol Grip
15:50 Mag Release
16:23 Sling Sockets
16:41 Takedown Plate
17:05 Summary 2
19:05 Outro
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Tags:
SKS, SK, Folding, Stock, FAB, Fab, UAS, Optic, Mount, Bad, Ace, Badace, Magazine, Review, Any, Good, Is, Chinese, Russian, Soviet, Yugoslavian, Yugo, Polymer, Plastic, Composite, Paratrooper, Custom, Chicom, Norinco, Triangle, 26, twenty, six, quality, cost, ATI, Archangel, Choate, Tool, Chassis, buttstock, Sage, bullpup, strikeforce, Promag, pro, mag, SG, Works

[@andreadavide]

"The point of aim decides to go for a little rumspringa" This is pure poetry!

[@newedgegt7435]

When I first found this channel I was shocked how few subscribers he had. I'm glad to see it growing and getting the views it deserves. you will not find any channel with this much detail.

[@Triangle26]

I really appreciate that. Slow and steady!

[@EvilvonScary]

@@Triangle26 you can pull a rope but you cant push one lol

[@Struggle-Snuggle]

I'd love to see a video on the Bad Ace mount. I'm considering an optic on my SKS because I'm in a ban state and can't acquire new "assault weapons", but I'm not willing to permanently alter my SKS or settle for a gas tube rail. I'd also like to keep my stock original.

[@Triangle26]

All valid and respectable considerations. I am hoping to have a video on the BadAce mount soon. Thanks a ton for being a subscriber.

[@Weenie762by39]

Thanks for the honest review triangle. I have the same stock and reached many of the same conclusions you arrived at. Overall I like my primary setup (for Canada) but I also recognize it is suboptimal in more than one aspect. As configured it is in my opinion superior to the vast majority of semi autos available here. Heartening to a brilliant previous video "Obsolete doesn't necessarily mean useless." Cheers.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks friend. For better or for worse, we usually end up making the best with shades of suboptimal. Based on my understanding of Canadian law, I would agree that your setup is probably near the top of the pack in terms of capabilities. The chassis could be better, but that sure doesn't mean I want to be standing on the wrong side of it.

[@Weenie762by39]

Well said Triangle. I meant to say *Hearkening back*

[@subdawg1331]

well done and this video was well worth the watch ... I wish more people would be as though as you were... thank you

[@Triangle26]

Thanks, friend!

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

solid no nonsense review, i like that you tell it like it is. well done sir.

[@Triangle26]

Thank you!

[@arod762]

This is one of my fav KZbin channels. Excellent videos. Thank you

[@Triangle26]

I really appreciate that, thank you.

[@archer721]

The only mod that I have on my SKS is a forward hand guard rail system that holds nearly perfect actual zero. as much as I’m not a serious fan of NCStar… but it actually works very well. As far as the length of pull, it is intentionally short on Soviet style weapons as they are designed to function while wearing heavy winter clothing. If you live in a northern area where it snows in the winter like I do, you will appreciate this much more.

[@EvilvonScary]

Great review. After market stocks for SKS and Mosin's rarely meet expectation from what I've seen in that eternal quest for rails

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching. I tend to agree and it’s unfortunate. I’d love to see a company like Magpul, Midwest Industries, or Hogue take a stab at it.

[@leemccloskey]

I just ordered a Kodiak Defence dust cover rail from alfahertys near me in Toronto. No gunsmithing required.

[@acester86]

I've seen some really nice stocks for Mosins. My buddy has a Boyd's on his turned his Fin into a long range queen. Granted it's like a $500 competition style stock.

[@acester86]

Looks like Boyd's has SKS stocks too, though only for Yugo 59/66. Don't know how that would effect fitment for a chinese or other Soviet satellite variants. But I highly recommend Boyd's if you are wanting a sporterized stock...

[@EvilvonScary]

@@leemccloskey im out by London lol. Dust cover rail rarely hold zero. Too much movement. Im thinking of getting Bad Ace tactical one for using on rear sight. No drill or tap

[@ericdulyon4601]

Great breakdown bro!

[@holfeightyeight3375]

Just bought this stock in the m4 version ODG. This upgraded version has an adjustable length of pull. They also have a third version that has a spring in the stock to help with recoil.

[@Triangle26]

Nice. I was aware of the other versions, but I was scared off by some reports claiming that the M4 stock version interfered with the bolt when folded. Assuming this is not an issue, I agree that the M4 stocked variety would have been the best choice. The “shock absorbing” version seems a little gimmicky to me, not to mention the LOP adjustment range is from 14.2” - 15.9”, which strikes me as a cruel joke.

[@1909video]

Got n ARCHANGEL review for the SKS. This was really helpful.

[@mikewithers299]

Great review Triangle. I looked at the other 3 options you mentioned but they didn't appeal to me as an enhancement so i passed. This one has great features but the material at the lock-up stock might be a pass for me as well. At 5'-10" and long monkey arms, the LOP would probably work for my frame.

[@bumpercoach]

really like the lines of the base Choate simple (but better-looking) polymer stock -- very M1ish (both Garand and carbine)

[@aaronfrotten]

I have a few fab defense chassis Absolutely awesome

[@Triangle26]

Awesome, glad you are enjoying them!

[@melonmaker5838]

As for the fore grip complaint I fixed that problem on mine by buying a “little badger” rail from Chiapas firearms and drill/tapping it on to the bottom of the stock by the sling mount. It should come that way but I now can have a laser and a grip on the bottom of my rifle

[@Triangle26]

That's awesome, great solution!

[@stein5763]

Thanks for making a review on this, I remember asking about this chassis on your “Is the SKS Obsolete?” video. In Canada any sort of black rifle is either unforgivably unreliable or is over >$1500 USD (or both) so (reversibly) toying with an SKS that everybody has seems preferable. That said, seems like I’d be better off going with the ATI Strikeforce chassis instead, thanks in no small part to your in-depth critique of this one. Thanks!

[@theGatologist]

ALL THE WAY!!!

[@craigharper7544]

Nice video. Great information. You brought up something I haven't considered. Actual 0 vs combat 0. Do you think an optic or sight mounted on the cover would hold at least a combat 0? Keep up the good work!

[@Triangle26]

Yep, I really do. It's far from ideal - but I think it would still be *way* better than no optic at all. Great question.

[@NCrdwlf]

Great review. I was hoping for a glowing review on this but enjoyed the thoroughness and candor . At 5’10 And shrinking I don’t think this would be a good choice for me either . It does look good on the paratrooper though. Does the M4 buttstock version have a shorter LOP ?

[@Triangle26]

If I could go back - I would have gotten the M4 version. The minimum LOP is indeed listed as being .97" shorter than the UAS, and I think that could make a world of difference.

[@bumpercoach]

there needs to be a ski-pole style loop fore "grip" for allowing supreme secure hold even if possibly snaggy... basically a mini-sling for hand/wrist

[@Triangle26]

That's an interesting idea. Kind of like the straps on some pump action shotgun forends. Honestly, I think that's pretty clever and would probably work pretty well.

[@bumpercoach]

@@Triangle26 you catch the vision... many dont get how most of such a strap is held btwn palm and the pole grip w/ only abt 1/3 of the length around the wrist... the strap on especially your shorty shotguns is maybe only half as secure but useful for the pumping action

[@user-pb4pr2nw7l]

Very nice work sir. Is it possible for you to make a review on those sg works stocks?

[@Triangle26]

It is possible (and I am personally curious), but I can't promise that will happen anytime soon. I've got a long "wishlist", and the SG product is pretty far from the top at this time.

[@scurrey8489]

Love the vids you make! sks cowboy companion by navy arms in the 70s is my primary rifle for grab and go and with in 100 yards of the burbs. I am in a restricted state for mags and pistol grips. Is it worth going to a different stock if I can’t have pistol grip and mags? Is there a Monte Carlo stock you would recommend?

[@Triangle26]

Sorry for the delay - I always try to answer reasonable questions! Honestly I don’t think the stock is a big deal either way, as long as you can find a way to get a good sling optic and light in the picture. I think any of the Monte Carlo stocks would be fine if that’s what is comfortable for you - but personally I think I’d just stick with the factory stock. The cowboy companion already has pretty great ergonomics in my opinion.

[@rumpleforeskin5064]

I think that that was pretty well done. L Pap gave me my first sks, it's still in original configuration aside from very awkwardly taking mags. Picked up another decades later..a norinco with a dragonv , ,, curious what your n eneryones opinion is is on those configurations/stocks. Think this is an old fiberforce from the 80s or early 90s. I really like it, only aftermarket furniture i really like

[@ghostjohn2001]

If you’re referring to the Bricklee polymer stock Dragonov, the stock is too long in my opinion. This forces me too ever extend my arms and the added weight on arms is immediately noticed. And of course there are no rails for optics, lights, etc.

[@ahmada.thabata8615]

Thanks for the video! I always love your videos! Will it fit my Norinco SKS M or my SKS Sporter or D model, or any that take ak mags with the ak style mag release?

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. I don't think this stock would be the best choice for detachable magazine varieties like the ones you mention. I think it would fit and could technically work, but would require some fitting and would lose some total function. For starters, the extended magazine release on the FAB Chassis would not be compatible with the AK style paddle release on the M, D, and Sporter. Additionally, the handguard/top rail would not be compatible with the "M" model due to the reduced length gas system.

[@ahmada.thabata8615]

@@Triangle26 Thank you for the response!

[@Hoodbillyhomestead]

If you don't mind a bullpup the cbrps chassis are sweet plus the company is helpful

[@Triangle26]

Nice, thanks for the tip. I hadn't heard of that one before!

[@PinChE_LoCo]

Uuuu! brother, I may have another video request. How about details on Cast, forged and stamped receivers ? Or a review on the AR15 magazine adapter.😅

[@Triangle26]

Good ideas bro, thanks. The cast and stamped receivers are very rare so I can't promise anything, but I'd love to get my hands on one. I actually hadn't heard of the mag adaptor, that definitely seems worth playing with. I'll look into it.

[@brianhook2852]

If you're looking for a rock solid way to mount an optic on your SKS pattern rifle that will hold a true zero... To each their own; but I recommend looking into/checking out the Matador Arms SKS Optics Rail or SKS Optics Rail made by Magwedge...

[@Triangle26]

Good recommendations, thank you!

[@brianhook2852]

You are so very welcome my man! Over the years I have tried all of the garbage optic mounts out there for all my SKS pattern rifle's... & those two optics rails are what I swear by if you're looking to mount any kind of optic on an SKS... I'd also like to note; that if you are not wanting to have to use detachable duck-billed mags and are wanting to stick with the factory fixed box magazine then I highly recommend looking into or choosing one the Optics rails made by magwedge because they make models that will accommodate the use of stripper clips if a person chooses to do so...

[@rotisseriebear5394]

I can't even tell you the brand of the dust cover rail I got, but it's the kind that you have to file the forward ears down to fit. I also had to open up the take down pin hole. I did it incrementally, and ended up with a very tight fit. I have to really put a lot of pressure forward on the dust cover while tapping the pin with a hammer to get it to go through the third ply. It's the kind that is raised, so you can see the iron sights underneath it, but the screws that mount the pic rail to the raised base were sticking down, blocking my view. I shortened them, and then the sights were barely visible, but when I get my eye lined up just right, I can't see a target, just the sights. I'd say they are effectively useless, and I traded a super high height over bore with my PA Micro 3X Prism for nothing. I think the iron sights would be useful if I removed the prism scope from the rail, but at that point, I'd just as soon leave it and swap back to the original dust cover, if the optic was broken. It holds zero. I like the concept. I might get on that has no rise and keep the stock dust cover in the kit that goes with the rifle. But I was goofing off in a desert range, and hit a 8 in. plate at 200, a hostage target at 225, and three out of four hits on a torso size plate at 325.

[@ghostjohn2001]

Thanks again, was just looking at this stock, then found your video. I won’t be buying this stock, I’m on the hunt for a good folding stock, haven’t found it yet. Any recommendations? Bear in mind accuracy is a high priority..

[@mateoocampo3165]

Any chance of you giving a rundown on replacement stocks for the SKS? Most are horrible, but i saw a pick of a green synthetic stock shaped liked a woodstock, but with a FULL pistol grip like a mini 14 and slightly longer length of pull. Unfortunately not details were provided with the pic. The only thing thing i hate about the SKS is the semi pistol grip.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

I'd take that handguard to a machinist and get some ventilation ports routed into it.

[@Triangle26]

That would be a good idea. Enough to get some airflow, but not enough to encourage flexing.

[@sarge12212]

Seems to me, without actually owning one, that the ATI Strikeforce SKS stock fits the bill better. It's much cheaper, has a more robust folding mechanism, has a closer lower rail placement and has adjustable LOP. I have an ATI folding fixed-length stock and it's LOP is too long for my 6ft frame.

[@Triangle26]

Also not owning one, I'm inclined to agree. I've handled a few ATI products over the years, and they didn't stand out to me as being any worse in quality than the FAB.

[@sarge12212]

@@Triangle26 It could be improved by a left-side folding mechanism, in my opinion. The Galil ARM folds left by bumping it with your shoulder. That's just genius! 😆

[@stein5763]

Came to ask this question lol, I'm about his height and if the LOP issue is as bad as he claims, I'm more than happy to go with a different stock that is half the cost in my region and will fit me better.

[@sarge12212]

​@@stein5763I now DO own an ATI Strikeforce folding stock with adjustable LOP and cheek rest. Regardless of the maker of the stock, you need those options. The Tapco stock I used to have had too long an LOP and no ability to adjust.

[@bumpercoach]

the LIKES were at FIFTY-SIX when I added mine

[@unitfour3097]

Why didn't anyone pick up the ball and start making the old Tapco Timbersmith SKS laminate stocks again?

[@Daniel-xq7ny]

Hi. What brand of stock would you recommend me, for my 1979 Chinese SKS? Thanks

[@HernanMoragaMmHs]

Hey man, here in canada we have a comercially produced modernazation attempt of the SKS called KODIAK DEFENCE SKS-15. I would like to know what are your frists impressions of it just by looking at a pictrure and reading the specs. It is supposed to be lighter than a stock sks and has a shorter barrel. I love your videos. Cheers!

[@Triangle26]

Hey friend! Thanks for putting the SKS-15 on my radar, I had never heard of that before. First impressions: The chassis seems solid. Aluminum construction, tons of rail space, AR furniture compatibility... These are all good things. I *wish* the FAB product had these elements. My big concern is the magazine conversion. I can appreciate the legal advantage to using 10 round "pistol" magazines, however messing with the feed system is a dangerous game. One of the things I tried to emphasize in this review is that for all of the FAB product's flaws, it doesn't introduce any critical failure points. The chassis could literally melt off the rifle, and the core action could continue cycling unfazed. For all of the things that the Kodiak product seems to do right, it *does* introduce a critical failure point. I'm not saying magazine conversions can't be done properly (I've seen a few custom jobs that were done with extraordinary skill). That said, it usually doesn't go that way, and I'm very dubious that Kodiak pulled it off. I watched about 5 minutes of footage of the SKS-15 on KZbin, and in that time I witnessed more SKS malfunctions than I have personally experienced in 10+ years of high volume SKS shooting. That's a small sample size, but not a good sign.

[@LangSauce93]

Great review, I’m looking for a new stock, strongly considering the archangel over the ati currently, any thoughts?

[@Triangle26]

Sorry for the delay, thanks for watching and reaching out. I don't have firsthand experience with the SKS variety of the Archangel, but experiences with other platforms has been positive. I think it's definitely a good option.

[@LangSauce93]

@@Triangle26 no worries dude, thanks for putting out so much great info, I ended up going with the ati and it feels pretty good

[@moothemagiccow7923]

I like to savour the SKS in it's original flavour. No extra seasonings or sauces 🙂

[@Triangle26]

I personally won't be continuing to use this chassis, but for people taller than myself I think it is a solid option, especially when combined with a more solid optic mounting solution. I will be making a follow-up video with my personal "improved take". Thanks a bunch for watching and commenting.

[@Sean-John]

Im 6'4 and have long arms but it looks cheap. I live in Canada so theres very little options. Overall it looks ok I dont think its meant for extended use tho I agree it would end up being a fixed stock pretty quick

[@Triangle26]

Yep, you've pretty much summed it up. It's OK. Among limited options, it may be the best, but it's definitely nothing to write home about.

[@Mr.Squid23]

@@Triangle26 I live in MA and there is a good chance that most rifles that feed from detachable magazines will be banned in a few months. This is looking like the best option left. Do you have any suggestions to getting the most out of this stock? Possibly combining it with the rear sight rail? Assuming that's even possible to do.

[@smlee7348]

Any SKS 922-r compliance issues replacing OEM wood stock?.... good day

[@Triangle26]

No problem replacing parts with equivalent parts. Swapping an OEM stock for a different OEM stock is good to go. Swapping an OEM stock for an aftermarket stock is when 922(r) *theoretically* begins to apply.

[@donniejobe5662]

Will the barreled action of the SKS Sporter model (16” barrel, uses standard AK type magazines) fit in a standard Chinese/Norinco wooden stock?

[@Triangle26]

I believe a Chinese SKS stock cut for pinned barrels could be lightly modified to fit. The essential dimensions are all the same. The biggest issue I see is that the original “Sporter” stocks had an embedded metal liner which served as a mag well. That would need to be recreated somehow.

[@donniejobe5662]

@@Triangle26 … thank you.

[@beloved7.62]

Lol I’m curious about the corn husks??

[@Triangle26]

Short answer: I have limited decorations available to me, and I figured anything was better than bare walls! Long answer: A few summers back I was invited to participate in a Navajo corn harvest, and it was honestly an amazing time. Literally the best corn I have ever eaten, and the whole experience just increased my pride in being American - and in eating traditionally grown American cops. The grandmother of the farm sent me home with some stringed corn from that harvest, so at this point it's a reminder of happy times.

[@oneofthoseguys2019]

Can you review drum magazine and archangel magazine

[@Triangle26]

Probably not unfortunately, I really just don't have enough interest in detachable SKS mags to seek them out. That said if I ever happen to stumble across any, I'll be happy to give them a go!

[@oneofthoseguys2019]

@@Triangle26 do it for me

[@whspioneer89]

Why couldn’t they have made the stock to use AK magazines with a built in, hopefully steel, front magazine hook

[@Triangle26]

Probably because any decent AK mag conversion would also involve significant machining to the weapon itself. It would be super cool if the conversion could be done with just a drop-in chassis, but I don't think that's mechanically possible.

[@Rayven-gi3os]

@@Triangle26 as someone who is doing conversations so SKSs can take AK (actually type 81) mags I can say that without a new receiver (or modified) and mag release it would be impossible to do without significantly modding the mag (even then I doubt it)

[@Triangle26]

@@Rayven-gi3os Cool, thanks for chiming in. That’s pretty much what I expected!

[@glennq1750]

Have you used the cheap ati strike force? If so what is your quick grade on it?

[@Triangle26]

I don’t have a ton of experience with it, but I have handled and shot one. If we are considering the price in the grade, honestly I’d give it a C+ or B-. I think it’s a better valued product than the FAB one. It’s got basically the same drawbacks as the FAB chassis, and a few less features, but a much lower price tag. It doesn’t introduce any critical failure points. You can get an ATI stock *and* a BadAce optics mount for slightly less than just the FAB chassis, and I personally think that would be a much better setup.

[@glennq1750]

@@Triangle26 just stumbled on your channel today. I have to say I’m impressed. Immediate response to my question 😂 needless to say liked and subscribed, thank you man

[@Gabthar]

Could you do a video about SKS optic mounting options that aren't pure dog shit? I'd like to stick a simple red dot on mine but I can't find a solution worth a damn.

[@Triangle26]

I’m planning to do a review of the Bad Ace Tactical rear sight adaptor soon. I haven’t spent a ton of time with it, but the ones I’ve handed in passing have seemed pretty solid. Is that product on your radar as an option?

[@Gabthar]

@@Triangle26 I researched the bad ace and it seemed solid but I wasn’t sure if I should bother. Hopefully your experiences will be positive. If they are, I’ll get one.

[@Triangle26]

@@Gabthar Sounds good. I’ll try to get that review out ASAP.

[@ralphmunnich]

great review, Not a big fan of its looks at all. If I had to go bubba, I would go Monte Carlo or Tapco.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Totally fair assessment. Based on my (albeit limited) experience with bubba setups, I'm honestly inclined to just find ways to make the factory stock work.

[@daggerg8451]

What's your opinion on pu's on the sks

[@Triangle26]

Honestly, I love it. The PU scope really complements the SKS in terms of material and aesthetic, and it creates a pretty wicked little "intermediate DMR". Definitely a practical setup. Usually requires an improvised cheek rest - which can really round out the look. Obviously there is a conversation to be had about permanent modifications to historic rifles. My view is that people are free to do whatever they want with their own property, but also that there are more and less responsible ways to go about that. I think it's something that should be done mindfully. Overall, super cool though. I'd very much like to own one 🤷‍♂️

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Nice

[@victorracel4140]

If you have ever been wronged by FAB just remember no one was holding a gun to your head and you will not be receiving a refund haha

[@SeofeSeofe-xp2dw]

Esika nini nakoki kozwa yango na systeme

[@SargenttSkroonk]

Made for Hicock and Son but if any of those giants leans on the folding stock, it'll snap like a toothpick. 👎

[@Triangle26]

Honestly, that’s spot on.

[@michael7046]

Original wood still looks better.

[@Triangle26]

Without any doubt. Aftermarket stocks look terrible.

[@victorracel4140]

You would be dumb enough to buy one... 2:00