Black Plastic vs. Wood

[k5dmb]

I surely don't want to start an 'evil-black plastic' vs. wood war here but I could really use every ones thoughts.

I just bought a very nice Chinese SKS that had been sporterized.



Fortunately, the original stock, etc was included in a separate box. As you can see, it's currently in a Ram-Line folding stock with telescope mount (scope not shown) with a 30-round magazine.

Now here's where the problem lies, I obviously want to get it over to the range but I really hate loading 'those large bore rifles one round at a time', with a 30-round mag in place.

I have a 30-carbine and love it the way it came. And just like that M1, the stock for the SKS is really short; but, I think, I'd prefer her back in the original cradle.

Well, here's the poll;

Should we sporterize weapons or maintain their original configuration.

It would be great if you'd post which, if any weapons should be preserved / sporterized and why.

Thanks,

David

[Venus Pax]

I'm sure a passionate debate will begin here, but I say it's YOUR gun. Which do you prefer?

[jbirds1210]

Stick with the wood (no pun intended). If you ever wear out the original stock......there are plenty of plastic ones out there to replace it.

[KBCraig]

I've never seen an aftermarket plastic stock that is anything other than butt-ugly. I prefer wood, especially on rifles that were designed for wood.

I've even seen some ARs outfitted in fine wood, and they looked great.

Kevin

[MrDrummy]

If they were built with wood, keep them in it!

[lrb111]

They aren't making some of those old wood stocks anymore. If I wanted to shoot the gun, use it a lot, etc, and wanted to maintain the wood, then i would use a plastic aftermarket. That wood preserve my wood, and allow me to use the gun.
I could restore it to the original wood anytime.
fwiw, I really like wood stocks.

[k5dmb]

Venus Pax wrote:
Im sure a passionate debate will begin here, but I say it's YOUR gun. Which do you prefer?

Hi Venus Pax, you're absolutly right.

I happen to feel the same way the poll is going. I really think I want it back in the wooden stock but I was interested what others thought and their view points.

It comes apart so easy it could be moved back and forth pretty easily; but I do prefer to keep things original. I don't have a problem with black plastic (I want an AR-15 pretty bad (would rather have my old M-16A1)) and I'm glad the general concensus favor a switch back to the old stock.

I'll post new pics once I've moved it over

[Rex B]

I bought a Yugo SKS, and considered sporterizing it. But I never saw one fixed up that I thought looked better than the original. So I just removed the bayonet, put a peep sight on it and called it good.

The Chinese are a little more valuable IIRC, so pick up a $100 Yugo and swap the plastic over, then put this one back stock.

Best of both worlds

[JLaw]

David,

I have a Chinese SKS also, it had plastic on it when I purchased it. Didn't take much time to purchase new wood for it and replace it. My opinion is to leave the plastic with the Glocks and AR's, and keep these work horses as they came from the factory. If you want to dress it up a little, strip the stock and finish it in some tung oil.



By the way, the 20 round mag is now gone and the original 10 rounder is in place. Also sports a SKS style sling.

JLaw

[SC1903A3]

Got mine in 1989. Chinese made and imported by Glinc L.A. (aka Chinese military industrial complex)

[stevie_d_64]

Stick with the wood (no pun intended). If you ever wear out the original stock......there are plenty of plastic ones out there to replace it.

I bet we see your favorite Glock guy this weekend in Pasadena...

He had a beautiful "bakelite" AK (stock, magazines etc etc) derivitive rifle last time I saw his booth...Think it was that 5.54 (or something like it, my memory is fuzzy)...

I think he wanted about $550-$600 for the whole rig...

Bet its gone by now...

[Jason73]

according to what Ive read once you take the original stock off and put on an "ugly black evil assault weapon stock" the SKS is no longer considered a Curio & Relic as defined by the ATF, it may be considered "identical" to a firearm banned from importation under section 925(d)(3) unless it passes the "10 or less" test. Read more here:

http://sailorcurt.blogspot.com/2007/02/ ... ssues.html

Im trying to sort this out myself because I just picked up an SKS @ Cabelas and I happen to like the "evil black dishwasher-safe stocks" but don't want to break any laws in the process