"Broken case extractor is a must.
Wolfe spring kit helps.
Colored front sight along with front sight adjusting tool nice.

Make sure when you break it down you check the entirety of the gas system, big and small piston-springs. Degrease as necessary.

Only warning I can think of with SKS is that some American ammo is "soft primered" for rifle. Firing pin will strike, but the primer will not react correctly.
Shoot all the steel cased ComBlock ammo you want out of it, that is what is designed for it.

For most part SKS is a faultless little rifle, works dependably and in turn will rarely fail to function.

Do obtain or download a tear down manual for it, practice the stripping and cleaning before you take it to range.
Get to know gun, and make sure you keep track of all your parts.

Accurate, fun, can be fixed up so ATAS you might not recognize it as SKS.. Don't succumb to the "Add it 'cause it looks COOL!" shit.

762x39SovUn/Comblock ammo used to be dirt cheap. With folks filling their coffers with lead and copper, ammo is tough to come by at reasonable prices.
Do buy enough to fire rifle and be satisfied sights are *on* for you.

Congrats on a great score. Homeland Security Rifle, Militia gun, Home Protection Carbine..

SnC *OwnsLotsOfSKS*"

"The SKS is a great Zed killer, I have the shorter paratrooper model with a 20 rd fixed mag and 3x wide-view Redfield on an over/under mount so I can still use the iron sights. The spike bayonet is especially helpful, its cruciform shape doesn't get 'hung' in the target like a serrated knife shape would, not to mention using it as a simple unipod while lying prone helps accuracy.

Also, get a manual of arms from somewhere (any tough combat rifle) and learn to use it as a melee weapon, the solid wooden stock is a bone breaker for sure.

I removed the trigger group, not easy btw, and stoned the sear and other sliding areas, the trigger is much smoother and therefore the weapon is more accurate. Haven't tried a spring kit yet, that's interesting.

Good luck, enjoy, and be careful."

"For our purpose the wooden stock is much preferred, plus it's much easier to fix/replace than metal or plastic. Detachables mags are nice, but can be fussy feeders sometimes, that's why I got a 20 round fixed mag, they are stronger and more dependable (imho) and stripper clips are much lighter to carry. By using the one mag I can carry more ammo than if I was also carrying a mag for every 20/30 rounds, less weight, less cost, less to keep up with. Plus I like the ChiCom star on the 20 rd mags, I think it looks better and the mags don't extend near as far so the rifle is easier to fight with or just manipulate in general.

It's your call, but for getting the most bang for your buck get a 20 rd fixed (and a spare) and spend the rest on ammo.

Check 6"