"I've got a couple SKS's, one a bastardized Norinco with 20 round mags, a red dot, and a dragonov stock. The other is a beat-up Yugo 59-66. The thing about the SKS is that they were not originally designed with detachable mags, making the mag release/bolt hold open functions not exactly combat friendly.

I wouldn't base your decision on drum mags. Three 30 round AK mags will be less cumbersome, less expensive, more reliable and have more capacity than a 75 round drum.

The SKS is just as reliable as an AK, but they don't get the reputation since their primary military role was cut short by the cheaper to produce, detachable mag, full auto AK.

Either weapons system is a fine choice. Carry both? Nah, too redundant. If you are able to carry two long guns make one of them a shotgun. I may sell off my bastardized SKS for an AK, and have both in my safe."

"I've got a couple SKS's, one a bastardized Norinco with 20 round mags, a red dot, and a dragonov stock. The other is a beat-up Yugo 59-66. The thing about the SKS is that they were not originally designed with detachable mags, making the mag release/bolt hold open functions not exactly combat friendly.

I wouldn't base your decision on drum mags. Three 30 round AK mags will be less cumbersome, less expensive, more reliable and have more capacity than a 75 round drum.

The SKS is just as reliable as an AK, but they don't get the reputation since their primary military role was cut short by the cheaper to produce, detachable mag, full auto AK.

Either weapons system is a fine choice. Carry both? Nah, too redundant. If you are able to carry two long guns make one of them a shotgun. I may sell off my bastardized SKS for an AK, and have both in my safe."

"Well, the round has some good stopping power, and if you have 30 round mags, then you'd be using the same round with the same capacity as and AK-47, but I hear SKS is more accurate. Of course, it lacks the fabled reliability of the AK-47, and is an older design, but I hear good things about it. The AK-47, however, takes 75 round drums. Really you could carry both and have one type of ammo, using one or the other depending on whether you needed reliability or accuracy. SKS is cheaper, too, and there are a lot of surplus in the US, but they aren't really in production, are they? Well...just tell me your thoughts on this rifle and its use (particularly against rager zombies). "

"I love the SKS rifles. We fired one the other day at the range to the point of cooking off the finish on the wooden stock. The damn thing never failed to fire reguardless of how hot it got.

I will be picking up a russian modle as soon as funds allow."

"That is anothjer draw back on the SKS. When shot awhile the hand gaurd does get uncomfortable to grasp from the heat. Thats another reason to stay with 10/20rd mags. While reloading it helps cool it down some. There are after market stock kits that do help with the heat but it will still heat up. Just recomend the shooter wearing gloves."