Forums / Introduce Yourself / HEY I'AM NEW TO THE GUNSLOT

Welcome.
Hard question to answer. I have researched and for price the SKS. For shear reliability it is The AK for sure.
The SKS doesn't have a removable magazine and some reliabilty concerns have arisen when putting a mag in. They can't be imported to the US with a removable mag. You canput it in though.
Their are a lot of people here that have them and they will chime in.

samD

they are going to be totally different rifles (besides the caliber). If you are looking for a cool cheap semi auto rifle, and you are on somewhat of a budget... you can't go wrong with an SKS. they are great shooters, accurate, reliable, and come from all over the world. I would recommend getting a surplus rifle in original condition. just make sure the barrel, stock, and bolt are in good shape. you may have to clean off the cosmoline if it is freshly imported. it will be a little more accurate than the AK because of the longer barrel length. it will have great historical value in the fact that they have been used in many different conflicts throughout the world. One of my yugos, still has the soldier's name carved into the stock that carried the weapon during the bosnian war. i think that's pretty cool.
If you are looking for a assault weapon, with 30 rd. mag, that can be modified and is really rugged and durable, then go with the AK. My suggestion... if you do decide to get an AK, go with a decent country of origion... don't just buy the cheapest one.
Anyway, both are great rifles in their own right. It depends on what you are trying to get out of it. One of my pet peeves is when someone buys a good looking battle rifle and tries to turn it into a modern looking assault rifle. I think, if you want the assault rifle, buy the AK, if you want the older surplus rifle with character, buy the SKS. they don't make any more SKS' from the 40's and 50's, so why not keep it original. its a piece of history. If you start collecting rifles, you're gonna want to own both of the some day anyways.

And, as always, WELCOME TO THE THUNDERDOME!

I have both. Sadly my sks is chinese and I would like to get a yugo sks. One that hasn't had the grenade launcher taken off. With my AK I am guilty of modernizing it. Both that I have were the cheapy's. I am going to keep both but I definitly want to get better country's of both. I would recommend a yugo sks for your starter though. I know I want one!

Russian is the key word to remember here. Both the SKS and the AK-47 both originated in Russia, and whatever country designs a gun first, usually makes the best. This is true with the SKS and the AK. I have a Russian SKS and a Chinese one, and the Russian is definitely better. Dont have an AK, but I am sure it is the same situation. Sure it is going to cost more for Russian SKS's and AK's, but in the long run, u will come out ahead.