Best SKS Upgrades & Accessories

Are you ready to make your SKS rifle better? You can easily do this by adding the best SKS accessories and upgrades on the market.

The SKS rifles are great and inexpensive and really fun guns to have and shoot. By adding the best SKS accessories you can increase the effectiveness of the platform.

There are a lot of parts you can add, but this post will go over the best options available. None of these parts and accessories are expensive and are all still great upgrades for your rifle.

This article will cover the best SKS accessories and upgrades that will work for all variants. 

What Is A SKS?

The SKS is a Soviet semi-automatic carbine chambered for the 7.62×39mm round, designed in 1943 by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov.

In the early 1950s, the Soviets took the SKS carbine out of front-line service and replaced it with the AK-47 however, the SKS remained in second-line service for decades.

It is still used as a ceremonial arm today. The SKS was widely exported and was also produced by some former Eastern Bloc nations as well as China, where it was designated the Type 56, East Germany as the Karabiner S, and North Korea as the Type 63.

The SKS is currently popular on the civilian surplus market in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

It was one of the first weapons chambered for the 7.62×39mm M43 round, which was also used later in the AK-47.

The SKS has a conventional layout, with a wooden stock and no pistol grip. The SKS is a gas-operated weapon that has a spring-loaded bolt carrier and a gas piston rod that work the action via gas pressure pushing against them.

Also, it has a tilting bolt action locking system. The SKS is shorter and less powerful than the semi-automatic rifles that preceded it.

The SKS has a 4-inch longer barrel than AK-series rifles, because of the barrel length it has a slightly higher muzzle velocity.

Where To Purchase A SKS?

It is becoming harder to find SKS Rifles for a good deal. They used to sell them by the crate but even deals like this are hard to find.

The good thing is though that there is still a lot of them out there and you can still pick them up for a decent price. Just might have to be patient.

If you plan on upgrading your SKS and adding some aftermarket accessories you may want to have two of these rifles. One to keep traditional and one to modernize.

Click Here to check the current prices and availability of SKS Rifles

SKS Stock Upgrade

One of the first SKS accessories that you can add to your rifle is an upgraded stock. This will completely transform the rifle and give you a good base to build off of.

There are a few different companies that make stocks for the SKS and they all work well.

It comes down to what features you want and prefer. There are three that I recommend.

ATI Strikeforce SKS Stock

A good aftermarket replacement stock to upgrade the SKS is the ATI Strikeforce SKS Stock.

This is a six-position collapsible side folding stock. It has a lot of adjustability and different positions.

The ATI Strikeforce stock also comes with a recoil system built-in and has an adjustable cheek rest. This is perfect if you plan on adding an optic to your SKS.

There are also a lot of Picatinny rail systems on the handguard that will allow you to add any type of accessory.

It comes with sling swivel studs and slots for attaching a sling and additional mounting hardware.

Click Here to check the current prices of the ATI Strikeforce SKS Stock

ProMag Archangel SKS Stock

Another great aftermarket SKS stock is the ProMag Archangel SKS Stock. This is a great option especially if you have to switch to using removal magazines.

It has a folding adjustable stock which is very comfortable and a pistol grip that feels great. Once you add this to the rifle you will feel how light the stock is and also durable.

Being able to use removable magazines is one of the best features of this stock and will give your SKS a modern look and feel.

Click Here to check the current prices of the ProMag Archangel SKS Stock

FAD Defense SKS Stock

The absolute best stock upgrade for the SKS is the FAB Defense M4 SKS Chassis System.

FAB Defense makes these rifle stocks from rugged, lightweight fiberglass reinforced polymer with 5 QD sling swivel sockets for seamless sling attachment.

These contain the quad Picatinny rail system that provides plenty of space to mount sights, lights, and lasers for enhanced utility.

If you’re looking to step up your firearm’s potential in the field, have a modern feel and look, and accept removable magazines, then this is the best option.

Click Here to check the current prices of the FAB Defense M4 SKS Chassis System

SKS Detachable Magazine

One of the best SKS accessories that you can stock up on are SKS Detachable Magazines.

Loading rounds one at a time or even using stripper clips to reload an SKS is not the quickest or most efficient way to reload.

Good thing there are a lot of different removable box mags on the market and even drum magazines.

I usually like to keep around seven magazines for every firearm I own. If there is ever a high-capacity magazine ban you will be happy you purchased enough before it happens.

Click Here to check the current prices of the SKS Detachable Magazines

SKS Trigger Upgrade

The factory trigger that comes with these rifles are not the best and there is room for improvement.

Unfortunately, because of the design, there are not a lot of options for aftermarket SKS trigger upgrades.

One thing that can be done is getting a new set of trigger springs to lighten the trigger weight and pull.

SKS Trigger Spring Kit

Upgrading the trigger with the SKS Trigger Spring Kit will increase the performance and accuracy of the rifle.

These are inexpensive and make a huge difference on the trigger pull. Having a lighter and cleaner pull will allow you to shoot better and more accurately.

This will reduce the weight by 50%.

Click Here to check the current prices of the SKS Trigger Spring Kit

SKS Optic Upgrade

Adding a good optic to your SKS will be one of the best SKS accessories and upgrades you can do to the rifle.

Because of the mid-range caliber and the effective range of the rifle, something will magnification is better than just a 1x red dot sight.

To get the best all-around set up a low power variable optic (LPVO) is the best choice.

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope

A really good LPVO scope that is fairly priced and one that is perfect for the SKS is the Vortex Strike Eagle.

This versatile Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Rifle Scope allows you to adapt to any situation, taking down targets at close or long ranges with incredible precision.

Vortex designed these rifle scopes with fully multi-coated extra-low dispersion (XD) glass that offers enhanced resolution, true colors, and complete clarity.

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Rifle Scope features an illuminated reticle for faster target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.

These scopes are built tough with fully waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof protection for use in any environment.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Strike Eagle

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope

If you want something a little less expensive but one that is still very good then the Vortex Crossfire II is the next best choice.

The Vortex Crossfire II is very reliable and rugged, with great performance for an affordable price.

It has all the features you want in a good LPVO scope, without overspending.

These rifle scopes feature long eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, fully multi-coated lenses, and resettable MOA turrets.

The Vortex Crossfire II  rifle scope has a hard anodized single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube that is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof/fog-proof performance.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Crossfire II

SKS Scope Rings

In order to mount the scope properly, you will need a good set of scope rings. I recommend using a one-piece design cantilever-style scope mount.

These are very strong and will hold zero. They stand up to a lot of abuse and will hold your scope in place.

Vortex Cantilever 30mm Rifle Scope Ring Mount

One of my favorite scope ring mounts and one of the best on the market is the Vortex Cantilever 30mm Mount.

This is a one-piece design that is very solid. It will keep your scope mounted securely and always hold zero.

It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is very streamlined and sleek. There is nothing for it to snag on.

This Vortex mount will work with any 30mm tube size scope and does not have to be lapped.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Vortex Cantilever 30mm Mount

SKS Reciever Rail

Now to add a scope the right way on an SKS you will need to get a receiver top rail. I used to always see people mount extended eye relief scopes very far forward on the handguard.

This is not the correct way to set up a modern rifle and scout-style scopes are becoming less and less popular.

Matador Arms SKS Optics Rail

To mount a scope correctly on an SKS you will need the Matador Arms SKS Optics Rail.

The Full-Length Optics Rail is a solid aluminum optic mount that retains zero, deflects shells, protects optics, and accepts any Picatinny bases.

It’s easy to install in about 5 minutes.

This rail is very good quality, holds zero and it’s mounted to the receiver so it won’t move like the dustcover and handguard rails.

The deflector works to protect your glass if you put that on. Tons of space on it too.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Matador Arms SKS Optics Rail

SKS Muzzle Brake Upgrade

One of the best things you can do to the SKS in order to reduce the recoil and increase the accuracy is adding a muzzle brake.

Anything you can do to make it a softer shooting rifle is a good upgrade.

On the SKS you will need to thread the barrel for it to accept a muzzle brake.

DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake & Thread Kit

To properly thread your SKS barrel and add a muzzle brake you will need the DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake & Thread Kit.

The DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake for SKS Threading Kit Combo makes the perfect addition to your rifle to help mitigate the recoil of firing.

These muzzle brake kits feature an adjustable thread cutting round die for a more permanent hold than non-threaded types.

With a removable handle die, the DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake for SKS Combination is heavy-duty enough to handle tight tensile strength without breaking.

Click Here to check the current prices of the DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake & Thread Kit

SKS Bi-pod

To increase the range of the SKS while shooting in the prone position or while shooting off a bench then you need a good bi-pod.

Because of the mid-range capabilities of the rifle, a bi-pod will allow you to reach out and shoot longer distances from a steady and solid base.

Leapers UTG Tactical OP Bipod

The best bipod for the SKS is the Leapers UTG Tactical Bi-pod. It will keep your rifle stable.

It is fully adjustable and can be set for your preferred height and angle. The arms are foldable and they also extend.

What I like most about this specific bipod, is that it comes with a swivel stud mount and a Picatinny rail mount.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Leapers UTG Tactical Bi-pod

SKS Sling Upgrade

One of the final things you need to add in order to complete your setup is a good-quality sling.

Even if you plan on keeping this as a bench rest gun, you can still run and gun with an SKS, and having a sling will keep it secure to your body and help manage recoil.

Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded Sling

The best sling on the market is the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling. I have a few of them and use them on all of my rifles.

This sling is the padded version that comes with QD sling swivel mounts. They offer these slings in a few different colors and camo patterns.

The sling is fully adjustable and has a pull tab that can be used to quickly adjust the tension on the fly.

If you do not yet own a good sling, then I recommend picking one of these up.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

SKS 7.62×39 Ammo

Finally, you will need a lot of ammo. 7.62×39 Ammo used to be readily available and very cheap to shoot. Unfortunately like all ammo, it is becoming harder to find and the price has increased.

I tell everyone to have 1000 rounds on had of every caliber of gun you have at a minimum. Also, always replenish your stockpile of ammo after you go to the range.

A good practice is to always buy a few boxes of ammo whenever you are a stock that sells ammo and has it in stock.

Click Here to check the current prices and availability of 7.62×39 Ammo

Are SKSs more accurate than AK-47s?

The SKS is slightly more accurate than most AK rifles. For the vast majority of shooters, the SKS will be slightly more accurate.

Is the SKS reliable?

The SKS is one of the most reliable rifles on the market. The SKS is one of the most reliable weapons ever made.

What makes an SKS valuable or collectible?

Another factor that contributes to a re-sale value is accessories that come with the gun. Please note that as a collector’s piece, the value of SKS rifles is greater if they retain the original finish as well as the original bayonet.

Complete List of Items Mentioned

(Click the links for the most up to date prices)

• SKS Rifles
• ATI Strikeforce SKS Stock
• ProMag Archangel SKS Stock
• FAB Defense M4 SKS Chassis System
• SKS Detachable Magazines
• SKS Trigger Spring Kit
• Vortex Strike Eagle
• Vortex Crossfire II
• Vortex Cantilever 30mm Mount
• Matador Arms SKS Optics Rail
• DELTAC Slingshot Muzzle Brake & Thread Kit
• Leapers UTG Tactical Bi-pod
• Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
• 7.62×39 Ammo

Have you added any upgrades and accessories to your SKS?

Did you initially start with a better stock?

Let me know in the comments below.

Further reading on Firstworldcrusader.com: Are you interested in learning more about guns and gear?

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