How to Change the Stock on a SKS Rifle
The SKS rifle, while classified as a surplus rifle, does not have to look like a surplus rifle. Most SKS rifles arrive with cracked or chipped wooden stocks. By replacing it with a new synthetic stock, you can dramatically change the appearance of your SKS rifle and even make it more functional. So whether you're going for a tactical look or just looking for a Monte Carlo style, a new stock fusion system might be just what the doctor ordered.
Instructions
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1
Place the rifle on SAFE. Check the magazine and chamber to make sure the rifle is not loaded. This step might seem self-explanatory, but how many "unloaded" guns have caused tragic accidents? Too many. Check it. Besides, the trigger group can be damaged if the rifle's safety is not engaged at this point.
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2
Push the small recessed button at the back of the trigger guard. Press hard. Sometimes it sticks. If it does, use the flat end of your screwdriver to put more force on the button. You'll hear a click and then the whole trigger assembly group can be pulled away from the rifle.
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3
Remove the magazine. Do this by pulling the magazine away from the receiver while pulling the bolt to the rear. This takes some coordination. Simply let it pivot down, and then it slides off easily.
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4
Pull the barreled receiver out of the old stock. Depending on the make and model of the SKS rifle, it might take some elbow grease to accomplish this. Also keep in mind that these rifles are all surplus. That means you might encounter some old cosmoline. Now is the time to give your SKS rifle a thorough cleaning.
Note that the crossbolt does not need to be removed.
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Remove the handguard. This means the gas tube assembly must be removed as well. Locate the rear sight housing and pivot the small lever located on the right side. You'll want to use the screwdriver to gently pry the lever upwards to the lower detent. The gas tube assembly then releases from the rear sight housing.
CAUTION: Do not pivot the lever past the lower detent! The operating rod is held in by the lever and is under pressure. Moving the lever beyond the lower detent will cause the rod to fly out. This can lead to serious injury to anybody in the area.
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6
Replace the handguard with the new one. The fit might be tight, and you might need to file down some of the new composite material.
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Insert the provided rivet through the gas tube and bracket. Push hard. Use the flat end of your screwdriver to push it all the way through. Use your vise to flatten the end of the rivet.
Note: If you are replacing the original operating rod with a new U.S. compliant operating rod, now is the time to do it. You can also replace the original piston at this time as well.
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Place the front of the gas tube onto the gas block and pivot the assembly down until it seats securely into the rear sight housing. Pivot the locking lever down until the lower detent is at the bottom of the machined track.
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9
Insert the barreled receiver into your new stock. The front of the stock must be inserted into the front barrel bracket first.
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10
Insert the trigger guard spring. Reinstall the trigger group, front first. Be sure the front locator pins are engaged properly with the SKS receiver and then pivot the trigger group toward the rear latch. The trigger group must be on "safe" to install properly.
Reinstall the magazine assembly before firmly seating the trigger group unless you're converting to a larger SKS magazine.
Press firmly. You will hear a soft "click" when the trigger assembly seats properly.
Some replacement stock kits come with SAW-style pistol grips. Install that now, as well as any adjustable stock tubes that might be part of your kit.
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Tips & Warnings
While there are several styles of replacement stock kits for the SKS rifle, removing the basic components remains the same. Take the opportunity to clean your SKS rifle well during the stock conversion process.
Always check to make sure your SKS rifle is unloaded and on "safe" before starting any work.
