It is being reported by multiple, yet unconfirmed sources, that the Dallas Police shooter was not armed with an AR-15 rifle as previously assumed. But instead, was armed with a much older military surplus SKS rifle.
In many circles, the SKS get’s kind of a bad rap. I suspect this is for two reasons. One, they don’t “typically” come with a magazine larger than 10 rounds. I say typically since I am aware of the aftermarket upgrades and the one factory exception with a 30 round magazine.
The second reason is they were always kind of designed as a “cheaper, smaller, lighter” alternative to the ubiquitous AK.
So in the West, that is erroneously translated as being “worse” than a AK. Which if early information coming out of the Dallas PD holds, is a huge mistake.
Historically, the SKS has much more in common with a M1 Garand feature wise, so it typically “misses” the assault-weapon moniker. Early on, when many AK and AR rifles were restricted, the SKS usually sailed on through most restrictions. It’s got wood furniture. No pistol grips. No detachable magazine. Loads from stripper-clips. And generally isn’t an evil black rifle.
Specifically I want to zero in on the stripper clips. While not as fast as a magazine change, you don’t have to be a tier-1 ninja to rock that reload pretty damn fast.
I spent most of the day out of the armory. Running around scouting some hunting property. But while I was away, I called Freeze and said, “Hey! Get that SKS you have hanging over your bar and shoot some photos”.
Yes, he really keeps a whole pile of collectable rifles hanging over his bar. Here is his message describing the exact model
“Chinese sks Type 56 Factory 306.
All Matching
Manufacture date 1979 (best I can figure, Its hard to accurately date sks rifles)”
Why is any of this important? Well…there really isn’t any difference between the SKS rifle and ANY modern, semi-automatic “sporting” arm. Nada. Zilch. They are the same damn gun. But no worries, MSNBC will just call it a AR-15 Ghost Gun or some other such nonsense.
Marky
www.tacticaltshirts.com
www.john1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
Update: 7-10-2016 This photo showing a MagPul Stocked AK-74 has been making the rounds as the Dallas Black Lives Matter / Nation of Islam shooter. Making this the 3rd listed firearm. I cannot independently verify the claim one way or another so I am posting it with reservations. –Marky
Areas of focus: Defense and National Security, Modern Light Weapons, Small Arms, Weapons Training.
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