Click on any of the small "Figure" images below to see a larger version of the image.

 Review is opinion of Surplusrifle.com

I stand around 6 foot and 3 inches in height. The SKS length of pull for me is rather short.  Lately, I have thought about replacing the wooden stock on one of my SKS rifles with a longer composite stock, to see if it is a better fit. The SKS was not really designed for someone of my size.

a semi-automatic rifle, but the added length of the rubber pad will take care of the length of pull problem. John Masen Co, Inc. of Grand Prairie, Texas carries a nice Pad that extends the length of the SKS stock over 1 inch. On the small card that comes with the recoil pad, it states that it is manufactured for a Chinese SKS. As a test, I tried it on three different manufacture SKS rifles and actually found I preferred it best on my Romanian SKS (although it fit all three).  I tried installing the pad on the rifle minus the original butt plate and decided I did not like the look, so I reinstalled the butt pad on the rifle over the original butt plate and it looked better. The rubber pad does not fill in the inlet section of the rifle stock, at the rear-top of the rifle, and leaves bare wood exposed if installed alone. Leaving the original plate on the rifle covers this exposed wood. Figure 3 shows the completed installation. Either way installing, you can access the cleaning kit hole.

Next came the installation of the 10 round magazine. I tried installing it on my Chinese SKS and found it did not fit right correctly just off the bat. The instructions state - "The SKS rifles were made by different companies in China. They are not all exactly the same. As with the 10 rd Box, each clip must be fitted to the rifle."

I did not feel up to filing the magazine, so I decided to test the stated theory and tried to install the magazine in other SKS rifles. Low and behold it was a perfect fit in my Romanian SKS without any modifications at all. Following the instructions, I did have to disassemble the receiver and remove the trigger assembly to install the Magazine.

The Chinese SKS with the Masen Recoil Pad was a much more comfortable overall length for my size and frame. Also, I especially like how when I set the rifle up against the wall, I don't have to worry about it slipping and falling over. I am looking forward to seeing how it goes at the range the next time I visit.

The Romanian SKS with the Masen 10 rd Magazine installed looks really mean! The rifle looks like a typical assault style rifle (as shown in figure 7). It feeds positively and does leave the bolt open after all cartridges have been ejected.

John Masen carries other SKS add on parts including a 5 rd Magazine, Muzzle Brake, Sight Adjustment Tool, and a Bipod.

John Masen's products for the SKS can be purchased at -

http://www.johnmasen.com

jlm;)