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FACTS: Based on the Dragunov sniper style stock, this durable stock is made from high-impact Zytel. Lifetime warranty. A slight modifications are required to fit the SKS-D model. Optional butt pad. The sometimes optional cheek rest can stow the original cleaning kit. There's a hidden compartment in the hand grip.
REVIEW: You have to be very careful you are aware of exactly what you're getting when you order this stock. If you are one of those form over function people, the futuristic lines on this stock give the rifle a unique and aggressive look. However, I tend to be one of those utilitarian folks. Although it may look good, if it makes life harder than it should be, something's got to go. And besides, I don't necessarily think this stock is all that good looking. It's boxy, slab sided, and the best feature it has going for it makes the rifle an adventure to clean. NOTE: Although the cheek piece stores the cleaning kit, it rattles and bangs around in there to the point where you want to just take it out and throw it as far as you can...
#1 The *BANE* of those who actually shoot their SKS. An original SKS has an abrupt drop off behind the receiver cover which is not very ergonomic, so the Fiberforce answer was to change the lines of the rifle by adding this slick little block of Zytel. This effectively makes it impossible to remove the receiver cover without first removing the trigger group and removing the whole stock EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO CLEAN THE RIFLE. Then add in the fact most people add a black nylon sling. So now not only is your rifle in two pieces, they're roped together from the stock's dowel to the sling loop on the barrel. This either makes cleaning a clumsy affair, or it adds one more thing you have to remove from the weapon to clean it properly. Most serious shooters will cut off this hump of plastic to make the stock more user friendly. Fragger's SKS is a prime example of someone creative and talented enough to pull off some great modifications. (Please no offence to Fragger, but notice how the side of the Fiberforce stock looks like a flat, black 2X4?)
#2 Do yourself a favor and be SURE you get the gas tube cover that comes with this kit! For some reason they designed the stock with a super tall hand guard. This will NOT FIT around conventional gas tube covers. I have a friend (yeah, that's it, a friend) who wanted to save a buck and not buy the new gas tube cover. The intention was to stain the original wooden GTC black. He did so and the black vents on #2 of the diagram caught on the sides of the wood. He forced it, it broke, that's the way it goes. With the first vent broken, he was able pull the sides of #2 out a little further, but in time the wear and tear started to splinter the wood of the GTC. Finally, he sanded the sides of the wood flush with the gas tube cover retaining brackets, but no matter how hard he tried, he still scratched the hell out of the bluing on said brackets. Although it was a nightmare for him, but he still laugh about it to this day, so something good came out of it! My advice: either buy the complimentary GTC, or do as William has demonstrated on Survivor's website and hack off the raised sides of this stock and use conventional (and better looking) GTCs. (William is pretty talented with the 'ol hacksaw as he also removed the block discussed in #1)
#3 The grip on this stock is smaller than what many people are used to shooting with. If you have large hands this could be a problem, small hands a blessing. This is 100% a personal preference issue. NOTE: How valid will your lifetime warranty be if someone alters it's form with a hacksaw?
FACTS: This stock is sold with the arm in a fixed position. According to TAPCO, ATI no longer produces the Ultralight as a folding stock, only fixed. Although folders are no longer MADE, they are still sold or you can convert your fixed arm to fold with the proper $8.00 replacement part. Possibly the lightest stock available for the SKS. Made of black matte finished Zytel with a slot on the underside to accept both bayonet types. The folding stock extends 13" from the receiver. The hand guard IS included, but some vendors pull it out of the kit and sell it separately to make a quick buck. The buttpad optional.
COMMENTS: What a great looking stock. Oh, curse 922(r)!!! My dream SKS has a folding stock, Millett sight mount, red dot sight, (see MOUNTS for my artist's rendition) shortened barrel, and welded suppressor. I especially enjoy the AR-15 style pistol grip. Although this stock allows for a bayonet, I simply can't imagine why anyone would want to add one to a rifle with this particular stock. The cheek rest stows the cleaning capsule, but the arrangement rattles so badly, I advise against putting it there.
This stock was invented by LEO LIVINGSTON. Click the link to learn the history behind how it was created, produced, and the man behind it.
FACTS: Made of black Zytel with a checkered grip and raised cheek rest built in to the left side. Sling stud and rubber buttpad included. The hand guard IS included, but some crook vendors pull it out of the package and sell it separately to turn a quick buck.
REVIEW: I had the opportunity to examine this stock extensively and I would say this was a commendable stock, if only... You see, this stock comes with an anemic little grip extension that protrudes from the bottom. I suppose it's supposed to resemble a pistol grip, but if it were to resemble any pistol it would be the Derringer. My hands aren't very big to begin with, so while holding this stock I was surprised to find that my ring finger and pinky had nowhere to go! They either have to dangle out in space or curl back over an inch to grab some stock behind the grip. Needless to say this was uncomfortable for me and if someone had big hands, this stock may prove to be intolerable. Secondly, the comb of the rifle is so long that it encroaches into the area on the stock's wrist used by the thumb. Again, uncomfortable. I don't like criticizing a stock simply because it doesn't fit me, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.
This stock was invented by LEO LIVINGSTON. Click the link to learn the history behind how it was created, produced, and the man behind it.
FACTS: The Combat Exchange Monte Carlo stock looks identical to the ATI Monte Carlo, maily because they are the same. On 10,000 of the Combat Exchange models, there is a unique name, address, and phone number molded into the side of it. That information is:
COMBAT EXCHANGE Leo W. Livingston Burgaw, NC. 919-259-7300
I have recently had the pleasure of corresponding with Leo Livingston, the founder of this company. Combat Exchange was it's own company before the BATF drove it out of business. ATI bought what was left of it and the rest is history. More supporting information, photographs, documents, and movies regarding the creation of the Combat Exchange's stocks can be found in Simonov.net's Tribute to Leo section.
The Combat Exchange folder looks just like the ATI Ultralight, but its completely olive drab green and says 'The Combat Exchange -- SKS stock folding' on the inside of the stock where the rifle sits. The folding pin is also the olive green which is a way of telling if it has ever been replaced. (Thanks to Informer for the specifics on the green folder)
Recently, I've received my ATI Ultralight folder from TAPCO. Upon close examination, you will see that the stock still says COMBAT EXCHANGE on the inside of the stock in the area where your hand would go while holding the carbine.
COMMENTS: See the above corresponding ATI Monte Carlo and ATI Ultralight for technical specs on Combat Exchange stocks.
HITECH / DC ENGINEERING
FACTS: It's amazing how many people mistakenly thing Hitech makes their own stocks. They don't. It's probably all in how their website is worded. They buy their stocks from ATI, mark them up, and turn them around. The "Futuristic" stock is the Fiberforce stock. Unless you are into personally supporting P.T. Martel and his company, shop eBay for ATI equipment and save a bundle...
PHOTO: No checkering
PHOTO: Checkering. Click to enlarge
FACTS: This stock is made in the classic Monte Carlo rifle form. The stock has two standard sling mounts which are positioned nicely. Their company offers several types of finishes, but I've only seen the two above available for the SKS. One includes extensive English style checkering while the other is pebble grain. Their factory also offers every other camouflage pattern imaginable. Unfortunately, they no longer produce or stock these items. I asked a company representative why they no longer make these stocks and they said, "I'm not sure ... I know we don't have a lot of calls for them." which suggests lack of demand.
COMMENTS: Not much to say because I've only seen three ever. Basically, your standard western style stock. The comb is a little long and crowds the thumb, but not nearly as badly as the ATI. The grip is nice and big for those with large hands.
FACTS: This molded polymer stock has a smooth finish in the rear and checkering in the front. Standard with rubber recoil pad and swivel sling mounts. The website doesn't list them, but Brownell's does.
Fajen stocks are the only aftermarket stocks that retain the reinforcing, stabilizing cross bolt in their design.
FACTS: Fajen no longer sells SKS stocks, but one may find these rare items at a gun show someday.
1/27/02 - I actually got to handle a Monte Carlo Fajen clad SKS today at a gun show. It was a pleasure since the materials and craftsmanship behind these stocks is top shelf. It was as smooth and hard as a baseball bat, yet lightweight and perfectly shaped. I couldn't believe how good it felt in my hands. The owner of the rifle said he used it for hunting and noticed a night and day difference in performance after he performed the swap-out. What impressed me most is that these stocks retain the reinforcing cross bolt. I don't know why I didn't notice this earlier, but every single SKS comes with them originally, yet few replacement stocks retain this feature.
CHINA
FACTS: This is a Chinese military red fiberglass stock. This stock features a rear fixed sling mount and hide-away recess in the stock for the cleaning capsule. It is commonly believed this fiberglass jungle stock was designed to be used by the Viet Cong against our men in Vietnam. I on the other hand believe this to be false.
COMMENTS: It's my opinion that the whole Vietnam usage of this stock is urban legend. I've seen many Vietnam battle photos and read even more, but have yet to see one non-wood stock pictured or even mentioned. More regarding this in the EDITORIAL section. Fiberglass is relatively easy to work with and this stock is unbelievably inexpensive, therefore this stock seems RIPE for experimentation.
A challenge: whoever can make the most impressive stock out of one of these will have a picture of their rifle on the main and custom pages and earn the admiration of us all. The owner of NO UGLY GUNS saw the potential of these stocks and turns an ugly red chunk of fiberglass into this:
Photo courtesy of Michael S.
Too bad NO UGLY GUNS is no longer in business. The stocks this man refinished were works of art.
FACTS: The SKS Dragunov Stock is made of fiberglass filled polymer and features a full 1 inch rubber recoil pad. The kit also includes a spacer system that assures a proper fit regardless which country manufactured the rifle. The stock includes a Russian style steel sling mount pin molded into the , cheek rest, and matching ventilated gas tube cover. Available in black and camouflage with a lifetime warranty. A company representative confirms that the economy version of this stock (The EXACT same skeletonized stock only hard plastic buttpad, no spacers, no cheek rest, etc...) is out of production.
COMMENTS: Another stock I drool over, especially in camouflage. One of these stocks with a bipod attached is not only a thing of beauty, but almost necessary. We all know the SKS is a relatively heavy rifle. Add this brute of a stock to it and it's a challenge to shoot accurately while standing unsupported for any length of time. This stock radiates quality and good design. The grip feels good, the finish is very tactile, and best of all, it comes with a front sling mount! That's right, you can actually strap this one to your back and not have your heels hit the bottom of the stock while walking in the woods. I highly recommend this stock if you want a weapon with a military look.
FACTS: A fiber reinforced polymer (DuPont Rynite SST-35) version similar to the original SKS stock which is impervious to changes in weather conditions for the outdoorsman. This stock has a contemporary trigger pull which is much longer than the original wood stocks. One feature on this stock not found in aftermarkets is the spring under the trigger assembly. Simply push the tab, and the spring will pop the trigger right off the rifle. This kit comes with a rubber recoil pad, gas tube cover, 1" sling swivels, and a lifetime warranty. Available in black and camouflage and the economy version of this stock is out of production..
COMMENTS: This is one outstanding hunter's stock. It's lighter and less bulky than a Dragunov, it has a familiar feel, the finish is still grippy while wet, and it has a front sling mount which raises this rifle. Anyone who's used the standard sling arrangement on an SKS will testify that crouching will drive the butt of the rifle into the turf. But with a lower sling mount, the ground clearance is raised and the rifle carries much better. The sides of this stock ride a little lower than wooden SKS stocks, so it's easier for a receiver mount and this stock to co-exist.
FACTS: Yes, at some point, Choate actually made these. A call to the company confirms that indeed, this stock is out of production. This stock utilizes the same synthetic Rynite material in it's fore end construction, but the rear of the stock is made of a shaped steel rod and rubber buttplate. The hinge is incredibly strong and also made of steel. There's no question that 922(r) killed production on this item. If you can find a pre-ban SKS with one of these installed, you've bought yourself one uncommon rifle. Butler Creek makes a folding stock for the 10/22 and Mini-14 that looks EXACTLY like the Choate folder. I wouldn't be surprised to discover Choate sold the design to them.
FACTS: This stock is simply a well made synthetic western style stock. These are hard to find and few retailers carry these stocks made in Alberta, Canada. I have seen them on a few rifles at gun shows and in a gun shops. These stocks are commonly black, but come in other colors such as Wood-Tech (simulated wood grain, and it looks GOOD too), and Real-Tree (camouflage). I've even seen one new in the box that was a white/gray swirl and the package labeles it a "paintable" SKS stock. A thick ribbed, super ventilated gas tube cover is included.
COMMENTS: The above white stock was meant to be painted, but it would probably make a righteous winter camouflage rifle like the Russians always have in the movies. I really, really like the feel of these stocks. The comb isn't too far forward and the diameter of the grip is just right. I wish I could pick up the GTC's separately. The design is mildly different from the rest of the pack and it looks great. The Wood-Tech stock looks EXACTLY like a wooden stock!
PHOTO: Click to enlarge FACTS: Correspondence with the manufacturer confirms that Blount-Ramline still produces and sells a folding stock for the SKS. It's black with a grippy ribbed exterior. These are commonly seen used on Mini-14's, but they are indeed also made for SKS's.
WOODEN STOCK
PHOTO: Click to enlarge
FACTS: I don't know much about this rifle stock since I've only ever seen three. It's designed to fit the SKS-D models, not the standard SKS. It has a integrated cheek rest and the finish is a beauty. To see it on a rifle, see Chase99's before and after's in the PICTURES section.
FACTS or FICTION: Click the above links to go to my SKS BULLPUP page. Such a tease, huh? The existence of this item is is 100% hearsay. Bill O'Brien from Guns and Ammo writes in his article about outfitting an SKS, "I have heard of but not seen stocks to turn an SKS into a bullpup-style short rifle". I've also seen oooooold postings on the forums ( Ex: 1, 2, 3 ) that suggest a company called BP Sports out of Michigan once made a bullpup stock for the SKS. If this is true, this also means that SOMEONE has one of these stocks and more than likely has it sitting around somewhere. I would LIKE it if someone would send me a picture and information regarding one of these rigs to put here for all of us to see. And I would LOVE it if someone would sell me one!
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