AK Platform vs SKS 

Paul's being modest in the beginning. We all know he can conceal carry full sized rifles in his marry poppins pockets.

I don't even own an SKS or AK variant. Just here for the no-nonsense presentation, and education.

SKS’s are usually sitting in crates for 50+ years so there often covered in cosmoline to be preserved. Cosmoline can make the firing pin in the bolt to stick forward, causing slam firing. Best to totally disassemble the bolt and throughly clean off the cosmoline before firing the SKS. The SKS and AKM are both historically proven reliable, durable, and easy to handle. As long as you train with either one you decide to buy, you should be fine. Learning the history of them will also help as well.

In a perfect world, Paul would be the guy to go from school to school teaching kids about ballistics and defense.

I remember back in the 90's during the balcan wars some mercenary instructors that would help organise self defense forces would prefer to arm the militias with SKS's over AK variants. The reason was that the SKS did not fire full auto but the AK's did. With limited instruction time most militia armed with AK's would spray the hillsides at first sign of contact, but those with SKS rifles would generally always try to aim as they did not have the option to go fully automatic.

*RU-vid notification: “Paul Harrell Uploaded” Gather ‘round, folks. Time to learn a thing or two.

Does anyone else remember the days, when you could buy SKS's for $ 69 all day long?

The real question is are these tests being done by the real Paul Harrell or the Paul Harrell action figure

i'm really beginning to like this Paul character.

Didn't mention: SKS is much easier to shoot prone than AK. I think its worth mentioning for alot of people.

Inherited most of my Grandfather's guns, and among them was an SKS. I hadn't been able to shoot it until today, I just got some ammo for it in the mail. This was great to listen to while I tested it out. RIP Gramps, I miss you.

"Now, when I empty this magazine" **casually dumps whole magazine into the ground**

Finally, a mainstream guy comparing these platforms.

My man Paul just low-key roasted Brian's marksmanship with both the AK and sks

Thank you for being there Paul!

loading the SKS: Thumb on the rear of the top cartridge. Index finger pulls the tip up...and push down. Like Butter!

Paul's review of sunscreen: Now we'll try the "capri-sun spray tan 12 SPF" 10 oz. pump model to the "sun-stopper lotion" in a 24 oz. Squeeze top platform. Now we all know that the CDC has been telling us for decades that the average range of sun block effectiveness for spraying is 7 inches, but let's see how that translates into real world effectiveness. I like to use an old fashioned concoction of goat butter and raccoon grease as sunscreen, and do you know why? Because I like the classics. Now, I could bore you for hours with anecdotes for why I prefer that combination, but suffice it to say, it's what works for me. Now the big take away from all of this is, the capri-sun bottle simply fits my hand better than the other sun screen does. Is it enough diffrence to make a difference? Will you experience these same results? You be the judge.

I've always told my friends at the range about the possibility of slam fire and it has happened! It is so important to keep it pointed in a safe direction when charging it. Thank you for stressing that point.

Paul didn't hold the AK up and yell "WOLVERINES!". Missed opportunity. 😢

Little bit disappointed He didn’t mention the bayonet

14:47 Opening up the internal magazine on the SKS will let you release the bolt as well so you don't have to hold down the magazine follower with your thumb.

I am beginning to suspect that he has a Bag of Holding sewn into his pockets.

There's something about Paul and his video's that is straight out of the '70's. His dress code for one. If we ever get a video filmed in his living room I'm pretty sure The Rockford Files will be on TV in the background.

That AK bolt racking sound is heaven

You forgot to mention to most important feature of the SKS, the integrated spear mounted below the barrel.

Paul does it again... telling it like it is, with matter-of-fact demonstrations to back it up. That's why we watch.

Good Lord, I can not for the life of me understand who could dislike the videos from this channel. I have worked near and around firearms for over 30 years. Being a certified firearms instructor with the Federal Government and having worked around some of the best firearms instructors, some rated as Grand Masters, I have to admit that Paul Harrell's videos are top notch. His videos are very informative, interesting and without a doubt, very professional. It's my opinion that the negative comments or dislikes are just being done out of spite, because why would you keep returning to a channel where you have left negative comments or a dislike in the past, just to do it again and again? Anyhow, thank you for the videos Paul Harrell! Very professional.

Definitely my favourite firearm channel. Paul doesn't claim to be an "Expert", but we all know he is!

10 seconds in and I'm all "WOOOO YUUUUGOOO!". Also: people seem to keep forgetting that .30-30 is no joke.

Paul Harrell+7.62x39=Instant like

"That man had no regard for lawn maintenance."

Admittedly an SKS fan here. But experiencing one slam fire convinced me to switch to Murray's Firing Pins. Slam fires eliminated, but not responsibility to handle firearm safely. Great comparison. Thank you for putting this together.

I remember when we could get an SKS for $90. I should have gotten several of them.

Paul's accuracy is excellent. That was great to see him and what appears to be a mere mortal standing next to him, firing the same weapons.

Thank you for another awesome video, Mr. Harrell. As a trained user of the M59/66, I was glad to see my old darling in action. One additional note on unloading, though. As you very well know, in field conditions, the hands holding the rather slick bolt handle do get muddy and wet. Over the years, some guys would get their fingers busted by the escaping bolt when pushing the mag follower down in order to disengage the bolt forward. I have found the best way to avoid that is to release the magazine open while the bolt is locked to the rear, pull the bolt and let it fall forward. No fingers inserted anywhere, and a whole bunch of crying avoided. ;-D

Without sounding like a perv, I do get excited when Paul reaches into his pockets.

I was at a gun show some years ago, where a dealer had several crates of SKS rifles; all new, in their packing grease. I wish I'd have bought all of them.

The only times I have seen an sks slam fire was a “brand new” one whose only cleaning consisted of scrubbing the bore of cosmoline, and my fathers that had never seen a cleaning since (I can only assume) before he bought it. In both cases the firing pin channel was so gunked up it froze the firing pin in the fired (forward) position. My dad always dry fires and relieves tension on his firing pin springs and I can only assume the “new” sks had the same thing done before storage so I think that explains why the firing pins stuck in the forward position

Good stuff

The SKS is one of my all time favorites ! When comparing the dirty thirty to the thuddy-thuddy you have to take into consideration the ballistic coefficiency 30-30 150gr = .193 7.62x39 154gr = .320

LOL Paul. You brought the .30 30 in just to start some crap. Love it!

Paul Harrell uploads a video, RU-vid craps itself for about 15 minutes. His videos are just that powerful.

I have to compliment this video beyond just like. Very practical, down to Earth, clear and visual explanation of usage of the rifles, suitable even for beginners, but even people with experience with different platforms can benefit from that as there are quite a bit of quirks each platform has. And it is not too long. Please do more video is this exact format!

Thanks, Paul, for your great content. It is always a pleasure to see thorough covering of a chosen subject in video.

Back in the day, I had a friend who was incredibly broke and he and his father hunted for meat. As in didn't have it if they didn't bag it. They had an SKS that had come from Vietnam and had check marks on it from presumably heads taken. I noted it aloud and he said "Now I just use it for deer. Wanna come help me track some deer sometime?" to which I naturally obliged. Surplus guns are bad ass, they always have some story buried in 'em.

I love my sks. Partly because we can’t have ak’s in Canada, and our supreme leader is in the process of grabbing our ar’s. But stand alone the sks to me is a fun plinker and an effective Bush rifle for deer hunting

I come to this gun pasttime later than most. But I find no one doing this better. Necessary jargon, names and techniques are all passed on to me efficiently and with good humor. Thanks Paul. I really appreciate it.

7:25 That is probably the best 7.62x39 ammo you can get for big game hunting

I am always so intrigued by what Mr. Harrell has his coat I’m sure somewhere in there is the antidote for beer

Paul is the man. He's like the Bob Ross of guns

I’ve seen a lot of commentary on “professional defense” forums about how the meat target is inferior to ballistic gel because it’s an “inconsistent medium”. When it’s brought up that what happens in ballistic gel isn’t indicative of what happens in the intended target it’s said that ballistic gel “isn’t supposed to simulate a human” when it’s brought up that the meat target is supposed to simulate a human it’s brought up that not all human body’s are the same therefore a consistent test medium is better than an inconsistent simulation medium??? Therefore meat targets are useless??? I don’t see the logic in why a consistent testing medium (gel) is better at measuring performance in an inconsistent medium (humans) than an equally inconsistent medium that is supposed to simulate a human (meat target) and I like to see Paul do a rebuttal to those who would disparage him based on his use of meat targets.

Such a perfectly timed video, I've been hoping you'd cover this. Thanks Paul!

SKS stripper clip reload technique: Once the stripper clip is slotted, place your thumb on the base of the stripper clip and use your index finger to lift up the tip of the 1st round and push down at the base with your thumb. This allows all the pressure to be at the contact point ( base of the stripper clip ) instead of unevenly distributing the force elsewhere.

This is going to sound like..."Fuddlore" but here goes. I like the AK. I like the SKS. I prefer the SKS when I am in unfamiliar areas and hunting or shooting. It has a much "lower profile" to John Q. Public because it has a traditional wood stock. Being that it doesn't have a large protuding magazine - it also makes it handier for carrying. The SKS is to the AK47 as the Mini 14 is to the AR15. They each have their pros and cons.

I've officially watched, enjoyed and liked all of your posted videos on youtube. Thank you for your time and I look forward to watching future presentations.

Your presentations are so unbiased and while informative to both novice and experienced gun owners or those who read about firearms, it never feels like you are dumbing things down or assuming knowledge. You have a perfect balance and great presentation of the information. It's nice to learn about firearms without first labelling them ad either good or bad or everything being inferior to someone's weapon of choice.

This is the paul harrel video I needed, but not the one I expected

Paul, I've been meaning to AKSKS this.

I like watching you shoot, what a pro. Definitely the best posture I've ever seen! Keep up these great videos.

Paul, certainly fun watching you shoot with another shooter. And love the "on your command".

Paul Harrell post a video. I immediately stop doing what I was doing.

Chris Hemsworth’s “Extraction” would be whole lot easier if he had Pauls jacket.

This is one of the best reviews I've seen of the SKS. From my experience in owning several SKS rifles up here in Canada where the AK-47 is illegal I'd like to add a comment, if I may. 🙂 Three things. First, about slamfires. On the SKS they happen because some models (Chinese and newer Russain models) don't have a firing pin return spring and the firing pin gets stuck while protruding because of fouling. FYI, you can check to see if the firing pin on your SKS has a pin. If it doesn't, you can order an aftermarket firing pin spring and install it. This makes the rifle a lot safer. Second, The SKS sights suck, and that's being kind. But, there are aftermarket replacements that will replace the rear sight with a peep sight making them a lot easier to aim. One of the aftermarket sights can be mounted on the rear breechblock cover and the other replaces the sight that already mounted ahead of the breach. Third, if you don't like using stripper clips there are other options available. There is an aftermarket adapter that will let you use an AR-style 7.62x39 magazine in your SKS. There are also extended capacity duckbill magazines. And, if you don't like the duckbill there are adapters on the market the will let you cut the long protruding part of the magazine down to around 10mm in length so the magazine is just like a regular. Once again Paul, thanks for posting this, it was a damn good review. 👍

That was a great comparison video, sir. As you said, the SKS is a bit sensitive to proper technique during reloading with stripper clips. The best way to do it quickly and reliably is to run your clip into the guide, and then use your index finger to lift the tip of the top round up slightly. Then, using your thumb and keeping the tip of that first round up, push the rounds into the mag. Much quicker than trying to just use a thumb across the middle of the cartridges

Paul and his crew are like the members of the Justice League for adults. As always outstanding video fellas.

The big advantage of the SKS is, of course, you have a knife and a bomb thrower!!! 😎

The SKS is a pretty good knockaround rifle. Mine is a Chinese one, bought in 93, and clean off the cosmoline yourself (brake cleaner works well). Put a synthetic stock on it. Works fine. Someday i will put on the receiver cover with rail and the 4x scope i have for it (i bought the kit mainly for the stripper clips). I was pleasantly surprised at the 30-30 velocities (i love my 336 with a Lyman receiver sight). The last 30-30 test you did, the velocity was about 2350. Since i am denied an AK here in Kalifornia, the SKS suffices. I even heard in the late 90's or early 2000's about a couple of small underfunded midwestern PD's using them as patrol rifles. Not a bad choice, but you would need to figure out a way to carry spare ammo. Now i need a CZ 527 to complement my SKS. I hear they are great rifles, and who doesn't love wood and steel?

the wilderness around the ranges You go to is just lovely, must be quite relaxing out there after a nice shoot with friends. Oh and nice content man.

From PA and I liked the comments on the 30 30...progression went like this as a kid. BB gun, 22LR, Single Shot Shotgun then 30 30 for Deer. Never considered the 30 30 as under powered

Never thought the day would come I see Paul holding two of my favorite rifles.

This is an excellent video. It gives a fantastic and clear presentation, as well as fair and unbiased conclusions. I would have liked to see a comparison on recommendations of these rifles for buyers in different situations, but there is still plenty a buyer can gain from this video to help make a choice. Well done!

First time watching your video. Excellent presentation, right to the point and cover everything i wanted to know without all of that boring stuff. thank you. :)

I’ve seriously been considering getting an SKS because I can’t have a traditional AK or AR here in New York.

This demonstration perfertly shows "accuracy" tells you more about the shooter than the firearm, as least not at extrem distance. Any firearm that ever put into service should be sufficiantly accurate for intended distance, and in most case, more accurate than YOU.

Absolutely love all your videos and learn much from them. I would love to see you make some videos on the type of military rifles and handguns that you like both older and newer. Also if you have AR15's in different calibers that you like. Thanks so much for everything that you do, you don't only educate people about ammo and firearms but also just plane manners and love. Thanks Paul again for everything you do.

I put a detachable 30 round magazine on my Russian SKS and put an end to the arduous unloading task he mentioned.

While it's true that, apart from some older model M70s with specific magazines, most AKs dont have a bolt catch, it's worth mentioning that a lot of later M70 magazines and I believe also some aftermarket ones have a bolt catch as part of the follower and will work reliably in just about any AK. Also regarding the SKS, the flip-up night sights, rifle grenade adaptor, sight and gas valve on the rifle are unique to the Yugoslavian M59/66.

I remember the days when I was a young lad window-shopping for my eventual first rifle. SKSs were still being sold in barrels at the local shops and you could get a WASR for five hundo, versus your Bushmaster or DPMS ARs, which ran $150-200 more easily. Now I can have all the complete uppers, complete lowers, parts kits, muzzle devices, handguards, grips, charging handles, optics, greebles, Macguffins, bits, bobs, doodads and whirligigs I want from a dozen different manufacturers, amalgamating into two or three complete and functioning rifles of varying caliber and configuration, for the same price as an SKS and AK that don't have headspace issues or crooked sights. I am in a shooter's cornucopia, and I feel... empty. ... ...is it too late to go back?

Paul, I think you do some of the best comparisons of guns on the internet. Big fan here. Sorry that some dont know when to let a body do it their way. Ill keep watching! Stay safe.

Thanks for the review on the slam fire with the SKS. I own two of them and forgot all about that. Great video, as always.

Now we just need to get his hands on a Makarov...

I'd like to add that you can get a spring loaded firing pin for the SKS from Murray's Gunsmithing that pretty much eliminates the chance of slam fires (the slam fires are due to a free floating firing pin that sometimes can get stuck forward with no return spring). SKSs also have a potential for popping primers on inexpensive Russian steel cased ammo (the most common kind), which Murray's Gunsmithing can apparently also fix, though I've never used that service myself. I'm not affiliated with his business but I thought people may want to know. And the malfunction when Paul was reloading may have been due to the quality of the stripper clips. The vast majority of inexpensive SKS stripper clips seem to be cheap chinese newly made ones that have very mixed reviews. The ones you really want are original Russian or perhaps Chinese military surplus ones, though they are more expensive (especially the Russian ones).

Hey man, I just wanted to express my appreciation for you and your content. Excellent presentation, excellent advice based on real world experience and practicality and functionality. So many folks with superstitions and biases simply not seen in your videos. Just figured id let you know. Please dont change. 🖒👍🎯 Keep up the excellence.

Another fabulous, educational, well-produced video by Paul Harrell and his team. Yawn. Thank you to you and your team!

C'mon Paul! Release those Paul Harrell dollies already! :)

New Paul Harrell video always makes my day better. Sidenote: what furniture set is that on your AK? I really like it.

It strikes me as I read the comments on Paul's videos that his subscribers / followers have true affection for him. The mutual respect between he and his viewers is very unique I believe. Being a fan of German Shepherd Dogs, I remember reading once: "When one falls in love with the German Shepherd Dog, no other breed will ever do." Paul Harrell is the GSD of firearms channels. ; )

That is a really nice Yugo SKS. Interesting that the rifle came w/ all the 'extras'. From what I can see the wood looks in great shape. Love my 1950 Tula. Thank you for the demonstration.

While his friend might be a good shooter there’s a night and day difference in his grouping Paul can really shoot well given any firearm I’d love a days training with him

When I first watched this video the server was down. So I came back to rewatch it and leave my like. I want to make sure RU-vid knows how liked Paul Harrell is.

I always take my SKS to the range and every guy there with an AK variant wants to swap for a complimentary shoot, which I am usually happy to do. I have never found an AK variant to be as smooth firing, light recoil or accurate as my SKS. And I spent hundreds less. I'll always choose the SKS

Great video and analysis. Thanks !

I remember when an SKS could be had for $200 OTD. I am only 46 years young.

The average velocity was 2112? And the AKs shall inherit the earth.

Excellent video! Just got the same exact SKS. Great tutorial on how both operate and compare.

Well that was information I could definitely use. As usual, another great video!!

Leave the AK and the SKS alone in the bushes for a moment and hopefully you'll get a brand new tall baby SKS-D and not a dwarf SKS-M possibly with a weird birth defect hole.

I love my sks! Was my second rifle. More forgiving than my 30-06 in recoil and price per round. I stained the handguard black to match my tapco(It was 2010). Wish I kept it original, but I refinished it a year ago and its alright. That's my sks story. Oh, got it for 200, packed in cosmo.

I've always wanted to know the answer, thank you so much for doing this video!

Top notch. Answers all my questions.