Originally posted by: crumpet19
Originally posted by: BrunoPuntzJones
Originally posted by: pontifex
i notice a lot of people on this forums have an SKS (or several). Why are they so popular?
Cheap, large aftermarket. Though folks changing anything on them are making them illegal. Detachable magazines, folding stocks, etc.
how so?
I mean, I understand that so many parts have to be american manufacture, etc. but how would a detachable mag be illegal?
Importation of non-sporting firearms was banned a while back (1989 IIRC). The SKS is classified as sporting by the ATF. Once you add particular features it no longer becomes sporting and must conform to Section 922(r). Depending on how many parts the rifle has, it has to have so many US made parts.
Putting on a detachable or 30 round magazine makes the rifle non-sporting and subject to 922(r). Same for a folding or collapsable stock and other things.
The easiest way to make it compliant would be a US made stock, US made magazine/follower/floorplate, US made flash suppressor or muzzle brake, and/or US made gas piston or fire control group.
By the time you make it compliant it's over double the cost of the original rifle.