Designed in 1945, the Soviet SKS rifle has been adopted by the military of many other countries, including China, North Korea and East Germany. The original rifle design came equipped with a bayonet lug for affixing a bayonet in combat. The weapon is now considered obsolete and the SKS has become a collectors item for avid gun enthusiasts, many of whom enjoy refinishing or modifying the weapon. The SKS is also used by many hunters due to its large caliber and range, but the bayonet lug can snag in brush and become a nuisance. The bayonet lug and front sight are one piece and need to be removed in unison.
Items you will need
Padded gun vise
Punch and hammer
Shop press or gear puller
Propane torch
Unload the weapon completely. Visually inspect the weapon's chamber and magazine box to ensure no ammunition is present. The SKS uses an internal magazine that can be visually inspected by opening the action.
Place the weapon into a padded gun vise. Ensure that the front sights are accessible.
Drive out the two rear pins securing the bayonet lug with a punch and hammer. One pin is solid and located in the bayonet lug that protrudes from the bottom part of the barrel. The other pin is a hollow roll-pin located in the sight base that protrudes from the top of the barrel.
Heat the sight and lug with a propane torch for one minute to help expand and loosen the metal.
Place an aluminum block against the front sight and bayonet lug. Use a shop-press or gear puller to push the block towards the muzzle until the sight is pushed off the barrel.
Warnings
- Never attempt maintenance on a loaded weapon.
- State and federal laws may prohibit modifying specific weapons such as older SKS models. Check with the appropriate authorities before modifying your weapon.
Tips
- You can also cut the sight and lug off with a hacksaw or grinding wheel; however, you'll have to refinish or cold-blue the metal afterwards.
References
Tips
- You can also cut the sight and lug off with a hacksaw or grinding wheel; however, you'll have to refinish or cold-blue the metal afterwards.
Warnings
- Never attempt maintenance on a loaded weapon.
- State and federal laws may prohibit modifying specific weapons such as older SKS models. Check with the appropriate authorities before modifying your weapon.
