Sks for hunting?

Question

I have a sks 7.63x39 is it leagal to hunt with it in cali for deer? i live in cali

Answer 1

The SKS can be quite good for deer. Many people will tell you it's inaccurate, junk, etc. and these people usually don't know the SKS and don't know the facts. If you keep your shots under 125 yards or so and can hit your target consistently at that range with it, it will work well for you.

You will need to make sure Cali allows semi-autos with 10 rounds for hunting......realize ANY detachable mag is illegal to put on in Cali, so the 5 round mags will not work for you and get you into trouble.

I strongly suggest the Federal soft point ammo. I have used it and it's good.

Also, before putting a scope (with all the trouble of mounting on the SKS) try a set of Williams fire sights (from Brownell's). You will find with a little practice that you can shoot very well with just a sight upgrade.

Answer 2

Well, since the 7.62x39mm Soviet is basically a .30-30 Automatic, it will do the job on deer at moderate ranges.

You need to check California Fish and Game Department's regulations on magazine capacity. Some states limit magazine capacity for semi-automatic hunting rifles to five rounds. If this is the case in California, you have two options. One is to permanently alter your magzaine so that it can hold only five rounds (you can do this by gluing in a cork from a wine bottle cut to the proper length). Or you can buy a five round magazine from Cheaper Than Dirt, Brigate Quartermaster, or Sportsmans Guide.

Good Hunting.

Doc

Answer 3

SKS....there are LOADS better guns out there. Ok you can kill a deer with one...if you can hit it.
The SKS has a verry poor sighting system and the harmonics of the barrel are not good at all. I have fired an SKS before and did not like it at all. I am shure that it works well as a bullit hose(wich is what it was designed for). As a rifle though it leaves alot to be desired.

Answer 4

I thought SKS's were illegal in California?

In any case, if you use a soft tip the ballistics are similar to a .30-30 rifle. SKS's are popular and cheap deer hunting rifles in the South. They are not the most accurate however.

Not sure about Cali law.

EDIT: Charles is an idiot to suggest a 5.56 or .223 round for deer. This is a varmit round even if it is used by the military. Hunting deer or other medium/large game with a round this small is inhumane and even illegal in some places.

Answer 5

It's a poor choice, and it is NOT comparable to 30-30 with 150 grain bullets. Those in the typical weight range are not of sufficient sectional density for sportmanlike use on deer, and the 150+ grainers intrude into the powder space too far. It is close to 30-30 with varminting bullets, but you didn't ask about shooting rabbits.
And if we were just comparing 150 grain loads, it's still a better bet to use the 160-170 grainers in 30-30, which simply can't be used in the SKS.

Answer 6

You may have to block the magazine to limit capacity to five rounds of ammo. Use soft point or HP ammo. SKS is a very accurate and reliable rifle; and is used the world over for deer and antelope sized game and for predator control. I have several of them; one scoped; and can put five through a bullseye at 100 yards. They are a very good hunting rifle; did I mention they are also reliable?

Answer 7

It was legal 10 years ago but you had to find a fixed five round magazine. I no longer live in Cali so make sure with the department of wildlife folks there that this is still the facts.

Answer 8

I'll let someone more experienced with California law answer this question but the rifle and the 7.62x39M43 round should be sufficient for deer and black bear out to 125 yards or so.
Provided you use good quality ammunition. I.E. not steel core FMJ surplus stuff but a western produced hollow-point or soft-point round. And have the ability to place your shots in the vital organs of the game you seek.

Answer 9

you will need to check the laws in cal as to wheither it is legal or not. i can tell you that an sks will in fact kill a deer, i took a youth a few years ago with me on his first hunt and he killed a nice 8 point at about 100 yards with it.

Answer 10

Read your Hunting Regulations Booklet issued to you when you purchase your license.*