Firearm Maintenance: SKS Disassembly, Part 1/4

Published on February 18, 2014
Duration: 3:07

This guide details the step-by-step disassembly of an SKS rifle, as presented by Brownells. It covers removing the receiver cover, recoil spring, bolt and carrier, handguard with gas piston, cleaning rod, trigger group, stock, and finally, the components of the bolt itself. Proper safety precautions, such as ensuring the firearm is unloaded, are emphasized throughout the process.

Quick Summary

To safely disassemble an SKS rifle, begin by ensuring it's unloaded. Open the magazine, inspect the chamber, and close the magazine. Then, rotate the takedown lever 90 degrees and pull it right to remove the receiver cover, followed by the recoil spring assembly, bolt and carrier, and handguard with gas piston.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the SKS Rifle
  2. 00:18Importance of Maintenance
  3. 00:34Safety Check: Unloading the Firearm
  4. 00:38Removing the Takedown Lever and Receiver Cover
  5. 00:48Removing the Recoil Spring Assembly
  6. 00:56Removing the Bolt and Carrier
  7. 01:09Removing the Handguard and Gas Piston
  8. 01:32Removing the Piston Extension and Spring
  9. 01:48Removing the Cleaning Rod
  10. 01:55Removing the Trigger Group
  11. 02:08Separating the Stock from the Receiver
  12. 02:17Disassembling the Bolt
  13. 02:37Full Disassembly Complete

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps to safely disassemble an SKS rifle?

Before any maintenance, always ensure the SKS is unloaded. Open the magazine, inspect the chamber to confirm it's clear, and then close the magazine before proceeding with disassembly.

How do you remove the receiver cover on an SKS?

To remove the receiver cover on an SKS, first rotate the takedown lever 90 degrees. Then, pull the lever out to the right, which will free the receiver cover for removal.

What is the proper procedure for removing the gas piston and handguard from an SKS?

Locate the handguard catch at the top rear of the handguard, rotate it 90 degrees upward without going past the detent, then lift the handguard from the barrel and remove the piston.

How is the bolt disassembled on an SKS rifle?

Bolt disassembly involves using a 1/8th inch punch to remove the firing pin retainer, followed by removing the firing pin. Then, push the extractor rearward to pivot it away from the bolt, and finally, remove the extractor spring.

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