The Bosnian Full-Auto SKS with AK Mags

Published on March 6, 2024
Duration: 11:18

This guide details the modifications required to convert a Yugoslav M59/66 SKS to accept AK-47 magazines and achieve select-fire capability, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. Key steps include widening the receiver's magazine well, modifying AK magazines with extended tabs, and narrowing the SKS bolt. The video also touches on the legal implications under ATF policy regarding 'once a machine gun' classifications.

Quick Summary

The Bosnian-modified Yugoslav SKS requires significant gunsmithing, including milling the receiver's magazine well wider and narrowing the bolt to accept AK-47 magazines. Modified AK magazines feature an extended front tab for proper engagement with the SKS catch. These rare conversions often retain selector markings for full-auto capability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Bosnian SKS
  2. 01:58External Stock Modifications
  3. 03:21Receiver and Magazine Well Changes
  4. 04:15Modified AK Magazines
  5. 05:12Bolt Modifications
  6. 08:13Legal Status and Scarcity

Frequently Asked Questions

What modifications are necessary for a Yugoslav M59/66 SKS to accept AK-47 magazines?

The receiver's magazine well must be milled wider to accommodate the thicker AK magazine body. Additionally, AK magazines require modification with an extended front locking tab to interface correctly with the SKS magazine catch geometry.

Why does the bolt need to be narrowed on a Bosnian-modified SKS?

The bolt must be narrowed to reliably pass through the narrower feed lips of the AK-47 magazine. A standard SKS bolt is too wide and would cause feeding malfunctions when used with an AK magazine.

Can a Bosnian-modified SKS be legally owned as a select-fire weapon in the US?

These rifles are generally legal as semi-automatic firearms because the original receivers were not factory-manufactured for full-auto fire, thus bypassing the 'once a machine gun' ATF classification. True select-fire examples are exceedingly rare.

What are the key external differences on a Bosnian-modified SKS?

The stock typically features a selector plate with 'R' and 'J' markings for full-auto and semi-auto fire. Wood blocks may also be present in the stock to fill the gap left by the shorter AK magazine profile.

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