Author Topic: Thoughts on the Albanian SKS (Read 9678 times)

Justin Hell · « **on:** March 17, 2015, 02:31:29 PM »

I know precisely dick about Albanians, but was wondering about some things....

Why do you suppose they altered a tried and true design, without doing any mechanical alterations...and using actually more resources by doing so?

It seems strange to me the alterations they did, which seem to offer no practical purpose for doing so. In fact it seems like shooting yourself in the foot to not have the option of replacement stocks and gas tubes from other countries utilizing the same basic infantry issue weapon. Aside from the ergonomics of the altered charging handle, I don't see the purpose in the other mods. Were they trying to reinvent the wheel, or did they have a flamboyant armorer that just wanted to add some pizzazz?

Whaddya think?

Phosphorus32 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2015, 02:47:35 PM »

Good points. My guess is nationalistic pride trumps interchangeability of parts. Enver Hoxha's way of saying: "Albania can make everything it needs".

Greasemonkey · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2015, 03:25:14 PM »

It was explained to me the 6 port gas tube was a durability upgrade. Truth, no clue, but I'm sure those 6 ports can exhaust the air out of the gas tube faster when fired, it also acts as a redundant in case one or more ports gets plugged.

The ergonomics of the altered charging handle, this I've wondered about, but from a manufacturing stand point, it kinda makes sense. Ak's packed this type handle, Albania had Aks from Russia, they started their own Ak production in '74. So would it be that far fetched to say it was done for simplicity sakes, what's easier to machine, the SKS or Ak charging handle?

The dual door butt plate, another modification, makes keeping up with an oil bottle and cleaning kit easier, at least in the designers eyes.

The stock and handguard, maybe, "no your countries won't fit if captured"

or their magic crystal ball said in the future, a company named Tapco

would make stocks/handguards for all the others. So, lets make an oddball stock/handguard combo so ours don't get desecrated with plastic.

Lord, please forgive me for that jab!!

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2015, 03:43:20 PM »

I don't believe national pride had anything to do with it.... I mean, why is the 59/66 different? @

Phosphorus32 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2015, 04:10:53 PM »

My reply was a bit flippant, a chance to take a dig at the Stalin wannabe, but I forgot to add a

In any case, the 59/66 with it's grenade launcher seems to add some functionality that is unique to that version. GM's points on the Albanian make sense with regard to the gas tube and butt plate...and especially the incompatibility with Tapco plastic

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2015, 04:25:37 PM »

In my mind... the alby gasube would be easier to manufacture. Slide ferrule forward and cut stock... more surface area to carry/hold without boiling skin.

Greasemonkey · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2015, 05:22:56 PM »

Quote from: Loose}{Cannon on March 17, 2015, 04:25:37 PM

In my mind... the alby gasube would be easier to manufacture. Slide ferrule forward and cut stock... more surface area to carry/hold without boiling skin.

Your mind is wack

, who grabs and holds that far out? Oh, look, it's the Albanian weaponized version of Harley ape hangers.

Ok, maybe ease of manufacture, but, still why 6 gas ports?

Justin Hell · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2015, 06:30:20 PM »

Wait, six gas ports?

I guess you learn something new every day...I didn't know there was that much different going on with the gas system.

I had considered the lengthened handguard had possibly something to do with avoiding burns, but then again, the barrel is right there too....why on earth you would consider handling it that far up even without a sling is kind of silly.

They are very interesting weapons to me...I wonder if any are even in Montana, I sure haven't ever seen one here.

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2015, 07:31:40 PM »

Why do stocks go all the way to muzzle on your mosin boat paddles?? $:-\$ Who touches a barrel out that far!?!?! I blame Sasquatch.

Why not 6 ports?... its just a pressure relief, but I thought you already answeres that question of yours. $:-\$

Greasemonkey · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2015, 07:46:51 PM »

Quote from: Loose}{Cannon on March 17, 2015, 07:31:40 PM

Why do stocks go all the way to muzzle on your mosin boat paddles?? $:-\$ Who touches a barrel out that far!?!?! I blame Sasquatch.

Cause full handguards was all the rage and style from 1891 well into WWII, you just wern't cool without Lumber Liquidators hanging around your barrel.

Blame Sasquatch

, explain it to me Sunshine, if it's to prevent burns, why ain't the Ak got gas tube protection

. I mean, is that whimpy semiauto gastube gonna get any hotter than a full auto after a mag dump or three at an enemy? Gas tubes, common sense dictates, HOT!!!! when in use, I'm sure many people made a note to self, SELF, it's hot, real hot, damn hot, don't touch it, don't lick it, it's HOT....

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2015, 08:39:08 PM »

It was long stocked to prevent the barrel from directly resting on sandbags, bricks etc.

Better then and more advanced then the AK.

The AK is sooooooo 1950s.

Greasemonkey · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2015, 09:18:41 PM »

Quote from: Loose}{Cannon on March 17, 2015, 08:39:08 PM

Better then and more advanced then the AK. The AK is sooooooo 1950s.

Oh, and the SKS is such a "modern" weapon, it's so mid '40s.

Huh, guess the gas tube protection novelty didn't apply to, the Albanian Aks, your on your own, suckas.

Thats what the extra trap door was, it had a piece of instructional paper inserted saying:

Government disclaimer:
Warning: Gas tube will get hot while fighting insurgents and rebels....Can cause extreme burns, high pressure hot gas can puncture and destroy flesh.

Any injuries associated with disobeying this disclaimer could lead to court-martial and/or death..

You have been warned Comrade

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2015, 09:44:04 PM »

So help me god if this boy touches the wrong part of the barrel.

These things are actually used in combat remember?

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2015, 09:56:31 PM »

Someone needs to contact the department of defense and demand all handguards be shortened.

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2015, 10:13:02 PM »

Because Albanians exhibit a strange fetish for holding that area against their face..... duh

Greasemonkey · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2015, 10:19:52 PM »

Quote from: Loose}{Cannon on March 17, 2015, 09:56:31 PM

Someone needs to contact the department of defense and demand all handguards be shortened.

Cluck, cluck cluck, wonk, wonk, wonk

NO, HANDGUARDS!!!!!!!!!!! And these are both manly weapons of war, I mean a full auto .30-06 B.A.R., not some chumped up dinky AR or SKS. No gas tube protection or barrel protection on the B.A.R., Grab that Thompson barrel after 50 rounds, those cooling finns should leave an interesting mark.

If they wanna play sucky face with their gastubes, thats their choice, when their lips burn to it, oh well. I'm sure it got lonely out there day in, day out.

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2015, 10:21:28 PM »

Oh... this guy would be so screwed.

Loose}{Cannon · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2015, 10:24:55 PM »

The bar clearly has a handguard.

Simply stating... its a logical reason to extend the length with little effort. Unless you have a better idea? And dont even start with your conspiracy theories again.

Greasemonkey · « **Reply #18 on:** March 17, 2015, 10:33:27 PM »

DOH!!! Handguard shinkage...

I'll go with, What is protection from burnt lips on warm stary night for a $1000, Alex..

Albanian handguard!!!

Justin Hell · « **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2015, 07:17:51 PM »

I love posting here....you guys crack me up.

I would love to seen an SKS with the full 19th century wood beyond the average man's reach.....maybe even a longer barrel, just so the Lorax gets pissy....

The second butthole should be used to hold the plug to convert to black powder if necessary....

News:

Author Topic: Thoughts on the Albanian SKS (Read 9678 times)