Tapco Gas tube cover on ATI Stock

[fnava1996]

So I recently got my first SKS (Chinese). It is also my first firearm. I put a foldable ATI stock on it and I’m using Tapco mags. Overall I’m happy with the gun, but I’d like to put a red dot or something similar on it. My question is: would a Tapco gas tube cover (the one with the picatinny rail on top) work with my ATI Stock.? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Justin Hell]

It would fit just fine, but I wouldn't recommend it for a red dot...the gas tubes generally have enough play in them to never hold zero...

If you were to purchase one of the Tapco gas tubes with the handguard mounted on it, new...and filed it to fit you might be better off than trying to use your original gas tube...provided it fits tight.

I used one of these handguards on a cheapo BB gun for a red dot, looks weird, but works.  The rail isn't really all that robust,  I would worry about the recoil on an SKS shaking the scope loose. These also IIRC are not see through enough to allow for iron sights to be used easily. If you are going to give up irons for a red dot, a more secure and stable mount would be something like a Scout Mount....which replaces the rear sight leaf.

[Bubbazinetti]

Yeah, from what I've seen the Scout Industries SKS Scout Mount is the way to go.
https://scoutscopes.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fsks-mount-with-35-inch-rail

[fnava1996]

Right on, thanks for the info.

[Justin Hell]

I am pretty sure I have a spare Scout Mount around somewhere....if you opt to go that route, let me know...perhaps we can strike up a trade/deal.  I will try look for it and make sure it has all it's components. I had two, and they modified the design for the rails....I wanted one of the longer rails, and found out they didn't fit anymore with the new design....after buying one  of course.  Scout Scopes was nice enough to send me a whole new base for the cost of an old style rail, so they wouldn't have to CNC one.

Heck I might have two spares. They are pretty darn solid units.  I was impressed with the longer rail being so solid for a full sized scope, for a red dot on the shorter standard rail, it almost feels OEM.

I wouldn't recommend them if you are concerned about a little bit of damage though, the set screws leave small marks in the bluing....and very slight divoting over time.

[echo1]

I've got a home grown Magwedge type if interested, solid but the set screws leave small marks in the bluing also. It sits low. PAX