SKS Will it work?

[mharris1]

My 12 yo son hunts with a 243. He has recently fallen in love with my sks. It has a scope and all the goodies on it. My question is, is it enough gun to take down a deer at say, up to 100 yards?

[1troubleshooter]

with the proper shot placement, and ammo . yes

[OPC Patrick]

I have hunted with my SKS and my answer is yes and no. Yes it is enough gun, but finding the right bullet that will expand and drop the deer within sight is another thing. The other problem I had with my SKS is at 100 yards the groups a ugly. I would hate for a youngster to lose his first deer due to something beyond his control.

With all that said if he can get the deer within 50 yards and hit shoulders with bullet that wont just poke holes then it should be no problem. Myself I would tell him the SKS is a hog gun, and a 243 is for deer.

[mharris1]

Myself I would tell him the SKS is a hog gun, and a 243 is for deer.

Thats kinda what I was thinking. He's killed quite a few deer with the 243, and I figure why mess with what works?

[tracker]

sks works fine

[bearintex]

7.62 x 39 is ballistically similar to a 30-30. As has been said, find a softpoint bullet and put it in the right place, and it will kill a deer. I fail to see the pig vs. deer argument. Pigs are much tougher to put down than a deer.

I plan to use the SKS, along with my 7 Mag, 12 gauge with buckshot, and 45 ACP tonight on pigs. Things go well, and we'll get kills with all of them.

[kyle1974]

my biggest concern would be lack of accuracy with the SKS.... if your shot would only be under 100 yards, it would probably be OK, but anything past that.... iffy

[tvc184]

my biggest concern would be lack of accuracy with the SKS.... if your shot would only be under 100 yards, it would probably be OK, but anything past that.... iffy

That is pretty much it. If your SKS will hit the intended target within your range, it will drop a deer.

[Bulldog7906]

i would say try to find some hornady ammo... they been doin some pretty cool things with bullets and you may find somethin you could use!

[ArrowRanger]

I used to be a curio and relic collector and have seen this type of question a few times concerning the 7.62x39.
It can get it done but there are variables to consider.
The soft point ammo that is imported is not bonded core ammo. The core can slip jacket and you can have a wounded deer on your hands at best.Now that I said that, there are always folks who have used the cheapest bullet made and dropped deer with it.
not a favorite or recommended practice of mine at all.
I recommend a bolt action for that clambering. I cant believe we haven't seen it in one of the inexpensive handi rifles yet.
I have seen customized small ring mausers that have been re-barreled for the 7.62x39. Also Ruger had a MKI in 7.62x39 and CZ-USA makes a bolt action Carbine in 7.62x39.

Wolf has 154 grain SP offering Ive read where folks have dropped deer and hogs with it.
Cor-Bon was one of the first companies to make special hunting ammo in that caliber.

[Tferg51]

Sks will work but are you comfortable with your 12 year old shooting an automatic? I have seen adults forget that a live round in the chamber when they are excited after shooting an animal.