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- Alfred Mendoza
- January 24, 2024
The historical semi-auto SKS rifle remains a favorite among sport shooters and hunters today. Replacing the original SKS wood stock with an aftermarket stock for more protection against recoil is an easy and affordable SKS upgrade you can make yourself.
Whether you are looking to make your SKS tactical, or maintain its classic look with a durable polymer Monte Carlo stock, read on to see our top picks for best SKS stocks.
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Nice balance
- Durable
EDITOR’S CHOICE:
Tactical SKS Precision stock with rails
- Lightweight
- Adjustable cheekrest
- Tactical look
- Durable
- Fires from folded position
- Positive weapon control
- Adjustable cheek riser
- Ergonomically designed
- Locking Grip Storage
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Table of Contents
Top SKS Replacement Stocks
1. CHOATE SKS DRAGUNOV ADJUSTABLE STOCK
Why We Picked It:
The Choate Dragunov Adjustable Stock is our top pick for a replacement stock for SKS rifles. This modern semi-automatic rifle stock is adjustable with zero-drop and includes a high cheek rest and matching ventilated handguard. Choate’s popular spacer system gives up to 1” adjustment to length of pull and the 1” rubber recoil pad decreases felt recoil.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: SKS Dragunov Collapsible Stock
Installation is easy and may not require alterations. It comes with a gas tube take down pin and rear shim if needed. One of the primary reasons this is a favorite among the SKS crowd is that you don’t have to remove the receiver from the stock to disassemble your SKS.
These SKS rifle stocks are made from durable fiberglass-filled polymer that Choate says are virtually indestructible.
PROS
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Nice balance
- Durable
CONS
- Does not fit folded bayonet
2. ATI SKS STRIKEFORCE FOLDING TACTICAL STOCK WITH RAILS
Why We Picked It:
Many SKS rifle owners opt to upgrade to the ATI SKS Strikeforce six-position adjustable stock for its durability. Made with DuPont glass-reinforced polymer, this stock is light but tough. This SKS stock uses ATI’s Trak Lock system to make sure that the stock does not move on the gas tube so you don’t need any secondary locking mechanisms. The adjustable cheekrest is designed to fit most users and can be removed.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Tactical SKS Precision Stock with Rails
With a more tactical look, this versatile stock has a dual sided QD attachment point, four forward picatinny rail locations, a slot for a tactical sling attachment and two sling swivel studs. The thin recoil pad is non-slip and removable. The pistol-style grip is textured and helps to absorb recoil and designed to minimize muzzle lift so you can stay on target shot after shot.
While it is compatible with all SKS models, and installation is easy, it may require minor alterations in some cases. Using this stock with aftermarket magazines, in particular, may require some modifications.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Adjustable cheekrest
- Tactical look
- Durable
- Fires from folded position
CONS
- Fitting may be required
3. PRO MAG ARCHANGEL OPFOR SKS PISTOL GRIP STOCK
Why We Picked It:
The Pro Mag Archangel Pistol Grip Stock for SKS is for shooters that want to be fully in control. This ergonomic stock is praised for providing positive weapon control due to its aggressively contoured forend and ergonomic pistol grip that helps with controlling your weapon for better precision, and prevents fatigue.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Modern
SKS Pistol Grip Stock
We like the Pro Mag Archangel because it is fully adjustable with a four-position collapsible stock, seven position adjustable cheek riser, and adjustable length of pull. It includes a removable recoil pad and three steel QD hard points for QD style sling swivels, although the sling swivels are not included. Made with high strength carbon fiber and glass reinforced black polymer the Pro Mag is highly durable and should be able to stand up to regular and heavy use and remain in good condition.
PROS
- Positive weapon control
- Adjustable cheek riser
- Ergonomically designed
- Locking grip storage
CONS
- Higher Price Point
4. ATI SKS FIBERFORCE THUMBHOLE STOCK
Why We Picked It:
We like the classic military style of ti’s Fiberforce Thumbhole Stock that uses their exclusive Fiberforce Dragunov design. The thumbhole grip is a popular choice because many shooters feel like they can hold the firearm more firmly to better absorb kickback.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: SKS Dragunov
Thumbhole Stock
Made from DuPont’s glass-reinforced polymer, this stock is durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant. The ambidextrous Fiberforce has a ventilated forearm and includes a dowel swing sling mount and adjustable cheek riser.
PROS
- Ambidextrous
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Scratch and weather-resistant
- Good with recoil
CONS
- May need minor mods for fit
- Blade bayonet must be removed
5. ATI SKS Monte Carlo Stock
Why We Picked It:
The Advanced Technology SKS Monte Carlo Stock will make your SKS look more like a hunting rifle. Made to universally fit all SKS rifles, you won’t need a gunsmith for installation although some rifles may need minor modifications.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: SKS Hunting Stock
This durable stock is made from DuPont® Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer making it scratch resistant and weatherproof. It includes the ATI X Series Recoil Reducing Butt-Pad that absorbs recoil impact and reduces muzzle lift keeping follow-up shots more accurate.
Although this stock will add more weight than the standard stock, it actually shifts the center of balance back which helps with accuracy and comfort when shooting your SKS.
PROS
- Balances weight
- Classic hunting rifle look
- Durable
- Simple install
- Universal fit
CONS
- May need minor fitting
- No bayonet cut
Your Guide to Buying
Pricing
Like everything else, pricing would depend on the materials and features used on these products. Durability is the basis, and the more effort these manufacturers put into their rifle stock, the higher the price. Some replacements are cheaper. However, these are still made with better materials compared to factory stocks.
Finish
The finish of the stock is the reinforcement of the materials used. It prevents damaging factors like dirt and moisture from seeping in. Synthetic stocks are durable, but without a good finish, scratches will ruin their appearance too.
Also, an added advantage to a good finish is the additional gripping strength. A great stock should have a good grip, which can provide a stable platform that enhances accuracy.
Weight
The common replacement stocks are tactical composite stocks which are lighter than factory stock. Not all products are the same, so it would be better if you choose something that has the right weight for you. Shooters who are constantly on the move would prefer lighter stocks, while others who do target shooting prefer added weight for stability.
Left Hand or Right Hand?
This feature solely depends on the user itself. Whichever is more convenient for you should be your choice, and fortunately, some stocks are ambidextrous.
Ease of Installation
The best SKS stock would be something that you can install easily. It is the most common cause of distaste for a user, when the SKS replacement stock is very complicated to handle. They should include special tools needed for installation upon purchase. If not, these should be easily accessible.
Stock Style
Stock styles depend on the user’s preference regardless of the arguments of the so-called experts in the field of shooting but most popular are the classic hunting rifle look of the Monte Carlo stock, modern tactical, and dragunov stocks.
Design
Pistol Grip
Pistol grip aftermarket SKS stock is designed to give the user better handling and control of their weapon.
Adjustable Buttstock
This design allows you to adjust based on your body type. This is where your shooting condition will depend as well.
Material
Synthetic
These synthetic stocks are made from plastic or polymer and are the popular choice for SKS stocks. These aftermarket stocks often have a fiberglass or carbon fiber finish. Mitch Jacoby, who holds a PhD in Surface Chemistry and Physics, points out that when combined with plastics, the microscopic fibers [of Fiberglass] make composites that are strong and stiff yet lightweight.” (1)
Wood
Older rifles have this material, but it is no longer a common choice nowadays. However, this is a good material against recoil but is no longer an option for new SKS stocks because wood stocks are heavier, not what SKS modern stock should be.
Hybrid
They merged the benefits you get from a wooden stock and SKS synthetic stock to replace worn-out stock. But because of the high cost of production, these are not commonly made.
Durability
Upgrades come from quality materials that are also lightweight stocks. Depending on how their manufacturers construct them, these are reinforced with different types of coating. The best SKS stock would have the most reliable materials with the best finish available.
Added Features
When replacing your original stock, your initial intention is mainly to have an advanced technology stock compatible with SKS models. However, there are features included in these products, which makes them even higher quality SKS stocks.
Below are the features that you may find included:
- Adjustable
- Bedding in the forend
- Collapsible buttstock
- Checkering on stock near the trigger for grip
- Engravings
- Left-handed cheek pieces
- Picatinny rails
- Thumbhole
- Raised cheek rest
- Storage compartmentsat
Our Team's Selection Process
Overall Performance
As always, we look at totality and not just a specific feature. An SKS carbine is a special firearm that deserves to have parts that enhance its capabilities. We look at functionality, price, compatibility, and all other areas before adding a gun stock to the list.
Weapon Compatibility
SKS rifles are still very popular these days, and we highly respect this simple yet reliable weapon. We searched for SKS stocks that fit the SKS rifle perfectly. We look for those pieces that do not have any functionality issues once attached.
Product Quality
The materials’ make and consistency are what our final basis is, and a stock made from high-quality materials allows the rifle to work perfectly. After testing potential products, we look at other buyers’ views and opinions to ensure that our choice matches the majority.
FAQs
SKS stocks are legal as long as they are used on SKS’s using folding stocks prior to November 1990 or you have enough compliance parts to be legal under Section 922(R).
Most SKS stocks will not readily fit an AR-15 rifle without modification.
What's Our Choice For The Best SKS Stocks?
Our choice for the best SKS stock is the Choate SKS Dragunov because it is adjustable with zero-drop and includes a high cheek rest and matching ventilated handguard. It uses Choate’s popular spacer system giving you up to 1” adjustment to length of pull.
When our team had the chance to use an SKS rifle with this stock, we were impressed by the reduced recoil and muzzle lift resistance, which translated to enhanced accuracy and precision. It was easy to install with no modifications needed and fit securely.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Our #1 Recommendation
CHOATE SKS DRAGUNOV ADJUSTABLE STOCK
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Nice balance
- Durable
(1) Jacoby, Mitch (September 22, 2018). “What’s fiberglass, and how does the delicate material reinforce thousands ofproducts?”. Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
What is the stock in the first picture at the beginning of the article? I”m unable to identify it based on the stocks listed in the article.
The stock featured in the original image for this article was the Matador Arms Sabertooth SKS Stock. I updated the main image since Matador no longer manufactures it.
Nice article BUT, what stock is featured at the top? No mention of it in the article, and it looks top notch! Please identify. Thanks Charlie