So I have been looking at getting a front sight tool so I can actually adjust my sights and sight it in for hunting. I have seen two styles and multiple brand the "C-clamp" style and the fully encompassed style Magna-Matic. The c clamps range from 6-15$ and the MM is $40.00. Is it worth getting the expensive one or is there a good less expensive one that works just as well and is durable. I have read about several people cracking the c clamp ones so just looking for the best investment.
I gotta say, I am not a big fan of the cheapo C clamp style ones. I haven't used them for much other than drifting out a post entirely, and later putting it back, but they are very difficult to use...especially on the fingers. The Magna-Matic, I don't have any experience with...but it looks to address the weaknesses of the C Clamp types.
BTW, looking them up to see what you were referring to seems to have led to a price better than you stated. :)
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007106641/
What I would really like, and suggest as well, is dropping the coin on a real Russian/Chinese armorers sight tool....they look like medical equipment, and appear much easier to use with precision.
I saw an armorers sight tool somewhere the other day it was listed for like 400-500 I don't remember where I saw it. Thanks for the link that is the best price yet! I had looked on the company's website and another dealers AK4774 Local Unions page and another place but not midway.
If you own multiple SKSs and AK type guns it is worth it I think.Brownell's has them for $30.99 the last time that I looked.There is also a heavier duty version of that tool by Magna-Matic that is larger and longer for twice the price of the regular one for use by gunsmiths and armorers.
The Magna-matic looks good for wind-age adjustment, but I don't see any elevation tool tied to it like the C-clamp type. I've had one of the cheapo C-clamp ones for years and it has served me well. I don't like the Tapco ones, I think mine is an old UTG or NCStar. I did do a couple mods to it to aid in it's functionality. Because the Yugos seem to be more robust on the sight the flat C-clamp tool like mine tends to hit at the angle of the base thus not lining up on the barrel correctly. I ground one side a little bit at an angle to allow for that so the clamp lines up to the barrel better on all SKSs. The other thing I did was to take a bolt(I think M12 or M14) that fit the threads, grind the end down to a 3/32" pin so I can use it in the clamp to remove the retainer pin in the bolt for the extractor. Works like a charm every time and I don't have to deal with pin punches breaking or damaging the bolt.
I think it's used like this;
(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-tdttchlmv1/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/114/463/AKFST-GS_Pusher_Krink_Down__57395.1606246493.jpg?c=1)
Ah, so it is just fully inset instead of being exposed like the C-clamp type, makes sense.
I have used the C-clamp type with no issues on my SKS and helped out some other shooters, too. It works well and is small enough to keep in the range bag. I have severe arthritis in both of my hands and experience no discomfort when using it.
I am of the opinion that if you are a gunsmith, buy the best tool because you will use it often and it is tax-deductible. Otherwise, get the best value for the dollar, but do not buy junk tools. They lead to injuries and/or damage.
Check out this company. KALASHNIKOV USA
They have two different ones. KUSA10 is a 10% off code.
I know nothing of this company. I was going to get their more expensive model before I found a Polytech set on Ebay.
Concur with Justin Hell. The real armorer's sight tool is way more accurate. It's no way near 400 to 500 bucks. It should be available for about 100 to 150 US dollars. For about 280 bucks, you can buy a complete set of common armorer's tools for SKS made in USSR in a nice wood box.
+1
For the Magna-Matic ak/sks sight tool
https://www.apexgunparts.com/sks-sight-tool-vg.html
This is the only tool I have seen when looking for SKS original tools.
Quote from: Sword of Симонова on January 06, 2021, 05:03:39 PM
https://www.apexgunparts.com/sks-sight-tool-vg.html
This is the only tool I have seen when looking for SKS original tools.
The one pictured below it on the site is the one I have sans my modifications.
Quote from: pcke2000 on January 06, 2021, 02:25:58 PM
Concur with Justin Hell. The real armorer's sight tool is way more accurate. It's no way near 400 to 500 bucks. It should be available for about 100 to 150 US dollars. For about 280 bucks, you can buy a complete set of common armorer's tools for SKS made in USSR in a nice wood box.
This is what I ended up doing ........ figured between the headspace gauges and sight tool it was worth the money thumb1
I cant find this tool set anywhere online, Could someone post a link or refer me to a website. I have tried multiple searches.
You might hit up assistant802 on gunboards. May have or be able to get one. No idea on price though.
You missed the tool only for sale on ebay (100 GBP = ~$135) a while ago unfortunately:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Soviet-Original-SKS-sight-adjustment-tool-/164377115575
I went the el cheapo route and was pleasantly surprised (maybe because I don't know any better from using a higher quality tool.)
I Applied CLP right to the sight post and surrounding area, then soaked a paper towel in CLP, wrapped it round the sight post and surrounding area, then bagged it up for a couple of days to let it soak in.
https://www.amazon.com/FIRECLUB-Optics-Front-Ajustment-Clamping/dp/B071WYM6L6 (https://www.amazon.com/FIRECLUB-Optics-Front-Ajustment-Clamping/dp/B071WYM6L6)
$12.99 shipped.
A couple negative reviews were because it was "Made in China." The smartass in me says, "Um...so was your SKS."
If you are still interested here is the OEM version
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/888982410
Sold for $151. Good price.
(I was on the hunt for an original - dammit.)
Matchka,
There is one on ebay right now for about the same money. Pcke200 posted the link in the auctions thread, I think.
And if I were you, I would spend a bit more to buy an unused, complete set of tools in original wood box for around $185.