The Gun Digest® Book of the AK&SKS PATRICK SWEENEY A COMPLETE GUIDE TO GUNS, GEAR AND AMMUNITION ©2008 Krause Publications Inc., a subsidiary of F+W Media Inc. Published by 700 East State Street • Iola, WI 54990-0001 715-445-2214 • 888-457-2873 www.gundigestbooks.com Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain a free catalog is (800) 258-0929. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio, television, or the Internet. Library of Congress Control Number: 2008929070 ISBN-13: 978-0-89689678-9 ISBN-10: 0-89689-678-1 eISBN: 978-1-44022-436-2 Designed by Paul Birling Edited by Dan Shideler Printed in United States of America Dedication S ometimes life is strange. If, years ago when I was deeply immersed in guns, working long hours at the gun shop and shooting everything that I could lay my hands on, you had told me I’d be here, I would have said you were crazy. I was just not looking very far ahead – which is what you have to do to learn something front-to-back and in all its details. Looking only at what is right in front of you is a great way to learn a subject, but a lousy way to live a life. Yes, get out, learn to shoot, learn about firearms, but don’t forget that there is more to life than just guns. (Hey, it took me a long time to figure that one out.) Find someone to share it with, either a shooting partner or a life partner. Some really lucky ones find one person who is both. As with all the other titles, this is dedicated to Felicia, but also to the two poodle dudes who accompany me on walks. They are very amused by my jokes and turns of phrase, and I get to polish my writing on them by orating parts of it while we walk. Felicia is too, but she, unlike the two dudes, also points out where my grammar could be improved, for which I am grateful. Having seen what passes for a manuscript from other authors, I think Dan is also grateful for Felicia’s efforts. If you find the book to be amusing, entertaining, and useful, I give all credit to Felicia, the poodle dudes and Dan. If not, I’ll take the hit. Patrick Sweeney July 2008 Other KP Firearms Titles Assault Weapons Buyers Guide Std Catalog of Military FA Gun Digest Book of ® the AR-15 Gun Digest Book of ® the AR-15, Vol. 2 Gun Digest Book of ® the Glock Gun Digest Book of ® Ruger Pistols & Revolvers Gunsmithing: Pistols & Revolvers Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly Gun Digest Standard Catalog of FA Gun Digest Book of ® Guns & Prices Modern Gun Values