First @ wil_b_wuz. All SKS’s are not milled receivers. Only the Russian built SKS’s have milled receivers, all others are stamped. To convert an SKS to accept an AK magazine the lower has to have some machining done to it. The problem with this is you are removing material from the lower which makes it weaker and I have seen them crack because of this. This is the reason that not all SKS’s can be moded to accept the AK magazine. You can add a 30rd magazine that is fixed but you still have to load it from the top with stripper clips just like the factory magazine. I haven’t found an aftermarket magazine that feeds as well as the factory mag yet. If you just have to have a 30rd magazine you would be best to find an SKS-D which was originally built to accept the magazine, but you will pay a hefty price for this version. I paid $750 for mine over 2 years ago. As for the milled AK’s? Most if not all were built in Russia, I think there were a few Yugo built ones but have never seen one. The AK is a very dependable rifle but not very accurate, but then neither is the SKS at ranges over 200yds. Pay the extra money and purchase yourself an M14 and you will have the range, accuracy and punch.
Someone made the comment that the only difference between the SKS and the AK is the wood? Wrong! These are two completely different firearms and the only thing close to being the same is the fact that they are both gas operated. Try interchanging parts and let me know how that works.
Here are some of the bad points of both firearms. The AK’s are not very accurate out past 200yds without some modding done to them. I have seen some that gunsmiths have modded that can drive a tack at 500yds with no problem, but they had a few thousand invested in these rifles. Neither rifle has much kinetic energy so they are not the best choice for hunting rifles, actually they’re at the bottom of the barrel. Most of the rifles not built from the best material and are prone to rust and barrels wearing out quickly. If you do find one of the good ones you will pay a good price for it unless you find an individual selling it who knows not what they have. The SKS have a tendency to suffer from what’s called slam fire. Sounds cool but it’s not. This is when the firing pin becomes stuck and when you release the bolt it fires off the first round. I have even seen one empty the mag of all 10rds and there was nothing the handler could do to stop it. So if you have an SKS always be sure to point it down range when releasing the bolt because you never know when this could happen. Other than those few bad points both firearms are a blast to shoot. I’ve owned several of each and still own two Russian SKS’s and one select fire AK. Used to be in the early 90’s we were able to buy the SKS for less than $100 and a case of ammo was only $99. This equaled a whole day of fun at the river or range.
If you have the money I would say look at an M14 or FAL. Either of these would be good for hunting and would be good for a self defense rifle if the SHTF. This opinion is from 14 years military service, 12 years as a licensed dealer, 2 plus years as a Class 3 dealer and over 25 years as an avid collector.