M1 carbine vs. SKS

[Okie1297]

So my uncle wants to start shooting some of his guns more than he has in a long time what I mean is he wants to shoot them. Really only guns he shoots regularly is his Ruger m77 7 mag for deer hunting his Taurus 45 for EDC and his Benneli nova. He wants to shoot the rest of his more than he has specifically his M1 carbine and his SKS thing is in the 20+ years he's had them he's shoot them about 10 times if that. He bought the M1 at a gun show in the 90s and the SKS he bought/was given to him from his middle brother (he's the oldest and my dads the youngest for reference).He wants to take one of them deer and hunting so he doesn't have to shoot his 7 mag as much. Anyone here hunt with ether or which would you hunt with. I know bullet quality and shot placement is the most important part. Also just which do you personally like more. Personally i like the m1 more because it fit me better and I like the history of it more than the SKS.

[ChillyB]

7.62x39 is a better animal killer. The 30 carbine isn't a viable hunting caliber IMO. OK for yotes and such, not enough for deer. The SKS can be used for deer with proper bullet, but the rifle itself isnt terrific for mounting optics if that is a requirement. Lots of deer have fallen to iron sights though.

Love the M1 carbine for shooting fun. Loaded with short-jacketed lead-nose plinker bullets, it's not a bad home defense weapon either. Light recoil, low blast, reliable.

[Striker753]

I've shot both, love both, but I'd go for the SKS. The 7.62x39 round offers more oomph than .30 Carbine, and you've got both lower prices per round and a larger array of ammunition: hollow points, fancy precision rounds, steel core surplus...

[Okie1297]

Ok thank you.

[Scorpion8]

Well, as always there's a ....wait a minute. Lots of folks have hunted with the 30- Cal Carbine, but it has limitations. Keep shots less than 75 yards (slug gun range) and it is capable of deer. The sticking point is nobody loads really good hunting bullets on the round, so you almost have to handload. I've heard very good results with cast bullets over on CastBoolits.com, and you can give the round a bit more oompf. Do you handload or cast, or know anyone who does?

Yea, it's not a 200-yr hunting round, but neither is the SKS. That round is better, and they make hunting bullets for it (do NOT use FMJ) but it is in the .30-30 category.

[Okie1297]

Ok. Knowing my uncle he’ll just use his 7 mag but it’s still good to know.

[Scorpion8]

This month's Handloader's Magazine (Feb/21) has a good article on .30-Carbine handloads with JHP and cast bullets. Page 56.

[Cambhir]

If he's thinking about using one for deer hunting, I'd lean towards the M1 carbine. It’s lighter and easier to handle, plus it’s got a cool historical vibe that makes shooting it more interesting. The SKS is a great rifle, but it’s a bit bulkier and might not be as practical for deer hunting. I’ve always liked the M1 more for its fit and history, so I’d say go with that for a fun hunt!