The SKS is that gun version of that classic car that barely has any modern features or tech, and yet enthusiasts love to drive it for the feel of it. The SKS was a very popular Soviet-made gun, though not as popular as the ever-green AK. Now and then, I find myself taking it out and going all out in the shooting range for a few rounds. Sometimes you’ve got to feel the strength and tactile feeling of using a barebones gun, like the feeling you get when you drive a stick-shift after automatics. This article is about the best SKS scope mounts to buy in 2023, and it was not an easy task to find the best ones.
Right off the bat, the SKS is not a scope-friendly gun, which is expected. The SKS was designed in the 40s, and recreational shooting was not on the list of features. Most of the scopes I tried (some DIY as well) had the issue of not fixing properly on the rifle. It meant that after around every three or four shots, I had to readjust the mount because of the excess wobble. But with some hard work and special tools, the mounts could be fixed on the carbine. A pro-tip; if you think you won’t be able to install the scopes on the mount, then go for your local gunsmith. A few extra bucks won’t hurt that much, but you’ll get a perfectly mounted scope.
Best SKS Scope Mounts in 2023
SKS Rail Scope Mount KwikRail Gen 2.5
Our Top Recommendation for SKS scope mounts!
It ensures good protection against shells And the matte look fits perfectly well with most of the SKS rifles. SKS scope mount is built well with high-grade die-cast aluminum.
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With all that said, let’s look at the best SKS scope mounts which I tested extensively, along with all the pros and cons. I’ll also be mentioning my experience with the scope mount and the verdict on if the scope is right for you according to your needs.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Magwedge SKS Rail Scope Mount KwikRail Gen 2.5 | • Sturdiness • Value for money • Easy to install | View Price | |
Wipboten Red Dot Scope Mount | • Light weight • Sturdiness • Easy to install | View Price | |
SKS See-Thru Scope Mount | • Sturdiness • Value for money • Sheerness | View Price | |
AR-GEAR OEM Black Steel SKS Rifle | • Non-skid base • 4-inch thick solid memory foam • Multiple colors | View Price | |
Bumlon Scope Mount Rail | • Sturdiness • Mounting system • Easy to install | View Price |
1. Magwedge SKS Rail Scope Mount KwikRail Gen 2.5
Starting off the list with perhaps my favorite SKS scope mounts for the last two to three years. I got hold of the Magwedge three years ago, and I was so impressed with the overall quality, fit and finish and sheer ease of installation that I never stopped recommending it. The Gen 2.5 is better in every aspect, and It could be the best SKS scope mount you can get.
Features
The scope mount is built well with high-grade die-cast aluminum with matte anodize. It ensures good protection against shells. And the matte look fits perfectly well with most of the SKS rifles.
One of the best things that I loved about this product is the option to pivot it up which makes it so easy to clean the scope mount and the gun. The mounting process was very easy and required minimal use of special tools. And oh boy, the way it fits, like a key in a lock. The mount sits in a solid and sturdy position and inspires so much confidence. This sturdiness also allows it to hold zero very well. We fired around 300 shots using this mount, and there was no need for readjustment.
Do note that during installation, the rear sight and the cover pin must be removed as they can be damaged while firing, and the rear pin has to be removed for the pivot function to work.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Pivots for cleaning
- Comes with a groove that can work as an emergency iron sight
- Stable fit with little to no readjustments
- It Fits most rings that fit a standard Picatinny rail
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Poor customer service
- Shipping time can be an issue
Verdict
The Magwedge can be the most reliable and usable scope mount for your SKS. With great build quality, almost perfect fit, and other convenient features, there is no doubt that the Magwedge is a great scope mount. But only if you are willing to shell out nearly a hundred dollars, then this mount is the one for you.
2. Wipboten Red Dot Scope Mount
The Wipboten Red Dot scope mount is a great option for your SKS if money is tight and you want a sturdy, mount. When I got it in my hands, I was surprised at the quality of the scope mount, even at this price range. The mount feels solid, strong, and durable. The great thing is if you have an AK-47, this baby will fit just fine.
Features
The Wipboten can fit both types of Picatinny weavers; only dovetails are incompatible with it. The mount can easily fit bore site and reflector sights, and I had no issue zeroing while using the mount. I fired around 200 rounds and then removed the mount to see if it would zero again and it did.
While the fit is well, the installation of this mount is not an easy process. You will need special tools and even the help of a gunsmith as this mount is not 100% compatible with SKS. Here’s how it works. If you have a side rail installed on the SKS then it would fit well. If not, then you can get a side rail installed and then fit the mount. I know it is a little bit of a hassle, but the great price and the tight grip make this mount so desirable.
Pros
- Great price of less than $50
- High-quality build
- Great Fit
- Great Compatibility with Scopes
Cons
- Complicated Installation
- Bulky and Heavy
- Chinese Made
- It Does not Align with the Dust Cover
- Might not Fit Every SKS
Verdict
The Wipboten scope mount excels in many areas. The most inviting thing about this mount is the price. But it doesn’t stop there. With an airtight fit, great stability, and how well it fits with most scopes, and if you can ignore a little bit of extra added weight, you should go for this scope mount.
Bonus Read: The Best Mosin Nagant Scope Mounts – Buyers Guide
3. SKS See-Thru Scope Mount
The SKS See-Thru is another great option for people who do not want to spend more than $50 on the amount. The great thing about this mount is that it is specifically made for SKS. So no matter what type of SKS you have; Russian, Norinco, Yugo, anyone, this scope mount will fit easily.
The installation process was easy, but it does require some filing and grinding to get the perfect and stable fit for my Norinco SKS. You might need to put in some elbow grease if you own Chinese SKS.
I fired 400 rounds, and even after such a shaky situation, there was no need for the mount to be readjusted, and it zeroed as well. It can also be used along with the iron sights. So keeping the price of this mount in mind, we can say that this one is a pretty decent option.
Pros
- Low cost
- It Can be made to fit all SKS
- Stable
Cons
- Quality is a bit on the rough side
- Availability issues
- Heavy and bulky
Verdict
With the low price, this is a great option to go for if you want a decent, functional, and usable scope mount. But do keep in mind that you might have to work it a little bit to get the perfect fit. Don’t expect great quality, and for that reason, I use it as a spare or emergency scope mount.
4. AR-GEAR OEM Black Steel SKS Rifle
The most competent and feature-rich scope mount on the market. We’d say it is the complete package that you’ll ever need. There are so many great things about this mountain. Let’s start with the quality. The mount feels dense in build and solid to hold. It is made of steel, and it can easily survive harsh conditions and lasts for years. The quality is top-notch.
Installing the mount was also very easy, as it comes with long front prongs. I had to do a little bit of filling to make it fit perfectly, but it is all worth it when the fitting gets so perfect and stable. The stability is another great feature of this mount. After using it for hours and firing hundreds of shots, the scope held zero, and there was no need to readjust anything.
Pros
- Great price of under $40
- Amazing Quality
- Durable
- Comes with 1” rings
- Compatible with almost all the SKS rifles
Cons
- Availability issues
- Heavy and bulky
Verdict
To me, it is the best SKS mount on the market. With a great price, amazing quality, and features that many others lack, the AR-GEAR SKS mount is a perfect choice. However, I did see many people complaining about availability issues, and even at the time of writing this, the product is out of stock. So if you can get your hands on it, consider yourself lucky.
5. Bumlon Scope Mount Rail
If you are looking for a very lightweight, small yet usable, and stable scope mount, then this scope mount rail is the one for you. A simple yet practical scope mount rail that’s priced reasonably, the Bumlon has a lot of features. From my experience using this mount, I can say that it is made for reflex sights and does not go very well with scopes.
The best thing that I liked about it was how easy and quick it was to install it. Just a few screws to tighten here and there, and with no need for grinding and filing, the mount sits perfectly well. The stability is also excellent. I used a red dot sight and fired 150-200 rounds, and there were no issues.
Pros
- Great Build Quality
- Lightweight
- Easy to Install
- Stable
- Compatible with SKS as well as AKs
Cons
- Incompatible with many scopes
- The screws are too small
Verdict
The Bumlon is a decently priced scope mount, and I’d recommend you get this only if other options are exhausted and you shoot only on the weekends. For people who shoot regularly, skip this one.
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