Why The SKS Is Still A Favorite In Canada

The SKS has been in Canada for decades, but many new shooters don’t know how fun and capable this rifle is. A classic 7.62×39 rifle with tons of character, reliability, and room for customization. The SKS rifle is a lot cooler than most people realise. And yes, we have a few for sale here.

One of the reasons its enduring popularity is how easy it is to make this rifle your own. Modern rifles usually come “finished,” but the SKS is more of a project platform. Owners take it in all sorts of directions, and because the rifle has been around so long in Canada, there’s no shortage of parts to experiment with.

Many people start with the stock or chassis. Some prefer traditional wood, while others try polymer or modern designs from brands like Tapco, ATI, Archangel, Hush Holster, FAB Defense, or Monte Carlo-style stocks. A lot of the more modern chassis options come with Picatinny rails already built in, which makes it easier to mount accessories. Tactical folding stocks and updated handguards also fall into this same category, giving the rifle a totally different feel without much effort.

Magazine setups are another area where SKS owners tend to personalize things. Some stick to stripper clips (the classic loading method) while others implement detachable magazines. Options like Pro Mag steel mags or Archangel polymer mags (available in 10, 20, and 30-round lengths, but pinned to 5 for Canada) are common choices for those who want a modern workflow at the range.

Handguards get changed out often as well. A vented option, like the HiCal SKS handguard, helps with airflow and gives the rifle a more modern profile. It’s a small change but one that noticeably updates the look.

Optics are where the SKS really starts to feel different. Red dots or scout-style optics excel with varying mounting solutions: the Kodiak Defense SKS rail system, UTG receiver cover with integrated Picatinny. Low-profile NDT mounts retaining iron sights are also popular approaches. Once a mount is solid and zeroed, the rifle takes on a more contemporary feel without losing its character.

For internal changes, the SKS stays pretty simple. Basic trigger improvements usually require machining, so most shooters leave that area stock. Safety upgrades are minimal too, but pieces like the HiCal magazine release/safety lever are used by shooters looking for a slightly different feel or easier manipulation.

Accessories like slings also help finish things off. Classic surplus SKS military slings give it an authentic Cold War look, while modern options like NCSTAR SKS slings offer different materials and attachment styles. Nothing complicated—just small touches that make the rifle more comfortable to carry and shoot.

Ammo availability is another reason the SKS remains such a common range companion. 7.62×39 is still widely accessible in Canada, making it a calibre shooters can enjoy without overthinking cost or scarcity. That’s why the SKS works well for newer shooters, but also for experienced ones who want something reliable and uncomplicated to bring to the range.

For anyone who appreciates surplus or Combloc rifles, the SKS often becomes the natural entry point. It carries Cold War history but is durable, easy to maintain, and endlessly adaptable. Many Canadian shooters have started with an SKS simply because it offers a mix of history and customization that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The SKS can be set up in countless ways—classic, modernized, tactical, retro, or completely unique. It’s one of those platforms that evolves with the owner. While newer rifles tend to take the spotlight, the SKS keeps a loyal fan base by being consistently fun to work with.

We have SKS rifles in stock, ready for their next chapter. Whether it becomes a winter project, a restoration piece, or something you slowly customize over time, the SKS has a way of surprising people. If it’s a rifle you’ve been curious about, this is a great moment to look at it more closely.