The SKS is a fairly renowned and loved rifle and its origins date back to 1943. The SKS has been through many wars and conflicts and is still used today.
The rifle is quite popular among huntsmen and precision shooters because of its exceptional reliability and inexpensive ammo.
Here, we’ll be talking about the scope mounts suitable for an SKS. With so much tech on the market, even an old school rifle like the SKS can be made exceptionally accurate.
We’ll take a look at the qualities of a good SKS scope mount and the advantages of upgrading it. We will also review some of the best SKS scope mounts on the market to help you with your buying decision.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for SKS Scope Mounts
Top Qualities in an SKS Scope Mount
An SKS scope mount, like any other weapon, must inevitably have some specific qualities to perform efficiently. For the sake of simplicity, let's outline and discuss these factors one by one.
Weight and Length
The SKS fires 7.62X.39mm rounds which makes it suitable for hunting small and big game. This conclusively means that rifle is very often to be carried for long distances during hunting trips.
Hence you must look out for mounts which are lightweight, reduce fatigue, and also improve accuracy. Additionally, the loading mechanism of the SKS demands a scope mount that should not meddle with the bolt and ejector port.
Durability and Alignment
Since the SKS shoots a heavy caliber and is widely used for hunting, the scope mount must be durable enough to withstand recoil and jerks.
Furthermore, a scope mount should stay properly aligned with your rifle at all times. It helps in easily sighting in the rifle and zeroing in the scope, thus improving the accuracy of the rifle.
Design
Most scope mounts feature a Picatinny or weaver type design, which is the standard these days. Weaver style mounts offer a low profile design, whereas the Picatinny type mounts are more versatile for attachments.
Apart from that, many SKS scope mounts feature a see-through design that allows the shooter to use iron sights without removing the scope.
Fitting
Another important factor to consider is the fitting of the scope with your rifle. A good scope mount must fit snug with your SKS so you must not falter while taking shots.
Are All SKS Scope Mounts the Same?
Based upon the top qualities of an SKS scope mount mentioned above. It’s clear that not all scope mounts are the same. Scope mounts differ in several aspects which include:
Ease of Installation
Some scope mounts might require taping and drilling of the receiver, whereas some can simply be mounted using side screws. The ease of an installation is a primary difference among different types of scopes.
A good scope must not require any modifications to your SKS for installation or operation. However, modifications sometimes become necessary, such as when using ATI/TAPCO scopes.
Mounting Options and Ease of Use
SKS scope mounts offer weaver or picatinny rails to help attach scopes easily. The mounts featuring these rails offer versatility to attach more accessories to the rifle.
Additionally, the scope mount must not be so long that it blocks the ejection port, which is also the loading point in an SKS.
Other options such as side mount also help in attaching more accessories to the rifle.
Note: You must ensure that the dimensions of the scope mount you are buying will be compatible with your SKS model. For example, the Chinese ‘Type 56’ model of the SKS requires a specific type of scope mount due to its rare and uncommon structure.
Advantages of Upgrading Your SKS Scope Mount
Upgrading the scope mount of your SKS opens a new area of customization options. If your SKS does not have a scope, getting a scope mount is necessary to gain precision and improve the efficiency of your rifle.
The SKS OEM scope mount is a PU type one-sided scope mount, like the ones originally used with the Mosin Nagant during WWII.
Use of Accessories
Upgrading the scope mount assures that you can add more accessories to the SKS. Options such as rails and side mount allow you to add accessories like lasers and flashlights to the scope.
SKS Picatinny Rail Accessories (Source)
Safety
Another reasonable factor for adding the scope mount is the added safety. Some SKS scope mounts feature a deflector which prevents the spent off cartridges from hitting your face while shooting. It is a problem especially faced by left-handed shooters and the SKS.
SKS Deflector (Source)
Stability
Adding a good scope mount to your SKS provides you with a sturdy platform for your scope. AD mounts allow you to install or remove the scope quickly for cleaning, or under rough conditions.
A scope mount lets you adjust the height and the eye relief of your scope so you can get to a proper and comfortable position for shooting.
Accuracy
Good SKS scope mounts help with instant and accurate zeroing-in of your scope. Models that have a see-through design help you in using iron sights while the scope is mounted. This feature also comes in handy if your scope breaks or your batteries dry out.
Comparison of the Best SKS Scope Mounts
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Reviews of the Best SKS Scope Mounts
As already mentioned, about what makes a scope mount unique and reliable, different scope mounts differ in qualities and capabilities and have their own unique features.
We have outlined and reviewed the five best SKS scope mounts on the market. The list is quite versatile, and every type of shooter will find an apt match. So let's begin reviewing the mounts:
Best Overall SKS Scope Mount:
UTG Pro SKS Receiver Cover Mount
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were impressed with the durability of the cover-mount. It also allowed them to add on a good-sized scope like those with large objectives (40mm or above). They were also impressed with how quick the installation took. One user said it took him nearly five minutes to install it on his SKS rifle with the right kind of tools.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This covers a good part of your SKS rifle. It’s not some short flat mount or a set of rings. You can use this rail for mounting a scope and probably some other relevant accessories that will make your SKS performance a whole lot better. Since it’s made from high-quality aluminum, it is guaranteed to last you a long time while it sustains all kinds of shock through numerous rounds of gunfire. If you want something that will be durable and will protect your scope’s zero settings you may find that this cover-mount just might be the go-to option for you.
The UTG pro is a drop-in receiver cover type scope mount which fits snug and provides a tight fit with your SKS. The mount has a shell deflector design which protects the shooter and the scope from spent cartridges.
The UTG pro has been cast and precision machined from stainless steel and features a hard coat anodized coating making it resistant to wear and tear. This model delivers plenty of eye relief. The 22 slot Picatinny rail allows you to install long scopes as well as other accessories.
This model has a see-through design and weighs only 12.2 oz. It offers simple installation with repeatable 4-point rock solid locking onto the receiver.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great scope mount for those who want something for bigger scopes. It’s long enough and will provide a good amount of ample room for scopes with large objectives. If you don’t mind seeing a lot more in your field of view, this mount will certainly accommodate a scope that has the ability to give you more real estate. And if you have more room to use, you can use it for other accessories as well.
Bottom Line
The UTG Pro SKS Receiver Cover Mount is perhaps the best possible option for those who want a top-quality scope mount that can handle the heavy-duty firing of an SKS rifle. It’s got the durability and just enough space to handle all kinds of scopes (even the large objectives). You’d be hard-pressed to find any kind of scope mount like this elsewhere on the market. If you love your scope, take the best care of it with a scope mount like this one.
The UTG pro scope mount has a long 22 slot Picatinny rail which allows you to use additions such as a flashlight and thermal cameras. The mount is sturdy and the shell deflector is a nice feature.
Mounting it is easy, and it fits snug. The stainless steel machined base provides shockproof stability. Overall, this is a good scope mount to buy.
Runner-up:
Choate SKS Scope Mount
Pros
Cons
As expected, a lot of new users were impressed with the scope mount’s holding ability. They said that their scopes were mounted nice and tight and didn’t move around too much with every shot. One user said that he zeroed in his scope easily and noticed that those settings stayed intact through 500 rounds. He also pointed out that the mount was easy to install and keep it secure without ever worrying about the possibility of falling off the rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This scope mount can do some serious work when it comes to handling your scope of choice. Made from quality 4140 steel, you get a mount that is tough and impervious to shock and abuse. On top of it, it’s the scope mount that can handle all kinds of cleaning oils and solvents and the bad weather elements themselves. By now, you’ve probably figured it out. It’s indestructible (or dang near it). If you want a scope mount that might last you forever, this could be it.
The Choate SKS scope mount features a durable stainless steel body and a flat top picatinny rail. The mount has a raised design so the shooter can use the scope as well as iron sights all at once. It is a one-sided mount and requires four 8-40 screws to install. The mount requires the receiver of your SKS to be taped and drilled which, eventually is a tedious and irreversible job.
The mount is quite sturdy and fits perfectly well with the SKS, preventing any wobbling while using the scope and improving accuracy.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent scope mount for those who want something tough and simple to install. It will definitely fit most SKS rifle scopes, especially the ones that are considered large in size (40mm + objectives). If you want a scope mount that will fit your rifle without any issues and will stay reliable for many years to come, you’d be hard-pressed to find a scope mount that’s affordable and durable like this one.
Bottom Line
The Choate SKS Scope Mount is a steel mount that will preserve and protect your zero settings while being able to hold it together so you can shoot as many shots as you can with accuracy and stability. And best of all, it’s affordable for all kinds of budgets. So, you’re getting a steal of a deal for the price it’s going for. If you want high quality with a low-risk investment, this mount will certainly fit the bill.
The Choate SKS scope mount is a solid piece of steel which has to be tapped and drilled into the receiver. The mount is sturdy and retails zero, but offers limited space.
This mount is an overall good and durable choice, especially if you don’t want a fancy or flimsy one for your SKS.
The price is really affordable as compared to its counterparts. The gunsmithing, however, might feel a bit emotional and tedious. But the outcome is surely perfect.
3. Crazy Ivan Quick-On SKS Scope Mount with Low Profile Picatinny Rail
Pros
Cons
A lot of new users were quite happy with the design overall. It wraps around a good part of your rifle without getting loose. And it handled all kinds of scopes without any reliability issues or looseness to speak of. The installation of both the mount and most rifle scopes took upwards of 10 to 15 minutes (sometimes less for others). One user said the mount did a pretty good job holding the scope in place through hundreds of rounds. And the zero settings stayed intact without any need to reset them, he added.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a Picatinny rail mount that will give you a low profile look for your rifle. It will make giving away your position in a hunting situation less of an issue. So if you want a scope mount that will keep low and still give you a good amount of space for the scope itself, this might be exactly what you are looking for. The design is simple and makes installation a breeze. On top of that, it’s tough enough to handle so many episodes of shock and recoil to a point where resetting your zero is just a thing of the past.
These scope mounts have been machined from aluminum and feature a low profile design with picatinny rail top. The mount attaches to the rifle using a side plate.
The mount is available in short and long rail variants. It also allows the shooter to use stripper clips for loading, whereas the longer version acts as a deflector on the ejection port.
The hardcoat anodized design makes it resistant to harsh weather conditions. The optics can be quickly attached and detached, meanwhile retaining their original zero position. The scope mount delivers a sturdy platform for mounting scopes and shooting accurately.
Who Will Use This Most
This scope mount is for those who want something that will keep a scope low profile rather than raised. On top of that, it will allow for a straightforward alignment that will ensure that each shot you fire will land exactly where you want it to go. Simply put, this mount is no disappointment. It will give you a bit of “stealth” ability without alerting your targets at all. This mount is the one that hunters want so they won’t waste time with re-zeroing almost constantly.
Bottom Line
The Crazy Ivan SKS Scope Mount is indeed crazy, as in crazy durable and reliable. It can hold scopes together and protect it from so much shock and recoil that you’ll swear that your scope is nearly indestructible. With a quick install and a low-profile feature that keeps you on the down low, your game targets might not know what hit them. Keep your shots straight, accurate, and precise with a mount like this and you’ll be quite happy with your shooting accomplishments.
The crazy Ivan scope mount uses side plates with screws for installation on the receiver. The long and short versions are suitable for respective feature loving shooters.
The mount requires gunsmithing for installation, which might be a con depending upon your skills. The scope mount is lightweight and is good for hunting and long-range shooting.
Best SKS Scope Mount for the Money:
Barska SKS Mount With Integrated Rail
Pros
Cons
New users had a lot of good things to say about this mount. Aside from it being really good for scopes, some of them had been able to use it for some customization abilities such as installing flashlights and lasers. But regardless, the rail proved itself without a doubt that it could handle multiple duties other than holding a scope together. One user said that the installation was easy and took less than 10 minutes to add on the rifle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This mount is perfect for those who like to go all out when it comes to customization. If you don’t think a scope is enough to make your SKS rifle stand out, then you’re probably going to need this mount. It’s a tough as nails accessory that will work to protect your scope from shock and recoil and will keep the settings intact the way you want. Plus, with rock-solid support, you will be able to shoot with accuracy and precision. So, if you are hunting or shooting targets at the range, this just might be the best mount you can depend on.
The Barska scope mount can be attached to the SKS by removing the rear receiver cover and replacing it. The top features a Picatinny/weaver rail that allows quick and easy mounting of the scope. Other accessories like flashlights and lasers can easily be attached too.
The mount is only three and a half inches long and weighs a few ounces. The lifted design of the mount allows you to use iron sights without removing it. The Barska scope mount is quite inexpensive and delivers plenty of eye relief for the shooter.
Who Will Use This Most
This mount will be a great choice for those who plan on customizing their rifles. If you think you need more than just a simple SKS scope, then you need a mount that will give you more room and more customization abilities than you know what to do with. Plus, the quality and construction are pretty dang solid so you can expect this to last you a good while. If you want to spend money on a mount that is built to last you many years, you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to do so.
Bottom Line
The Barska SKS Mount with Integrated Rail makes customization a reality for most SKS users. If you want to include a laser, a flashlight, or any accessory along with a scope then you may want to give this mount a try. As solid as it might be quality-wise, it might just stick with you for a long time and keep your scope setting the same shot after shot.
The Barska SKS mount is a compact and lightweight scope mount for your SKS rifle. The mount is pretty inexpensive, and the one-year limited warranty from the manufacturer covers you from any damage.
The mount requires gunsmithing to be installed, and you must hand it over to an experienced gunsmith since some finishing might be required.
5. S&K Insta Mount Scope Bases
Pros
Cons
A lot of new users were happy with the unique design this scope base had. That’s because it allows for the bolt to operate with no obstruction. And of course, it worked really well with most SKS rifles as it was able to support so many scopes and protected zero settings from getting thrown off course. The fitting was nice and tight for most users and they were able to keep it secure through as many as 1000 rounds. One user said that his scope never got that much support from a mount until purchasing this.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This mount’s design addresses an issue that had long plagued rifle owners. Some scope mounts were causing more grief for bolt action users and obstruction had become the norm for them. But this design, in particular, makes sure that your bolt action rifles (and other rifles for that matter) accommodate your rifle without causing any obstruction to your rifle’s bolt or any part of the upper receiver. This puppy is rugged as nails and will hold your zero settings for a really long time. No shock or recoil will not mess with your scope with a mount like this.
The S&K scope mount is a flat weaver style mount which can be bolted down to the receiver. The mount is easy to install and you probably won’t need a gunsmith to get it installed.
The mount has a low profile, meaning your scope will sit close to your rifle. The scope has a simple design and is strong enough to withstand recoils and jerks. The easy to detach design allows you to install the original sights whenever you desire.
Who Will Use This Most
This scope mount would be the perfect fit for SKS rifles that want something that is easy to install and is solid in construction. It will take a couple of minutes max to install this bad boy and then top it off with your favorite scope. Don’t be surprised if this winds up being your scope mount for a long time. The better the quality, the longer it will last.
Bottom Line
The SKS Insta Mount Scope Base will definitely be one of the best options available for those looking for a solid scope mount that can handle so many SKS scopes. If you hate having to reset your zero settings constantly and need something to protect it from the waves of shock and recoil, this is the mount that can handle it all.
The S&K insta scope mount is quick and easy-to-install. The simplistic design offers very limited capabilities, but the durability and ruggedness of the mount make it perfect for hunting and long range shooting.
The absence of a deflector, however, makes the scope and shooter susceptible to damage. The scope mount is decently priced and won't hurt your pocket.
Conclusion
The SKS is the rifle preferred among hunters and marksmen. Using a scope mount greatly improves its accuracy and allows the user to install several other accessories.
A good SKS mount must be durable, lightweight, easy-to-install, must retain zero, and should fit snug with the rifle.
The type of scope you must use with your SKS greatly depends upon your individual preference and use.
