AK Accuracy

[Kiwi]

Hi Guys,
Here's my two cents worth, I decided to try and improve the accuracy of my Norinco SKS M model.
the first thing that had to be done was to reduce the trigger pull from over 8 pounds. The Gunsmith I used who is familiar with these rifles was able to reduce this to about 3.7 pounds, next was to have the action firmly glass bedded into the stock and a choate scope mount fixed to the receiver.
I had previously used a Bsquare scope mount and this was not a very good solution, it just had two much movement in it.
On the subject of scopes I am now on my third, the SKS killed the Simmons and redfield tracker that I had been using previously. My theory is that what makes the Sks and similar rifles kill the cheaper quality scopes is that you get almost a two stage recoil, you get the initial blast from the rifle and a split second later you get the bolt slamming into the rear of the receiver.
Becuse this is my No 1 goat rifle I also wanted a screw on muzzle brake installed, not so much for recoil reduction but more to reduce muzzle jump.
Group size with handloads has shrunk from just over 3 inhes for five shots @ 100 yards to 1.57 inches so accuracy on these rifles can be improved but like others have said you are never going to get sub MOA. The accuracy I am getting now is somewhat better than I expected and a lot better than my shooting buddies brand new Mini 14.
My own personal opinion is that the trigger job should be the first thing that should be considered and only done by a competent Gunsmith.
Other modification I have made is to fit the Htype recoil buffers and also to fit Ben Murray's spring loaded firing pin to reduce the risk of slam fires. None of these change have affected the relibility of the weapon.
Murray