ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock Review

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock Made a Bold First Impression

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock promises a modern makeover for the venerable SKS rifle, blending military styling with enhanced ergonomics. Marketed as the “Ultimate in Military Styling with the Exclusive Fiberforce Dragunov Design!,” it certainly piqued my interest, given my penchant for modernizing classic firearms. I’ve always appreciated the SKS’s reliability, but its original stock felt dated and lacking in adjustability.

My goal was to improve the SKS’s ergonomics and handling without sacrificing its inherent ruggedness. I was searching for a stock that would offer a more comfortable grip, adjustable cheek weld, and a more tactical aesthetic. The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock seemed to fit the bill, boasting features like a thumbhole grip, adjustable cheekrest, and ventilated forearm.

Unboxing the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock, my initial impression was positive. The DuPont® Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer felt robust and well-made, and the textured grip inspired confidence. Compared to the Tapco SKS stock I considered, the ATI offering seemed to have a more refined design and a better overall finish. The Archangel SKS stock, while appealing, came in at a higher price point, making the ATI a more budget-friendly choice. I was genuinely excited to see how it would perform on my SKS.

Real-World Testing: Putting ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock at my local outdoor shooting range on a crisp autumn day. The stock dramatically changed the feel of the SKS; the thumbhole grip offered a much more secure hold compared to the original stock. The adjustable cheekrest proved invaluable in achieving a proper cheek weld with my chosen optic, significantly improving my sight picture.

Conditions were relatively dry, but a slight breeze kicked up some dust. The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock didn’t seem to attract or retain excessive amounts of dust, a welcome surprise. Installation required some minor fitting, as expected, but overall, the process was manageable with basic tools. After about 50 rounds, I noticed the cheekrest locking bolt needed tightening, a minor inconvenience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and a few informal backcountry shooting outings, the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock has proven itself relatively durable. While the polymer shows some minor scuff marks from being bumped around in my truck and against various shooting supports, there are no cracks or structural issues. Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my experience with a Choate SKS stock I used years ago, the ATI Fiberforce definitely feels more solid and better designed. However, the initial excitement faded slightly when I tried to disassemble my SKS for cleaning. The user feedback regarding disassembly issues proved accurate; accessing the gas tube release and receiver cover became a real challenge, requiring some creative maneuvering and specialized tools. This ultimately undermines the benefit of a modern stock design by hindering routine maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock

Specifications

• The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock features a DuPont® Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer construction for durability in varying conditions. This is crucial for maintaining structural integrity in extreme heat or cold.
• It incorporates a ventilated forearm to promote cooling and reduce weight. This helps prevent overheating during extended shooting sessions.
• The thumbhole grip provides an enhanced ergonomic hold. This facilitates better control and reduces shooter fatigue.
• A Sure-Grip Textured Pad is integrated for improved grip. This ensures a secure hold, even in wet or gloved conditions.
• The adjustable cheekrest allows for personalized eye alignment with optics. This is critical for accurate shooting with scopes or red dots.
• A storage compartment within the cheekrest allows for a cleaning kit. This feature allows tools to be kept near for maintenance.
• The stock is ambidextrous, catering to both left- and right-handed shooters. This accommodates the majority of shooters.
• A dowel sling mount is included for sling attachment. This provides a standard attachment point for carrying the rifle.

Performance & Functionality

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock significantly improves the SKS’s ergonomics and handling. The adjustable cheekrest, in particular, is a game-changer for scoped rifles. The primary weakness lies in the hindered disassembly process.

The stock meets expectations in terms of comfort and improved grip. The inability to easily disassemble the firearm is a major failing, which is very dissapointing.

Design & Ergonomics

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock boasts a modern, tactical design. The DuPont® polymer feels robust, and the thumbhole grip is comfortable. The ergonomics are generally excellent, although the increased bulk may not appeal to purists.

The thumbhole design helps to create a comfortable and firm grip. There is a small learning curve related to the disassembly process, but nothing excessive.

Durability & Maintenance

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock’s polymer construction should provide reasonable longevity. Minor scratches are inevitable with regular use. Cleaning is simple, but disassembly for thorough cleaning is unnecessarily complicated.

The material itself should last a long time, however ease of maintenance is key. Having to go through extra steps to disassemble can be a deal breaker for many shooters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock itself doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the adjustable cheekrest and sling mount. It’s compatible with aftermarket SKS scope mounts, although SKS Scope Mount is sold separately. The stock requires the Blade Bayonet to be removed for installation, limiting customization here.

Users may still wish to improve the stock’s overall performance with accessories such as cheekrest pads. There are not many options available, but some do exist.

Pros and Cons of ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock

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Who Should Buy ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock?

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock is perfect for SKS owners looking to modernize their rifle with improved ergonomics and a more tactical appearance. It is ideal for shooters who prioritize comfort and adjustability, especially when using optics. Those who frequently disassemble their SKS for cleaning or require quick access to the gas tube should skip this product.

Must-have accessories include a quality SKS scope mount if you plan to use optics. A gunsmith might be beneficial for fitting and modifying where Some Minor Modification may be Required.

Conclusion on ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock is a mixed bag. It delivers on its promise of improved ergonomics and a modern aesthetic but falls short regarding maintenance accessibility. At $66.99, the price is reasonable for the features offered.

While the improved grip and adjustable cheekrest are definite positives, the hindered disassembly is a significant drawback. I would only recommend it to those who rarely field strip their SKS for cleaning or are willing to work around the disassembly challenges. Proceed with caution; the tactical upgrade comes at the cost of convenience.

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