ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock Review

First Thoughts on the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock

The SKS rifle, a Cold War icon, has always been a reliable, albeit somewhat clunky, platform. The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock promised a modern makeover, injecting a dose of tactical styling and ergonomic improvements into this classic rifle. For $66.99, it seemed like a budget-friendly way to breathe new life into my SKS, a rifle that had spent too much time gathering dust in the back of the safe.

I was looking for a stock that offered a more comfortable and secure grip, as the original wood stock always felt a bit awkward in my hands. I also wanted to explore the possibility of adding a cheek rest for improved optics compatibility, though the SKS isn’t exactly known for its long-range precision.

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock arrived in a simple cardboard box, its lightweight nature immediately noticeable. The DuPont Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer felt surprisingly solid, and the Dragunov-style thumbhole grip seemed like a significant improvement over the standard stock. Compared to the Choate SKS Dragunov stock and the Tapco Intrafuse SKS stock, the ATI offering seemed to strike a good balance between price and features. The Choate stock felt cheap, while the Tapco stock was often out of stock and significantly more expensive. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, a mix of excitement and the apprehension that often accompanies aftermarket rifle parts.

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

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock took place at my local outdoor range. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. Installation was straightforward, requiring only a few basic tools, though I did have to remove the blade bayonet, as mentioned in the product description. The thumbhole grip felt immediately more comfortable and secure, providing better control during rapid firing. However, I noticed that the adjustable cheek rest, while a welcome feature, felt a bit flimsy and required constant readjustment.

Performance was generally improved compared to the original wood stock. The improved grip allowed for faster target acquisition and reduced felt recoil. The ventilated forearm helped keep the barrel cool during extended shooting sessions. However, after about 50 rounds, I encountered the issue highlighted in the user feedback: disassembly for cleaning became a significant challenge.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock has held up reasonably well, with no major signs of wear and tear. The polymer construction seems durable and resistant to scratches and impacts. Cleaning, however, remains a persistent problem. Accessing the gas tube release and receiver cover is extremely difficult, requiring tools and significant patience. I’ve found myself avoiding thorough cleanings, opting instead for quick bore snakes and surface wipes.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket stocks on other rifles, the ATI stock falls somewhere in the middle. It offers a noticeable improvement in ergonomics and aesthetics, but the difficulty of disassembly severely limits its practicality. The original wood stock, despite its shortcomings, allowed for quick and easy cleaning, a critical factor for maintaining a reliable firearm.

Breaking Down the Features of ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock

Specifications

• Ventilated Forearm: This feature is designed to dissipate heat during rapid firing, preventing the barrel from overheating. This is a useful addition, especially during extended range sessions.

• Dowel Sling Mount: A standard dowel sling mount allows for the attachment of traditional rifle slings. It’s a simple but functional feature for carrying the rifle in the field.

• Thumbhole Grip: The Dragunov-style thumbhole grip is designed to improve ergonomics and provide a more secure hold. This greatly enhances control and reduces felt recoil.

• Sure-Grip Textured Pad: This textured pad is located on the grip and forearm, providing enhanced grip in various weather conditions. It improves handling, especially with gloved hands.

• Adjustable Cheekrest With Room to Store Cleaning Kit: The adjustable cheek rest allows for a customized fit and improved sight alignment, especially when using optics. The storage compartment is a nice touch, though limited in size.

• Improved Secure Cheekrest Locking Bolt: This locking bolt is intended to keep the cheek rest firmly in place, preventing unwanted movement. However, it still requires frequent tightening.

• 3M Soft Touch Cheekrest Pad: This soft pad provides added comfort during extended shooting sessions. It reduces cheek fatigue and enhances the overall shooting experience.

• Ambidextrous: Designed for both right- and left-handed shooters, making it more versatile. This is a welcome feature for inclusivity.

• DuPont® Extreme Temperature Glass Reinforced Polymer: This high-strength polymer is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. It adds to the overall durability of the stock.

• Manufactured in the USA: This indicates a commitment to quality and supporting American jobs. It can be a significant selling point for some buyers.

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: This provides peace of mind and demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. It’s a valuable addition in case of manufacturing defects.

Performance & Functionality

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock performs admirably in terms of ergonomics and handling. The thumbhole grip and textured pads significantly improve control and reduce felt recoil. However, the difficulty of disassembly for cleaning detracts from its overall functionality. While it enhances the SKS’s tactical appearance, it compromises its ease of maintenance. The adjustable cheekrest is a nice idea, but its flimsy construction and tendency to loosen require constant attention.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock is a significant improvement over the original wood stock. The thumbhole grip and adjustable cheekrest enhance ergonomics and provide a more comfortable shooting experience. The polymer construction is lightweight and durable. However, the design prioritizes aesthetics over practicality, resulting in limited access to critical components for cleaning and maintenance. There is a minor learning curve, mostly around tightening the locking bolt of the cheek rest, but overall it is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The DuPont polymer construction ensures that the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock is durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand impacts and extreme temperatures without cracking or breaking. However, the difficulty of disassembly for cleaning significantly increases the maintenance burden. Frequent cleaning is essential for maintaining the reliability of the SKS rifle, and the ATI stock makes this task unnecessarily challenging.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock itself doesn’t come with many accessories, but its design allows for the attachment of various aftermarket parts. The adjustable cheekrest is compatible with some low-profile optics, and the dowel sling mount allows for the use of traditional rifle slings. The product description mentions that an SKS scope mount is sold separately. Be careful, as not all aftermarket SKS scope mounts are compatible with this stock without modification.

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 who want to improve the ergonomics and aesthetics of their rifle without breaking the bank. It’s a good choice for recreational shooters and collectors who appreciate a tactical look and feel. However, it is not recommended for those who prioritize ease of maintenance and frequent cleaning.

Those who should skip this product are SKS owners who rely on their rifle for survival or self-defense. The difficulty of disassembly for cleaning makes it unsuitable for situations where reliability is paramount.

A must-have accessory for this stock is a set of specialized tools to help with disassembly, though even with tools, it remains a cumbersome process.

Conclusion on ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock

The ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock offers a mixed bag of improvements and compromises. While it significantly enhances the ergonomics and aesthetics of the SKS rifle, it also introduces a major inconvenience in the form of difficult disassembly for cleaning. The price is certainly justified for the improvements in handling and appearance. However, the trade-off in maintenance may not be worth it for all users.

I would cautiously recommend it to those who value a tactical look and improved grip over ease of cleaning. If you’re willing to put in the extra effort to maintain your rifle, the ATI SKS Fiberforce Stock can be a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, stick with the original wood stock or consider alternative options. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual priorities and how frequently you intend to clean your SKS.

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