Do SKS Carbines have “dangerous triggers”?
SKS Carbines trigger groups have an excellent design, thanks to Mr. Simonov. However, hasty assembly has, at times precluded extracting the potential from the design. In a trigger group with “positive sear engagement”, the hammer spring actually compresses when the trigger is pulled. That geometry causes a situation where the hammer holds onto the sear. This is the preferred condition, and is important as the “safety” merely blocks the trigger and does not secure either the hammer or the sear. Typically SKS trigger groups have more than enough friction to keep the hammer engaged with the sear, even in sub-optimal conditions. Unfortunately, people sometimes polish the various contact surfaces to improve trigger’s “feel”, thereby reducing friction. This can increase the likelihood of negligent discharge, especially if the rifle is impacted or dropped. Warning: Only qualified individuals should attempt trigger work on the trigger group of an SKS Carbine.
