cheekser
03-07-2005, 04:52 PM
Product Review: Tech-Sights TS100
The Product:
The Tech-Sight TS100 is an add-on rear sight for the SKS family of weapons. It is designed to add the popular aperture-type of sighting picture to the rifle. There are two apertures in the A2-style, one being intended for 0-200yd shooting, and the other for 300+ yds. The TS-100 is adjustable for windage. Elevation adjustment is accomplished via the front post. An SKS/AK type front sight tool is required (not included with sight).
The design of the sight and its placement on the weapon increases the sighting radius by 10”. This fact lends to the supposition that more accurate sighting is possible.
http://www.fototime.com/FF44F4D6F005EC6/orig.jpg
picture taken from www.tech-sights.com
Installing the Unit:
It is very rare to receive a product that is accompanied by so much information. There are instructions for removing the existing rear sight, installing the TS100, sight adjustment, and an included spare parts list, should any ever be needed. There are innumerable and invaluable amounts of diagrams and photos.
A complete walk-through of assembly and installation can be found at http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews2005/skstechsight/index.asp. Basically, it is very easy to install. The only trick is removing the receiver cover latch and pin. The cross pin is pressed in and takes a little persuading to get it free. Just remember to have a good set of steel punches and a stable place to work (anvil or solid bench block recommended).
The Test:
The sight unit was mounted to a Yugo 59/66a1 SKS. It is a '71-manufacture, and is not one of the "new/unissued" specimens. Of course, the TS-100 will fit any make of SKS, though some wood may need to be removed first. I did not have to do so.
In order to test the assertion of “increased accuracy potential,” I first fired five 3-shot groups with the factory sight set-up. I then fired five 3-shot groups once the TS-100 was installed. All groups were fired at a distance of 50yds. Shooting was done from a sandbag rest. The ammunition used was Wolf 122gr. FMJ.
I also fired one test group of three rounds after removing the sight and reinstalling it. This was done to verify the claim of precise return-to-zero capability of the sight unit.
The Results:
http://www.fototime.com/C0B22685AB18DC4/standard.jpg
Though I did not experience a drastic improvement in aggregate group size, there was a marked improvement in group consistency. With the stock sights, the difference between the largest group and the smallest was 2.25”, while the Tech-Sight groups showed a maximum variance of only .75”. I find this to be a very significant outcome. It is no doubt attributable to the improved sight picture gained with the TS-100 unit, and the longer sight radius.
The group that was fired after the sight unit was uninstalled and replaced showed no appreciable shift in mean bullet impact. Clearly it is the result of a quality product.
http://www.fototime.com/F358FC05E53CA35/standard.jpg
Best group fired with Tech-Sight installed.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I think I am in love. The aperture set-up is head and shoulders above the stock SKS sights. The only drawback to improved accuracy with the TS100 installed is the shape/width of the front sight blade. If it were thinner, a more precise hold could be achieved. The post fully obscures a 4” circle at 50yds. A 6 o’clock sight picture is required. I intend to acquire a spare front post and thin it down and install it on the rifle.
I am anxious to shoot the rifle at the 100yd distance and see what it can do. With confidence, I can say I believe the experienced gain in accuracy at longer ranges will be greater. I admit to having been raised on “glass” and do not think highly of my skills with an open sight. I hope the aperture sight will help overcome this deficiency, and maybe even wow some of the “Garand-folks” at the range with how well a properly outfitted SKS can shoot.
If you haven’t looked closely at the Tech-Sights, I urge you to do so. Using this set-up makes shooting a fun gun even more enjoyable. Couple that with the inexpensive price of fodder, and hours of fun surely ensue.
The sights sell for about $50.00 at www.tech-sights.com, which is well worth it. It is a better spend than a cheap scope and receiver cover mount, IMO.
The Product:
The Tech-Sight TS100 is an add-on rear sight for the SKS family of weapons. It is designed to add the popular aperture-type of sighting picture to the rifle. There are two apertures in the A2-style, one being intended for 0-200yd shooting, and the other for 300+ yds. The TS-100 is adjustable for windage. Elevation adjustment is accomplished via the front post. An SKS/AK type front sight tool is required (not included with sight).
The design of the sight and its placement on the weapon increases the sighting radius by 10”. This fact lends to the supposition that more accurate sighting is possible.
http://www.fototime.com/FF44F4D6F005EC6/orig.jpg
picture taken from www.tech-sights.com
Installing the Unit:
It is very rare to receive a product that is accompanied by so much information. There are instructions for removing the existing rear sight, installing the TS100, sight adjustment, and an included spare parts list, should any ever be needed. There are innumerable and invaluable amounts of diagrams and photos.
A complete walk-through of assembly and installation can be found at http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews2005/skstechsight/index.asp. Basically, it is very easy to install. The only trick is removing the receiver cover latch and pin. The cross pin is pressed in and takes a little persuading to get it free. Just remember to have a good set of steel punches and a stable place to work (anvil or solid bench block recommended).
The Test:
The sight unit was mounted to a Yugo 59/66a1 SKS. It is a '71-manufacture, and is not one of the "new/unissued" specimens. Of course, the TS-100 will fit any make of SKS, though some wood may need to be removed first. I did not have to do so.
In order to test the assertion of “increased accuracy potential,” I first fired five 3-shot groups with the factory sight set-up. I then fired five 3-shot groups once the TS-100 was installed. All groups were fired at a distance of 50yds. Shooting was done from a sandbag rest. The ammunition used was Wolf 122gr. FMJ.
I also fired one test group of three rounds after removing the sight and reinstalling it. This was done to verify the claim of precise return-to-zero capability of the sight unit.
The Results:
http://www.fototime.com/C0B22685AB18DC4/standard.jpg
Though I did not experience a drastic improvement in aggregate group size, there was a marked improvement in group consistency. With the stock sights, the difference between the largest group and the smallest was 2.25”, while the Tech-Sight groups showed a maximum variance of only .75”. I find this to be a very significant outcome. It is no doubt attributable to the improved sight picture gained with the TS-100 unit, and the longer sight radius.
The group that was fired after the sight unit was uninstalled and replaced showed no appreciable shift in mean bullet impact. Clearly it is the result of a quality product.
http://www.fototime.com/F358FC05E53CA35/standard.jpg
Best group fired with Tech-Sight installed.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I think I am in love. The aperture set-up is head and shoulders above the stock SKS sights. The only drawback to improved accuracy with the TS100 installed is the shape/width of the front sight blade. If it were thinner, a more precise hold could be achieved. The post fully obscures a 4” circle at 50yds. A 6 o’clock sight picture is required. I intend to acquire a spare front post and thin it down and install it on the rifle.
I am anxious to shoot the rifle at the 100yd distance and see what it can do. With confidence, I can say I believe the experienced gain in accuracy at longer ranges will be greater. I admit to having been raised on “glass” and do not think highly of my skills with an open sight. I hope the aperture sight will help overcome this deficiency, and maybe even wow some of the “Garand-folks” at the range with how well a properly outfitted SKS can shoot.
If you haven’t looked closely at the Tech-Sights, I urge you to do so. Using this set-up makes shooting a fun gun even more enjoyable. Couple that with the inexpensive price of fodder, and hours of fun surely ensue.
The sights sell for about $50.00 at www.tech-sights.com, which is well worth it. It is a better spend than a cheap scope and receiver cover mount, IMO.