So if I install an SKS in an aftermarket stock and add different sights its no longer an SKS?
Rhetorical question of course.
SKS is a model, a type defined by the mechanics of the action. No matter who builds it its still an SKS.
The US Rifle caliber .30 M1 was built by Springfield Armory, Winchester, Harrington & Richardson, and International Harvester.
The only thing they had in common were the action and caliber.
You're splitting semantic hairs with your claim the Saiga SKS is not an SKS.
No he's not. There is no such thing as a Saiga SKS. The SKS and a Saiga (AK) are two completely different designs.
Not at all. The Saiga is based on a highly modified AK receiver which cannot be easily converted,(if at all), into an 'Assault Weapon'. As delivered from the factory it won't even accept high capacity AK mags.
The SKS is a totally different design and off the top of my head I can't think of one single part that is interchangeable between an SKS and a Saiga, unless of course you count the ammo as a part. :)
Your argument might hold some validity if you said the Saiga was a modified AK. Sorry, it is not an SKS. Why the media and law enforcement got hung up on this SKS thing is beyond me. Only thing I can figure is that the Saiga does not project the evil image they want.
The Saiga is an AK-47 action. It is not an SKS action. They are very different. Apples and oranges...not splitting hair at all.