Excellent fit - Choate Tool Sks P.G. Telescoping Pistol Grip Stock

I've had this SKS for over a decade, but I never liked the old look and design. After attending a few gun shows of late, I started to notice these "upgrades" to a more tactical look, but not quite what I was looking for. As I started my search, there was nothing available, not to mention ammo. Crazy days, but I came across this site that offers the Choate Tool company design and thought they had the look and design I wanted; AND it was available. I didn't want the folding version and thought the telescoping stock with the pistol grip would be a good choice. Am I glad I bought it! It actually came earlier than I was expecting, so kudos for that! That weekend, I had my SKS teardown book and started into it. I did a thorough clean and then began to put it back together. The main stock fit like factory OEM, but I did have trouble with the gas tube hand protector. Removing it was easy enough but couldn't figure out how to break out the hand protector from the gas tube part.
I noticed their phone number inside the new protector... so I called. Wow, what great service!! After a good discussion on how to locate the "almost invisible" pin that held the metal ends to each end of the protector I was over the hump. This is the point where you finally understood this conversation, and why Choate sends a new pin taped to a letter with the part. Not only that, for a small shipping fee, you could send them the whole gas tube system to let them do it, and send it back. I didn't have to send it, but you will need a very sharp and the smallest diameter center punch to knock it out; beware, the pin looks bigger than it really is. I punched mine out with a frined, on the edge of an Anvil; a bit tricky but it worked by tapping it firmly; and the new pin slipped right in. With about 17 different manufacturers that made this rifle, almost anything could go wrong, but I was impressed with how well everything fit. The hand protector was a bit long, by about 1/8 of an inch, which is not their fault, it's necessary, but a steady hand and patience with a hand file, I finally worked it down to a perfect fit. (a dremel tool would also work)
At this point, I can not be happier!! The stock is made tough and sturdy with an Excellent Factory Look and Fit. The telescoping shoulder stock works great, and the strap was an easy install. Can't wait so shoot it.