Just picked up a really nice Russian SKS yesterday. Beautiful rifle, all matching excellect condition. Only problem is the gas tube is a little loose. It has a a kind of rotating side to side movement of the entire tube not just the handguard but not back and forth. I did a little research and it seems possible that it may cause cycling problems if the loose fit is severe enough. Are there any fixs for this except for replacing the gas tube?

Not being a smart ass but go shoot it and see how it does.   May be just fine.   The SKS is such a rugged platform it should be OK.

If I understand what item you are asking about some are so tight that you have to work to get them out.  Others almost fall out/off.

At least in my experience.   I've had maybe 2 dozen SKS.  Bought them cheap years ago.


GD

I wouldn't worry, my Yugo M59/66A1 rotates in exactly the same way.