I've always thought that an SKS with a good 20-rd fixed mag was a better overall weapon than the AK.  (Speaking semi-auto, here).
I'm speaking of the better SKSs, namely the Russian versions, and similar.
I've always found them to be more accurate, and ergonomics are better, at least for me.
Reliability is up to AK levels on a good SKS, so the only downside is interchangeable mags.  On a semi-auto, IMHO, that's not as much of an issue as it would be on a full-auto.

It is called a "Model D" according to the website below:

[url]http://www.simonov.net/ubertypes.htm[/url]

Gib:

I will attempt to address your concerns on a few levels.  I start by stating that I shoot primarily commie surplus or commercial rifles.  I own a Yugo mauser and Romanian SARs, as well as a Romanian M-69 .22 bolt gun.  The reason is simple.  Best bang for the buck.  Lots of fun in a hobby that can get expensive verry fast.  In my case I have a nice variety of a collection or accumulation if you want to call it that, for the price of one first rate AR or other Domestic Model.  The AKs btw shoot circles around the mini-14 that I dumped.  I guess I should phrase that as the Mini-14 shot circles around the groups I got with the AKs.  

That said.  Your assertion about gun control does hit on a point.  The fact of the matter is that for most of the last Century the antis fought their battle on the basis of US v Them.  It was ok for US ie the people who could afford the best guns,  to have them, after all the affluent are low crime risk sort of people.  

The goal was to keep them, ie those of lower or moderate income from getting guns.  After all, its them who does the crimes.  Note the most boisterous Senator from California, she thought nothing of having a pistol, she just prefers others don't.  

In a sense you are right.  It irks people that the commies who pay no product liability insurance can make and market a product that is affordable to " Them ".  Worse yet, on the basic levels the commie product is just as effective as the domestic, overpriced product that was intended for " US ".  

This US v Them mentality is nothing new.  Its gone on for Millenia.  The wealthy control the arms and bar the poor from having them.  This is the natural order of things.  We Americans simply threw a wrench in the works of the world when we allowed everyone to be one of US.  See much to the chagrin of the commies, we are a classless society.  Anyone here is able to earn more money and join whatever social class they can afford.  This is why gun control rhetoric.  You see, it should apply to " Them ", not " US "

As to SKS v AK, both are good, I prefer AKs, only cause they are easier to clean.