I know that you can’t have an SKS with a detachable magazine in CA, but at what point is an SKS no longer an SKS?  Are there parts of it you can change out to make it technically no longer an SKS?  
- Sulaco

technically, you always have to have the receiver.  since the receiver by itself is technically what is considered a firearm, then no, it will always be an sks.

Isn't an SKS basically a Mini14 with a fixed 10rd mag.  How did the Caliban ever ban a SKS with detachable mag, but not an Mini?

Can anyone figure this one out?

Beats me,
They have the power to add weapons that are similar to the ones that were on the list to begin with.  But how in the world did they make the comparison of SKS to AK?  I think I'll ask the DOJ, a lot of good that will do though.  Are any parts of an SKS interchangeable with an AK?  I believe they also have a different type of magazine as well.

I wonder if C&R SKS’ are treated the same in regards to detachable magazines.

Edited to add: I believe the Mini14 and the SKS both share the same operational principles, so yes they are the same.  I also believe that there are Mini14 high capacity magazines as well.  So why are they outlawed – ask the Governor, he had some good reason for doing it.

- Sulaco