[Fly'nBuff]

I'm looking at purchasing an SKS real soon. The local shop has some Yugos in stock, but I was wondering if I should be looking for other countries of origin. For $100, I might as well grab one, but I'm looking for any advise on the matter. Thanks

[mmike87]

http://www.interordnance.com/

Has unissued Yugos in stock right now for under $150. The Yugos are well built, however lack the chrome lined barrel. This is probably not a big deal for an unissued gun, as you can properly take care of it from the get-go.

I am thinking of snagging one myself to try out my new C&R license.

As far as other countries, I know the Russian ones are held in high regard - but that's a lot due to them being more rare than being "better."

I think a new Yugo is a fine purchase ... but for under $150 I'd snag an unissued one. :)

[rustymaggot]

ive shot both russian and chinese sks. i like the russian better. its like the difference between the feel of a snapon set of wrenches vs a taiwan knockoff. russian are just better made and feel like quality, chinese feel cheap. the cheapo ones probably are as tough and reliable as the russian, but the russian i could feel pride in owning. it was a very smooth and well made gun.

[dfaugh]

I dunno..alot of people don't seem to like the Chinese, but mines very well put together, at least as good as my unissued Yugo. I've passed on several Russians, because they go for premium prices, and every one I've seen is pretty beat up.

But, the short answer is, the Yugos are good values right now...Try and find an un-issued (or re-arsenaled) one if you can...I paid $129 for mine at Dunham's.

[Technosavant]

The Yugos are the current imports. Mine works just fine- you just want to be sure you clean it so the bore doesn't get nasty. The only downside to the 59/66 (the most widely available model) is the grenade launcher that adds a bit of length and weight to the gun.

[Pilot]

If you can find a Russian for under $300, grab it. I have two and love em. Nothing wrong with the Yugos excpet they are a bit nose heavy due to the grenade launcher.

[Limeyfellow]

You can occasionally find the m59 Yugos without the grenade launcher and sight and its alot lighter at the nose that way, though doesn't have the 59/66 gas valve control either like other SKS'. They do tend to be alot chunkier and well built with thicker barrels and recievers than the others.

Still hasn't got as nicer a finish as the Russian ones however and lacks a chrome lined barrel due to political difficulities when they were built between Yugoslavia and Russia, since the former had little ore to do this to their rifles but for most people its not like it will matter much.

Chinese ones are generally liked, though there was 4 years of imports where you aren't allowed a bayonet on them and of course the price has gone up and up since the ban on Chinese firearms in the US, which I am assured had nothing to do with the majority of firearms being bought in the US were Chinese and it was eating away at domestic companies profits.

Russian ones are really nice but also the most expensive. Usually a pleasure to shoot.

[TrafficMan]

i have the "regular" M59 Yugo. It's a good rifle. :cool:

[Lumino]

I have a Norinco (Chinese) SKS in pristine condition and of very good quality with the separate bayonet (BATF rules state you cannot attach a bayonet to a Chinese SKS). This might be a good reason not to get a Chinese version.

I've shot several different Yugo's and they are fun and of good quality.

Lumino----

[ball3006]

before the price goes up. My Chinese SKS is the most accurate SKS I have. As stated above, the Yugo does not have a chrome lined barrel but if you pick up one with a nice bore, general cleaning after shooting will keep it that way....chris3

[buck00]

I agree with Ball3006, the prices of Yugos will rise eventually once the supply dries up, and you'll be kicking yourself :banghead: for not getting one now. It happened with the Russians.

$150 for a Yugo is nothing in the long run.

As of now I have a Russian 1950 Tula. I am probably going to pick up two Yugos, one to shoot and one to save.

[Cosmoline]

I've been very happy with my Tula SKS-45. I put a brass shim in the stock to lock down the action and since then it's been giving me excellent groups. About 2" at 75 yards with quality ammo, 3" with ball.

[kfranz]

Buy the Yugo, today. Then go find a plasma donation center. Donate a time or two, then send off your application for your C&R which will allow you to skip the sales tax, middle man and wasted gas driving to the gun shop. While you are waiting for the license to arrive, continue donating and buying Yugos at the rate of about 1 every two weeks, just to get used to the feeling of accumulating rifles. Perhaps a stint in their somewhere to stock up on ammo, but you get the drift.

Repeat until the closet is full... :)