[Blain]

I just saw that AIM has new Albanian SKS's up with spike bayonet, buttstock compartment, and maybe chrome lined bores?

Also, they have limited time special of $99 Yugo SKSs.....

So which is the better rifle? Which would you prefer?

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Albanian_SKS__7_62x39_Rifle.html#a50

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/albanianfinal.gif

[Dorrin79]

I prefer the Yugo - it seems better put together than the Albanian.

That said, the Albanians are a lot rarer, and may be worth something as collecters one day. Probably not the case with the extremely plentiful Yugos.

[No4Mk1]

Funny, but they seem to keep turning up more and more of those "rare" Albanian SKS's. From what I have heard the Yugo's are better made and generally in better condition. That is where I put my money.

In my opinion, saying that the Albanian SKS will be more collectible one day than the Yugo is sort of like saying that a Chevy Cavalier will one day be more collectible than a Ford Festiva. Possibly a true statement, but not particularly meaningful.

Don't think you can go wrong in either case, but remember if they are truly rare, that also means they will be harder to find parts and accessories for in the long run.

Just my opinion and worth everything you paid for it! ;)

[DMK]

I've got examples of each varient of SKS except Russain. My Albanian is the worst made of the bunch. These things make Norincos look like they were made by H&K. Poor quality machining, horrible trigger, ill fitting assembly. Accuracy on mine's poor, even my SAR1 outshoots it. It's got nice bluing though.

If you want collectability, get the Albanian, there are way less made than Yugo 59/66s. If you want a good, well made shooter, get anything else.

I've got 4 Yugo 59/66s. They are nicely made and very decent shooters. I love the beech stocks on some of them. Buy the best condition you can afford.

[Route 66]

If collectibility is what you want then get the very best, condition-wise you can afford. I've learned that lesson with other guns (Broomhandle Mausers), coins and cars (Corvettes). The nearer you have an item that is new, like new or pritine the higher it will go in value over time versus another example of the same item in lesser condition. So if you want collectibility buy the select grade for $199.95 and put it away somewhere. Then buy the shooter grade and blast away!