Are the Yugo SKSs high quality (for an SKS)...

[Kestrel]

I have a Chinese SKS and am thinking about getting another one. I've seen some Yugo SKSs advertised that have a bayonet on them. Are these higher quality than the Chinese?

How do they compare to the Russian ones? Are there better ones to consider?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[SodaPop]

In short, NO!

They are worth the money but the bottom of the food chain.


They are the only SKS that I am aware of that doesn't have a chrome barrel.

I have a Russian SKS and have kept my eyes open for another Russian SKS. I passed on the Yugos because of the unchromed barrels.

 

[iamkris]

I wasn't aware that a chromed barrel naturally = quality. If I was going to slug it through the dripping fetid armpit of Vietnam, maybe I'd want the bore to be chromed. For the type of shooting that most of us do, non-chromed seems like it would be OK.

I bought one of the unissued Yugo 59/66A1s from AIM. $149 shipped. It has excellent machining, is sturdy, reasonably accurate for the rifle type (prolly 4 MOA) and is a heck of a lot of fun to shoot. Lots of history and its a neat little rifle.

The only consistent complaint I've heard about the Yugo's is that the gas block valve tends to corrode because of poor maintenance. Its trigger suffers the same maladies as other SKSs but certainly no where near as bad as the Albanians or some of the others of late. From what I understand, the Russians and older Chinese are tops for the type. I certainly wouldn't call the Yugo the bottom of the food chain, however. Absolutely worth the money in my opinon.

 

[eatatjoes]

"not all sks rifles are created equal"

I think you really need to physically inspect the rifle before you buy. now i know that might be possible if you C&R mail order it, but if you can hold the gun, work the action, and get a feel for it that would be best. It seems all makes of SKS rifles can be made very well but they can also be made very poorly. I've seen a Russian sks that I wouldn't give away for free, but I've also seen one in such great condition and such a great shooter it was hard to believe they are the same make of firearm. For the price I think the Yugo is a great deal, it is slightly longer and heavier than the usual suspects and feels more stable at the range. Just remember to shop around and find one you like and things should be fine.

 

[dave3006]

They are $150. That is practically free. Some people spend that on flashlights for their rifle. Buy a couple. Shoot them for fun. Who knows, maybe you will have to arm a neighbor in a SHTF scenario. I could not think of a better weapon to lend out.

 

[Feanaro]

The Yugos are supposedly a bit heavy and tougher, due to the hot ammunition the Yugoslavians used. I can't say for myself about the extra strength but they are as good or better than a nice Russian SKS. Definately not "bottom of the food chain". I would rate them slightly above the Norinco/Chinese SKS rifles. As for the barrel not being chrome plated, it really doesn't seem to matter too much. Sure, it's nice, but it's not a must have.

I'd take it myself. Of course, I'd buy two of every rifle if I could afford it.

 

[eatatjoes]

I'd take it myself. Of course, I'd buy two of every rifle if I could afford it.

shoot, who needs a house?

 

[Kestrel]

How much do unissued pre-ban Chinese SKSs go for?

What do the Russian SKSs go for?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[DMK]

I'd say that they are generally of higher quality IF you are comparing rifles of equal condition. Always get a Yugo SKS in the best condition you can afford.

The chrome bore/ no chrome bore doesn't bother me if they are both "like new" condition. However, if you buy one of the lower condition rifles, poor maintenance may have effected a Yugo more than the Norinco.

Another problem spot is the gas valve on the Yugo. Again, if the rifle is prperly maintained, you shouldn't have a problem with it.

SteveW13, nice Russians usually go for around $300 to $350. Nice Norincos go for $150 to $200.

Pre-ban doesn't mean squat for an SKS unless the seller has some paperwork to back it up, then it would probably be considerably more expensive. Documented pre-bans are very rare.

 

[jrhead75]

A nice Russian is tough to beat, but they can cost twice as much as an "unissued" Yugo. Bottom of the food chain? Not even close IMO, they're built like a tank. Mine is in like new condition, and is plenty accurate and dependable. As for the non chrome bore...keep it clean, and shoot non-corrosive ammo! No big deal considering the plentiful, cheap, new production 7.62x39 ammo that's available. Many of the Yugos have been rebarrelled, and considering the Yugos were produced until the late 70s/early 80s, they can be dang near new (for a C&R rifle).

To give you a short(er) answer to your question...I can't speak for all of 'em, just mine, but yes, they are high quality(for an SKS).

 

[Newton]

You can still get a cherry Yugo, completely unfired and immaculate (some with blond wood) for maybe $180.

They would be infinitely better with the the grenade launcher, GL sight, bayonet and 6 inches of the barrel removed, but as that's difficult to do without it becoming illegal on a C&R rifle, I would advise against it.

I own a used Yugo that functions absolutely perfectly, I paid too much for it at $169, but when you're talking about prices like that, who cares.

Sure it's over-long and nose heavy, but they're great guns to have around and VERY cheap to shoot. In short they're a no brainer, and yes, the Yugo is built like a tank, never heard of one having a KB, just keep that firing pin channel clean and you'll be in good shape.

 

[Skibane]

Actually, the Albanians seem to be the bottom-feeders of the SKS world. Yugos are very nicely machined, and one in good condition will easily last a lifetime if properly maintained. With prices on like-new Yugos currently hovering at around $150 (delivered, no less!), there is probably no better rifle value available ANYWHERE.

 

[jar]

Another Yugo fan. I was lucky enough to get an unissued Yugo for under 4130.00 delivered. At that price there is little out there that would compare. Look around and you can still find great Yugos and reasonable prices.

As to the chromed/non-chromed discussion, I never found much difference in accuracy between the two. I find a far greater difference between individual guns than between barrel lining. Afterall, the SKS was never meant to be a target rifle.

 

[telewinz]

I have two "russians" and I think they are the best as far as looks and desirability. I got both of mine at a pawn shop for $199 each. I prefere the chrome lining but not to the extent that I would pass-up a minty Yugo for $180. The Yugo is built more sturdy than any other SKS and if you don't mind the extra weight, it is a fine choice in it's own right. Just because it's common NOW doesn't mean its inferior, even the Chicom SKS works just fine.

 

[Gewehr98]

I agree with iamkris.

I wasn't aware that a chromed barrel naturally = quality.

I have oodles of military and commercial rifles that aren't chrome-bored. Krieger-barreled M14NM, Marlin-barreled M1 Garand, Remington 700 PSS, etc. My Yugo SKS is one of the non-chromed rifles. It also happens to be the best-shooting of the three styles I've owned over the last 12 years, to include the Chinese and Russian variants. Granted, you'll have to be selective when buying a Yugo SKS, so that the bore doesn't look like 20 miles of bad road. Not too hard to accomplish, though, and penlights/bore lights are a relatively cheap investment.

Best sub-$200 gun I've owned in quite some time, as a matter of fact!

 

[MagKnightX]

jar, I hope you forgot to press the shift key somewhere in there...

Anyhoo, I would have to say that if the bore is not rusted out, and the gas port is fine, get the Yugo just for the cool factor of having a grenade launcher. And you can use it as a "bolt action" with the gas stop engaged. But that's just my opinion.

 

[iamkris]

Gewehr98

Thanks for picking up my sarcasm

By the way, where did you get that stock??? ME LIKE! I typiclly disapprove of changing original military configurations (e.g., putting composite Dragonov stock on an SKS) but that is one attractive combo you have there!

 

[Kestrel]

Yep, Gewehr - that's a good looking stocl. What kind is it and where did you get it?

Steve

 

[BamBam-31]

Methinks it's a www.nouglyguns.com stock.

 

[Gewehr98]

Bam-Bam has it right.

From NoUglyGuns.com. It's their East German "Rain" camo pattern. This particular SKS came with a horrible-looking wood stock, and either I spent the time and elbow grease to clean it up, or dabble with a camo synthetic. The installation of this stock is where I learned exactly how much difference there is in the dimensions between the Chinese, Russian, and Yugoslavian SKS rifles. Thank goodness for the invention of the Dremel Tool.

I'd sold my earlier Chinese SKS because it wouldn't group too well, usually 4-6" at 100 yards, even with my match 7.62x39 handloads. So you could imagine my surprise when this old Yugo laid them in there more tightly, even with all that extra hardware hanging off the barrel. I've gotten a couple groups that broke through 2", which is on par with my Bulgarian milled AK. So much for chrome-lined bores!

 

[bogie]

Chrome lined bores? Maybe that's why most SKS and AK rifles don't shoot all that accurately...

 

[SodaPop]

The Yugo is a great gun for the money. I still think the only thing better than a Chinese SKS is a good Russian one.

The chrome bore on an SKS is gonna last longer. Clean your barrels and you'll be ok.