Choosing an SKS

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sta500rdr

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So I have decided that I would like to add an SKS to my collection. I thought that I would pass along some questions and see what you guys thought. What should I look at when inspecting them before purchase? How much should I expect to pay? Sometimes you see them at local sporting goods stores (dunhams, etc...), why not buy them there? Are they nice shooters? Should I get something different instead?
 
With any SKS follow the rules common to any used gun purchase.
Look over the gun. Has it been taken care of, or has it been used as a boat anchor? Look at the chamber and bore for any excessive wear.
Grasp the gas tube and check for excessive play...especially on a Yugo 59/66 model (one with the grenade launcher.) A very small amount of play is normal, but if it is too sloppy, pass on it. Check the trigger guard housing to ensure it is tight. If the gun is coated in cosmoline you will have to do a complete disassmebly and thorough cleaning before using it. be sure the gas port/gas tube area is spotless, and double clean the bolt/firing pin area.
Most SKS rifles have the free-floating firing pin, and if it sticks it will result in slamfiring.
They cost more, but the SKS rifles to snatch up are the Russians....if you can find one. I'd snatch an Albanian if I could find one.
 
Yep. Cosmetic flaws are fine. Mechanically, it needs to be sound.

Another couple things to look for-

1. Heavy corrosion inside the gas tube. If it's corroded badly, pass on it.
2. Check the bore and crown condition over very carefully. A dark bore is one thing(ok), corroded or pitted is another(not ok).
 
They are great rifles! just with the current circumstances, the prices are a little inflated (see them mostly in the 3-500 range), but you can still find deals, i got one for $100 2 months ago, and my dad got one fore $150 the next week at a show. We looked for about 3 months and waited on a price we liked.... some may say that might not be a wise decision given the chance they could be banned again, but i'll leave that up to you.

I think they are great shooters, i like them much better than AK's.

As mentioned above check bores, esp on the non-chrome lined Yugo's, and check gas tubes (esp on Yugo's) it's a piece of cake to pop the gas tube off and have a look-see. Personally i'd only worry about mechanical state, and the exterior condition of the metal cause i HATE the factory stocks on the things. but that's just my preference.

good luck! They are sweet guns!
 
If you do go Yugo(most common variant for sale right now)-

Check the gas valve for a nice snug fit. If it's corroded badly, you'll have cycling trouble. (There are replacement valves avalible) and there's a paper clip trick if you're really cheap.
 
I picked up a Yugo in "Very Good Condition" for 159$. I looked it over pretty thoroughly and it seems to be in "Very Good Condition". It just needs a good cleaning. Someone got a little carried away with the cosmoline. I hate the smell of that stuff. I will probably sit down this evening and carefully disassemble and clean the whole thing. Maybe once the temp comes up above 0 I will take it out and give it a shot.
 
This is the third thread in 5 minutes that I've reccomended this-


Take the bolt COMPLETELY apart. There WILL be cosmoline in the firing pin channel that requires physical removal. Boiling it or brake clean won't get it all. And if you don't get it all, it can stick the firing pin and slamfire the whole magazine. Also- pay attention to the firing pin when you pull it out, it has to go back in exactly the same way.
 
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