My friend's father wants to sell his SKS. I spoke with him on the phone tonight and it is a Norinco SKS with synthetic folding stock, bayonet, and according to him, only about 50-60 rounds fired through it. He said he's had it for years, but never really used it, and now wants to sell it, asking $250-300 along with some "hunting" rounds and some mil-surp rounds, not sure how many. He also said he had a "big" magazine (I'm assuming a 30-round) and the "regular" magazine. He said its in great condition and barely used. Now I don't know squat about these rifles. I've always thought it would be fun to have this type of rifle for target use and a fun gun, but never really considered it much. Now I have the opportunity to buy one and am wondering if I should take him up on the offer. He invited me out to his farm shoot it and check it out, but I have no idea what to even look for in one of these. He's a good guy and I know he wouldn't try to rip me off, but would 250 be a deal on this rifle if it really is in good condition? I know prices are inflated right now, but not considering the political climate, is it worth $250-300 for the package? Any help and insight would be appreciated.
Is this a good deal on a Norinco SKS? A little help? :)
- Thread starter JeffDilla
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Thanks for the response. So do you think it's a deal because that's what people are willing to pay for them, or is the gun itself actually worth that much? I guess the reason I'm asking is because I'm not dead set on getting one of these rifles, I just figured if it was a really good deal then I'd take him up on the offer, but if its average or nothing special, then I don't know if I will. I'm kind of torn...
Yes, it's worth the money. It takes a lot to wear out an SKS, and if it's in good condition externally there's a real good chance it's in good shape internally.
I'd ask if he has the wood stock to go along with it. The SKS is easily bubbafied but is at its best in original .mil configuration.
The "big mags" have about a 50/50 chance of being reliable. I had a couple with my first SKS and after having random FTF problems I dumped them off. The 10rd "regular mag" has been 100% reliable in the three SKS's that I own.
Go on down to the farm and shoot it. Your mind will quickly be put at ease and you'll have no problem dropping $250 on it.
I'd ask if he has the wood stock to go along with it. The SKS is easily bubbafied but is at its best in original .mil configuration.
The "big mags" have about a 50/50 chance of being reliable. I had a couple with my first SKS and after having random FTF problems I dumped them off. The 10rd "regular mag" has been 100% reliable in the three SKS's that I own.
Go on down to the farm and shoot it. Your mind will quickly be put at ease and you'll have no problem dropping $250 on it.
franconialocal
Member
I've had a NORINCO SKS for years now. Iron sights, folding stock, just a real bare bones rifle. I've been very impressed with mine as far as accuracy, reliability, etc. I would say with confidence that if you can get it for around $300.00 then you're doing fine. You'll really enjoy it. The ONLY thing I'm not a big fan of are the mags. Kinda wish they mounted "flush" like AR mags....but that's my only gripe.
Ignition Override
Member
Shouldn't he read about possible 'slam-fires'?
"SKSboards" can be really informative. I read about a 'very bad situation' in CA, but slam-fires as a category seem to be pretty rare.
They appear to only happen now and then if cosmoline is still in the firing pin channel (it has a free-floating pin), or with American ammo (?), which has softer primers than Russian ammo.
"SKSboards" can be really informative. I read about a 'very bad situation' in CA, but slam-fires as a category seem to be pretty rare.
They appear to only happen now and then if cosmoline is still in the firing pin channel (it has a free-floating pin), or with American ammo (?), which has softer primers than Russian ammo.
MRIman
Member
Make sure he offers the standard magazine with it,and if he can find
the org. stock get it.
the org. stock get it.
wnycollector
Member
I sold one of my norinco sks' 2 years ago for $215. I think $250 is a good deal.
J_L_A
Member
Buy it. You won't be sorry at that price..... especially with the extras you're getting.
Is there anything in particular to look for for "warning signs" or defects that would make it a bad purchase? Sorry for all of the questions, I know next to nothing about these type of rifles. I'm doing some reading about them to try and learn more before I go to check it out.
J_L_A
Member
Noooooo....for the love of god.....don't Bubbatize it 
Ha, I don't plan on it, I was just at the SKS board and happened to come across the thread of bubbatized rifles. From what it sounds like, the one I might be buying is already somewhat bubbatized with the folding synthetic stock.
mordechaianiliewicz
Member
That's a good price. Especially given what you will get along with the weapon itself.
rovieairto
Member
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Just buy it.
I have one and rarely shoot it but it has always worked fine.
Mine wears the original wood stock with the ten round magazine
I have one and rarely shoot it but it has always worked fine.
Mine wears the original wood stock with the ten round magazine
I bought a 20" Norinco, unissued recently for $150 (from a friend). I've added a tech peep sight, fine front post, murray firing pin, and a john masen extended rubber butt pad. Next i'm getting a kivaari trigger job. It'll be the perfect sks
Forgot to say: Buy it, thats still a fine price.
Forgot to say: Buy it, thats still a fine price.
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He just emailed me pictures of the rifle. It's the longer barreled version, I was kind of hoping for the model with the short barrel. It looks like its in good condition. He doesn't have the original stock for it either. Still contemplating...
Offer him $250 cash and enjoy. Personally I don't care for the aftermarket stocks and removable magazine conversion but a semi auto with ammo and a couple mags for $250 is decent, not a smoking deal though. You may try offering him $200 bucks just to see if he will take it.
Edit: Just saw your last post. Keep looking then there are a boat load of SKSs out there. Or see if you can get him down to $200.
Edit: Just saw your last post. Keep looking then there are a boat load of SKSs out there. Or see if you can get him down to $200.
Killermonkey21
Member
You said it has a "big" magazine...if this "big" magazine is an AK magazine...and it works with the rifle, and it hasn't been modified for it, it means he has an SKS-M, which accepts AK mags. I've seen those go for $700-$800 on GunBroker.
If not, then $250 is a good deal for all those extras.
If not, then $250 is a good deal for all those extras.
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