Please help me to decide (SKS help needed)

[Tigerclaw_x]

Hello, folks.
I have a choice of two SKS. Same price.
1) Chinese Milled SKS with screwed in barrel. Spiked Bayonet
2) Romanian SKS. Bladed Bayonet.

Both guns have: synthetic monte carlo stocks.
Chinese has picatinni rail mounted on the rear of the receiver.
Chinese is "Bore in great condition" rest of the gun in 98% condition.
ROmanian is "Near new condition"
Both are at the same price: $200.
I have heard good things about both. Chinese and Romanian.
PLEASE. HELP!!!
I only fired Russian SKS. However, I can't afford one. I will have to buy one out of those two. Can you, please, advice?

D

 

[kingjoey]

The Romanian is less common and usually a lot better quality. I have a 1958 Romy that will outshoot any other 7.62x39 gun I own. Probably the closest in finish and quality to the Russian. For $200 bucks I'd scoop up any Romy in decent condition

 

[ShunZu]

Would have to echo Kingjoey's comments about the Romainian. However, I have a paratrooper milled Chinese SKS that's decent in quality and shoots well, too.

From a collector's point of view, the Romanian wins hands-down.

Good luck with your decision and new piece.

 

[rklessdriver]

I have both a Romi and a Norinco. Both are fine rifles.

From a collectors stand point the Romi is less common and the fact that the one you are looking at is in like new conditions makes it more so. The missing of the factory stock hurts the collector value quite a bit thou. My Romi is well used looking on the outside but mech perfect. Most all Romi's I have seen are in this condition (advertised as VG to Good). They were everywhere for sale for about a year, then the supply dried up faster than the Sarah after a light rain sprinkle.

The China SKS's are more common, easier to find and as a rule (with a few exceptions) worth less $$$.

Either would make a fine shooter for you.
Will

 

[Bartkowski]

Buy the Romanian if you can only buy one. I see chinese ones at most gun shows, and at some stores but have only seen one Romanian that my friend owns.

 

[jrfoxx]

The Romanian is less common

If nothing else, I agree with that. I have never personally seen one for sle anywhere, but I have seen TON of Russian, Yugos, etc.It's not like they are rare, but you get the idea. I'd get it just based on that, personally. Plus, I think the blade bayo's are neater looking than the spike, so added bonus. YMMV on that one, however.

 

[spiroxlii]

Go with the Romanian for its rarity, but both should be fine rifles at that price.

Whichever one you buy... tell me where the other one is.

 

[buck00]

Both guns have: synthetic monte carlo stocks.

If you still had access to the original wood stock, I would say go with the Romanian. But at this point it doesn't make a difference... it could be a Yugo and would shoot the same.