Russian SKS question...

[BoneDigger]

I have an option to trade a handgun that I am valuing at $400 for a Russian SKS. He says that it has maybe 50-60 rounds through it, and he has the box for it. Said he bought it new. Anyone know a value for a like-new Russian SKS? I looked around on the web a while and found a few, but it's hard to say if any are selling at the prices they are listed for. I thought you guys might help me out. Would it be worth $400? He is somewhat local so no shipping would have to happen. He seems like a nice guy so I am pretty sure what he says about the gun is accurate. It also has the bayonnette and some pouches and stuff. Ideas?

Todd

 

[doubleg]

Sounds like a decent price for a Russian, I like them more just because they seem more authentic. Check the bore, muzzle, and action, then if you think its worth it pay up. There aren't exactly set prices for used guns.

 

[jlpskydive]

Values on them can be all over the place depending on the gun. See if you can get a pic and some other info and ask this over at the sksboards.com
400 seems high to me unless it's perfect.

 

[cornman]

I saw a never fired one for $250.

 

[davera]

$400 sounds pretty high. A friend got a Tula Arsenal SKS recently for $280. It was in very nice condition.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

If you can get the arsenal markings and markings on the gun itself it would help determine. I know most Russian SKS's are re-arsenaled but there are a small few non-rearsenaled ones that go for a fair amount more

 

[atblis]

Fwiw

Around me, $200-$300 is about what they Sell for. I just picked up one in superb condition for $200 out the door.

 

[Cosmoline]

There are different kinds of SKS's just as there are different kinds of Mauser or Mosins. An intact SKS-45 from the USSR with an early design and original stock with no rearsenal marks (box with slash) would be a BARGAIN at four bills. The rearsenaled ones with laminated stocks usually run for $250 to $350 depending on condition. If it's bubba'd it's worth maybe $150.

 

[Jackal]

For $400, you would be better off buying a Yugo SKS, a case of ammo and a trigger job.

 

[RobTzu]

I would not buy a Russian SKS. It will turn you into a pyscho and make you shoot people at the mall. It is that powerful of a weapon. You will be helpless against its siren song, unless you are a cape wearing LEO or Military person. Tread carefully, that is dangerous ground you are heading to.

 

[Vaarok]

Average value of a Russian is $275-350, seems a bit high. If the rifle's all stamped matching and has a pleasing stock grain, though, it's not unreasonable.

 

[nwilliams]

I paid $375 for my "unfired" (of course they are all fired at the factory when produced) all matching #'s, Russian 1954 Tula a few years ago and I have yet to stumble across a prettier SKS anywhere.....it is even marked with a "1"on the front sight which I've heard indicates a high accuracy rating when it was factory tested, but I have yet to find confirmation on this rumor. Sure she's a safe queen, but I didn't buy her to be a range rifle, I have cheaper SKS's that I can shoot for fun.

$400 isn't bad depending on the condition of the rifle and if all the parts match and its not an arsenal refinish. If it is an arsenal refinish job I wouldn't pay much more than $250-$300 for it, if its all original and in great condition then I say go for it.


another pic...shows the wood grain a little better....

 

[FMJMIKE]

I remember when they cost $99 for the laminated stock Russian SKS rifles.... Those were the days..........

 

[stubbicatt]

The price your friend is asking is a bit high unless it is Izhevsk or the really early versions up to '51 I think, when the barrel attachment end of the receivers were beefed up.

 

[tubeshooter]

Since it is basically a gun-for-gun trade, I wouldn't get too hung up on the $400 figure. You don't say exactly what you are trading...

Remember, he might not think your gun is worth $400 just because you do.


Just honestly ask yourself if you'll feel bad about the deal once you've walked away. You probably already know the answer deep down. That's all that really matters in the end.

 

[nwilliams]

remember you can always check out gunbroker.com to get an idea of what people are selling and paying for them....doesn't tell you what the gun you're looking at is worth but it may give you an idea of what to expect.

 

[atblis]

GunBorker

On GunBorker,
Ones that actually sold or were bid on (not sucker prices)

Nice Tulas made around 1954 went for from $240 to $350. $300-$350 being more common.

Someone appears to have paid $500 for a NIB Rearsenaled Laminated Tula. Idiot

Nice Izzys go for about 400-500

Early Tulas (1950 or so) seem to go for about 400-500