Russian SKS

[Just Jim]

I came across a Russian SKS today. I don't know much about them but the fit and finnish of this gun is far beyond the Chinese guns. Can anyone tell me about the Russian guns?

JJ

 

[Plink]

I have 2 Russians and a bunch of other models. The Russians do indeed have a far better level of fit and finish. SKSes being as reliable and durable as they are, I haven't seen any benefits of the Russian model over the others. They tend to be about the same in accuracy also. The one thing I do find is that they're consistently good quality, whereas the Chinese models are somewhat of a crapshoot unless you get an early import. The Russian models seem to hold their value better too, so if you find a good deal on one, it'd be a good model to buy. I picked up a cherry '51 Tula a few years back. I guess it had been rearsenalled for the US market, as it has a high level of metal polish and is blued (including the bayonet). Pretty gun for an SKS.

 

[Pat Theman]

Good Buy.

I got my '52 Tula for $150 about six monthes ago. It was all original from the #'s and complete with the cleaning kit. I have had too much fun with the thing. Now all my buddies are trying to find some. I told them all to get russians, but no one can find them around here for less then $500. In fact a local gunstore i went into had a Norinco(chinese) sks for $450. I couldnt believe it. In short, you got a great deal! I hope you enjoy yours as much as i have mine.

 

[buck00]

A Russian will fetch $350 plus, sometimes up to $500 depending on condition and year. Go to www.gunbroker.com to check the market prices- but local prices (gun shows and pawn shops) might be lower.

Of course you always get some billy Bob bragging about how he bought a pristine Russian SKS for $149.99 in east Kentucky... and it's funny how everyone seems to brag about such deals on THR but the actual market price everywhere else is well over $300. Good luck!

 

[jimmy]

Several years ago I paid $339 for a 1954 Tula SKS with original finish in excellent condition. At the time, this seemed like a lot of money for an SKS, but since then I haven't come across one as nice and don't regret paying it. The quality of the Soviet guns is quite high.

 

[eliphalet]

Of course you always get some billy Bob bragging about how he bought a pristine Russian SKS for $149.99

Hot dang boy, I gots me one cheepern'at, but that were here in Idahoe and I ain't a got a clue what they go fer in Ky.

Depends on when/where ya bought it. I paid $125 for the one I just traded for a Marlin 39 recently. I admit it was bought a few years ago, but still about all they are worth IMHO. I have had several different makes of SKS's, all would make great toolbox or behind the pickup seat guns.
I just don't understand why guys would pay hundreds for a third world military, heavy, awkward gun, when for about the same amount of money good firearms can be had. Now if you can get one cheap, and ammo cheap, they can be fun and very useful but no way worth a 500 dollar bill. But, again my own personal opinion ,and lots of guys feel different about em, but I wonder if many of them have had many good, quality guns.

$500 will get ya a purrty nice used rifle if ya shop a bit.

Last SKS I had I bought at a yard sale this weekend but had it sold in less than 24 hours. Took some of that money and bought a Remington auto in 30-06 with a 3X9 VariXII Leupold on it for $325, A substantial step up in power and quality with a great scope to boot, good trade I kinda thought.