SKS question

[Gordon_Freeman]

I am thinking about buying an SKS that I saw online. It is a Yugoslavian series 59 in "pristine" condition priced at $380. They have been rebuilt and refinished with new barrels.
I know that SKS's have increased in price a lot in the last several years. Does this sound like a good deal? Will these increase in value over the years?

 

[WardenWolf]

I know the ad you speak of. It's expensive for an SKS, but you're not likely to find one nicer in the price range. You're basically buying a brand new rifle. They'll certainly go up in value, as truly nice SKS rifles that haven't been abused with corrosive ammo become harder to find. It's up to you. I've got a very nice Romanian, so I won't be buying one myself, though I'd definitely be eyeing one otherwise. It's certainly a better deal than a Mini-30. Half the price and much more accurate.

 

[jawn]

I also know which site you speak of, and while you may find an unissued Yugo SKS for less elsewhere, the ones on the site are pretty much factory fresh. I bought my Norinco for a bit less a few months ago, and I love it. If you don't already have an SKS, and you want one, you might as well get one of these. The SKS has actually been steadily increasing in value over the last few years, and short of the US re-allowing imports from China, I don't think there's much of a chance of the price of SKS rifles coming back down.

 

[2ndAmFan]

Not that great a price really. If you really want one I guess it's worth it, but I would hesitate to spend that much on one. I already own a Russian which has more than tripled in value since I bought it years ago though and the gun you're looking at may go up in value. Impossible to say. Also if you shop around you can get a nice SKS for around $250-$300. You can get an AK for about $400, and that may be something to think about.

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Thanks guys. I don't own an SKS yet. After seeing Hickok45's SKS youtube vids, I have been wanting one. Those folding bayonets look nice.

 

[FlyinBryan]

to me that seems a bit pricey for an sks,,,,, on the other hand those yugo sks' get rave reviews.

we have a shorty chinese sks that was purchased new back in 1985 (ish) already fitted for ak mags,,,,,, and considering that it lives in a save with a half dozen m1 garands and ar15's,,,,, it gets its fair share of use.

ours isnt going anywhere. too much fun.

 

[Ignition Override]

Mr. Freeman:
Can you attend a nearby gun show or two before your cash (or plastic) burns a hole in your pocket? At least you won't pay shipping or FFL costs, and you can inspect it.

I've missed our last two shows, but fairly often somebody has a good/good+ Russian, listed for about $425.
Russkies are the true classics and have:
1) chrome-lined bores,
2) blade bayonets,
3) no grenade launcher, which adds an unnecessary fwd. c.g., extra length and clutter.
4) usually the most attractive wood colors, if not abused.
The red/brown wood is normally more attractive than what is on my (5) Enfields, Garand, Norinco SKS, Yugo or Spanish FR8 Mauser, and none of these were abused (or refinished).

 

[Davek1977]

http://content.yudu.com/A1sqeo/Cabelas1FERapidCity/resources/index.htm

NEW Yugos at $300, and I wouldn't pay more myself, but would have a hard time buying ANY SKs in today's market since I bought a new Norinco about 20 years ago for $100....I personally prefer the Norincos over Yugos anyway

 

[sarge83]

I have norinco, russian, romanian and yugo sks's. I prefer the nornico's myself and like the yugo's the least. The most I paid for any of these was $300 for the russian in 2009. If I remember correctly the yugo's are the only ones without chrome lined barrels.

If you can find a norinco D or M model it will take true AK-47 magazines. Avoid the duckbilled extended mags, most do not work and are a pain to change out quickly.

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

I just checked another popular site and the yugo sks is selling for $50 cheaper, but they are in "good to very good condition." $20 extra for a hand pick that shows less wear, and that would come out to $350. That is not much of a choice if I could pick up a pristine one for $380 at the other site.
So if I do get one, it looks like the one for $380 in "pristine" condition is the best deal.

 

[WardenWolf]

Well, the $50 cheaper is because they haven't been refurbished. The ones on that site have brand new barrels. To me, that would be worth the extra money, as the Yugos don't have chrome-lined bores and corrosive ammo has often done a number on them. The real plus is these Yugos don't have the grenade launcher, so they are lighter, less clunky, and less problem-prone. You're buying what is essentially a brand new gun, in the same class of rifle as the Mini-14 and Mini-30. Only these are much more accurate and still half the cost. When you look at it that way, it's still a good deal.

 

[bigfatdave]

how is "replaced barrel" the same as "pristine"?

I'm not saying it is a bad price (a good condition Yugo unfired would run about that at the local gun-show ... with a lot of haggle room in most cases)
I just don't know if a re-barrel will fix the problems a shot-out SKS would have in the first place, assuming it needed a new barrel because of corrosive ammo and neglect, what else will be corroded and neglected?

You can still find unfired Yugo SKS rifles in cosmoline, I'd go that route. (wait a minute, I did go that route!)

Either way, if you get one, I'd highly recommend adding tech-sights to the package AND I'll point out that the tool TS sells for SKS/AK rifle sights is the only cheap portable one I've found that fits my Yugo SKS's front post.

 

[bigedp51]

Yugo SKS do not have chrome lined bores and on top of this they were used during the civil war in the old Yugoslavia by civilian paramilitary units (abused) and a used Yugo SKS can be a crap shoot. Severely pitted and frosted bores and leaking gas valves were a big problem on the 59/66 SKS.

Below, top Yugo 59/66, bottom Norinco SKS with chrome bore and gas system. At the same site they are asking $200 for a M44 Mosin and I paid $70 for the one I have. The Yugo 59 are demanding a higher price because they are harder to find and many were converted to 59/66 configuration.

 

[FenderTK421]

I had been keeping an eye out as well - I wanted a stock sks for a decent price. Kept seeing tackycool mods w/ plastic stocks and a/m mags for $400+. Finally called on an add for a stock Norinco for $250 about 2 months ago. When I got there I found a brand new Norinco Sporter still in the white cardboard box (said it was imported to Pomona CA, so I know it has been in that box since at least '94) covered in cosmoline, tag wired to trigger guard and original owners manual and accessory kit in place. I paid immediately. Then I saw that he had a Russian in the same state (also boxed and pristine) for $550. Why didn't I bring more money??? :banghead: