I recently aquired an example of the Yugoslav SKS's. Cleaning it of cosmoline was a lot like opening a christmas present. What I discovered beneath the crap was quite a surprise. 98% blue and a clean, bright bore set into a teak stock. Quite a bit nicer than what I've seen on any chinese examples of this rifle. My initial thought was something like "my God, this is an expensive, high quality rifle". A trip to the range confirmed my suspicions. This rifle is a truely unbelievable value for the money. My question is......how much would it cost to build this rifle to the same quality, using the same materials, in America today?
SKS....the affordable classic
- Thread starter Riphalman
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this was brought up on another board a while ago. i would buy an honest-to-goodness american made sks in .308 or 5.45mm for 500-600$. i need a use for all those 15 round 5.45 strippers i have.
would it be legal to make a standard sks with the bayonet? since it would only really have one "evil" feature.
would it be legal to make a standard sks with the bayonet? since it would only really have one "evil" feature.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
My first Yugo was so nice-----I bought a second-----unbeatable for the price----just like opening 2 Christmas presents----lol.
Keeping the nicer one in the safe---test fired by me only-----the other is my beater/shooter-------the local shop has about 30 in the rack even cheaper than I what I paid for the first 2------For $109 is VERY tempting to bring home a third.
Cheaper than a new 10/22---and you bring home a "real" rifle.
Keeping the nicer one in the safe---test fired by me only-----the other is my beater/shooter-------the local shop has about 30 in the rack even cheaper than I what I paid for the first 2------For $109 is VERY tempting to bring home a third.
Cheaper than a new 10/22---and you bring home a "real" rifle.
LynnMassGuy
Member
The only problem with SKS's are...
1. They tend to multiply.
2. They lead to 91/30's and m44's and other C&R stuff.
1. They tend to multiply.
2. They lead to 91/30's and m44's and other C&R stuff.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
Yup. Wife's SKS --> my M39 --> M44 --> SAR-1 --> looking for an 1891 or 91/30 . . .
armoredman
Member
AIM surplus has Yugos for $89.99......
DMK
Member
Oh man, I hate these threads. I just traded off a spare Yugo. Now I'm thinking I need another or two. 
C&R license... don't get it.
Yeah.. once you get a C&R license... Your normal life is over... You'll have this C&R stuffs all over your house....
I started with a Russian SKS, and an enfield, and a mosin, more mosin, more sks.
The only thing that is as bad is belonging to a club with CMP affiliate... at least CMP has a limit on how many you can get each year.. LOL.
-Pat
Yeah.. once you get a C&R license... Your normal life is over... You'll have this C&R stuffs all over your house....
I started with a Russian SKS, and an enfield, and a mosin, more mosin, more sks.
The only thing that is as bad is belonging to a club with CMP affiliate... at least CMP has a limit on how many you can get each year.. LOL.
-Pat
Ya know.........
You guys may be right. This could be the beginning of a collection of old service rifles. These things have so much history and character. They just invite handling (with safety #1, of course) and inspire a lot of interesting conversation. We are indeed fortunate to be able to enjoy such things. God Bless America.
You guys may be right. This could be the beginning of a collection of old service rifles. These things have so much history and character. They just invite handling (with safety #1, of course) and inspire a lot of interesting conversation. We are indeed fortunate to be able to enjoy such things. God Bless America.
cool45auto
Member
That's what happened to me.
SKS--Enfield--91/30--?
SKS--Enfield--91/30--?
Tamara
Senior Member
You know, I haven't owned an SKS in eight or nine years, but the Chicom Paratrooper we have at work for $225 has been calling my name lately.
If somone else doesn't buy it by Christmas, I may need to give it a new home...
If somone else doesn't buy it by Christmas, I may need to give it a new home...
WonderNine
member
I saw a new one at the last gunshow for $499.
My first Yugo SKS so so nice, I bought TWO more and then I bought two Albanian SKSs. I used to turn my nose up at the SKS when all I saw were the Chinese rifles but now that I have owned a few, I wouldn't mind getting a SKS from every nation that made them. I even want a Chinese one. I would like to find a Chinese Para to make into a ultra light sporter.
I have three Yugos and I am almost ready to buy another one! The only thing that is stopping me is, I just don't have time to clean the Cosmo off them right now.
I would like to find a Chinese Para to make into a ultra light sporter.I have three Yugos and I am almost ready to buy another one! The only thing that is stopping me is, I just don't have time to clean the Cosmo off them right now.
I haven't a clue what it would cost to build one today, but the prices on the Yugos have dropped about 20% over the last month, and they have to be one of the best bargains available today. I really didn't plan to buy one, but the prices are so good I just couldn't resist, and ordered one earlier this week.
Well, it certainly is reassuring.......
to find that I'm not the only one who's been impressed by this rifle. I could see my collection expanding dramatically from here. By the way Tam, please take that orphan home. After all......it's Christmas!
to find that I'm not the only one who's been impressed by this rifle. I could see my collection expanding dramatically from here. By the way Tam, please take that orphan home. After all......it's Christmas!
I agree $500-600 and even then it would be a good value in that price range. If you don't already have 2-3 in excellent condition by now you will regret it. These prices and availability CAN'T last forever and besides they have a long shelf life. A smart person might collect ALL the different models now while its easy and inexpensive and enjoy their wisdom 20 years from now.
WonderNine
member
I believe that if a gun like the Yugo SKS was made today with the milled parts and that level of quality control it would be a $1,000 gun.
It just puts the Mini-14 to shame in so many ways. Too bad it doesn't take detachable magazines, then I'd prefer it to an AK in all situations.
It just puts the Mini-14 to shame in so many ways. Too bad it doesn't take detachable magazines, then I'd prefer it to an AK in all situations.
BarnsBeware
Member
Hey I just picked up a Yugo at the shop a few months back ($183, I believe). I bought it as an intro-hunting rifle to get me used to the sport. I bought a scope kit, as my eyes aren't as clear as they should be for my age. I haven't been able to take it out yet, but since you're all here, what do you suggest I do with it first time out, (I've already done all the "at home" tests, like checking the bore, strip/clean/lube, mechanical, etc.)?
Well, I'll tell ya, Barns.....
I've seen mixed results from scoping the SKS. From my experience, most folks tend to shy away from optics for that rifle. However, I have seen it done sucessfully both with scopes and Dot sights. Personally, I would test the rifle for reliability first by putting a couple of magazines full of ammo through it, then barring any problems, settle down to try zero-ing your optics. Hopefully, you have a stable mount. You may find your zero wandering a bit though if your mount must be removed from the rifle for the cleaning process. See how it goes, but don't be afraid to give the iron sights a try. I don't think they're so bad, really.
I've seen mixed results from scoping the SKS. From my experience, most folks tend to shy away from optics for that rifle. However, I have seen it done sucessfully both with scopes and Dot sights. Personally, I would test the rifle for reliability first by putting a couple of magazines full of ammo through it, then barring any problems, settle down to try zero-ing your optics. Hopefully, you have a stable mount. You may find your zero wandering a bit though if your mount must be removed from the rifle for the cleaning process. See how it goes, but don't be afraid to give the iron sights a try. I don't think they're so bad, really.
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