The SKS is OK - but, I should note, I also really like mine; I've got two Yugos.
How can they be both OK, while I still really like mine? Simple: they exhibit some really nice characteristics, but are quite lacking in several areas:
1) They're really durable and well made (for what they are); arguably much more durable than an AK due to their mass/milled nature, and are much more complex than a gun could be made for today - at several times the cost of what you pay for them.
2) It's got very few moving parts compared to most semi-autos, it seems (except in the trigger group).
3) The cartridge they shoot, in conjunction with the semi-auto nature and their durable design, make them as effective and handy (if not more so) than your common .30-30 deer rifle.
However, they are not "ideal":
1) Their barrels are too long, and they've got too much 'extra', unnecessary metal on the front, making them somewhat awkward when serving as a 'general use carbine'.
2) They don't have a whole lot of magazine options. You're pretty much stuck with the integrated 10-rd magazine which, while reliable and made to withstand almost anything, is still integrated and limited to 10 rounds.
I've refinished and "bubba'd" my Yugo SKS, but as has been said, it probably wasn't worth it in and of itself (I did it primarily with the intent of learning something, and the hopes that I'd make the rifle have more utility for me).
Here's a link to the process and some photos of the finished gun (for now, at least - I'll hopefully properly/better cut the metal up/off around the front site):
Refinishing the Yugo SKS
I intend to try and get a deer or three with this SKS this coming fall in the Black Hills. I can shoot as accurately with this rifle at 50 yards from a kneeling position as I can with my AR from prone, which is another reason I like it.
nwilliams WOW! That is a NICE stock on that SKS! Do my eyes deceive me, or is that natural burling in the wood? I would love to see some more/ up-close photos of that one!