Years ago I had a Norinco that provided some of the most fun shooting imaginable. It was one of my two main rifles including an HK93. I had more darn fun shooting that SKS, and I greatly regretted selling it. The purchase price was around $69. Then, a few years back, I picked up a Yugo and made the mistake of "updating" it with a TAPCO stock (nothing against TAPCO) and various rails. That sucked the enjoyment out of the rifle and I soon realized that the real value of the rifle is in its stock condition fired the way that it was originally meant to be fired. For me, detachable mags, even the ones that work, have nothing over stock fixed mags and stripper clips, which can be loaded rather quickly with practice. I sold the updated Yugo. I never really warmed up to the Yugo version and found that the soul had been sucked out of the Bubba'd version.
Last week I came across some Norincos. I chose one that is very clean but came with a Cobray detachable mag without the original ten round fixed one. I decided that the way to go would be to replace my old Norinco. The chromed barrel is very desirable, and this one has the screwed in rather than pushed and pinned barrel. I've heard it said that there are advantages to each, but went with the screwed. I will be returning this gun to original condition by replacing the ten round fixed mag, and replacing the original blade bayonet. For this one I paid $299, which may be a bit high (or not, these days), but the gun is in great condition, and I wasn't going to quibble over a few bucks.
I think overall an SKS is a fantastic choice. I'd be tempted to say that these guns are underrated, but most folks know that they are ultra-reliable rifles (especially when kept stock) that provide a great shooting experience,
providing excellent bang for your buck. Russian, Chinese, Romanian or Yugoslavian, you will have a fun dependable rifle. What does it have over an AK (and I have three of them)? Nothing much, really.
If you can't go with a Russian go with a Chinese Norinco.