Two for one trade.

[Cousin]

Just traded a 189 mini 14 and eight 30 rnd mags for two nice Russian SKS's.

I know used mini's are going for a bit more than they used to, but what about the Russian SKS ? What's a fare price for one in very good condition?

I'm set up ammo wise for 7.62x39. Bought thousands of rounds back in the 90's for my mini 30's. Don't have much 223, so it seemed like a good trade.

 

[Roadking Rider]

I have a new Mini 14 ranch and a 1969 Yugo SKS. I would have made that trade considering the Mini was and older one. SKS's are some very tough rifles. Accuracy is very good for being a true battle carbines.

 

[juk]

I would have made that trade in a heartbeat! The last Russian SKS I saw for sale was $450 and it was not in good shape. I remember seeing really nice ones for $600ish. Take in mind, that is just in my area. I have no idea what they go for online or elsewhere in the country.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

You got the better deal.

 

[back40]

i would've made that trade as well. the russians are pretty nice and i'm no fan of the mini. i'd say you done good.

 

[Cousin]

Thanks for the input guys.

I could of traded for a P-38 in 9mm and a Marlin 336 in 30-30, or one SKS and one of the former. Two matching rifles to tuck away for a rainy day seemed like a good idea.

 

[tnxdshooter]

Dude with the two Russians was an idiot and <deleted>. Especially if the Ruskies were in good condition and all matching.

Sent from my mind using ninja telepathy.

 

[Armed 24/7]

You made a good trade. I have turned down 5 & 600 for my really nice 1953 Russian SKS

 

[Ignition Override]

Cousin: One of these days, our Politburo will make an effort to ban any type of semi-auto rifles. Their ultimate goals, as many of us realize, might require 10-20 years or more.

At least you came out far ahead. Canada recently imported huge numbers of affordable Russian SKS rifles.
In stark contrast, as no SKS are being manufactured or imported into the US, one can always find a used Mini 14.

 

[SwampWolf]

I'd hate to be without a Mini, but then, I'm very partial to the little Ruger. I guess you can always get another one later if you so desired. Your trade undoubtedly makes sense in a purely monetary context.

 

[carbine85]

Are the mags made by Ruger? Ruger mags go for $30 each. A 189 Ruger goes for around $550 around. Around here I can get a nice Russian SKS for $375 - $400 now that the prices are back down to normal. I almost wish I would have sold one of mine when they were fetching $500.

 

[Roadking Rider]

I don't think I would have traded my 1981 Marlin 336 30/30 for one of the SKS's. I love that 336 Marlin. Nor would I have traded my 580 mini 14 for both. However the deal you made was fantastic

 

[BudW]

You did well

 

[Cousin]

Carbine85, no the mags aren't Ruger, but there not USA mags. Promag maybe, there very well made, have a good finish and function excellently.

Swampwolf, I still have two mini 30's in the locker. I picked this mini up for $400 last year. Traded a 80 power spotting scope for the mags a couple of years ago. I'm just not set up for 223. Right now I have about 3,000 rnds of 7.62x39.

Thanks again for the input guys.

 

[LT.Diver]

I hate hearing this! Who knew the SKSs would ever get so expensive? I had a 1955 vintage Russian SKS still in the cosmoline. It came with the bayonet, the oiler and tool kit and the pig skin pouches. I paid $100 for it and sold it a while later for $300. I thought I robbed the guy! Who would have thought those old Rusky rifles, of which they made millions, would ever be worth what they're bringing today?ni wish I bought ten!

 

[okiewita40]

The OP really got the better end of that trade.

 

[PabloJ]

Around here when Russian SKS appears on used rack it's basically unused and price hovers
around $500 to $600. That means the trade was quite favorable. Would I buy Russian SKS? No because for very little more I can get nice quality Browning BAR sporting rifle in cal. .308. In terms of handling and quality the BAR is in another universe from the SKS.

 

[SwampWolf]

Would I buy Russian SKS? No because for very little more I can get nice quality Browning BAR sporting rifle in cal. .308. In terms of handling and quality the BAR is in another universe from the SKS.

The "historical" value aside, my sentiments exactly.

 

[Cousin]

Pablo, I'll take my M1A if I need something in 308. That or my 700 in 308.

I needed a couple more rifles for 7.62x39. I just didn't need a rifle in 223.

Besides, total investment for two Russian's $480. That's only $240 apiece and both in really good shape with all matching numbers.
The guy threw in 500 rnds of ammo also.

As far as ergonomics and the SKS, I have to agree they don't handle like a good sporter rifle, but they take a licking and keep on ticking.