I have the opportunity to purchase either a Yugo 59/66 SKS in excellent condition for $129 or a Chinese Type 56 in very good condition (it doesn't have a bayonet, is it supposed to?) for $149. Which is the better deal? Neither have any cosmoline on them at all--I think they've been cleaned up by the gun shop already. They're absolutely spotless and the stocks are beautiful. I'm leaning toward the Yugo, but I'm not sure why...which would you choose?
Yugo or Chinese SKS?
- Thread starter drw2514
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Generally speaking, Yugo SKS are better-made than Chinese SKS. Quality of the latter tends to vary, depending on whether the particular rifle was made for the military or export.
The gas system on the Yugo M59/66 can become a weak spot and fail over time. Also, they are front-heavy because of the grenade launcher, and don't have chrome-lined barrels. If these don't bother you, I'd say go for it.
The gas system on the Yugo M59/66 can become a weak spot and fail over time. Also, they are front-heavy because of the grenade launcher, and don't have chrome-lined barrels. If these don't bother you, I'd say go for it.
270Win
Member
I bought my Yugo SKS from a friend because he expressly wanted a Norinco. He didn't want the grenade launcher, night sights, etc. etc. He also wanted a chrome-lined barrel. He also wanted a light/handy SKS, instead of the bulky, unwieldy Yugo.
As I understand it, the Yugo gas problem is only relevant with corrosive ammo...which shouldn't be an issue these days. Plus, with the weight of the 59/66, recoil is virtually nil.
The build quality of the Yugos is universally lauded as excellent.
Plus, you can buy one of those golf-ball launchers that fits right on it!
"Fore!" ::FWOOM:: 300 yards away, a golf ball falls...
As I understand it, the Yugo gas problem is only relevant with corrosive ammo...which shouldn't be an issue these days. Plus, with the weight of the 59/66, recoil is virtually nil.
The build quality of the Yugos is universally lauded as excellent.
Plus, you can buy one of those golf-ball launchers that fits right on it!
"Fore!" ::FWOOM:: 300 yards away, a golf ball falls...
Frog48
Member
I love my Yugo.
RockyMtnTactical
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I'd have to say get both at those prices...
I've had a Chinese (sold it to my brother, regretted it immediately) and have a Yugo. They are both excellent.
I've had a Chinese (sold it to my brother, regretted it immediately) and have a Yugo. They are both excellent.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I prefer the Chinese SKSs becasue they're lighter and shorter. I've not noted a real difference in build quality between my Yugos and Norincos; just wear from usage. (Never-issued Yugos will be in better shape than a well-shot Norinco, but looking at the machine work they'll be comparable in build quality.)
That's a decent price on the Yugo but a SCREAMIN' deal on a Norinco. I'd pick up the Nork first and then get the Yugo if funds allow it....
That's a decent price on the Yugo but a SCREAMIN' deal on a Norinco. I'd pick up the Nork first and then get the Yugo if funds allow it....
brentwal
Member
I have both, and I like 'em both.
But then I've never meet a gun I didn't like.
But then I've never meet a gun I didn't like.
Limeyfellow
Member
If the Chinese doesn't have the bayonet its more than possible that it was imported between 1989 and 1993 when thanks to new laws they could only import weapons that lack certain number of military features. To make the Norincos legal they had to remove the bayonet and to add one to the post ban rifles. If it was imported before this date and you would have to proof it to the batfe its legal to do whatever you want to the rifle including adding the bayonet back. If it was imported after 89 its illegal to add the bayonet to the form, since they never qualified as curio and relics. After 1993 all Chinese firearms were banned and this was recently continued in 2004 so thats why they cost more. They can't be imported into the US.
I only want the Chinese versions if I'm planning to hack them up or if they are the Paratrooper models. But that's a good price on the Norinco, and if it's in excellent condition you could easily get your money back out of it.
jm
jm
Limeyfellow
Member
Chinese does have the advantage that its a tad lighter and has the chrome barrel. If it was imported early on its well worth grabbing and you can alter it at will and make them into whatever you want. Plenty of addon parts for the SKS on the market right now.
blackhawk2000
member
Factoring in the prices between the 2, go with the Chinese model. There aren't any more coming into the country.
chris in va
Member
I bought a Yugo for (gasp) $250 last year. I got taken, I know.
But anyway, I'm slowly trying to take off all that extra junk on the front. You just don't need it, especially for a 'handy' carbine. Get the Chinese version.
Better yet, get a Saiga. Wish I had.
But anyway, I'm slowly trying to take off all that extra junk on the front. You just don't need it, especially for a 'handy' carbine. Get the Chinese version.
Better yet, get a Saiga. Wish I had.
SamTuckerMTNMAN
Member
I used to say
yugo all the way but the current sk I have is Chinese. . . it's just fine, shoots better than expected, is light, not too long with FS, and reliable.
ST
yugo all the way but the current sk I have is Chinese. . . it's just fine, shoots better than expected, is light, not too long with FS, and reliable.
ST
wnycollector
Member
buy both! That is a great price for the norinco!
mrrick
Member
I have both and they are both nice, the advantage of the Norinco is the chrome lined bore which stands up to a lot of shooting and heat.
tank mechanic
Member
Got any photos? Sounds really cool.
CannonFodder
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- 218
I love my Yugo. The sucker is big and heavy, but there's next to no recoil. It's just dang fun. Everyone should have a yugo 
Neo-Luddite
Member
Parts for the yugo's are NOT as easy to come. I am finding out the hard way.
They don't all interchange with other mods of sks. Some US made parts are coming on the market however.
I bought 2 yugos from AIM a couple months back. I cleaned one and it is a very well made weapon for 150 bucks. The other is staying a 'mummy'.
It took a solid day of recreational kitchen cleaning to get the cosmo out.
That said, I put 80 rounds through it and discovered that the firing pin has snapped (I'll give the yugo this--it worked with the broken pin--but that of course wouldn't be safe owing to possible slam fire).
Now a pin is going to set me back 35-40 bucks if I want a good one.
One for a red-Chinese gun is like 15 bucks from numerich. They WILL not fit in the Yugo although they list it as being interchangible.
It was probably a fluke--the gun looks well made.
They don't all interchange with other mods of sks. Some US made parts are coming on the market however.
I bought 2 yugos from AIM a couple months back. I cleaned one and it is a very well made weapon for 150 bucks. The other is staying a 'mummy'.
It took a solid day of recreational kitchen cleaning to get the cosmo out.
That said, I put 80 rounds through it and discovered that the firing pin has snapped (I'll give the yugo this--it worked with the broken pin--but that of course wouldn't be safe owing to possible slam fire).
Now a pin is going to set me back 35-40 bucks if I want a good one.
One for a red-Chinese gun is like 15 bucks from numerich. They WILL not fit in the Yugo although they list it as being interchangible.
It was probably a fluke--the gun looks well made.
I've never had a problem with the Chinese models at all. I haven't tried to add any aftermarket magazines and stuff...except for stock changes...perhaps why I have had no problems. They are lighter than a standard Yugo and they have chrome lined bores. Accuracy has been good and consistent. Good rifles and at the price you quoted and good deal in my book.
The only thing that bothers me about the Chinese version is the big, ugly, empty bayonet lug on the barrel. I realize that the Yugo has this as well, but the Yugo also has a bayonet actually attached. On the Chinese there is just this thin barrel and then this big ugly bayonet lug sticking out like a sore thumb. It's not exactly the most attractive gun in the first place, but that just makes it worse. And I'm not a real big fan of the grenade launcher on the front of the Yugo; it makes the weapon look way too long.
I would prefer the shortened length and reduced weight of the Chinese version but the aesthetics are bothering me. The Chinese did have the better looking stock, though...I think it's going to be a game-time decision on this one.
Whilst perusing the SKS accessories on CTD, I discovered a bipod that attaches to the bayonet lug...I think that just made up my mind for me...
I would prefer the shortened length and reduced weight of the Chinese version but the aesthetics are bothering me. The Chinese did have the better looking stock, though...I think it's going to be a game-time decision on this one.
Whilst perusing the SKS accessories on CTD, I discovered a bipod that attaches to the bayonet lug...I think that just made up my mind for me...
Me, I would have preferred the Yugo carbine model, but the one with the grenade launcher stuff was cheap. I got it for the collector's appeal myself. It is a good gun. I haven't really like the looks of the Chinese SKS's I have seen and I haven't liked the price. If that one is $150, are you getting a deal or is there something wrong with it?
I guess it's just a deal. There wasn't anything wrong with it as far as I could tell. Rifling was sharp and bore was bright. Stock had nary a lick of cosmoline on it, neither did any of the metal parts. I was fairly impressed. The gun shop has a reputation for selling guns cheaper than anybody else in the area, though.
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