Yugo SKS: 59 vs 59/66

[Live Free Or Die]

I intend to pick up an SKS soon, and I'm wondering whether to go for the more common 59/66 (version with grenade launcher) or the older model 59. Here are the pro's/cons I've thought of:

59 Pros: lighter/handier, less complex/fewer things to break
59 Cons: more expensive, not pristine condition

59/66 Pros: cheaper, available in better condition
59/66 Cons: heavier, useless grenade launcher, more complex

Ok, I just realized that the 59/66 list is just the inverse of the 59 list, but I'm too lazy to fix it.

Are there any other factors to consider here? Am I overstating the significance of the extra weight/complexity of the 59/66? Am I underestimating the condition of the available 59's? If I could find a 59 in really nice shape for around $150, I'd probably just pick it up and be done with it.

 

[Lonestar.45]

I went with the 59/66 just because I could get a "shooter" grade cheaper than a '59, and I could get an "unissued" for what I'd pay for a used '59.

I do like the '59, but, my 59/66 shooter is accurate, and I find that, unlike others, I actually like the additional weight up front. It keeps the sights steadier off-hand, at least for me.

My unissued is truly that. It looks brand new, and I mean brand new. Not so much as even any bluing wear on the bolt rails. You won't find a '59 like that anywhere.

I think you'd be happy with either probably. Depends on whether for the $ you want one looking newer, or whether you don't mind a few dings and some wear, and how important it is to you to get rid of the grenade launcher assembly.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

I'd pick up a M59. The main reason being that they are alot less common. If you later want to pick up a minty M59/66, they'll probably still be available at a reasonable cost.
-jagdpanzer

 

[ArmedBear]

Depends...

Interordnance has 59's for pretty cheap, but you can get a better condition 59/66 for the same price.

http://www.interordnance.com

Depends what you want to do with it.

If you want to keep it as-is, then get both for the collection.

If you want to strip the gun and build it into a poor man's custom rifle, then just remove the junk (bayonet, grenade launcher, grenade sight) and put a muzzle brake on it if you want. http://www.surplusrifle.com/

I have a 59 in pretty good shape with some nice wood (really). I don't want to tear it apart. So now it sits in a closet. But a beater 59 makes a good gun. All you need to get rid of is the bayonet, and you can use the bracket for a bipod (if you can think of any reason for a bipod, which I can't).

 

[El Rojo]

I just called Interordnance today and they only have extremely poor grade 59s left. I didn't buy one. Now I need to find another 59 for a customer, any suggestions? I have sold 7 59/66s, but I haven't shot them yet either. That is the only bad thing about being a gun dealer, you sell lots of goodies, but you never quite know how they shoot.

 

[1911JMB]

All you need is a reciprocating saw, or even a hack saw, and you can chop the extra crap off.

 

[Live Free Or Die]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't realize it was a relatively easy matter to remove the extra stuff from the 59/66. I thought maybe the way the gas system worked with the grenade launcher, that it wouldn't be straightforward to just hack it off. Isn't there some complexity in the gas system (due to the launcher) that the M59 doesn't have?

I might just get one of each. I'm a neophyte milsurp junkie, so it's only a matter of time before I have one of just about everything. I'd just like to strike while the iron is hot and get the Yugo's while they're still cheap (same with K31).

 

[trickyasafox]

long term i want to get one of each, but i want the 59 first just because i think it fits my tastes better. i like the shorter less frills rifle.

is it really just a matter of sawing to cut down a 59/66? do you need to recrown?

 

[-C4-]

http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=CRYU59

-C4-

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

I'd get the 59/66 because it has a grenade launcher. It may not be functional, but at least it upsets the anti's.

 

[Teufelhunden]

I'm perfectly happy with my 59/66 the way it is, but if you wanted to lose the grenade launcher, simple instructions are available here:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2005/grlaunchremove2/index.asp

-Teuf

 

[Cacique500]

The grenade launchers are not useless...

http://www.bloomautomatic.com/

I've got one of these for my SKS and it's the most fun I've ever had at a range. We were getting 400 to 500 yards, or an approximately 15 second hang time when fired close to vertical (careful here...you DO NOT want the golfball landing anywhere near you, parked cars, other people, etc.)

Remember to use BLANKS and not regular 7.62x39 rounds!!

 

[aaronrkelly]

Grab the 59/66 - then if you still yearn for the the "simpler" SKSs look for a Chinese or Russian. This way your collection will have two different nationalities in it. I commonly see Chinese SKSs running around $175 in my area and they will have chrome lined bores.

I have a Russian and the Yugo 59/66 - I honestly prefer shooting the 59/66.

 

[Live Free Or Die]

The grenade launchers are not useless...

http://www.bloomautomatic.com/

Touché! That looks like a lot of fun. I think I'll probably get the 59/66 first, and I might have to pick up that attachment. I'm sure I can't use it at my local range, but I'm sure someday I'll move somewhere with a better range -- or simply some wide-open spaces.