Yugo vs. Chinese SKS - Same price/ NEW

[Plink]

I have 2 Yugos and 7 Chinese models. In comparing them, the Yugos have overall better fit and finish. They're just built better on average. All the Chinese models have a chrome bore, which I prefer. In side by side shooting, both Yugos shoot almost exactly the same, and outshoot 6 of the 7 Chinese models, but barely. The Chinese models are all over the place, accuracy wise. Some are sloppy and inaccurate, and others are quite good. I have one Chinese model that is surprisingly consistent and outshoots my Yugos and Russians.

Overall, I'd pick the Yugo because you know you're going to get a good gun. The Chinese models are always a crap shoot when it comes to accuracy.

 

[Mike U.]

You know, the Yugo SKS's bore not being chrome lined is almost a non-issue these days. It's been years since I've seen any early, corrosive, mil-surp 7.62X39 on the market. Maybe I have not been looking in the right places, but still, I always have an eye open for ammo sources. And still, I'm just not finding any and have not found any in over four years.

Current Russian production drives this 7.62x39 firearm/ammo market and they went to non-corrosive primers some years ago. Now, if we can get a more reliable ammo delivery schedule in place, they can rake money in by the bushel full and we can produce empty ammo cases by the same.

 

[Limeyfellow]

Depends alot on the Chinese SKS. There were various different changes done to the design over the years it was made, however the advantages I would say with the design is it tends to be a little lighter, chrome lined barrel and theres a fairly good chance of getting a pre 89 imported one therefore making it preban and changable at will. Theres also alsorts of commercial variants and so on for the Chinese SKS, since the majority of them in the US was made specifically for the commercial market rather than the military.

Yugo SKS has some advantages. Its alot more rugged, they are all milled while many of the Chinese are stamped stuff. They have a thicker barrel which helps accuracy. They come with a longer stock which is more helpful for longer armed people. They have a much bigger chance of being unfired and in as new or excellent condition. They also tend to have a better finish on them. Some people also like the valve to disable the gas system, though some of the el cheapo ones have leak problems with them.

Now if it could be proven it was imported before 89 I might be tempted to get the Chinese one. If you could find a great barrel on a Yugo M59 that be well worth picking up again.

A Russian SKS of course tend to be the prime choice, though Sino Soviet ones are good too. I also find the Albanian ones look rather funky.

 

[Plink]

I have two Russians. One is an absolute beauty. Apparently a rearsenal meant for US sales. Far higher level of finish than the military would have done. The other is just a shooter. I'm not terribly impressed with either though. They shoot about as well as the others. Nothing spectacular one way or another. I wish they were still on the market, but I don't see any particular advantage that they have, at least mine don't.