How was your SKS when you received it?

FireChuck

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Hi everyone,

just wanted to know how beat up was your SKS when your ordered it? Mine is a 1951 Tula arsenal SKS I just received today. All numbers are matching witch I was very pleased with. The thing is that it was advertised as a refurbished to excellent plus condition. That's why I was a little surprised when I saw the dents on the woodstock and the spots of rust on the receiver. To me it looks like a fair to good condition, but it's my first mil surplus rifle. The only thing close to this I have is my M1 Garand project I have and all the "old parts"on it are in top shape condition. For the rest I own brand new or near new guns. I just want to know if this is normal..

Thank you in advance.

Chuck
 
Thank you

yes it has cosmoline on it. I don't know if the retailer would take it back if I clean it, so I wanted to check first the answers I would get here.

Unfortunately, most refurb SKS nowadays are going to be somewhat worse for storage (not wear) all the good stuff got sold a couple of years ago.
 
took apart my buddys Tula and it had an even coverage of light rust over every component of the trigger group.. worse yet, there was pitting on the contact areas between hammer and sear, making the trigger a gritty POS.. I filed and stoned it as best I could, but it is waiting for me to fit a new Murray's sear.

My '62 Chinese military model was perfect inside and out.. bought factory new around '92 for $230 bucks (passed on a surplus Isreali FN-FAL for $299.. doh!!)

If you adjust for today's dollar that's probably $500 today... So go out and buy a case of them Russian ones for $199!!! :)
 
I've had some with rusty bores (sent back) and I've had like new condition In a refurbished. Runs the gambit usually. Hard to tell till u clean it.
 
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I've had some with rusty bores (sent back) and I've had like new condition I a refurbished. Runs the gambit usually. Hard to tell till u clean it.

rusty bores??? aren't they all chrome lined? Maybe not... I am sure there are lots of rusty trigger groups and gas systems from the surplus ammo
 
The rifleing isn't chromed. That's where I had rust. Don't let the rust get under the chrome or it can chip. Had a rescue gun that chrome chipped out the mizzle for this reason.
 
That's why you don't order milsurps online unless retailer is top notch but even then they have to get rid of low end stock somehow.
My sks was drenched in cosmo. No room for rust or even air so yeah. I wouldn't think that description of condition is accurate. Stock dents are normal tho
 
It's kind of a crapshoot when you order milsurps online...

I've bought a couple of SKSs over the dealer counter...both were refurbs in flawless condition. IMO a refurb should look really good, although the stock may have some very minor dents or marks. I would say the OP's rifle was not acceptable as anything but a bottom of the heap gun, esp. when there are still lots of very nice SKS rifles still commonly available.
 
Thank you all, it gives me a pretty good idea. Overall I guess I got what I paid for. I didn't need a parade rifle either, but "excellent plus" really doesn't describe my rifle. I'll know for next time. The real test will be at the range.
 
I'm pretty sure it's rust. It's right at the insertion of the barrel and the receiver, but i'll give it a good clean tonight and update here.
 
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