Got my SKS!!! (Pics Up)

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Hey I am looking for a non-restricted military type rifle that I can go hunting with should the need arise. Mostly I am looking for a fun semi-auto plinker that I can shoot high volumes of ammo through and has a nice set of military open sights.

This brought me to the SKS, so I have been looking into them for the past few weeks and trying to learn as much as possible. I have a few questions about what to look for and what I can expect when I get one.

Where can I find a nice example that is in excellent to mint condition, if not brand new, that will shoot well?

How much should I be looking at spending for one in excellent to new shape?

I know I want a Russian SKS-45 or Yugoslavian M59 with hardwood stocks and blued metal.
 
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Sks

Get a Russian one now since they seem to be flooding the market. Plus, they are what all SKS's are based upon. However, I have a Norinco SKS-D and I really like the fact that it can take AK mags.

Ammo is cheap right now. You can get a case of 1120 rounds for $200.

Overall, a fun cheap semi-auto military type rifle that you can modify and modernize if you like.

Cheers.
 
Yugo...

I want it to be a "carbine" version, so my question is can I remove the grenade launcher and site on a Yugoslavian SKS to make it a carbine?

I want the best production model of SKS possible so I guess I will be looking for a European variant, correct? This is a pic of what I am generally after:

sks.jpg
 
Overall, all the SKS variants are good. Get a Russian now as that what is just coming onto the market and is well priced. Who knows when you'll have another opportunity for a Russian. You can pick up a Chinese one anytime if you want somethig to drill /tap for scope or bubba it up. If you going to alter one, best to do with a Chinese as Russian and Yugoslavian variants are more valuble - but only if unaltered, due to much fewer being around.

Good talk on different variants:
http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php

SKS shootout between a couple different models:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/sksshootout/index.asp
As you see not alot of difference. These are not designed to be tack-drivers.

Additional good info on:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/specifications.asp

I'd recommend a Russian now, Chinese later if you want to modify it.

You can get Yugo M59 SKS without grenade launcher. The M59/66 is with grenade launcher. If you unscrew the grenade launcher you have about 1" of exposed metric thread on the end of the barrel. The gas adjust system may be wonky on some of the grenade launcher models if there is corrosion. There is a stainless steel aftermarket fix it kit for $25 if you have a problem.
Murray's replacement Yugo gas valve
http://ww w .murraysguns.com/sksown.htm
Sounds like you should search for a Yugo without a grenade launcher, since you don't desire this option anyways.

Yugo stocks are hardwood. Heavy and dense, and have a 1" extension on them for longer pull. I find these comfortable. Nicest stocks out there. Chinese stocks can be had from nice blonde finishes to crappy industrial ones that are just painted in brownish red. You can buy a 1" rubber extension to put on a Chinese as these stocks are alittle shorter. Personal preferance what you like for stock length. Russian stocks are good but I don't know much about them - yet. Waiting for the big brown truck to come.:)

Chinese most have chrome line barrels.
Yugo did not have chrome lined barrels.
Russians non-chrome up to 1951 or so. 1952 and up chrome lined.
Guys, lease correct me on any info if I'm mistaken.
 
I would go Chinese in your case. You want a gun that you can shoot the hell out of, take hunting and not feel bad about doing it. The Chinese ones are usually the least expensive aswell.
If you go Yugo or Russian, do not remove or add anything to it. This is what we call bubba'ing nice milsurps and will destroy thier value. There is also Romanian and Albanian SKS's, but they are hard to come by and expensive. I wouldnt use them hard either.
You will never find Vietnamese,North Korean or East German SKS's, but if somehow you do, you must never use it! These are extremely rare and valuable!

Hope this helps.
 
If I do anything at all to the rifle I would only remove the bayonette and that would be it. I see that the current SKS rifles on the market are Russian SKS such as the ones at Frontier and Epps.

-What condition can I expect them to be in?
-Do we have a choice to pick quality or do they just hand pick them and its a luck of the draw type thing?
-Are these rifles any good, quality fit/finish wise?

I want a MINT Russian SKS-45 with a hardwood stock and blueing, NO painted metal or laminated stocks. Where can I get such a rifle?
 
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cote_b said:
I would go Chinese in your case. You want a gun that you can shoot the hell out of, take hunting and not feel bad about doing it. The Chinese ones are usually the least expensive aswell.
If you go Yugo or Russian, do not remove or add anything to it. This is what we call bubba'ing nice milsurps and will destroy thier value. There is also Romanian and Albanian SKS's, but they are hard to come by and expensive. I wouldnt use them hard either.
You will never find Vietnamese,North Korean or East German SKS's, but if somehow you do, you must never use it! These are extremely rare and valuable!

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...


I dont see anything wrong with bubbaing a Russian, as long as you dont throw away the original parts, so you can make it "original" again if you want to sell it.
 
What is the difference between a unissued SKS and a refurbished SKS. Is unissued a original all matching numbers rifle that has never been issued to any military soldier. While a refurbished rifle has a miss mash of parts and has been issued to a soldier at one time. Who does the re-furbs and what does it involve???

Which one will be in better condition overall and be a better range gun for the shooter. I am not looking for a collector piece here I just want a SKS that is in excellent overall condition and has a tonne of shooting life left in it. I want a Russian or Yugo for their old world craftsmanship and quality. Thanks
 
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Valashnikov dont tell everybody about it or they will go so fast you wont beable to buy another one!

Pretty pumped about buying one i am looking forword to shooting it
 
Like I need more. lol. I just like to sit with them. lol. My order from Frontier is actually going through! Whoo hoo!! We should meet at the range and compare when it gets in. I might even have some spare ammo around if yours isn't here yet.
 
Where can I find a brand new or like new condition Russian SKS-45 or Yogoslavian M59?? I dont really like the idea of buying a used gun blindly and will likely not be happy with the condition of a Bell shipment gun.
 
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