The SKS... Just WHY?

- I loved the photo of the SKSs in the shipping crate. Reminds me of a three shipping crates a buddy and I bought from Allan Lever in 1980. Six Aussie Lithgow L1A1s in each crate. (cue violins...).. "Those were the days my friend we thought they'd never end..."
 
Ok, to clear my name. I do not HATE the SKS, I merely wonder if there is any stigmas about buying the 7.62X39 ammo in bulk, as well, alot of people say you can get SKS parts easily, I can see that as true, all the same, doesn't that really take away from it's collectability? I mean, what's something worth really if any man jack or joe can replace it?

I dunno aren't LE rifles extremely common in Canada? Every old guy I talk to has had one at some time. Arguably more LE rifles and parts in Canada than SKS (I have no idea, just a guess).

And my overall answer to the thread in the form of an analogy:
The VW Bettle was and is very popular. It doesn't have the best performance, features, looks, or a high price tag. People have and will continue to love them. Some restore, some modify, some run 'em into the ground, some ask "Why?".

If you have to ask why you don't get it. I'm ok with that.
 
I dunno aren't LE rifles extremely common in Canada? Every old guy I talk to has had one at some time. Arguably more LE rifles and parts in Canada than SKS (I have no idea, just a guess).

And my overall answer to the thread in the form of an analogy:
The VW Bettle was and is very popular. It doesn't have the best performance, features, looks, or a high price tag. People have and will continue to love them. Some restore, some modify, some run 'em into the ground, some ask "Why?".

If you have to ask why you don't get it. I'm ok with that.

In my lifetime (and I'm not yet 40!), I purchased a Longbranch Lee Enfield in decent shape, full Canadian bits, all matching except the mag. It cost me $45. I'm pretty sure I could sell it to someone for $500 these days.

Your SKS may be worth a bit more in 20 years... I'm just sayin'... I have heard of the $5 Sears bins of Enfields in the 50's and 60's.
 
Your SKS may be worth a bit more in 20 years... I'm just sayin'... I have heard of the $5 Sears bins of Enfields in the 50's and 60's.

every pawn shop had LE in the late 60s , it was selling for $25 . i wish i bot a dozen .
 
nelly and curton. This is my exact point. Guys (like Drachenblut) are asking: "How can something be valuable if it's extremely common?"

The LE is extremely common, and as you have pointed out cheap. If I do a 5 minute lookup and calculate that 1 1960 dollar is worth 22x more than 1 2008 dollar (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_Value_of_US_dollar_in_2008_compared_to_1960)

$25 x 22 = $550, so your LE rifle has not really appreciated or depreciated relative to the dollar.

Personally I'm not expecting my SKS to increase in value. I am expecting to get a lot more use out of it, and enjoy owning it. So what I'm getting at is the SKS is a lot like the LE rifle in terms of accessibility and potential for collecting.
 
3 SKS's here and no gremlins? Keep in mind I've only went through two or three cases of ammo.

no need for an AK wannabe here....khehe

3 SKS's here too! Top to bottom: beat up russian Tula 1955/56
unissued russian Tula 1953
chinese type 56 late production.

I love my SKS but now i mainly use my CZ858 because handling and accuracy are better IMAO:D

IMG_0226.jpg
 
nelly and curton. This is my exact point. Guys (like Drachenblut) are asking: "How can something be valuable if it's extremely common?"

The LE is extremely common, and as you have pointed out cheap. If I do a 5 minute lookup and calculate that 1 1960 dollar is worth 22x more than 1 2008 dollar (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_Value_of_US_dollar_in_2008_compared_to_1960)

$25 x 22 = $550, so your LE rifle has not really appreciated or depreciated relative to the dollar.

i dont know why you would use the rate of US$ vs gold . gold has been a good investment if you chose these two points in time, all time high now (US$1050) and lows in the late 60s (US$42) when it was allowed to float.

it hasnt always been the case, gold previous high was US$800 in the early 1980 and it sunk as low as US$250 and it took 27 years in 2007 for it to recover to its previous high. not a good investment if you chose these two points in time. zero return in 27 years.

since i live in canada and spend C$ here, the consumers price index (CPI) would be more appropiate, if i didnt invest in a LE and spent it on my day to day stuff like gas , food and shelter, etc.

what would that 1967 $25 be worth today ? a whole $156.69 or 5.3X not 22.

http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/inflation_calc.html
 
I've handled the SKS. Have not shot it. I suppose some people can find it as a nifty little gun. Well worth the money. I'll save my peanuts for a VZ.
 
SKS is still a battle rifle that used today in some parts of the world. It's cheap, reliable, and non-restricted in original design. SVT-40 is a good rifle too, but ammo is more expensive and rifle is more expensive itself.

Alternative to $200 SKS? VZ-858 at $600 (3 times more expensive) or AR-180B at $1000 (5 times more expensive + ammo is more expensive).
 
Just to clarify the "S" is predicted to "HTF" in the winter of 2012 so get your camo straight! :)


finishedproduct.jpg


I don't normally like tactibubbas but dude that is one beautiful looking SKS.
And if you don't mind I'm borrowing that pic for my desktop for a few weeks. :)
 
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