SKS-D: Worth Keeping?

NorthCoastBigBore

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Ya another one of these "what to do" threads...I know.... anyway: I picked up a "new to me" 858 and really enjoy it. I've had SKS rifles since '93 or so, and have always held onto my D-Box.....but really I haven't shot it much, I found the stripper clips handier than the AK-mags (and far more plentiful).

I can't see where I would be using the D-Box much anymore, I prefer the handling and controls on the 858... trying to decide if there is some reason to keep the old girl. I like SKS rifles but actually gave away two last year just to get a couple of guys into shooting. I had both rifles for many years and had beat the snot out of them in the bush (carried one through some VERY rough terrain and thick brush for years). They are a rock-solid unit and make a fine bush gun, but again the D-box falls short there as the mag would catch on too much stuff I have to push through/climb over out here - plus it's too "pretty"....I don't see it gaining in value like my antique Winchesters have. These aren't that common but are certainly around.

Money is a non-issue, the only reason I'd move it is to make space - and to be quite honest I'd put it up for a high price hoping it wouldn't sell. I'm up in the air on it, give me some opinions - keep it or not? I doubt it will see a lot of action, seems like a waste of a fine rifle.
 
Personally I would oil it up and put it away. These will only gain in value over time. You'll thank me although I would buy it if the price is right lol
 
The D model isn't being imported anymore (AFAIK). So the supply we have is what we'll get. It is a variant of the SKS, and guys will eventually want to have one to fill the hole in their gun rack.

From a different perspective, the Czech rifles look aggressive just sitting still. A wood stocked SKS that takes detachable mags is less of an attention grabber.
 
Hey now that's a good idea! I was gonna say its up to you, its worth it to sell and worth it to keep until its worth more to sell :) They command a premium even though theyre lower quality than a military SKS. Somethin bout a AK-47 thing dem kids like. I didn't enjoy mine over a standard SKS. Theyre a great option for running a scoped SKS but none of them shoot well enough for me to want to scope one again.

Thanks folks, that input is appreciated & insightful - and as a result I've decided to split the difference and I'll be putting it up for trade only for something I really want (very specific antique firearms).
 
Hey now that's a good idea! I was gonna say its up to you, its worth it to sell and worth it to keep until its worth more to sell :) They command a premium even though theyre lower quality than a military SKS. Somethin bout a AK-47 thing dem kids like. I didn't enjoy mine over a standard SKS. Theyre a great option for running a scoped SKS but none of them shoot well enough for me to want to scope one again.

Yes actually it seems to be working out well. Better than cash (I'd just spend it on something practical), or just leaving it in the safe. ;)
 
You should really keep it! Unless you want to sell it to me, then it would have a good home;)

....pm me hahah
 
Good call.. I would have traded that peice of garbage on something of higher quality.. any day of the week... regardless of what you traded for... you won the trade.

Handled a couple back in the early 2000's.. if a firearm could be built to the lowest quality standards ever... cheap metal and wood painted styrofoam!!!!!..... but hey... I didn't buy one.. so who am I to complain..... Congrats on your trade.
 
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Good call.. I would have traded that peice of garbage on something of higher quality.. any day of the week... regardless of what you traded for... you won the trade.

Well I got an even trade, if you follow the antique market in North America, it's the same idea from a financial perspective. Both are about even in the market right now and should go up at the same rate based on my research and experience. And the new unit will at least match the decor around here LOL. The 858 is a toy, just like the SKS-D...should be fun to run some matches and bang around in the bush a bit (NR).
 
Well I got an even trade, if you follow the antique market in North America, it's the same idea from a financial perspective. Both are about even in the market right now and should go up at the same rate based on my research and experience. And the new unit will at least match the decor around here LOL. The 858 is a toy, just like the SKS-D...should be fun to run some matches and bang around in the bush a bit (NR).

I do not follow the antique market.. however I understand how that market works... anything no longer in production will increase in value.... some at a faster rate then others.... .. I want a German Luger.. the sooner I buy one the cheaper it will be on my wallet.
 
I just sold my made for export sks wich was basically the same but with a fixed mag. Not even comparable to a russian or chicom military sks. Just an all round sloppy rifle
 
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