A Very Rare and Exceptional Beauty: non-refurbished, clearly unfired 1953 Izhevsk SKS

[The Kurgan]

What makes this one even more interesting is that it has the "transitional" bayont lug: straight cut inner ears and weight relief slots (usually found on the rare "transitional" 1952 Tula).

The bluing is stunning: deep and flawless. The wood, save a few minor handling marks, is also stunning and extremely well preserved. No wear on any part. She was NEVER fired for certain. I'm one happy guy today.

Gold bayonet. Note the transitional bayonet lug/bayonet handle:

The only two handling marks on the whole rifle, I can live with that!:

In my locker cleaned and waxed, next to a few of my many (mint) Tulas:

 

[MikeAK]

That's a beautiful rifle. Where did you find it and for how much$?

 

[The Kurgan]

I bought if off of CGN'er "Flamingchicken"
Ever since he posted photos of his improbable find last year, I was always very jealous of him (and I'm not the envious sort)... I waited for the off chance he might sell it as I knew he was uncomfortable holding this collector item. I jumped on it and paid more than double what most people pay for a comparable non-refurb... but I had to have it.

 

[MikeAK]

Yeah, sometimes we just have to have something. Plan on shooting or is it a collector piece for you?

 

[The Kurgan]

She'll be a display piece. I have other SKS's to shoot.

 

[KND]

I have exactly the same but from 1954 at izzy factory. Brand new, unfire and non refurbished except I never keep any guns virgin in my hand. Check out westrifle.com, they do have non refurbished and non sks, not sure they have any izzy left.

 

[Tazzy]

Out of curiosity how many SKS's do you own Kurgan?

 

[The Kurgan]

More than I would care to admit...

 

[Mark Williams]

It's a cracker !

BTW, I don't think they like your beautiful SKS on the beautiful SKS thread.

 

[JimDO]

Im gonna have to pull out my sks's to compare and see what this different bayonet lug is all about..

 

[boltonscouter]

3 digit serial # to boot! Cool.

 

[257wbycustom]

hmm why cant I see the pics?

 

[fenceline]

Wow. The markings on the left side of the stock are so crisp and beautiful. I totally understand why you stepped up to the plate and paid what won't be admitted to haha.

The SKS addiction is not recoverable. It won't afflict everyone, but for those that it does, we are done.

 

[RMXC51]

You are now forgiven for OP8. But not for not selling it TO ME.

 

[The Kurgan]

In process of buying it back!

 

[fenceline]

In process of buying it back!

Good!

 

[tg07lq]

I'm looking to pick up an SKS in the next couple days, I read the sticky but am left with some questions.
What is the ideal SKS to be looking for? I.e is Tula better than Izhevsk? are the newer ones better than old? I'll be buying to shoot but would still like to get a nice rifle.
Right now I've been looking on westrifle.com, any other good spots to look? or a link to something on westrifle or otherwise that makes for a good buy? Im trying to learn the ins and outs of buying the SKS but find myself just a tad impatient I guess you could say. As the days get shorter (and subsequently my range time) I'm looking for something sooner rather than later.

 

[cainesy]

Ya, I'd keep her in the locker to. She'd for sure be passed down to the ones coming up. Beautiful example of what the Russians we're capable of.

 

[Andurp]

Now THAT is a glorious SKS.

I'm holding back on my SKS collecting for a while, but I'd still pick up a '53 Izhevsk in any condition in a heartbeat.

 

[jongun]

Thats a friggin awesome addition for sure bud. Congrats and now I'm sure others are envious of you at least I know I am.