new to sks looking for buying advice

J

jay smith

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Hi everyone was a member here a few years back but lost my log in info.
So im a new guy again lol.

Anyway I want to buy an SKS
So far I know I want a Russian model with matching serials
Don’t know if I should bother trying to find a un issued one or not.

The ones on Westrifle look pretty good.
I guess my biggest question is should I look for a particular year?
I seen that westrifle has 1954 models, I don’t know if newer is better
From what I can find on google one year is as good as another.

Other question is are there any other sites I should look at
and what do you guy like for ammo?


Thanks.
 
Westrifle does have really nice SKSs with the mag pinned on the follower and intact mag floorplate number, i have bought a few off them. The 1954 and newer russian SKSs have chrome lined barrels , might be a better option if you shoot corrosive ammo . I have a unissued unfired 1954 Izzy from westrifle for sale if your interested , i have too many lol just want $280 shipped PM me for pics if your interested .
 
I have a few SKSs including 1954s. My 1954s are at the bottom of the pile for accuracy but this is a very small sample from a large population. My most accurate is a 1953 refurbished stock and metal and lots or signs of serious use. (all Tula)

I prefer the mid-1951 and before breech blocks because the extractor is easily removable for cleaning. A chrome bore (1951 and beyond ?) is nice but you are going to have to clean the rifle anyway so it isn't that important (the breech block, carrier and gas piston will corrode if you don't).

I would buy on price. Like other used firearms its a crap shoot. You really don't know what you have until you take it to the range.
 
1. See SKS that looks pretty
2. Point at it
3. Exclaim out loud "I WANT IT"
4. Pay for it
5. Buy ammo

All the advice you need when buying an SKS lol
 
It depends on if you want a shooter or collector. If you want a shooter the Chinese will shoot as good or better than Russian and are less costly and you can get one new never used or refurb. For a shooter all parts matching means little. Even with exchanged parts they will shoot fine. If a collector is what you want check out the Russian Sticky here: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...SKS45-ID-FAQ-Collectibles-update-feb-8th-2011

Check out any of the milsurp dealers on this site, some are pricier than others but you normally get what you pay for if you are going for a collector. The refurb guns are going to be reliable good shooters as they were arsenal refurbed to like new condition even if they are marked or BBQ painted but they are less costly. Ultimately without more info from you as to what your intended use, not much more to say...
 
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You may want to check " The Gun Dealer " in N.B. , SKSs are on sale there until Jan.18 for 150 each , I bought three today....all with laminate stocks
 
Wow thanks for all the replies

I’m not looking for a collector I want toughness and accuracy if possible.
I like the idea of matching serials but don’t know if it has anything to do with operation.
I plan on keeping the gun stock other then removing bayonet and adding a sling

I was thinking a newer one may perform better and be in better shape.
 
They were ment to shoot with the bayo extended something to do with barrel harmonics. I have some chicom ones there great and shoot great. Eventually I'll get a collector grade Russian but I'm into shooting them and having em bounce around the truck getting. Dinged up.
 
jay smith said:
Wow thanks for all the replies

I’m not looking for a collector I want toughness and accuracy if possible.
I like the idea of matching serials but don’t know if it has anything to do with operation.
I plan on keeping the gun stock other then removing bayonet and adding a sling

I was thinking a newer one may perform better and be in better shape.
Click to expand...


As far as toughness goes all SKSs will take what you can dish out. They were designed to go bang in the worst conditions on earth and have done just that. If what you want is a shooter then consider the Chinese 56. Accuracy is relative with the SKS. If you are looking for 1 MOA accuracy the SKS is not for you. I have a late Chinese 56 with pinned barrel that shoots 2" groups and better at 100yds with scope. I have cut the bayo lug off as I use it for hunting and it still shoots accurately. I can consistantly hit the 300yd gong shot after shot. Keep it stock or if you feel the need to eventually tinker then you won't have to worry about messing up a Russian. There were millions of Chinese SKSs made. Not sure the "need to shoot with the bayo to be accurate theory" applies, at least I haven't found it to. I have a Russian refurb that I took the bayo off and attached a bipod for bench shooting and it seems to do okay too. Marstar has the Chinese 56s for a good price and they are new never used or refurb. Clean the cosmoline off of and out of it and you are good to go. Grab a case of ammo and have fun.
 
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My 2 cents; buy a Russian early as possible to keep stock and one later with chrome to tactical out and shoot. If you buy a collectible (I have a matching numbers 50) you will be conflicted when looking at all the aftermarket goodies. Its really true that you need at least 2 lol.
 
For sure at 150 it's like not smart to not buy a couple m1 garlands were like 300 back around year 2000 I hear mosin nagnats m44 in 1992 were. 39.95 also the ammo is not finite and rules can change like it did with norinco ammo so buy crates when you can esp at 200 a crate. I see it as an investment as well or you can shoot it whatever
 
I do want a Russian model
and it sounds like matching serials don’t matter for function.
I don’t plan on scoping the gun so I may not even notice an accuracy difference
I know these aren’t 270s.
The only guns I shoot aside from my 12ga are my stock 1022s
one scoped and one open sights, don’t know how they compare to the sks.

Just the same it sounds like I’ll end up owning more then one lol.

I found this site
http://www.bullseyesports.ca/featur...rplus-rifle-7-62x39-tula-arsenal-b-grade.html

http://www.bullseyesports.ca/surplu...nt-condition-unfired-with-silver-bayonet.html



and im sorry Gunexpert007 I don’t know where to find the site “N.B.”
 
jay smith said:
lol ok thanks i was looking all over this site
Click to expand...

Just google The Gun Dealer , its in McAdam , New Brunswick.....look under the specials section , the sale ends on Jan 18 th , they are Russian SKSs.....they do mail order as well , they have a fairly large gun store there....
 
get a fresh out of crate Russian, buying used Is a crap shoot, iv owned and been around more sks riffles than you can shake a stick at, Russian ones are the most reliable, the most accurate and the and the easiest to get rid of.
 
It is hard to say. The pics the dealers put up are representative of what they are selling. To confirm refurb/unrefurb you would have to know what you are looking for and see it in person. I know what Tradex sells as I have purchased theirs before. The laminate stocked ones are going to be refurbs but will be in good - excellent condition. You will have no issues with it firing. The laminate stocks are stronger but some like the original look of the hardwood. I cant speak to the Bullseyesports ones as I have never gotten one from them. Unfired is tricky as it could mean that they haven't been fired after being put in a box and imported to Canada. It can also mean that they have never been fire from original which is a misnomer because all SKS's have been test fired at the factory when first made and after refurb for testing. Was it issued and fired that would have to be determined by looking at it in person or seeing detailed pics. If I was to recomend one get the Tradex one. You will be happy...
 
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