Hey thanks for all the quick replies! Is there any difference between chinese and russion surplus? Should I get one over the other if possible? Also, what makes certain ammo corrosive? Very new to this stuff.......
1) They are ALL surplus
2) The Russian tend to command a slightly higher value as the perception is that the OG manufacture does it best. But id pick a well maintained Chinese over a beat up Russian one any day. Its not that Chinese are perceived as bad. Many people here have Chinese SKS's that shoot fantastic
3) Corrosive ammo. In the primer of cheap army surplus ammo there is salt. What does salt to do to metal?? This doesn't hurt the gun at all as long as you clean it thoroughly right away. But if you are in a hurry and dont clean it, it can cause significant damage. I am a guy who's always pressed for time so I choose to spend a bit more and only shoot non-corrosive ammo. As of right now the best value non-corrosive is Norinco Red Box.
4) What hasn't been mentioned yet, are you keeping it original wood stock or are you looking at going tatticool? (i have one of each, I swing both ways and Justin says you cant judge me for it)