Best place to buy an SKS?
- Thread starter Rhyno
- Start date
Yeah, unless you buy in bulk most stores are selling SKS's now for $180+ (supply is drying up and will continue to do so - possibility of more cheap Chinese rifles in the future, but Europe will be quiet for awhile due to politics).
Canadian Tire my way sells them cheap.
Personally Soviet SKS are luck of the draw - the best place to get one is either the cheapest or whoever sells some in the best condition (unrefurb, etc.), the later usually requires you to hand pick or at least view the rifles in person.
They come randomly packed in crates, so you never know what you are going to get until the crates are opened. There were some non-refurb'd rifles for sale a year ago but they came in boxes vs. crates - so you knew exactly what you were getting.
Chinese military rifles on the other hand are mint/unissued and then it comes down to which factory, colour of wood or year of production.
Canadian Tire my way sells them cheap.
Personally Soviet SKS are luck of the draw - the best place to get one is either the cheapest or whoever sells some in the best condition (unrefurb, etc.), the later usually requires you to hand pick or at least view the rifles in person.
They come randomly packed in crates, so you never know what you are going to get until the crates are opened. There were some non-refurb'd rifles for sale a year ago but they came in boxes vs. crates - so you knew exactly what you were getting.
Chinese military rifles on the other hand are mint/unissued and then it comes down to which factory, colour of wood or year of production.
Canadian Tire in Kemptville has them and ammo by the crate. Save on shipping costs.
The outfitter in Smiths Falls (can't remember name) had some a few years back as well as Lebarons and the Old Co-Op in North Gower. Phone around if you are looking for a specific year or stock preference.
Unless you plan on hand picking one in hopes of getting something special, they are all about the same.
The outfitter in Smiths Falls (can't remember name) had some a few years back as well as Lebarons and the Old Co-Op in North Gower. Phone around if you are looking for a specific year or stock preference.
Unless you plan on hand picking one in hopes of getting something special, they are all about the same.
Last 2 I bought from stores were pretty bad, the worst 2 I own. Others that I have seen at Canadian Tire weren't much better.
Non-chromed, BBQ paint- no blueing, painted bolts, $hitty stocks. I believe these 2 are the Molot ones.
As mentnioned, even these nasty specimens will shoot as well as a nice and fancy SKS. Just not so ###y to someone who has a few and knows what to look for.
I find buying used (not necessarily used, most I have bought second hand have either been unfired or very few shots and well maintained) is the way to go these day, until another batch comes in.
Non-chromed, BBQ paint- no blueing, painted bolts, $hitty stocks. I believe these 2 are the Molot ones.
As mentnioned, even these nasty specimens will shoot as well as a nice and fancy SKS. Just not so ###y to someone who has a few and knows what to look for.
I find buying used (not necessarily used, most I have bought second hand have either been unfired or very few shots and well maintained) is the way to go these day, until another batch comes in.
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There's really no 'best place' to buy any milsurp. You have to decide what you want and hunt for it.
Suspect you won't get an SKS in decent condition for the money you want to pay. Epp's had a couple list at $180 in good and very good condition. Sold, of course.
Suspect you won't get an SKS in decent condition for the money you want to pay. Epp's had a couple list at $180 in good and very good condition. Sold, of course.
