Help with SKS please

SteelCityCoach

SteelCityCoach

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Hello All,

Ok so I am going to get an SKS but being a novice with respect to shooting etc., would like some input from those more seasoned to the hobby and of course those who own an SKS.

What do I need to keep in mind/look for when shopping around for one of these toys?

It seems from reading on here I can conclude the following?

1. In order of quality.....chinese, russian, norinco?

2. Do all the numbers always match? If not then I assume I should ask/make sure that they do?

3. I remember reading something about corrosion, is the solution a lined barrel or is there a way other then consistent cleaning to protect against it?

4. When it says 'refurbished' does that mean it has been fired or just that the wood has been refinished?

5. What does 'unissued' mean and if it is unissued has it been fired?


If there is anything in addition to the above I have missed or you feel I should know please pass it along. Also if you know of a decent deal out there pass that along as well.

Thanks for reading and replying,

Coach
 
Coach, Norinco is the chinese manufacturer of SKS's and there are 2 general types of chinese: early production military and modern production commercial. I own both and can tell you military is far and above better made than modern commercial (QC took a nosedive) Unissued means the rifle was never issued to a soldier or LEO whatever the case may be. It was built then put into storage and is now on the market as a new rifle unless used by previous owner. A refurb is a rifle that saw use by the military and was then reconditioned before being put into storage. These are the rifles that usually dont have all matching parts. Unissued russian and most chinese should be all matching I believe. Both my chinese are. Laminate stock russians are generally regarded as the highest quality in machining, fit and finish. They are all stone cold reliable rifles, some shoot better than others while some look better than others. A chrome lined bore is a good asset that makes cleaning faster and easier. As far as corrosion goes, it is caused by using corrosive ammunition (most milsurp except chinese is corrosive) A good cleaning and oiling will prevent rust, but neglect will slowly allow rust to form and eventually destroy parts. I find I need to clean within a few hours of shooting while others have left their rifles for months with no ill effects. Read through all the stickies on these rifles in the red rifles section for good cleaning tips, and there are a few threads with all kinds of techniques that work well. Basically though, clean oiled steel will not rust. My advice is choose the one you like best for looks, pick up a crate of ammo and have fun! I hope if ive made any errors, some resident experts can correct me so as not to mislead you
 
SteelCityCoach said:
3. I remember reading something about corrosion, is the solution a lined barrel or is there a way other then consistent cleaning to protect against it?

Once you get your rifle and clean it up, pay extra attention to how the gas system works. Once you take it out and put 60 rounds through it, you'll see just how dirty the breech, bolt face, barrel, and piston cylinders get. Thorough cleaning is more important than consistent cleaning, meaning, once it's been well cleaned, and oiled and put away, you won't have to worry about taking it out and cleaning it for the heck of it (unless you want to ;))

If there is anything in addition to the above I have missed or you feel I should know please pass it along. Also if you know of a decent deal out there pass that along as well.

You shouldn't have any problem finding a decent deal, there's hundreds of SKSes out there. Better is to find one that suits your purpose. If you want a plinker to sporterize, go chinese. If you want something a little more classy that you're not planning to tamper with, get an old Tula or Ishevsk.
Click to expand...

Hope this helps.
 
I got a russian 1952 simonov refurb with chrome lined bore and a tapco stock for just over 300 bucks. It works great anx is pretty accurate as well. Didnt look as nice as some of the unissued ones but still had a laminate stock. The tapco stock and duckbill mags are a must if you ask me. Got everything for about 550 shipped from Killercane at moregunssupply.
 
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