Rus SKS 'Supergrade' at Calgary WSS? What do I have here? What should I 'bubba'?

[Tengoo]

So I didn't want to bubba my '52 Tula SKS refurb because it's pretty darn nice [good bluing, all matching numbers, really nice laminated stock], so I went shopping today for another SKS to monkey with [basically cut off the bayonet mount and refinish the stock].

The only place in town with SKS rifles is WSS, so I have a look at them, like the display rifle and decide to buy one. Well, it's _really_ nice. It came out wrapped in a bag with the usual extra bits, and was marked 'Supergrade'. Dammit, this rifle was even nicer than my first one. Tula 1955...the bluing looks new, all matching numbers, no looseness or rattle at all and a black [blued?] bayonet. The only thing I don't care for is the hardwood stock, which nevertheless looks fine with only a bit of grease schmutz on it. I can't find a refurb mark anywhere, so I'm thinking it may be an unissued rifle...it certainly looks unissued, not that I'm really any judge.

So now I'm wondering if I should keep the second rifle stock and play gunsmith with the first rifle.

Does anybody know what's up with these 'Supergrade' rifles? Are they anything special?

Edit: Just remembered......CSC has some too, but I didn't like their looks at all...

 

[bp2626]

I wouldn't buy into the whole "Supergrade" thing. WSS doesn't import their SKS rifles directly.

Some are nicer than others. Keep the nicer one in its original configuration and spruce up the beater.

 

[timandkimandshea]

wait, you must buy ANOTHER one. Keep shopping til you hit an ugly one.
T

 

[bobdbldr]

Or you can send me the 55, I have a soft spot for those,( my birth year), sounds like a couple I got from Fredericton CTC, blued bayo and very nice! Your other one must be a 56/57/or 58 depending on the letter on the end of the serial #!

 

[wd123]

i was of the understanding a black bayo means a refurb, or if on an original 1949 then it could be legit "stock" config

 

[relic38]

Had to.

 

[paisley70]

Those pretty little diamond "refurb" stamps have been sanded down. Look closely and you'll see half a diamond faintly. Those crazy Ukrainians know exactly what we are looking for and embellish the look of the rifle almost perfectly.

 

[Tengoo]

I wouldn't buy into the whole "Supergrade" thing. WSS doesn't import their SKS rifles directly. Some are nicer than others. Keep the nicer one in its original configuration and spruce up the beater.

I'm aware that WSS isn't likely to have anything _really_ premium along these lines, but the condition of the rifle certainly made an impression. Still, I think the new rifle will be the one I play with. Getting rid of the bayonet and a nicer finish on the hardwood stock should get me to the 'sporterized' look I want.

wait, you must buy ANOTHER one. Keep shopping til you hit an ugly one.

You, sir, are clearly a bad influence. I think I like you! Still, two SKS rifles are enough for me...I'm primarily a handgun guy anyway.

Or you can send me the 55, I have a soft spot for those,( my birth year), sounds like a couple I got from Fredericton CTC, blued bayo and very nice! Your other one must be a 56/57/or 58 depending on the letter on the end of the serial #!

Sorry, both of these rifles are keepers, although I appreciate your enthusiasm.

i was of the understanding a black bayo means a refurb, or if on an original 1949 then it could be legit "stock" config

Hmmm...I was casually aware that the black bayonet was something unusual, but I guess it really isn't that special. I wonder if I could get $20 for it on the EE? It's that or throw it out...

Those pretty little diamond "refurb" stamps have been sanded down. Look closely and you'll see half a diamond faintly. Those crazy Ukrainians know exactly what we are looking for and embellish the look of the rifle almost perfectly.

I'll look more closely to see what's up. My first SKS fooled me...the refurb stamp was very hard to spot.

 

[Tengoo]

Had to.

Seriously?? Does anybody really want to see pictures of fairly run-of-the-mill SKSs? I'll see what I can do....

Thank you all for your replies...I appreciate the guidance.

 

[mikethebike]

at this rate and prices the sks is fast becoming the new Canadian national rifle.

 

[leonard]

If you ask they may let you go digging in the crates in the back for a good one.

that's how mine was found.

also @ mike above.
Well @ 145-200$ and 200$ for 1440 Rnd Crate of ammo their is no excuse for anyone to not buy one really.

If not just for practicing shooting one of the biggest things i hear why people don't shoot that often is bullet prices @ 1-2$ per shot people get tired of spending fairly fast.

If you get a SKS that will do even 1-2 moa you can even practice out too 300 Yards or so.

 

[CanadianBaconPancakes]

I got 2 sks from whole sale, Ones ok shape the other im almost sure its un issued, I was blinded when I looks at the barrel it was so shinney. Im shooting the First ok one currently and will be selling it at one point localy when I put 5000-6000 rounds through it.