I would like to get a Russian SKS but I'm kinda turned off by the factory refurbishment description. Given my experience trying to buy an SVT40 with a bore that didn't look like the surface of the moon strait from the retailer, which was also described as "fact Refurb". So.. is it hit or miss on bore condition when you buy them from retail or have the bores all been bright, shiny and pitting free?
Russian SKS refurbishment bore condition from retailer?
- Thread starter Lebel
- Start date
theBuilder
CGN Regular
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
My experience with refurb sks' has shown me that their bores are generally very good. I have gone through many and i would say they are generally much better than the svt40s.
sestroretsk
Member
- Location
- Nova Scotia
Generally they are in good or better condition, but sometimes some do slip through that are less-than-stellar. A lot of the time they clean up nicely, even if they look bad upon original inspection.
Overall all I would say they tend to be better than Mosins and SVT as far as bore condition goes. Of course YMMV.
If you are buying online, ask the retailer if they can provide description of the bore on a random rifle and see what they say.
Overall all I would say they tend to be better than Mosins and SVT as far as bore condition goes. Of course YMMV.
If you are buying online, ask the retailer if they can provide description of the bore on a random rifle and see what they say.
From 1952 onward the Soviet SKS45 has a chrome lined bore. Some 1951 guns will also have the chrome lining while some will not. But do not trust the dates on the covers and stocks as guarantees that gun is 1952 or later. Stocks and covers were regularly replaced on guns that do not correspond to the dates. Some of the guns with a 45degree front gas port will have chrome lined bores, however ALL of the guns with a curved front gas port will have a chrome lined bore. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if the barrel is chrome lined or not. The easieast way to guarantee that the sks45 is chrome lined is to find one with a curved forward gas block.
If you are able to inspect the rifle prior to purchase, bring a bore light with you to inspect the condition of the grooves and bore.
The muzzle of a chrome lined bore will have distinct inner circumferece:
Not an sks but a great example of chrome lining apparent at the muzzle: http://ak-builder.com/images/detailed/2/30426_Bulgy-new-762x39chrome-lined-barrel-detail.jpg
SKS with chrome lining:
https://goo.gl/images/a5Ysjw
https://goo.gl/images/zmRAvM
https://goo.gl/images/Nb59nk
vs.
SKS without chrome lining:
https://goo.gl/images/bbT3wW
https://goo.gl/images/27zLZS
Keep in mind that chrome lining vs. no chrome lining is not always readily apparent at the muzzle. Especially when the muzzle is worn and in the white. But upon close examination you should be able to see the distinct inner and outer circumfereces of the chrome sleeve and the steel.
If you are able to inspect the rifle prior to purchase, bring a bore light with you to inspect the condition of the grooves and bore.
The muzzle of a chrome lined bore will have distinct inner circumferece:
Not an sks but a great example of chrome lining apparent at the muzzle: http://ak-builder.com/images/detailed/2/30426_Bulgy-new-762x39chrome-lined-barrel-detail.jpg
SKS with chrome lining:
https://goo.gl/images/a5Ysjw
https://goo.gl/images/zmRAvM
https://goo.gl/images/Nb59nk
vs.
SKS without chrome lining:
https://goo.gl/images/bbT3wW
https://goo.gl/images/27zLZS
Keep in mind that chrome lining vs. no chrome lining is not always readily apparent at the muzzle. Especially when the muzzle is worn and in the white. But upon close examination you should be able to see the distinct inner and outer circumfereces of the chrome sleeve and the steel.
I recently purchased a refurb from Trade ex for use as a shooter when I take friends out shooting. That way they don't put their grubby hands on mine,lol! The rifle was in very good condition, bore is great. Bbq paint and all, it was very clean and I'd definitely recommend Trade ex Canada.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
The sks's I've seen all were pretty nice down the bore and barrel, at least when bought new in refurb condition. I'm sure there are ones floating around that look rough, likely from owners that neglected to clean them properly. Svt40's and Mosins saw service and you'll generally find evedence of that down the bore and barrel.
- Location
- Steel Town
Just buy one from a local on EE. Hand inspect it.
My 1951 looks just like new; shoots amazing for what it is at 100 yards as well; 2-3" groups with factory sights (I did have to adjust the front sight for both windage and elevation) with cheap Chinese ammo that after shooting looks like there was coal mixed in with the powder). I love mine.
