Hi,
After getting over how much I dislike the SKS safety, I went ahead and bought an SKS from a fellow here on the EE. I went for it because the pics showed a beautiful rifle - a refinished laminate stock, and an immaculate barrel. It's a 1952 Tula. And I love it.
The rifle is a good shooter (average 1" groups at 50 yards - 2-3" at 100 yards), with a rear peep sight.
There is some combination of factors that for me, make the SKS stand out as a handy (great!) rifle to have. I think it's a nice looking rifle in the laminate, it is rugged, easy to maintain, reasonably accurate at shorter ranges (haven't tried beyond 100 yards), and the ammo is relatively inexpensive - even the Barnaul HP or FMJ that I normally use.
I can shoot it for a good two hour session, spend maybe $50 on ammo, not have a sore shoulder, and walk away without having developed a flinch.
If I could change anything about it? Very little. I wish the mags were not pinned to 5 (not an SKS fault!), and I'd like it if the bayonet could detach like on an M1.
And after all is said and done,
Rifle is fine! As long as you add a rear peep sight.
Cheers,
Neil