There is so much inaccurate information floating around these threads.
SKS-D rifles were imported in several configurations during the late 1980's to mid 1990's.
As with most Chinese firearms imported at the time, quality varied tremendously. This is mainly because different factories were producing the same rifles, albeit often under the same importer umbrellas such as "Norinco."
People label Norinco products are being trash, well... that is like saying "Nestlé sucks!" are you taling about Häagen-Dazs? Coffee-Mate? KitKat? Gerber?
Point being, Norinco is a conglomerate, its full name is China North Industries Group Corporation Limited. Yes, they also did have their own factory.
Some Chinese products of the era are phenomenal, as there was often a friendly competition spirit to present a superior quality product offering, especially to the U.S. market. Poly Technologies vs. Norinco as an example, see attached photo. There was also a lot of national pride at the time in China.
Some SKS-D rifles are very well built, with excellent fit and finish, and extensive use of milled parts. This is especially true of early Norinco branded examples. Some have removable folding bayonets, and other unique commercial features such as bolt hold open buttons, etc. Others are more traditional.
In my own experience, they are extremely reliable and accurate enough for government work.
Now for the elephant in the room... some SKS-D rifles are absolute lemons. Horrible fit and finish, canted sights, heavy use of cast parts, canted magazine wells, very tight magazine well tolerances, misaligned screws, etc.
Most of the substandard SKS-D's were imported very late in the production lifespan, when they were being scraped together to dispose of existing parts. The same goes for most Norinco products.
The golden era for production in China was circa 1988-1993.
At this point in the collecting sphere, one would be wise to physically inspect an SKS-D rifle before making a purchase. A good SKS-D can be fantastic in all regards. Those with good examples seldom part with them. As for pricing, well... the rifles are no longer manufactured, and with a limited supply and ever changing legal environment, it is difficult to pinpoint what something is "truly worth", as that means something different to everyone.
Example of the friendly competition:
View attachment 1053760
Norinco product line advertisement:
View attachment 1053762
