SKS Questions...

[pisces-guy]

I've got a couple of questions before I buy an SKS, thanks for your help!
Is it easier to find parts for the later years in case something breaks, or is there no difference?
I found one that looked good, but with 1953 on the stock and 1951 on the action cover...a refurb I guess, does that reduce it's collection value?
Is an SKS with a laminated stock of less interest to collectors than one with a birch stock, or does it make any difference? Thanks!

 

[fiddler]

There are so many SKS on the market that you will find parts for many generations yet to come. The refurbs shoot just as well as non-reburbs. Bottom line: you get what you pay for. The collector SKS rifles are quite a bit higher. There is little collectors value in mis-matched parts

 

[rob350]

X2, I would not worry too much about collector value, buy em cheap and shoot it.
Even numbers matching is actually pretty common on sks's, so make sure your paying more bottom end pricing for that one. 200 bucks probably around normal eh

 

[plinker 777]

x3,Something else to bear in mind,the Russians changed from a solid birch stock to a stronger/cheaper laminate stock.....If it were my shooter that should be 'nuf said...

 

[Chumlee Bumsnag]

Canada Ammo has NOS chinese ones for $199.99 with free shipping. They are nice unissued ones with chrome lined barrels and milled receivers. I have 2 and might get a couple more.
http://www.canadaammo.com/product.php?productid=291&cat=0&page=1

 

[RobSmith]

Are you buying a shooter, or a collectible ?
As a collectible, your rifle will lose a bit of value EVERY time you pull the trigger. Collectible firearms are meant to be safe queens, locked away in your safe and dusted every once in awhile. If you're buying a shooter, buy one whom suits your aesthetic taste.

 

[pisces-guy]

I'm going to shoot it now and then, but I want to leave a nice collectible for my son as well. I think a numbers matching SKS in good condition will be the best way to go...and I'll probably go laminated, as it's tougher and I don't have any laminate stocked rifles in my collection yet...

 

[jameskw]

weimajack is your man in EE. He picks out good rifles (he knows what to look for) and posts pictures.
http://canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=561305

 

[plinker 777]

x2 Look to an Izzy lightly refurbed all matching, {10 Tula's for every 1 Izzy} Look to weimajack on EE. He's a dealer out of Quebec and he knows how to select the best of the bunch. Honest guy,honest prices,great packaging...shipped to your door!. He'll photo the rifles he has to offer,it's like hand picking yourself,No surprizes,No B.S.!

 

[LarryG]

I bought a refurbed Izhevsk from Weimajack and am very pleased. With open sights, I get about 2" groups at 50 yards. Trigger is around 8 lbs, bit of creep, but a trigger job should fix that. There's a very good video on youtube for that, btw.
The gun came cleaned and oiled without cosmoline, so that was a bonus.
Apparently, the Izhevsk's have a nicer finish than Tulas, so I figured my first one would be an Izzy.
I also bought a chinese sks from him, as I hear they are always great shooters and overall have a better trigger.