SKS - Yes or No

Interesting thread. I don't have any knowledge or experience with SKSes but recently in just casual browsing through various LGS websites, I saw these as (what I thought was) ultra affordable, though I wasn't aware that these could be had for $200 not too long ago.

I was thinking of picking one up, but as these appear to be used, and presumably do not come with a full history like some used cars do, I am leery on what if I buy it and then something breaks or it used exclusively corrosive ammo in the past and wasn't cleaned well, etc. I am not sure if the LGSs have any type of warranty on these things. Ammo is cheap though - I see a few places have Norinco 7.62x39 as low as a little over nine bucks per box of 20 for non-corrosive.

The historical nature of these is extremely appealing to me, but it'd be nice to be able to shoot off some rounds at the range periodically rather than having it sit around as a collector piece.

I presume stores will not let you pick one from the stock they have - they will just randomly sell you one.
 
^wha?

I've hand picked all of mine. Look for a gas tube cover that doesn't wiggle. They do anyways after the barrel warms up
 
Most gun shops will let you pick through an open crate, if it's out for display.

Usually, the stores either have them in the crates, still in grease or in the racks for perusal.

The rifles in the racks will usually have the grease swabbed out of the bores.

If the rifles are purchased through a surplus broker by the store and put up on the racks, they're usually in VG or better condition, inside and out.

If they are customer consignment rifles, you should look down the bore first, before purchase and ask for some sort of return condition, if the firearm proves to be broken or missing parts after your first trip to the range, which should be within a week of the purchase.

Also, if it's a consignment piece, make an offer, instead of paying the tag price.

Some of the recent Chinese SKS imports were pretty shabby. That was mostly on the outside.

I've looked at a few crates of them and they all appear to be in very good internal condition.

There aren't ever any guarantees on surplus firearms. Parts for SKS rifles are available from several sources.

If you're really looking for a decent SKS as a collectible/shooter, look for a Yugoslav manufactered model. You will pay twice as much for one, but it will be the pick of the litter.

If you see a Russian SKS on the shelf, that looks new, it's likely an FTR and looks as good inside as out.

Even at today's prices, they're a very good deal.
 
SKSs show up on EE frequently at about $500 +/- a bit. You may find one locally for a bit less but as said the Russians seem better and the Yugos are a close second (IMO). I've bought 2 '51 Tulas b4 firing with no regrets and have become partial to those older ones. My current '51 is in Tapco and I can hit about 3" @ 50 and 6-8 @ 100 with the irons (100 is a bit of guessing at that distance with irons when you're 70+) and about 12" @ 180 yds. (same guess, just aim at centre of bull). If you're into "collecting" them, be aware that most (under $1000) are "used" as they're 50+ years old, 'military' so you won't get "History" in most cases and I doubt any dealer will give a warranty beyond "works as should". Ammo (Milsurp) runs about $6-10 / 20 or ca. $500/ case of 1440 (Chinese milsurp ammo) while Non-corrosive may run $20/20 or more. And they haven't been $200 for about 10 years unless a LGS was clearing them out. Cabelas was selling Chinese clones for about $350 this past summer, prob to 'dump' stock b4 the Libs bann them.
All that said, I still am tempted to get another when I see one for around $3-400 (it happens) but then I'd have to play favorites.
 
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