Sks

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andrewlawton

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Awaiting my PAL/RPAL but I'm getting a head start on buying firearms. I have a 10/22 awaiting pick-up when I get my card, but I've had a couple of people suggest getting an old Russian SKS (with sling/bayonet). I've seen a few sites offering, and I'm not sure whether the low price is a reason to get excited or cast aside the idea as more of a novelty buy rather than a good starter gun. Thoughts?
 
Great guns, only so cheap due to massive surplus from Russia / China. Buy one, buy a bunch of the cheap ammo, and enjoy.

Won't find a cheaper semi auto center fire anywhere. Just look for the one in the best condition that's not too expensive.
 
SKS are not a novelty. They were designed for defending Russia from invasion.

They are cheap because:
- only moderate accuracy
- millions made, were "technically obsolete" to militaries before even fielded.
- most who want one, and licensed to own guns, already have one. Or two.
- a bit nose heavy, handling isn't the most awesome

They are worth more than they sell for because:

- seriously overbuilt tough
- last forever and a decade
- if using original factory magazine, VERY reliable
- decent useable shorter range accuracy... pie plate at 200m
- mild recoil for new shooters

In a country where KelTec Sub2000 goes for $600, to buy SKS's for $170-300 for a serious carbine that's been battle proven in at least 50 wars and lasted the test of time, its a bargain. Its not a sniper rifle though!
 
The way .22 ammo is going it might become cheaper to shoot the sks! But seriously, they are super fun and a great gun to become comfortable with shooting at a low cost.
 
The SKS is great rifle because it's cheap and so is the ammo you feed it. It has limitations, all firearms do, so its "value" will depend on your goal/purpose.
 
I believe no gun has a better quality/price value.

It's only cheap because it's been bulk produced for the red counties military and has now no military use. Also, I believe they can't be imported in the USA anymore.

Very good to start shooting centerfire. But don't expect moa accuracy. Very reliable too.
 
Several are known here at the site, and most gun stores or retailers will sell them. But in the EE there is Weimajack, site sponsors Corwin Arms, and Westrifle... lots of CGN members have had great service with all three.

There also should be available through TradeEx Canada, Canada Ammo, Marstar, among others.
 
SKS is a great way to learn to shoot without breaking the bank. Rifles and Rounds are cheap and plentiful. Shoot safe.
 
They are a lot of fun to shoot, but don't expect great accuracy. Not made for that. And scoping one won't help. Kind of daft to scope a carbine in the first place, but scopes do not fix poor accuracy. Most are good enough for deer out to 100 yards though.
 
cheap because they made so many, and the russian (and chinese as well) ones can't be sold to usa anymore.

the ammo is cheap. I paid $0.16 a round last time i bought some ammo for it. depending on the brand, that's cheaper than .22LR (not bulk of course)

imo, if you pay between 180-220 you got a fair price. i bought both of mine at my LGS.
 
Best value for a first rifle hands down. Some places will let you pick from the litter - big box retailers and online stores will pull one from the back and that will be yours. Ammo can be expensive if you buy in 20 round boxes to astoundingly cheap if you buy a 1000 plus round crate of Eastern European milsurp. Some ammo crates may also contain stripper clips which can be difficult to come by - aftermarket clips are often a poorly manufactured waste of money as they don't fit. Watch some you tube vids and understand care and feeding of the floating firing pin (slam fires). The bayonet screw is staked in but can be removed with a decent screwdriver if desired - it will change the sighting slightly as you will alter barrel weight. They are a ton of fun to shoot.
 
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