Two newbie-ish questions about the SKS

Ancalagon

Ancalagon

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Hello folks

You've been so kind answering some of my general questions about the SKS that I thought I would ask some more! :)

So:

1: There has been a fair amount of excitement in the Marstar sub-forum about the possible sale of "Yugos" - which I'm assuming means a Yugoslav-made SKS. Why is this such a big deal - what's the difference between a Yugo and say, a Chinese-made SKS?

2: It dawned on me that while I've handle the SKS a bit as part of the PAL course, I've never actually fired one. How does one go about trying one before buying - and no, I don't have a buddy with one, unfortunately.

cheers and thank you in advance :)
 
When they're talking about the "Yugo's", they might mean the 8mm Mauser's.

As far as trying out an SKS, don't wory, everyone should have at least one of them.:D
 
IMO, the SKS is one of the most comfortable and enjoyable guns to shoot, you can get a good Russian one for around $200, it is a truly enjoyable semi automatic rifle, super reliable, feels good in your hands has a good size/weight to it.

As for trying one, hang around at your range a lot of people buy them because they're super cheap so you'll probably run into some people that own one, then just ask to try it.
 
Ancalagon said:
Hello folks

You've been so kind answering some of my general questions about the SKS that I thought I would ask some more! :)

So:

1: There has been a fair amount of excitement in the Marstar sub-forum about the possible sale of "Yugos" - which I'm assuming means a Yugoslav-made SKS. Why is this such a big deal - what's the difference between a Yugo and say, a Chinese-made SKS?

2: It dawned on me that while I've handle the SKS a bit as part of the PAL course, I've never actually fired one. How does one go about trying one before buying - and no, I don't have a buddy with one, unfortunately.

cheers and thank you in advance :)
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The Yugoslav-made SKS carbines had the grenade launcher attachment and the sights for it. They are somewhat rare around here, and are reputed to be among the best-built SKS out there.

Trying before buying an SKS could be difficult if you don't know someone who owns one. If you're a member of a club/range, maybe post in the clubhouse or on the club's website asking if you could hook up with someone who has a SKS to try it. Bringing your own ammo would be good too.

That said, you can pick up a Russian SKS for roughly $200, so even if you buy it and DON'T like it (yeah right ;)), you won't be out too much if you decide to sell it quick (probably just shipping costs). Marstar had (don't know if they still do) a deal where if you bought a case of surplus ammo, you could buy a Chinese made SKS for $75.
 
"The Yugoslav's made two types of Simonov based carbines, both of which are considered to be of exceptionally high quality. They started in 1959 with a rifle more or less identical to the Russian SKS-45, the M59. Seven years later, in 1966, they started producing the M59/66. The M59/66's most obvious feature is the compensator looking grenade launcher fitting on the barrel. Other differences include-Web a gas cutoff valve on gas block, a folding front sight ladder, and night sights"
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I also read that the Yugo's tend to be better shooers, but i have no first hand knowlege of this. They seem to be more common in the US.
 
thanks again :)

I know about the Marstar deal on the 75$ SKS (plus ammo... which I would need anyway right?). I'm wondering if it's worth the few extra hundred bucks to get Yugo-made one instead of the Chinese one.
 
There are two types of yugo sks. The M59 that is pretty much identical in every way to the Russian type. And the M59/66 which has the NATO grenade launcher barrel. The M59/66 is a fanstic rifle and is worth the money.

That being said the Chinese were taught how to make the SKS by the russian's and used the toolings from the Tula factory that the Russians gave them. The chinese then went on to make me SKS rifles than any other country. Buy a military version of the Chinese SKS and you won't be disappointed. Stay away from the chinese civilian made one. Marstar and most other dealers selling the Chinese sks are selling the military version.

Or, do the right thing and buy one of each haha. When it comes down to it you will enjoy a Russian Chinese or Yugo once you squeeze the trigger.
 
I have a Yugo with the grenade launcher set up/gas system, it looks very cool and it fires very well. Very similar to the Russian ones in a lot of ways but some of the materials and fit and finish are better. I was lucky and had an opportunity to buy it when I bought my K98. :D
 
don't try, just buy. I've yet to hear someone say 'that was NOT fun'.

The marstar deal is a great buy. it's a chinese SKS, but Polish ammo. Great way to get in cheap.

I've shot both ruskie and chinese, I really couldn't tell the difference. I don't know anything about the Yugos, but aside from the grenade launcher you'd never use, and SKS is an SKS is and SKS for shooting purposes. My opinion.
 
I looked into them for mine but all I could find was a how to make PVC replicas... Probably get some weird looks at the range if you bashed a target with one at 100 yards lol.
 
Also Lever arms in Van has a deal on an sks and 1300 rounds NON_CORROSIVE, for 500. thats a decent deal. and non corrosive is the way to go if u can afford it.
 
Yes most definitely, when in doubt but all 3 "Russian, Yugo, Chinese" do the right thing...They don't make them any more...so it's better then money in the bank...
 
Mandown! said:
Also Lever arms in Van has a deal on an sks and 1300 rounds NON_CORROSIVE, for 500. thats a decent deal. and non corrosive is the way to go if u can afford it.
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Ummm they say its non corrosive but some people might tell you otherwise after their guns rusted up after shooting that ammo.
 
As another new SKS fan and collector, one basic thing you may want to know is that you WILL need to clean them when you get them, they come packed (to a greater or lesser degree) in a thick grease called cosmoline. It can get packed in everywhere, gas tube, barrel, magazine, bolt. And you will need to get the bolt and pin apart and cleaned properly if you don't want to risk potentially dangerous malfunctions.

This gives you a great opportunity to get to know your rifle inside and out, to see the individual "personality" of your SKS. After a couple times, stripping/cleaning/reassembling becomes a breeze. If you plan on shooting any corrosive ammo at all, you will need to do this anyways.

Take note, some cleaners/degreasers can damage the finish on the gas tube wood though. I am presently refinishing all the furniture on one of mine because of this mistake. ugh.
 
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