Wanted to answer the question: Where to buy a good SKS

R

Robert Nicholson

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Someone decided that they didn't need our help to answer the question: Where to buy a good SKS?
But I found the question so interesting that I am going to answer the question anyhow and hope others
answer as well (and perhaps correct me or educate me further).

1. Read the Stickys about the SKS on the RED RIFLE forum to get an in depth knowledge of the SKS.
2. Look at all your local gun stores to see what is available. Don't just buy the first one you see, like I did.
3. Look for a good looking one, they are out there amongst all the rough looking ones, try asking for help.
4. If you find an Izhevsk, you may want to buy it because it is rare and because they have a good reputation.
5. Be aware that most Tula's made before 1952 have a non-chrome lined bore and a spring retained firing pin.
6. Remember that any SKS that you buy is going to be much the same as every other SKS, so just enjoy it.
7. Buy more SKS at a variety of other venues in order to build up a collection and increase your knowledge.:wave:
 
Butcherbill said:
#8, just buy from Corwin Arms and know you'll get the best if not better than most vendors. With the best customer service if you do have an issue.
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+1 Safest bet when buying a surplus Red. Martin or his partner travel overseas and personally inspect before importing. Considering they don't do what (other dealer who will remain nameless) does, which is to buy bulk lots sight unseen, cherry pick for their own retail, and dump the rest on the larger market - Martin does a really good job of keeping his prices down.
 
For #4 and #5, The vast majority of 1950 and 1951 rifles actually do not have a spring loaded firing pin. The majority of 1951s are chrome lined and there is no difference in the quality between Izhevsk and Tula.
 
grelmar said:
+1 Safest bet when buying a surplus Red. Martin or his partner travel overseas and personally inspect before importing. Considering they don't do what (other dealer who will remain nameless) does, which is to buy bulk lots sight unseen, cherry pick for their own retail, and dump the rest on the larger market - Martin does a really good job of keeping his prices down.
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Good to know!! Corwin Arms will be who I get my next SKS from.
 
bp2626 said:
For #4 and #5, The vast majority of 1950 and 1951 rifles actually do not have a spring loaded firing pin. The majority of 1951s are chrome lined and there is no difference in the quality between Izhevsk and Tula.
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Good points. I would also suggest that chrome lining is not necessary in an SKS and only offers a slight advantage for cleaning purposes. It may even reduce accuracy.
 
Ok well Corwin is out of stock... I'm very close to ordering the combo deal from canada ammo @$399... Or Picking up a laminate from the ammosource....
 
I just got the canam combo deal. Got a 51 tula referb. There is play in the stock at the handguard end. Wanted to keep it original but I think she's a transplant candidate. Haven't shot it or the ammo yet.
 
Robert Nicholson said:
Corwin Arms being out of stock is just a temporary thing right? He goes to Russia on a regular basis looking for new stock?
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Poland or the Czech Republic. Russian arms imports are embargoed.

But yes, he makes fairly regular trips and buys, as far as I can tell.

If you're in Calgary, you can go to the AACCA fall gun show on Saturday and ask him directly. He never misses it.
 
RSK said:
I just got the canam combo deal. Got a 51 tula referb. There is play in the stock at the handguard end. Wanted to keep it original but I think she's a transplant candidate. Haven't shot it or the ammo yet.
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I didn't get my sks from Canada ammo, but I've bought some cases of 1000 rounds, one norinco copper wash, and te other the brand escapes me right now, but it's steel case lacquer coated, lead ball. Both brands were non corrosive and shot very very well. I was worried about the lacquer finished ones as someone told me they gum up when the rifle heats up, but I had no issues at all at the range.
 
Check our website westrifle.com there is tons of pictures that we have of actual rifle we are selling. 99.999999 % are matching numbers and yes we fly overseas to pick those out. This is why those are matching.
 
westrifle_sks said:
Check our website westrifle.com there is tons of pictures that we have of actual rifle we are selling. 99.999999 % are matching numbers and yes we fly overseas to pick those out. This is why those are matching.
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I've bought three SKS off Al at Westrifle and have been very happy with them all!!! They may be a few dollars more than Crappy Tire, but that extra $30 or $40 gets a premium rifle.

That said, Corwin has beauties when he's stocked too.
 
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