Which SKS to buy?

[svt1940]

The only reason I was leaning towards a non-refurb/original was the idea that it hasn't been used. Not for collector value, like I said it means nothing to me. Just the idea of having a rifle that is brand new just appeals to me.

If someone can unequivocally say that the refurbs are the same quality mechanically, and tolerance wise as the unissused rifles then I will buy a refurb. But I just seem to have very bad luck buying anything used, and I am picky.

One thing I have read, which i am not sure if it is true or not, is that most of the unfired refurbs are in nicer condition COSMETICALLY than the unissued/unrefurbs due to the fact that obviously the originals have been sitting around for 60+ years, while the refurbs have only been sitting around maybe 30 to 40 years. Is that true? I am talking about stuff like nicer newer bluing etc etc

My bottom line is a solid rifle, that is as close to new in it's tolerances, and wear as I can get. Considering this... should I be good with a refurb? How dod I know which refurns are blued, and which are painted? I hate ugly coatings/shellacs applied to the steel on a rifle. So if refurbs are painted black or have shellacked bolts or whatever then that is an absolute definite 'pass' for me.

edit: Do any of the Russians have chromed bores?

I dont think that the refurb look nicer than the unissued. I have a Tula 1953 unissued and ..........its a pure beauty!(except that the dust stick on the greased metal,i just dont want to remove that grease, i even put a bit more on) Everybody as his manner!

 

[svt1940]

I bet it is mixed batch as usual painted and some silver bolts. Feedback please.

The painted sks sucks,but my 1949 is painted and with bright bolt,beside stock and bayonet all matching with original non-chrome bore! can i complain? Nooooooooo But i didn't get it from Lebaron.

 

[sergey96]

As always first the good ones for sale and then not so good ones come out. Mixed container as usual.

 

[CanuckShooter]

The first batch they got in were of much better quality and looked good, I did get one, and none were painted, or full of rust, all were in really good condition.

I was there today, and the batch they have now, are crappy, rusty, some painted, and not of any kind of quality, I walked out and did not get another, and neither did my buddy, it would have been my second one and his first. I told him not to waste his cash, wait and see if they get more in, or get one fom one of the sponsors here at this site.

Which store? I got to pick through them at the Mississauga store last night, and all 4 that I saw were nice. All blued, all had very nice steel, not a hint of rust anywhere. I would have preferred buying from someone here, but I had never seen any of these rifles, and wanted to inspect some first.