SKS: Russian or Chinese

[Guest Burgan]

So I've been in the market for a cheap rifle to shoot and I've all ways been a fan of Soviet based weapon like the AK, SKS and Makarov. But I'm thinking of picking up a SKS to have.

I have found a guy that has a Norinco SKS for sale locally for about $250. And also found a 1951 Tula Arsenal Russian unissued SKS for $425. I've heard early Russian is the way to go, but I'm not a collector, so the Russian one would be shot and used.

Is the almost $200 difference worth it in the long run?

[Guest hawkeye10]

I think I have seen a picture of the Russian SKS you are talking about. It looks like a nice gun and I think it would hold it's value better than the other one. I would offer him $375 for it and shoot the heck out of it. I bought some of this ammo to shoot in my Yugo. Don

1000 rds - 7.62x39 FMJ BT Golden Tiger 124 grain Ammo | SGAmmo.com

[dou44]

the russian will go up more in value than the norinco.i have both and they shoot about the same. norinco will have a chrome barrel the russian will not .chrome one will be easier to clean

[Trekbike]

If you think you will only keep it a short time, I'd be tempted to go with the Norinco. If you plan on keeping it long term, I'd go with the Russian, it's the real deal.

[Guest Burgan]

I figured the Russian would hold more value over the years, especially since more Americans are starting to shy away from anything Chinese made. I don't plan on getting rid of it once I get it. I have read about chrome lined vs non-chrome lined and it seems more like a preference than a big difference... besides the time it takes to clean. But cleaning time doesn't bother me at all. Thanks for the link, hawkeye10, I'll have to keep that in mind once I pick up a SKS.

It's funny how cheap the 7.62x39 is... it literally cost as much as what I'm spending on 9mm ammo. I had someone once tell me unless you want to reload a special grain or something that isn't commercial, there is no need to reload the 7.62x39. Since in Russia the ammo is so plentiful that when you order a Big Mac meal the give you a box of ammo with it... haha. Not literally though guys.

[Trekbike]

Not sure if you've found this SKS forum yet or not. It's got some good SKS info.

Survivor's SKS Boards - Index

[dou44]

great bunch of guys on that board alsoand they have forums for each type.

[crossfire]

I would go with the Russian for resale value. Also, the Yugo's are nice too.

[Guest Burgan]

I'm going with a Russian... and since I'm doing that, I've been looking for 7.62x39 ammo. I found a good deal on some Yugo 7.62x39 ammo, which totalled out to about $0.17 a round in bulk and it comes in a big wooden case

[Murgatroy]

I'm going with a Russian... and since I'm doing that, I've been looking for 7.62x39 ammo. I found a good deal on some Yugo 7.62x39 ammo, which totalled out to about $0.17 a round in bulk and it comes in a big wooden case

That is a good price, did you figure shipping in to that?

Anytime I can find 7.62x39mm or 9x19mm for less than $.20 a round I consider it a deal. $.30 or less a round on 5.56x45mm. I always factor shipping though.

[Mike.357]

that sounds like it does not include shipping, it is a heck of a price if it includes it

[Garufa]

I'm going with a Russian... and since I'm doing that, I've been looking for 7.62x39 ammo. I found a good deal on some Yugo 7.62x39 ammo, which totalled out to about $0.17 a round in bulk and it comes in a big wooden case

FYI, that ammo is corrosive so if you do buy it make sure you clean the gun thoroughly and appropriately after using. That means the gas tube as well.

[Trekbike]

Nevermind, Garufa beat me to it.

Edited November 27, 2011 by Trekbike
removed corrosive comment

[Mike.357]

I just looked at ammoengine.com and could not find any cheaper than .21 a round

the yugo ammo is good stuff

[Guest Burgan]

Yeah the $0.17 a round doesnt include shipping, after shipping cost it knocks it up to about $0.19 a round. I realize Yugo ammo is corrosive.

I use gun-deals.com/ammo to find the best deals per caliber. It'll show you what the deal is per round before shipping and what it is after to your zipcode.

Edited November 28, 2011 by Burgan

[Guest Burgan]

Going today to get my SKS...

...Now I just have to find some ammo and a good place to shoot it at.

[Mike.357]

SGAmmo out of OK has some ruskie ammo in spam cans for 19 cents before shipping.

Got a can coming my way tomorrow.

[Guest Burgan]

I have decided if I want to buy the wooden case corrosive Yugo or the span can non-corrosive Russian ammo. I wish Russian surplus was in brass...the Yugo stuff is in brass.

Russian is $125.95 for 640

or...........$249.90 for 1280 (discounted for bulk)

Yugo is $2.64 a box of 15

or...........$214.20 for 1260 (discounted for bulk)

[Guest Burgan]

Ok I may have just researched myself out of buying the Yugo ammo...

...Even though it is cheaper than the non-corrosive Ruskie ammo. It all has Berdian primers which makes the brass cases very, very hard to reload.

Looks like SGAmmo will be getting some business from me.

[Troutburger]

Best advice is to buy both. The SKS is addicting.

[AMSting]

The ammo is cheap enough that I don't worry about reloading it. I like the brass cases better, even though the steel is probably fine. I am stocking up on Yugo as there isn't much left. It also is very accurate.

As for Russian vs. Chinese, that is a matter of preference. The Russians have a reputation for accuracy. The Chinese are cheaper. I do think the russian is more accurate, but the Chinese is no slouch. The Russian will continue to be worth more.

[Guest Burgan]

I've got a 1951 Tula Arsenal Russian SKS now. I'll get pictures up one of these days...

I just order a case of new production non-corrosive russian 7.62x39 123grn FMJ @ $189.50 for 1000. Also, order Brass 9mm 124grn FMJ @ $190 for 1000.

Waiting for a couple of things to clear up financial before I order a few cases on the Yugo for storage.