first sks

[ironsniper1]

im trying to save up some extra cash by selling some stuff to buy a sks and was wondering what i should look out for when i start shopping?

[peejman]

Some may call me a purist, but I'd look for an unmolested rifle, regardless of model.  They're not much different from any other surplus rifle... look for chamber and muzzle erosion, bore corrosion, cracks in the wood, etc.  SKS specific things to look for are to make sure the firing pin isn't stuck (it should wiggle) or broken (requires disassembly).  SKS triggers tend to have LOTS of creep.  Some people try to fix that and end up with a rifle that can slam fire.  Cock the rifle and bang the butt hard on the ground several times.  The hammer shouldn't fall.  A botched trigger is fixable. 

 

There's several variants... Russian are generally the highest quality and highest price.  Romanian, Polish, Yugoslavian, and Chinese are what you'll typically find.  There's little differences, the most obvious being the yugo's grenade launcher.  Some come with a bayonet, some have had it removed.  The Chinese ones are highly variable.  Some are really nice, others are junk. 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS

[Guest icon777]

keep you eyes open and u may find one someone wanting to sell..

[ironsniper1]

Some may call me a purist, but I'd look for an unmolested rifle, regardless of model.  They're not much different from any other surplus rifle... look for chamber and muzzle erosion, bore corrosion, cracks in the wood, etc.  SKS specific things to look for are to make sure the firing pin isn't stuck (it should wiggle) or broken (requires disassembly).  SKS triggers tend to have LOTS of creep.  Some people try to fix that and end up with a rifle that can slam fire.  Cock the rifle and bang the butt hard on the ground several times.  The hammer shouldn't fall.  A botched trigger is fixable. 

 

There's several variants... Russian are generally the highest quality and highest price.  Romanian, Polish, Yugoslavian, and Chinese are what you'll typically find.  There's little differences, the most obvious being the yugo's grenade launcher.  Some come with a bayonet, some have had it removed.  The Chinese ones are highly variable.  Some are really nice, others are junk. 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS

most of the ones i have seen were the chinese versions and some look like they were in the mud but could be cleaned up

[pcrc11]

Chineese seem to get the least respect for collectibility, but most of the time are the best quality. For $300 or less you should be able to find you a nice Norinco that should look like new. The current surplus Chineese SKS's seem to be "well used", but if that is the look you want, most seem to be happy with them who are getting them now. 

[ironsniper1]

Chineese seem to get the least respect for collectibility, but most of the time are the best quality. For $300 or less you should be able to find you a nice Norinco that should look like new. The current surplus Chineese SKS's seem to be "well used", but if that is the look you want, most seem to be happy with them who are getting them now.

I don't mind as I could probably replace or restore the stock

[pcrc11]

JMO, but any battle used rifle should be left as is. If you are going to restore just go ahead and buy a nice one to begin with. SKS are more than plentiful in any type, shape or condition.

[Motasyco]

I bought a Yugo a couple years ago.  I like it so much, I just bought another.  S.O.G. under $300.  A C&R pays for itself with just one purchase.

[bajabuc]

I hit the pawnshop for mine.  it was unfired...well...maybe one round.  it had so much cosmoline if it it wouldn't chamber a second shot...that's what the guy that pawned it told the shop.  It was a true disaster...until I cleaned it. It had all the faults.  the bolt wouldn't rattle (Kroil fixed that)  the firing pin had square corners (they cut into the primer)  Even the mag was full of cosmo.  A couple days cleaning and YouTube videos and it became very accurate.  Chinese...great gun, chrome lined barrel, cleaning kit in the butt, but no bayonet.  

 

The second one was very early chinese...threaded barrel..blade bayonet...the russian style machining on the bolt and the receiver...and 200 bucks. it too was cosmo dirty but can't find an import mark on it.  I liked them so much I ran through 150 worth of ammo in a week.

Edited December 21, 2012 by bajabuc

[1gewehr]

For some reason, the Yugo rifles do not have chromed bores.  And I guess they didn't make troops clean them as I've seen a lot of Yugo rifles with really nasty bores.

All the Chinese and Russian SKS rifles I've seen had chromed bores.  I've seen a lot of Chinese SKS rifles that looked really ratty on the outside, but look like they have been rarely fired inside. 

[peejman]

For some reason, the Yugo rifles do not have chromed bores.  And I guess they didn't make troops clean them as I've seen a lot of Yugo rifles with really nasty bores.

All the Chinese and Russian SKS rifles I've seen had chromed bores.  I've seen a lot of Chinese SKS rifles that looked really ratty on the outside, but look like they have been rarely fired inside. 

 

Ah, there's another difference I forgot to mention... chromed bores.  There's no chromium ore deposits in Yugoslavia.  They couldn't do it domestically, so they didn't do it.  Imagine what that kind of nationalism would do here..

[bajabuc]

Ah, there's another difference I forgot to mention... chromed bores.  There's no chromium ore deposits in Yugoslavia.  They couldn't do it domestically, so they didn't do it.  Imagine what that kind of nationalism would do here..

Yeah...we might have the troops using American Made...uniforms...webbing...flags...and Canned hams.  I believe I've mentioned the canned hams before.

[Hiker]

Some may call me a purist, but I'd look for an unmolested rifle, regardless of model.  They're not much different from any other surplus rifle... look for chamber and muzzle erosion, bore corrosion, cracks in the wood, etc.  SKS specific things to look for are to make sure the firing pin isn't stuck (it should wiggle) or broken (requires disassembly).  SKS triggers tend to have LOTS of creep.  Some people try to fix that and end up with a rifle that can slam fire.  Cock the rifle and bang the butt hard on the ground several times.  The hammer shouldn't fall.  A botched trigger is fixable. 

 

There's several variants... Russian are generally the highest quality and highest price.  Romanian, Polish, Yugoslavian, and Chinese are what you'll typically find.  There's little differences, the most obvious being the yugo's grenade launcher.  Some come with a bayonet, some have had it removed.  The Chinese ones are highly variable.  Some are really nice, others are junk. 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS

 

I'm also looking for my first SKS. I have my eye on the Centrury Arms Norinco type 56 for $379. CA also lists a Chinese SKS with cracked stock for $239. I want to find something that represents a good value and that I will enjoy owning for years to come. What is your opinion on these two guns?

 

Also, is it worth the extra $ to get a hand picked SKS Yugo M59 - $450.00.  This is from another dealer, FFF out of Ohio.

 

Thoughts? I'll appreciate the advise as again, it is my first SKS purchase.

Edited December 27, 2012 by Hiker

[TrickyNicky]

[quote name="Hiker" post="869756" timestamp="1356627917"]I'm also looking for my first SKS. I have my eye on the Centrury Arms Norinco type 56 for $379. CA also lists a Chinese SKS with cracked stock for $239. I want to find something that represents a good value and that I will enjoy owning for years to come. What is your opinion on these two guns?   Also, is it worth the extra $ to get a hand picked SKS Yugo M59 - $450.00.  This is from another dealer, FFF out of Ohio.   Thoughts? I'll appreciate the advise as again, it is my first SKS purchase.[/quote] I would probably not spend money on a hand select personally. If condition for collectibility was all that important I most likely would buy in person. If your just looking for a shooter, I would look into the model with the cracked stock. If you can get more info on the kind of cracks and if you feel comfortable fixing them. Heck at the price you could replace the stock and still be ahead of the game.

[peejman]

$450 for a yugo?  Sheesh.  Hope that means mine is worth that now.  The Norinco is fine, assuming it's in good shape.  If you're not hung up on matching numbers, the one with a cracked stock is probably the best value.  As stated, you can find a replacement for it and come out ahead.  Keep your eyes open around there, they come up for sale fairly regularly.

 

edit... this one for example....  http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/57374-sks-rifle-norinco-excellent/

Edited January 3, 2013 by peejman