Sks

[tn_junk]

Friend has an SKS he might want to sell. I know less than nothing about these guns. How do I tell if it is one of the "good" ones or one of the "junk" ones. He says that he thinks he has had it since about '92, but can't really remember. He knows less about them than I do, so it's not like he is trying to rip me off. We just don't know.
Any help appreciated.

galump

[big rockpile]

Originally Posted by galump

Friend has an SKS he might want to sell. I know less than nothing about these guns. How do I tell if it is one of the "good" ones or one of the "junk" ones. He says that he thinks he has had it since about '92, but can't really remember. He knows less about them than I do, so it's not like he is trying to rip me off. We just don't know.
Any help appreciated.

galump

Don't know other than like any other Rifle.Look for rust and anything broke. And shoot it if you can.

big rockpile

[Photo-bug]

I have a collectible SKS. Never shot it but it is a very well made gun. Most of the ones I am seeing for sale are reworked by the arsenal. Most are chinese or russian with the russian ones being slightly more expensive. The going rate is around $250 upwards to $500 for a mint new in the box russian. A lot of people swear by the SKS for durability and firepower because they shoot the standard 7.62 x 39 round the same as an AK-47. I'm looking to pick up one to shoot after I pay for a few other items I am adding to my collection

[electronrider]

www.sksboards.com

These people know how to identify a particular sks, and can tell you what to look for. They are nice.

[seedspreader]

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/index.asp

For information.

I can pick up yugo's for around 125.00 new in the cosmoline.

A very fun gun, cheap to shoot (even at the higher price of surplus 7.62x39) and rugged.

The Yugoslavian 59/66's have a bayonette and grenade launcher on them. They look like this:



They are heavier built, a little longer (especially for a "carbine"), and a little more accurate.

The drawback is that the rifling is NOT chromemoly plated. Basically it just means you clean it after you use it.

These guns are performers that are dependable and I plan on picking up a couple more of them just for fun, but also for home defense. A lot of people use them for deer hunting, but in Ohio we can only deer hunt with shotgun or pistol no rifle... so that's not their use here.

Depending on the collectability of the gun it could be worth as much as $500.00 or so... if it's russian and the numbers match.

[bgak47]

I've never owned an SKS but I have a MAK-90 that is a sporterized semi-auto-only version of the AK-47 made in China by Norinco. It has a thumb-hole style stock with a recoil pad, no bayonet or flash suspressor or grenade launcher, & it will take the extended magazines without any modifications. My MAK came with 2 5rnd mags which would make it legal here for deer hunting. The SKS has a 10rnd fixed mag, which would preclude it from being used for deer hunting here. I've found it to be a reliable & well made rifle & haven't had any problems with it.

[TnTnTn]

The SKS is a good, durable, rugged ex military design so you would expect those qualities. The older ones are considered better made as they were made for the military market and have a threaded in barrel vs a slip-in and pinned variety. The Yugos are generally very good but a little heavier. All the SKS rifles are pretty heavy. Their accuracy is generally not great but acceptable and about what most people can do with iron sights anyway.(about 4" at 100 yards) They are a good utility, knock about, rifle that can serve for protection, plinking, hunting, and predator control. TnTnTn

[tn_junk]

What I got is a Chinese (Norinco). All matching serial numbers, including the original 10 rd. mag, but no bayonette. Included two 30 rd. mags. Looks to be what I would consider good condition, little wear, no rust and stock still in good shape. Overall the gun feels real solid. Barrel appears to be screw in, but I wouldn't guarentee it. I plan on looking it up later on the 'net. Figure with all the fancy stampings all over the receiver I can probably find out a lot about it.
For $100, I ain't complaining.

galump

[tallpaul]

Originally Posted by bgak47

The SKS has a 10rnd fixed mag, which would preclude it from being used for deer hunting here.

I believe the magazine can be blocked off/plugged at 5 rnds to make it legal- at least ya can in other states...

[tyusclan]

There's also an aftermarket 5-round magazine available for them.

I have one and agree with what most have said here. It's a good utility, knock-around rifle, and it's fun to shoot. Ammo's pretty cheap, too.

[cheapskate]

Originally Posted by bgak47

I've never owned an SKS but I have a MAK-90 that is a sporterized semi-auto-only version of the AK-47 made in China by Norinco. It has a thumb-hole style stock with a recoil pad, no bayonet or flash suspressor or grenade launcher, & it will take the extended magazines without any modifications. My MAK came with 2 5rnd mags which would make it legal here for deer hunting. The SKS has a 10rnd fixed mag, which would preclude it from being used for deer hunting here. I've found it to be a reliable & well made rifle & haven't had any problems with it.

I have a MAK90 also. That is some kinda fun with a sackful of 30 round mags on a Sunday afternoon at a pondful of turtles.

[bgak47]

Originally Posted by cheapskate

I have a MAK90 also. That is some kinda fun with a sackful of 30 round mags on a Sunday afternoon at a pondful of turtles.

I hope that wherever you shoot at those turtles is a Long way from any houses. A 7.62x39mm will skip a long way off of water. It does blow up a turtle though!

[Snafu177]

I payed 180 for a new Paratrooper style still packed in grease.
Back in the late 80's you could buy them for $60 - $70 at the Gun Shows.
Should of bought a Truck load.