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  • SQLGeek

    Muh state lines
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    Sep 22, 2017
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    A few of you have given advice and I have appreciated it. I am back for more. :)

    I have finally come into some guilt free gun money and am looking to treat myself.

    As one might surmise from my avatar, I have a bit of a thing for wood surplus military rifles. SKS rifles aren't getting any cheaper so I am thinking now is the time to get one before they get into the SVT-40 price ranges. I've been kicking around the idea of an AK to have something in 7.62x39 but I'm back to an SKS as I have been less than enamored with the AK offerings right now.

    From what I have seen on Gun Broker, the Russian SKS-45 seem to be selling for sub-$600 right now. Yugo 59s still packed in cosmoline for around the same price. I'm vaguely aware of the differences from the different makers so I have been trying to research. I plan to stay away from the Chinese commercial versions that take AK mags. A surplus rifle with the fixed 10 round mag fits the bill for me.

    Right now, I'm leaning heavily toward a Russian SKS but I'm not settled. What I'd like to know is what price range is considered fair for the various makes? Are there any other specific pitfalls to watch out for?

    Thanks in advance!
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    TreyG-20

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    I have 2 Norinco Chinese SKS's a standard and "paratrooper" also a Yugo 59/66. I would love to have a Russian, but they definetly command more of a premium price. It would be hard for me to recommend one over another. As long as you find one with a good bore and minimal wear and preferably all numbers matching parts you can't go wrong with any of them IMO. I would stay away from the later imported Chinese pinned barrel rifles now that I think of it.

    I would probably recommend looking for a few for sale locally if you dont mind waiting on a deal to arise. That way you can visibly inspect it. Sometimes buying online can get your hopes up in terms of condition. Prices will vary widely.
     

    robertc1024

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    That seems kinda high for a Yugo one. I would think more in the $4-500 range for a really nice one. I got mine at a pawnshop a couple of years ago for $350.
     

    majormadmax

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    Simonovs are great rifles, you should be able to find a Yugo 59/66 in the $450 range, Russian examples are running between that and $550. Chinese SKS run cheaper, and the more rarer variants (i.e. Albanians) are upwards of $600+.

    Personally I would recommend a Yugo as you can shoot M68 practice grenades from them!
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    SQLGeek

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    I appreciate the advice folks! Buying locally so I can inspect would be ideal so I will keep my eyes open for what comes up. I'm not in a rush but I want to be ready when something comes along.

    I'd love to shoot practice grenades but have no where to do so. :D That doesn't rule out the Yugo though. Is the lack of a chrome lined barrel a big deal if I keep up with the maintenance of the rifle?

    Also when inspecting a rifle for purchase, are there any common pitfalls that I need to be aware of?
     

    robertc1024

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    I wouldn't worry about the chrome lining. You might look at the detailed cleaning job on YouTube by iraqiveteren8888. He's got some useful information on there.
     

    majormadmax

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    Oh, and for the most part SKS rifles are pretty solid. Fouling of the gas block on the Yugos is about the only issue I can think of, and one I have not had to deal with. Otherwise they are as reliable as (if not more so) an AK!
     

    SQLGeek

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    Sep 22, 2017
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    Looks like Max and Trey pretty much covered most of what I might have added but I'll keep an eye out for any local deals for you .

    Thank you!

    I have fired rubber grenades with a Springfield 1903 and they are a hoot. Maybe I will get the Yugo just so I can do it with this if I ever have the place to do it.

    I have to stay, I still want a Russian the most.

    The SKS seems like a pretty sturdy and fool proof system so unless I get a real dud, I think I will be good to go.
     

    Southpaw

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    I have to stay, I still want a Russian the most.

    You know it's one of those things. Though they are over priced, sometimes you want something so getting it at $600 is simply better then wanting one at $900. I bought on of those excellent condition Yugo's from Classic a year or so ago at $375. I was so reluctant to spend that much on an SKS but I just wanted to have one more. Sitting here right now I can't think of one time I ever regretted it getting it.

    Damn!! Now you got me thinking about finding a Russian. :50cal:
     

    SQLGeek

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    Indeed. I look at it this way, I bought a CMP M-1 for $525 in 2004. Now it's probably worth double that. Years before that I could have bought the rifle for much less. While I will never sell it, it is just going to keep increasing in value.

    I see a Russian SKS the same way. While clearly not an M-1, the $150 or less days are over and it will just keep increasing in value. If I pay fair market for it today, I will be happy. I wish I had bought one 15 years ago when I was first intetested in them but I can't change that now.

    I also wish I had bought a K98, M-1 carbine, etc etc. Woulda, coulda, shoulda. :)
     

    SQLGeek

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    I've been perusing Texas Gun Trader. Whole lot of $800 and Bubba'd rifles on there. The default price for Yugos seems to be $550. This may be a bit more of a hunt than I thought but I'm excited at the prospect of finding something.

    The Russian is still my top choice but I'm open to anything. I've even caught myself thinking that it might be nice to also have one of the Chinese commercial ones that takes AK mags....what have I gotten myself into? :D
     

    SQLGeek

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    majormadmax

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    Those are all nice examples, and are relatively in the ballpark when it comes to prices for Russians; but given that you intend for this rifle to be a "shooter" I would look at less expensive alternatives such as the Yugo 59/66 we discussed. Certain models of Chinese SKS rifles can also be had a decent prices. Russian variants are nice and desirable, but more so for their collector value than actual abilities; so I would get a less costly version first before spending more on a rifle than is necessary...
     

    SQLGeek

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    Good to know on the pricing for when I get around to picking up a Russian.

    You have me convinced that going for a shooter first is the best way to go. :)
     

    Brains

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    They're definitely fun to shoot, and I'd totally pick up another Norinco if I find one cheap. Shouldn't have given mine away eons ago when they were cheap as dirt.
     
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