SKS

Hi all, I am not try to stir any pots with this post. Please understand that. I am looking into buying a friends Russian SKS. I do not look for it to be a tack driver. I have other guns for that. I just want the SKS to be what it is. Anyone here know anything about them? I just want to know what to inspect (mechanically) before I purchase it. This is a not needed toy that I will enjoy. Any help is appreciated. Merry Christmas in advance. You can have happy holidays too, but I for one will not be using that jargon.

I owned one many years ago and had a lot of fun with it.
They are not too bad for accuracy if you are not trying to empty the 30 round clip in record speed

Robby first and foremost, Merry Christmas to you too my friend!

Now back to business, that SKS. Sweet little rifles. 7.62×39 ammo is still sort of inexpensive so shooting it is still a lot of fun. Currently the SKS prices have jumped. Dramatically. I bought a Yugo with the ‘Nade launcher this spring and paid $79.95 for it. The thing is mint and numbers match and is still in cosmo. That is a deal I’ll likely never run into again though. The last SKS I looked at was a Norinco. Good solid but well used shape. Priced at $195 firm and he’ll get it.

Not much to look for in these guns. As always inspect the bores. They should be more or less shiny. IIRC the Yugo’s are the only non chrome lined bores so they may be less than perfect looking. But like any gun if it looks like it was abused it probably was and you should move to another example. There is no shortage of SKS at this time.

Some things to consider. If it is in cosmo make sure to COMPLETELY disassemble it to clean. Also remember cosmo is your friend, often the reason the gun is in great condition. I’ve heard the firing pins ought to be replaced to handle the harder primers some of the ammo has. There is so much stuff that can be done to these it is mind numbing. Mine will remain stock for now. Just remember that is you modify it you must remain US compliant!

Lots of good parts and stuff at milsurpstuff.com and Benny is first class all the way.

Hope you find an SKS and get some picture posted of it.

Edit to add: I noticed you mentioned you might buy a friends Russian SKS. Man if it is clean and priced right don’t hesitate! The Russian gun is one of the more sought after at this time and are considered one of the best. Very few people are even willing to modify the Russians, at all. Mind if I ask what he’s asking for it?

Thanks for the replies. Good info and much appreciated. Riveratt, the price is yet to be negotiated.

I think I want one too!! My buddy uses one when we go deer hunting. Seems like a decent deer round to me.
The bayonet is a nice touch…
Gun looks so well made. The metal fittings heavy and precise. I think it is Chinese? GIven a choice would I be better off getting an SKS or an AR-15? I have no practical use for a .223 although I know they come in larger cablibers now.

Is it better to get an SKS or AR-15? Neither, get both. They are different guns to be honest. The AR is normally going to be several times more expensive, infinitely expandable, and largely more accurate. The SKS is heavier, single caliber, highly modifiable, inexpensive, full of history. The 7.62×39 is rather comparable to a 30-30 if I remember correctly and, like the .223, is a NATO round that can be bought in quantity on the cheap.

The most popular SKS right now seems to be the Yugo’s. Russians seem to be the more sought after currently. The Tula plant seems to have a special following. The Norinco models are usually less money yet bullet proof and are often the choice people use to bubba up. I don’t know much about the AR rifles yet but the SKS is a very simple to maintain tool.

Seriously I’d consider getting both. The prices of each have raised a lot and will hold for awhile until people know what the next administration will do. My guess is an SKS might be harder to get after that than an AR but who really knows.

Well put River. I have a few “evil” guns myself and you’re spot on about the SKS. If the new AWB goes through the SKS, AK, and AR prices will go sky high again. For those that do have AR15’s that where build after the old ban was lifted you might want to think about taking a picture of it with the serial number and have it notorized as being build “preban” incase a new ban is passed. It will just prove it is preban and up the value if one does happen.