An SKS question

[armoredman]

A respected long time member raised a point in another thread I wished to adress as an individual question. This concerns the Yugoslavian 59/66 SKS rifles surrently for sale inexpensively all over the US today. I purchased an "unissued" Yugo for my wife some time ago, and while we don't shoot it but once every 5 months or so, it has worked perfectly with everything we've fed it, from garbage to reloads. Admittedly, my bias is based on the one rifle, and I am planning to aquire another, preferrably "unissued" as well.
My questions are thus;
A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?
C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?
E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?
F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

Thank you for your opinions.

 

[rbernie]

I've owned a handful of Yugos. All were in good-to-unissued condition. None had gas valve leaks, all cost me less than $160, and I considered them reasonable SHTF rifles. I personally sold them all off and bought Norincos to replace them because I consider the Norinco SKS to be a better SHTF rifle - the absence of the grenade launcher and the chrome lined barrel are pluses for me.

 

[MCgunner]

Bought my chinese ones over a decade ago, close to two. They were around $100 a pop and I've never had problems with 'em. One's a paratrooper, 16" barrel.

 

[The Drew]

A. Mine has been great... I have had a few issues If The rounds aren't all the way in the mag...

B. I think mine was an "excellent"

C. No mine doesn't leak.

D. Don't know, don't have that problem.

E. Absolutely not.

F. N/A

 

[Lonestar.45]

I own two Yugo 59/66's. The first I bought from a local gunshop, in what I would call a "shooter" condition. The second is an unissued in perfect condition I got from Aim nearly a year ago.

I have yet to shoot the unissued. I have shot the shooter a lot however and it is awesome, imho. Built like a tank, I have over 500 rds through it with zero malfunctions. It's accurate, at 50 yds out of a cold barrrel I can put 10 rds into a group the size of a 50cent piece maybe. 100 yds it opens up, but still 3 inches or less (from a rest, open sights, Wolf ammo). Easy to clean. Easy to get replacement parts if they're ever needed. Not picky about ammo, can shoot the cheap stuff all day long.

If someone wanted to spend $200 or less on a semi-auto to plink, target shoot, etc., I cannot think of a better choice.

 

[crazed_ss]

I bought a Yugo SKS and took it to the range and it failed to cycle.. I had the selector thing in the right position too. I took it back to the gun shop and they disassembled it and found that it was missing the gas piston rod! .. they took one out of a SKS they had on the shelf and since then I've put 2 boxes of Winchester ammo through it and no problems.. A lot of fun for only 170 bucks.. I cannot believe it was missing a part though

I'd say I bought it in "good" condition.

 

[Preacherman]

If the budget is $200, I'd say get two "shooter grade" Yugo's - the total cost should be within your budget, and they're still available. Alternatively, an "excellent" Yugo is about $140 - see here for an example.

I think they're perfectly acceptable SHTF guns, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as such. The only thing I'd insist on is that the shooter learn to operate them, including being involved in the cleaning prior to shooting, so that the intricacies of the SKS (the gas port, the potential problems with slam-firing, etc.) can be explained and clearly understood, rather than cause problems at the wrong time.

 

[crew590]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?
C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?
E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?
F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

A. Yes

B. Good Condition

C. No

D. N/A

E. On a $200 budget I would talk them into getting one. I only paid $116 with tax for mine, so that leaves plenty of money for ammo.

F. N/A


Jay

 

[wallysparx]

I bought a Yugo SKS and took it to the range and it failed to cycle.. I had the selector thing in the right position too. I took it back to the gun shop and they disassembled it and found that it was missing the gas piston rod! .. they took one out of a SKS they had on the shelf and since then I've put 2 boxes of Winchester ammo through it and no problems.. A lot of fun for only 170 bucks.. I cannot believe it was missing a part though

I'd say I bought it in "good" condition.

not to nitpick or anything, but isn't it a bit dangerous to have tried firing the rifle without ever having disassembled it yourself first?

 

[crazed_ss]

Yea probably.. If I ever buy a used firearm again Im gonna make sure to look over it more carefully.. I got it from a reputable shop (Turners) so I assumed it would be good to go. But you know what they say about "assuming" ..

 

[dracphelan]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
Yes, though I can get the iron sights to hit the paper, I believe the front sight is out of alignement. I replaced the rear sight with a scout scope mopunt and a red dot sight. It is now very accurate and reliable.

B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?
"Good" condition.

C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
Nope

D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?
Keep your weapon clean.

E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?
It all depends on what else we can find in the price range. You can sometimes find very good deals on used rifles.

F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

 

[DMK]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?

I owned two shooter grades and two unissued. I sold/traded one of each. The only reason I've kept the one shooter is because it has real tritium night sights (very unusual). I only had the gas valve leaks with one of the shooter grades (the one I still have) and it's fixed now. The valve was rusty from corrosive ammo allowing gas to leak. Aside from that, they were/are all 100% reliable. The Unissued condition Yugos were very accurate for SKS.

C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?

Just the one shooter grade. The best way to avoid trouble with a Yugo SKS is buy Unissued condition. For the price, there is no excuse not to. The Yugoslavians shot corrosive ammo, and didn't clean their guns well. I fixed mine by purchasing a new replacement gas valve. They were hard to get then, and impossible to find now.

E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?

IF) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you recommend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

I'd say get another SKS. I like my Romanians the best. They are just as good as Russians, but cheaper. I also have a Norinco that I consider reliable and accurate. The Yugo is heavier, longer, has a shorter sight radius and has too much junk hanging off it. If you must get a Yugo buy Unissued condition. Not only because of the rusty gas valves, but because the Yugo SKS do not have chrome lined bores, so many have bore corrosion unless new. The Yugoslavians shot corrosive ammo and didn't clean their guns well on average. Even the Yugo AK parts kits have dark bores.

 

[Lonestar.45]

I agree with buying an unissued if you can, for the price you can't go wrong.

However, if you really want to save money, go to a gunshow or gunshop that has them, and go with a bore light. Look at the shooter grades closer. You may be surprised. If the barrel is good, and the gas valve is not pitted and is in great shape, you will most likely have a good shooter on your hands.

 

[mrrev]

have 2, both have worked flawlessly....One time I took it out and ran about 350-400 rounds through it in a fairly short period of time. Never had a problem with them. I have a third, but in a non-paratrooper. That one leaks. so after 20-30 round it starts sticking up... But as a SHTF rig, you can't go wrong...Unless Wolf never stocks out shelves again....I'm still waiting... .

 

[cracked butt]

A.Yup
B. excellent grade
C. No leakage, though is a bit tight.
D.Dunno
E. The yugo is a good buy, I'd talk them in to it.

 

[The Undertoad]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?

No. It may be an ammo or gas block issue. Need to shoot it more.

B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?

I'll go with shooter.

C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?

Possibly,see#1

E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?

If they can shoot it first or return it if it's unreliable, by all means get an SKS. If not,there are plenty of great bolt actions for <$200.

F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

Oh. Semi auto? How about a 10/22.

 

[g56]

I bought a 59/66 last year, I cleaned it thouroughly before use, it has given me no problems at all.

A Reliable
B Excellent
C No leak
D n/a
E It's a pretty good basic rifle
F That's about the only semi auto choice in that price range

 

[MechAg94]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?
C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?
E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?
F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

A) Yes, it is very reliable.
B) I think mine is in good/excellent condition I guess.
C) No Leaks.
D)Don't know.
E) Sure, I would recommend it for some. For others, a cheap bolt action might be adviseable.
F)N/A. Spend more money.

The only issue I have had is the front sight is out of alignment. I had the front sight all way over and it still shot a couple feet to the right at 100 yards. I put a Tech Sight on and with both adjusted all the way, it now shoots straight at the point of aim and is fairly accurate. I might keep my eyes open for a Russian or Norinco model if I get the chance.

 

[Rexrider]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?
C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?
E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?
F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?

A. 100%

B. Unissued. I also have an "excellent" grade but it was bought as a parts rifle and is still coated and in the box. One of these days I will clean it up and test shoot it. (cost of the rifle is much lower then the cost of the parts)

C. No.

D. I have seen two methods to stop a gas leak at the valve. First one is to cut a ring of brass off a 45acp casing. Heat it and stretch it over the valve where the gas tube attaches. Second one is to use a paper clip and shape it into a ring to insert in the lip at the end of the gas tube (think metal o-ring). I personally have not tried either. These were posted out on the net somewhere.

E. I see no reason to talk someone out of a SKS. There are not too many other options at the $200 price point.

F. N/A

Personally, I would always recommend an "unissued" grade first. Average price is $150 and that still leaves money left over for ammo and stripper clips. Even though shooter grades can be had for as low as $90, you are taking a chance on the reliability of the rifle.

The only thing I'd insist on is that the shooter learn to operate them, including being involved in the cleaning prior to shooting, so that the intricacies of the SKS (the gas port, the potential problems with slam-firing, etc.) can be explained and clearly understood, rather than cause problems at the wrong time.

Good advise from Preacherman.

May I also suggest Tech-Sights. Expensive when compared to the price of the rifle but they are worth it and work as advertised. The SKS's biggest problem has always been the sights, IMHO. Tech-sights fix that problem very well. There are several posts about them and others on this site. (I am in not way associated with the company, just a happy customer)

 

[chunk]

i have 2 yugo 59/66 a unissued '' u'' -1984 that is awesome looking & shooting. & a beat to he!! ''m''-1976 rough,not much blueing left & it shoots better!!! a- yes b- both c- no d-n/a e-into for sure

 

[Scoupe]

Have had great service from 3-59/66s. Two bought as "excellent" and one as "Shooter". Would trust them as a battle rifle, yes.

That said, I prefer non-grenade launching variant SKSs. Without the extra weight out front, the SKS is a handy little carbine with lots of punch for its size. I have an M59 that is my fave.

 

[albanian]

A) If you personally own a Yugo 59/66, is it reliable?
All Yugo SKSs I have ever owned were 100% reliable with all ammo. The only times I have had problems with an SKS is when I tried using cheap 30rd mags.

B) Was it purchased as an "unissued", "excellent", or "shooter" grade?
I have owned everything from New/unissued to shooter grade and they have all worked great.

C) Does your gas valve leak, turning it into a bolt action?
Nope.

D) Is there a cheap way to eliminate that possability?
Have not needed to cross that bridge yet.

E) If someone wanted an inexpensive SHTF rifle, a budget of $200, would you talk them into, or out of a Yugo SKS?
I would talke them out of it so there would be more Yugo SKSs for me to buy are low prices.

F) If "talking them out of it" is your choice, what then would you reccomend to stay in that price range, and be semi auto?
Seriously, I think the Yugo SKS is the hands down best deal in rifles today. Best C&R, best semi-auto for the money, best plinker, best SHTF, most reliable auto, best built for the cash, parts can be had, ammo is cheap, nothing else is even a close second in a semi-auto rifle right now.

I got all mine from AIM and I have never had a problem. If I did have a problem, I am sure they would take care of it. AIM is my favorite C&R dealer. I spend 90% of my C&R dollar with them because they have good prices and good customer service. SOG makes you feel like you are wasting their time when you call to place an order.

 

[Average Joe]

Yugo, Russian, and Chinese, all work fine. Never a problem.

 

[armoredman]

Thank you all, i will definately seee aboiut the Unissueds from J&G again! I am glasd to see the good reports coming in.

 

[Rexrider]

armoredman

Since your going to J&G, be sure to pick up a box of striper clips while you are there.

Striper clips really are the most efficient way to reload a SKS. Stay away from the hi-cap "duckbill" detachable mags. If there is one thing that can bring a SKS to its knees.....its an aftermarket mag.

Cheers