need some SKS opinions

[trickyasafox]

Hi all-

i'm about to purchase my first C&R gun, an SKS. however i'm torn on which one to get. I wouldn't mind paying the extra couple bucks for a model 59, but the only condition i can find is good to very good. so my question is what would you guys prefer, a good to very good model 59, or an unissued grade 59/66 yugo?

also how good is "good to very good"?

what condition blueing/bore/stock condition can i expect? the gun will be a shooter, but i would like it to still look as nice as i can muster. im probably going to refinish the stock, but would i probably have to reblue too?

i should probably mention i don't really want a grenade launcher or gas cut off, which is really why this is even a question

any suggestions are appreciated, as well as who you guys have had solid dealings with. im just going to mail out my liscense tomorrow to a bunch of different places to order anyway, so im not really sold on any one distributer.

 

[browningguy]

"Good" to a gun dealer selling means a real piece of crap. However most of the M.59's I've seen were not that bad. Aim and others usually offer a hand pick fee of $10-25 which may be worthwile. I've seen two of these in person and both had some scrapes and maybe 1-2 small gouges. Even refinished they would show, but not that bad in my opinion.

 

[grimjaw]

trickyasafox, on a M59 I wouldn't take anything less than 'very good' condition from a reputable dealer. AIM Surplus' rating system has been pretty good in my experience, and I'd risk it with them. However, the M59's sometimes approach the prices of rifles manufactured in other countries, and they are often in better condition. I got a Russian SKS non-refurb for $250 this year, and it was it excellent condition compared to the Yugo M59 in good condition at the gun store for $200+

jmm

 

[WayneConrad]

If it were me, I'd prefer a very-good 59 over a new 59/66. Like you, I don't care for the bayonet or the grenade launcher. I can't take them off without becoming a felon unless I give the rifle enough U.S. parts, so I'd prefer to get an SKS that never had them.

 

[joab]

I just got my Yugo59 today
I am quite pleased with it
it has all it's bluing except for around the muzzle where the bayonet attaches when extended.
the bore is mirror bright with no pitting or debris.

SOG purchase for $142.75

I also have a 59/66 with the launcher that I bought unissued and cosmo drenched that I would not buy again

 

[trickyasafox]

thanks for the replies! i think i'll be communicating with SOG shortly

 

[Firehand]

Generally, go for very good or above. Several sites have their grading standards listed, and unless one has specific historical value otherwise, below very good isn't very.

Also, be aware that almost any old surplus rifle will have grease and/or oil soaked into the wood to clean out, and- if it was properly stored- will probably be heavily coated with cosmoline. I prefer to see them that way, it generally means no rust. Yeah, it can be a pain to clean.

 

[helpwanted]

Do not cycle live rounds through the gun in your home as most sks' do not have a firing pin spring to retain the firing pin. You will notice that a cycled round will have a dent in the primer from the firing pin hitting it when the bolt closes. This is especially true if the round happens to hang up on its way into the chamber, with sensitive primers such as Winchester 7.62x39, or a firing pin that cannot move freely due to crud build up. Be sure to clean the firing pin channel completely and observe that the firing pin is able to move freely and is free of damage before attempting to chamber rounds.

Don't ask me how I know.

 

[1911JMB]

I don't know about other Yugo SKS's, but mine had a horrible number of rounds fired through it and the bore looks aweful. It shoots when you pull the trigger, so for me, it was 100 dollars well spent. Now if only I could find more ammo for it.

 

[ball3006]

The Yugo SKS...

does not have a chrome lined bore. If you order up a used one, the bore may not be in good condition vs one of the other makes which have chrome bores. Out of all the SKS I have, the Chinese are the best shooters but alot of guys will speak poorly of Chinese rifles. If you get a used M59, buy it where you can lay your hands on it and scope out the bore.....chris3

 

[cracked butt]

Dpends on who you buy it from. VG condition from Century means its probably safe to shoot, but could have a compeltely shotout/pitted barrel. VG from other sellers might be a rifle with a scratch or chipout of the stock. Bottom line is, if its from Century, if its not described as exc or better, I don't even look at it.

My unissued Yugo is a very nice and accurate rifle.