Tell me about the SKS

[Quoheleth]

I've used both the THR search and google search and haven't found any info from recent on the SKS. I found some general info, but want some new news.

I read how pre-ban SKSs can have folding bayonetts but post-ban must go naked. An older post said that pre-ban must have fixed magazines but post-ban can have detachable (is that still right?)? If that's the case, why did I see a recent SKS for sake with underfolding bayonett with three detachable mags? (Not here, fwiw)

I gather that SKS's are like many guns in that while the design is the same, different countries' QC is better than others. Norinco seems to be favored in post-ban models, but Yugo seem to be popular across the board.

Are SKSs still a sleeper in the used surplus market or are they like AKs, fetching $300+? I found one website that had them for $150 and got excited, only to find they were long sold-out.

Anything you can tell me about the SKS, I would appreciate. Who's got 'em available? What are prices like? Anything to watch for - good or bad? Like I said in my thread about the AK the other day, I'm curious and looking at/into them - not necessarily looking to buy.

Thanks,
Q

 

[chevyforlife21]

not many companies carry yugo sks anymore. you can still find them on gun broker but you are looking at alot more money then they were a year or 2 ago. russians are the best sks but cost $500+ ,yugos are designed very similar to the russians but at a cheap price, and they have grenade laucher,bayonet,and a muzzle breake wich makes them the longest barrel sks.

 

[mljdeckard]

I think it depends a little bit on what you want to use it for. Do want them to shoot, to collect?

There is a limited supply. There were only so many made, and they will run out.

I never made much distinction between pre and post ban, understand that some SKSs were imported under 'curio and relic' status. This means that if you want to modify one, ten total critical parts must be switched so that they are U.S. made. This is what I did to my Yugo, I wanted it specifically to have one I can shoot and beat up and not worry about it. Of course, I bought it lightly used from a friend for $100 a few years ago.

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=453341

They are good rifles, tough, minute-of-milk-jug accurate at 100m, fun to shoot, but not the unreal bargain they were 15 years ago, when you could buy one with 500 rds of ammo for $100.

 

[BRad704]

I have a Norinco Chinese SKS and learned a LOT of info from this site...

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

 

[Bentonville]

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php

Another good site. It is dedicated to the SKS. I learned about the Trigger group and negative/positive sear engagement as well as cleaning out the fp channel...a must to avoid slamfires.

 

[Quoheleth]

Thanks.

I decided to spend my money on ammo to feed what I have instead of buying something else.

Q