SKS help opinion

[aghauler]

I know very little about Russian SKS's so need a little help on deciding to buy or not.

Today I looked at 2 "Russian" SKS's I'll describe as best I can remember.
Importer engraved "Russian etc" on left side of receivers.

#1. All matching no force matching anywhere, except unnumbered receiver cover, has blade bayonet, no cleaning rod. Wood is serialed to receiver, not force matched and it has the Star with arrow and either a 1951 or 1961 above that. Finish on wood and metal is very good. Probably through a rebuild, but was wondering how much the non matching receiver cover affects the value and what a good est. value would be.

#2 All matching including stock, no force matching anywhere, the magazine is one of those 30 round banana mags which of course doesn't match the receiver. I believe it's Tula, little finish left on most of the wood, metal has at least 80-90% finish, muzzle wear was 1.5. Has cleaning rod and blade bayonet bolt carrier shows wear on finish.
Est. value and desirability?

So my questions are:

Are either of these worth picking up for collection? I already have 3 SKSs, all Chinese, one in a Jungle stock without import markings.

I'm thinking #1 would be the most desirable (although I CAN get both if I want them), due to condition and rebuild markings on the stock etc, but was curious of opinions from the SKS folks here on CALGUNS, value due to the non numbered receiver cover.

Relative values for SKS #1 & SKS #2?

Any other thoughts?

[81turbota]

Is the metal blued or a BBQ black paint?

Both examples sound ok, they have issues. They will never be an original matching non refurb. Without pics I'd put the value at $350-450 on each. #2 being lower because of described condition, bolt should be in the white so "wear on finish" isn't a good sign.

[aghauler]

Is the metal blued or a BBQ black paint?

Both examples sound ok, they have issues. They will never be an original matching non refurb. Without pics I'd put the value at $350-450 on each. #2 being lower because of described condition, bolt should be in the white so "wear on finish" isn't a good sign.

Thanks for the opinion, the metal finish is blue, no sign of black paint.
That one bolt carrier shows a little dirty pitting right wear the serial number is.

#1 is priced at $450
#2 priced at $550 (why I don't know)

They both have been "in the store awhile" apparently and they are willing to work on pricing, didn't say how much though. Told them I'd think about, needed time to check with the Calguns to see if worth persuing!

[boris badinov]

#1. All matching no force matching anywhere, except unnumbered receiver cover, has blade bayonet, no cleaning rod. Wood is serialed to receiver, not force matched and it has the Star with arrow and either a 1951 or 1961 above that. Finish on wood and metal is very good. Probably through a rebuild, but was wondering how much the non matching receiver cover affects the value and what a good est. value would be.

#1 is a refurb. Not clear what you mean by "unnumbered receiver cover". Do you mean it has no serial number or that there is no date or star on the top of the cover?

Is there a tiny 5-point star on the left side of the receiver after the serial number?

#2 All matching including stock, no force matching anywhere, the magazine is one of those 30 round banana mags which of course doesn't match the receiver. I believe it's Tula, little finish left on most of the wood, metal has at least 80-90% finish, muzzle wear was 1.5. Has cleaning rod and blade bayonet bolt carrier shows wear on finish.
Est. value and desirability?

#2 Without the original 30 10 round magazine, this is not a matching rifle. If this rifle still has the original matching magaine, it will likely be the more valuable of the two.


pics will help.

As they are described:

For most the of continental U.S.A., a fair price wouldbe $400-$450 for #1 or #2 as they stand.

$500+ for #2 if it has a matching original magazine.


I've been in PA for the last six years, but as I understand it, expect to pay a more if you live in Cali.

[aghauler]

#1 is a refurb. Not clear what you mean by "unnumbered receiver cover". Do you mean it has no serial number or that there is no date or star on the top of the cover?

Is there a tiny 5-point star on the left side of the receiver after the serial number?



#2 Without the 30 round magazine, this is not a matching rifle. If this rifle still has the original matching magaine, it will likely be the more valuable of the two.


pics will help.

As they are described:

For most the of continental U.S.A., a fair price wouldbe $400-$450 for #1 or #2 as they stand.

$500+ for #2 if it has a matching original magazine.


I've been in PA for the last six years, but as I understand it, expect to pay a more if you live in Cali.

#1 has no date or star on the top cover or any numbers on the backend it is totally blank, I did not notice a star after the serial number on the left side, but then I wasn't knowledgeable enough to be looking for one, I don't recall it though. What would that indicate? It is definitely the better looking of the two.


#2 Should have a 30 rd magazine not the standard 10rd mag?? The one that is in it now is definitely a new newer mag with no numbers on it, there is a second magazine noted on the hang tag, clerk went to the back room and confirmed "it's a 30 round mag also" he didn't bring it out for me to look at, it maybe the original mag with worn finish and showing signs of wear or just another newer one. Would the original 30rd mag be serial numbered to the receiver like the 10rd mag covers?
SKS #2 has little to no finish left on the wood, varnish looks heavily worn off with bare light colored wood showing in many areas.


I doubt if they'll let me take photos in the store.

I'm in New Mexico no longer in Kommiefornica!

I was thinking about offering $750-$800 (max) for both if I get serious. Will have to wait until after Christmas to visit the store again, otherwise they might think I'm really interested and not want to deal on the price. Chinese SKS's that I've seen locally sell between $375 and $400 depending on condition.
I asked the clerk if they get many milsurps - C&R's (these 2 SKS's have been around awhile), he said, there are people that troll the pawn shops and gun stores as soon as they open in the mornings to grab stuff to sell at the gun shows to jack up prices and REALLY screw ya"! Private sales are still legal here long guns and handguns.

Next gunshow isn't until Feb 2018 followed with a "Gun, Knife and Sword" show in March 2018. Will have to check them out, haven't seen a screaming deals on prices new or used.

[echo1]

What Boris said on value. They're shooters now versus collector and shouldn't command any premium. The star stamp is the arsenal, Tula. Arrow in a triangle in a circle is Izhevsk (rare for Russian SKS). The mag should be a 10 rounder. No Russian SKSs were issued with hi cap mags. Best you could hope for with that one would be a blank mag, and that would likely be Chinese. When you go back to haggle, note the number stamped on the front sight base. A number "1" indicates good groupings during factory trials. Good link for detailed data. PAX

http://www.yooperj.com/SKS.htm

[boris badinov]

#2 Without the 30 round magazine, this is not a matching rifle. If this rifle still has the original matching magaine, it will likely be the more valuable of the two.

My mistake.

It should read "Without the original 10round magazine"

When you go back to haggle, note the number stamped on the front sight base. A number "1" indicates good groupings during factory trials. Good link for detailed data. PAX

Echo1-- There's another, possibly more logical explanation of the #1,2,or3 stamped on the FSB. The idea is that these numbers indicate a inner diameters of the FSB for proper sizing and fit on the external barrel circumference. There's a thread on the subject in the General discussion subforum on sks-files.com

[Nevada Hudson]

Have a C&R Yugo SKS with the original 10 round magazine. Was told if I convert the magazine to 30 rounds, it is no longer considered C&R

[boris badinov]

Have a C&R Yugo SKS with the original 10 round magazine. Was told if I convert the magazine to 30 rounds, it is no longer considered C&R

To buy and sell as C&R it the rifle has to be in it's orginal configuration.

If you aren't selling it, i don't see how can affect a prior C&R purchase.

As far as the 30-round magazine goes, I have no idea how the new CA regulations apply -- living in PA for the past 6 years, I haven't had to navigate that labyrinth of gun-ownership..

[echo1]

To buy and sell as C&R it the rifle has to be in it's orginal configuration. If you aren't selling it, i don't see how can affect a prior C&R purchase. As far as the 30-round magazine goes, I have no idea how the new
CA regulations apply -- living in PA for the past 6 years, I haven't had to navigate that labyrinth of gun-ownership..

NO MAG CAPACITY GREATER THAN 10 ROUNDS. Ishy bolt gun 12rd is not go. But I think Ag is in Azarona now.

The positive aspect of these 2 particular rifles, if bought at the right price (for a tinker with extra ducats), is you can turn the Khyber Pass Team loose on them, and still never lose money, if that's a concern.

Bubba know how make SKS gooder. PAX

[aghauler]

NO MAG CAPACITY GREATER THAN 10 ROUNDS. Ishy bolt gun 12rd is not go. But I think Ag is in Azarona now.

The positive aspect of these 2 particular rifles, if bought at the right price (for a tinker with extra ducats), is you can turn the Khyber Pass Team loose on them, and still never lose money, if that's a concern.

Bubba know how make SKS gooder. PAX

Well with all the help and input from everyone I'm letting these sit on thier shelf longer. I figured they'd be just "shooter grade" and not worth what they are asking at the Pawn shop, considering what they probably paid for them.
Already have 3 matching Chinese SKS's one non import marked in the jungle stock.

So I bought one of these instead from Buds, been looking for a swing out 22/22mag. I also have a S&W 651 with a factory fitted 22lr cylinder still in the wrap with box and accessories but I haven't shot THAT one in a very long time, it became the true closet queen years ago! I have a Taurus Tracker in 357 mag and really like it. So with all your combined knowledge and opinions you guys saved me some money Thanks! I can keep looking for other SKS's now that I'm in ABQ, NM. and can buy anything I can afford!

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=YxGkjyPK&id=0BEB82F44ABFC76AECE12EE5F04ACF8BED05B59E&thid=OIP.YxGkjyPKOjH5XkWJfx4ufQHaFj&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fcdn2.armslist.com%2fsites%2farmslist%2fuploads%2fposts%2f2014%2f04%2f17%2f2956044_01_taurus_tracker_992_stainless_2_640.jpg&exph=480&expw=640&q=taurus+992+tracker&simid=608043950897824465&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0

I've got one of those 10 rd Ishy mag Brownells was selling years ago in some box around here some where, I've retrieved all my hi caps from my Daughter finally so the original 12rd Ishapore mag is back where it belongs!

I'll be going back to that pawn shop for the new gun purchase $15 transfer when it gets here, I may take a closer look at those SKS's but not seriously.

[I Swan]

Well with all the help and input from everyone I'm letting these sit on thier shelf longer. I figured they'd be just "shooter grade" and not worth what they are asking at the Pawn shop, considering what they probably paid for them.
.

How does it matter what they paid for them? That is almost of no consideration to me when I see a gun for sale and I figure if it is worth buying for all I know they got it for free. Not my business.

I only care about if I feel the price is right considering condition, current market trends and other factors. As for these guns yes I would probably pass.

[knucklehead0202]

At those prices i'd pass on both/either of them. I may be ruined because i paid 200 for my all-matching '52 Tula about 10 years ago but people that think a mismatch even if it's russian is worth 450 are just nuts. I'd happily pay 300 for a nice Sino-soviet/Arsenal 26 in good shape but 450 for a mixmaster russian? Naahhh. Keep your eyes open you can get an albanian at that price and it's way neater.

[BennyAdeline]

At those prices i'd pass on both/either of them. I may be ruined because i paid 200 for my all-matching '52 Tula about 10 years ago but people that think a mismatch even if it's russian is worth 450 are just nuts. I'd happily pay 300 for a nice Sino-soviet/Arsenal 26 in good shape but 450 for a mixmaster russian? Naahhh. Keep your eyes open you can get an albanian at that price and it's way neater.

If I may counter:

I think the SKS is worth it in California, even at its somewhat inflated prices. If all removeable mag fed rifles get the ban hammer here, the SKS will be in hot demand.

[aghauler]

If I may counter:

I think the SKS is worth it in California, even at its somewhat inflated prices. If all removeable mag fed rifles get the ban hammer here, the SKS will be in hot demand.

Yes the SKS is a good one to have in CA, but as I was told at a LGS here in NM a couple months ago while doing a transfer and inquired about selling a few items, "your Calif configured/legal stuff is practically worthless here, no one would buy it unless a rare collectable".