Russian SKS's

[macatprw1]

So I've been researching my next buy down the road. I have a Chinese SKS but I'd like a Russian to go with it. I've been trying to research values but sales trends are all over the place. I expected Russians to be a bit more.

What I've found is that a lot of times people are asking 400 - 500 dollars for SKS's that have been modified and or that are not all matching as far as serial numbers. Now I'm really new to collecting but it seems that altering or non-matching numbers would degrade the value true?

It goes without saying that most of those listed like that didn't sell.

Also looking at what is selling is crazy. Good condition Russians going from 375.00 to 500.00 but Very Good condition going from 350 to 500 as well?? Meanwhile simular guns are not selling in the same price range. Is there something beside condition and whether or not the serials match that drives the price? Certain years worth more etc??

It just seems that 350 - 500 dollars is a very wide spread!

[Milsurps]

It just seems that 350 - 500 dollars is a very wide spread!

Russians have been for sale at the Ventura gun show the last couple of times.

Matching numbers, good to excellent condition ran $425-$600.
Non-matching numbers, not so much.

Good luck. Hope get your Russian.

[bombadillo]

I have a '53 russian, matching numbers in great condition, and it'd probably be sold for around $500-550 at this point. I got a killer deal on it IMO from a calgunner here and It won't be sold.

[morrcarr67]

I saw a "52 Tula w/matching numbers going for $600 @ a pawn shop.

[paul0660]

Guns (except for 91/30's) aren't a commodity. Prices vary. That is good for the patient and informed.

[echo1]

You're right about the prices being all over the place. Russians are about $125 to $250 above the market average for an SKS shooter. PAX

[Vlad 11]

It seems the prices are on an upward climb as of late. This guy over on sksboards does a great job of tracking recent sales of SKS's (gunbroker etc)and usually does a monthly ave.
The ave selling price on a Russian SKS in Mar was $447

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=85714.0

[hifiguns]

+1 on the sksboards.com site.

Sometimes the sales on GB and other auction sites just don't make sense. People overpay. Refurbs sell for collectable prices. One way to buy on GB is to watch new listings with a "buy it now". Look for a nice condition Russian for around $350, which has been the median selling price for the past several months. Sometimes you can get one for much less. Last month had a high average selling price on GB.

http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=84056.0

[Hammertime]

Are the rumors true about how easily the barrels heat up and affect groupings? That has been the number one reason why I do not have an SKS...I hate internet hype, and am fully aware that asking such a question on the internet is going to yield different answers, but honestly, heard some bad things about those rifles.

[echo1]

Are the rumors true about how easily the barrels heat up and affect groupings? but honestly, heard some bad things about those rifles.

You heard right & wrong. An SKS is not a bolt sniper gun. The average 10 shot group at 100 yards will be 2-5 inches, with an occasional flyer, all in a pie plate, all day long, with the cheapest ammo mix. All barrels heat up and change zero to some degree. They're like a centerfire 10/22 as far as cost per 1k of rds go. PAX