SKS comparison

[Foothill Fab]

I've been looking for a Russian SKS but have come across the "BBQ paint version and the blued version. Is that something that depends on who re arsenaled or??? I've even come across one that had a BBQ makeover to hide some import marks. You could barely see from the right angle. Just curious on everyone's knowledge and opinion.

Thanks,
AB

[peppermintman]

I've seen those for sale on GB and AL too. Sounds like maybe you looking at some that were restored or something. Classic Firearms still has them so go get a handpicked with matching S/N's and clean it up. Those ain't in too bad condition and clean up nicely. From what I hear the Chinese have nice clean shiny rifle bores. The SKS board has lots of examples and take a look here too C& R section. I'd spend the extra 40 bucks so get it from Classic. Check out SKSboards.com for more info too.
BBQ paint job.....seen that one too.

[Foothill Fab]

So were the Russians originally blued then painted at the time of rearsenal? Pepermintman maybe I'll just get one of each... Lol

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Some Russians have Bbq refinishing, some are blued. Some have the Bbq'd bolt, some have the chrome bolt. Either way, practically every Russian SKS you find is going to be re-arsenaled. Any original condition Russian SKS, especially with matching numbers, is a collectible rifle. I would not hesitate to buy one with or without BBQ finish.

Good luck finding a non-rearsenaled or non import marked Russian SKS. If you do, it won't come cheap.

[knucklehead0202]

doesn't really matter, they all work and as far as value goes, they all sell for about the same these days. we can talk "value" until we turn blue but people are selling and buying friggin yugos for 5-600 bucks these days, and Russians don't seem to sell for much more. you'll see them for sale for much higher, but what actually sells, is between 4 and 800 bucks. if you can get a decent one for somewhere in there, or god willing less, just buy it, shoot it, and love it. some will have black bolts, black bayonets, or variations on those two. they all work and are sweet to look at too so don't get too mixed up on getting the best possible example. if you can get any for a decent price you're doing fine.

[BruinGuy]

The all black "BBQ" examples are pretty neat...like a Darth Vader model SKS. If I ever come across one for a decent price I would have to add it to my collection. From the pictures of the example SVT-40 posted a few weeks ago, it doesn't appear to be paint, but a type of bluing or other oxidized treatment. Unless I'm getting variations mixed up?

[NOTABIKER]

a SKS sickness is almost as bad as a Mosin sickness. got 2 want more.

[NOTABIKER]

my YUGO is hefty and over built, my Chinese is much lighter in construction. got to like that chrome barrel though. i shoot and love them both. if i had to pick a rifle to defend my life with it would be my chinese SKS.