Russian SKS All Matching 7 (Sold for $7,375.00 U.S. !)

Ok, I don't collect SKS's, but why is this thing so valuable?

Sold for $7,375.00 U.S. !!!!!

Feedback and comments anyone?

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GunBroker - Russian SKS All Matching 7.62x39 (click here)

A very nice Russian SKS all matching rifle. It looks like this Russian SKS hasn't been fired since it's arsenal rebuild. Has a matte finish on all parts and one factory repair in the stock.

[Information added 04/10/2007 9:58:20 PM]
I have had numerous email trying to buy this rifle before the auction ends. It has hit my reserve an in all fairness I will not end the auction. I have been asked if the parts match.....yes....everyone of them: the bolt, the receiver, the stock, the trigger guard, the receiver cover, the magazine, the rear sight, and the gas tube has been electro penciled with the right number.

[Information added 04/10/2007 11:24:10 PM]
Do to all the emails, I have researched this rifle further. It is a very rare, all Original Russian 1949 Tula with a spike bayonet. It does not come with a sling or cleaning kit. From what I have read, this is the rarest Russian SKS rifle known! Hindsight is 20/20.......I should have kept this one for my collection!!!!!!!!! I will give early congratulations to the highest bidder...good luck!

[Information added 04/11/2007 8:17:54 AM]
I have been asked if the firing pin is spring loaded...yes it is. The internal parts such as the gas piston and bolt are numbered with part of the rifles serial #.

Auction started at $295 (No Rserve) - 48 bids and it SOLD at $7,375.00 U.S.

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Regards,
Badger

Go to the site directly

I'm sure Claven will correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the '49 date that makes it valuable. They were basically pre series production. Note the non-standard spike bayonet that was replaced by the blade in full scale production.

First SKS rifles were built in late 1943, issued in 1944 on the Belorussian Front for trials and remained in service all the way to Berlin. I believe it totalled 1000 units originally. I've NEVER seen a WW2 dated SKS - even in pictures. Losses must have been high and I think the survivors probably populate Russian museums.

1949 was the first year of series production of the SKS after full adoption. Production was on hold from 1944 though 1948 as the USSR's resources were more sorely needed to rebuild the ruins of their country.

Not alot were produced in 1949 (not sure how many total) and the earliest examples had M44 type spike bayonet underfolders - much like late production Chinese SKS carbines.

As I inderstand it, most spike bayonet 1949 SKS carbines were later reconfigured to the standard blade type during the Russian FTR program for SKS carbines of the 1950's and subsequently shipped all over the world as military aid.

It's exceedingly rare to see one that still has a spike bayonet, squared off gas block and spring-loaded firing pin, and also still stocked with the original non-laminate wood stock inlet for the spike bayonet.

I don't know much more about the 1949 made carbines, so I can't comment if the electropencilled numbers on small parts indicate replacement or not, nor can I comment on the meaning of the letters stamped over the serial number - perhaps someone's initials?

In any event, it is a rare SKS to be sure - but the sale price still seems on the high side. You never know though - SKS's are HIGHLY collectable and widely collected in the USA.

Also Russian military semi auto firearms have not been importable to the US for quite some time. That includes: SKS, SVT40's, Makarov pistols, etc...

The Russian SKS's in these parts bring good money, but, not as silly as that auction. I've never seen one in the four digits, but, who knows, two guys with lots of money that are going after the same gun can really run the price up, but, that doesn't necessarily make it blue book-SDH