Newbie seeking “SKS” help ? ? ?

[fn111557]

*** EDIT 8-11 ***
Added pics below!
***************


I am looking into starting a mil-surp collection. I ran across what looks to be a good deal? (To Good To Be True?)
From this description (below) would this be worth investing in as a first SKS? I know in the M1 world, that low production manufacturers rifles bring a HUGE premium. Years ago they were a dime a dozen now forget about it!
Anyway any fast information about this would help.
Thanks
Fred

INFO:
[ One of the more rare manufacturer Cugir SKS's. These are not an SKS you can just find most anywhere, like all the rest. "This Romanian Type 56 SKS rifle was produced in Cugir, Romania. There were approximately only 450,000 of these rifles produced, but until 1998, their existence was unknown, as until that point, the Romanian government had denied that they had ever been produced. They were made from 1957 until 1962. These SKS's were stopped being manufactured in 3/2008, never to be tooled up again." This particular SKS was made in 1957. As far as the barrel/bolt/chamber being chromed, I haven't the slightest idea. If anyone could send me any info I could check on, it would be greatly appreciated! I do know it has a shorter bayonet that most of the other manufacturers - 9" compared to 11". ]

Information

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[Aragorn243]

Depends on the price and what you want to get out of it. I know of nothing that makes the Romanian SKS's more valuable than any other. The Russian ones are what most collectors seem to find more desirable.

Prices have gone up but you should still be able to get a decent to like new condition SKS for $300 or less. Russian models probably being a bit more.

I personally prefer the Yugo SKS because of a better fit and finish but it is also one of the few that does not have a chrome lined barrel but as I plan to take care of it, this doesn't present a problem for me.

[enfield303t]

A regular Russian SKS is $219.00 and a laminate stock $239.00 and there are tons of them where I shop. I have seen them listed at alot more and can't understand anyone paying a higher price. If you hunt you can find a original non rebuilt which is a bonus. I guess they have a chance of being collectable in a hundred years or so but surely not now.

[Aragorn243]

I believe there is a significant price difference between Canada and the US right now with the US being more expensive due to supply and demand. The Chinese SKS that I've seen around here are $275 and up. Russians are pretty uncommon. Last year, when I wasn't looking for one, prices were about $100 less. I waited too long.

[enfield303t]

I believe there is a significant price difference between Canada and the US right now with the US being more expensive due to supply and demand. The Chinese SKS that I've seen around here are $275 and up. Russians are pretty uncommon. Last year, when I wasn't looking for one, prices were about $100 less. I waited too long.

Aragorn I have noticed the price difference between the Canada and the US and obviously you are right about supply and demand. Wish I could send you a cheap one, if we both had realistic firearm laws I probably could.
I can't see the SKS ever as a collectors item as it really did not have a dramatic life, a very few years after its introduction it was overshadowed by the AK 47 so was sort of the "ugly stepdaughter". They really do work well and cheap to purchase/shoot so quite popular here in Canada. We are about to put a scope on one to see just how well we can get it to shoot at longer distances so that will be interesting. Bought the mount just need to decided what scope to use as I really don't want to spend a fortune.

[fn111557]

OK! Jumped in with both feet yesterday. First let me explain I have been looking for a mil-surp, semi-auto rifle that I can have fun punching holes in paper at 100 yds and more. I ran into a deal at a local gun store just when I had a few bucks burning a hole in my pocket. $250 for a nice looking “YOUGO” with a Leapers 3-9x40 mini scope. The only thing I know is the bore and barrel look real clean, and the rest of the gun needs a good detailing to get rid of excess cosmo. I’ll get some pics tonight after work if anyone is interested. I’m open to any and ALL advice as to what I have gotten myself into.
Thanks! Fred

[Aragorn243]

We are about to put a scope on one to see just how well we can get it to shoot at longer distances so that will be interesting. Bought the mount just need to decided what scope to use as I really don't want to spend a fortune.

First, I'd love to be able to buy a Russian SKS for the price you can get them for and wish you could ship me one. But that isn't likely to happen do to the mentioned laws.

As for scopes. It's something I've looked into but most of the contraptions they have aren't really workable. Most attach to the cover and the cover moves. If you can come up this a mount that attaches to the barrel or the receiver, you're a lot better off. There just isn't that much room on there. I have seen some receiver mounts that you need to drill and tap for. Only problem is to clean the rifle you have to take the scope or the mount off which is probably going to mean re-zeroing it at the start of every session.

I decided I don't need it to drive tacks. I have other rifles for that. Can't hunt with it in PA either, and again, I have other rifles for that. I hate to admit it but to me it's a toy that fires inexpensive ammo and goes BANG and looks impressive sitting there in the rack.

Unfortunately, I don't even know how mine shoots. I've had it for probably 6 months now and still haven't taken it to the range. Sacrilege I know.

[fn111557]

Aragorn243; I will let you know how this set up works. I am hoping to get a FULL CLEANING in before this weekend. Then my son and I are going to take it to the range to destroy paper! I will try to get some good video to put up on YOU-TUBE. I too bought mine just for the thrill of a fun shoot (CHEEP) but a little more exciting than a .22lr.
Here are the pics of my new toy, any thoughts?

[Aragorn243]

That looks like one of the clamp on scope mounts but looks like it attaches to the receiver rather than the cover. Should be pretty accurate once it's zeroed but I'd be curious to know how it is when you take it off to clean and then put it back on.

I'm a scope person myself. I've never been one to use open sights when there is an alternative. I'd like to scope mine.

I like the color and finish of your stock. Did it come that way or did you do something to it. Mine is like new but the wood is rougher than I'm used to and the color is very light.

[enfield303t]

One thing is you really need to do a thorough job of cleaning if you are using milsurp ammo. Right now we are shooting Czech surplus and it is really dirty and takes lots to get the gun very clean. The ammo is so corrosive we sometimes clean it at the range, especially in damp weather, if you have a chrome barrel not so serious but still requires proper maintenance. Be sure to disassemble it properly to clean all the "internals" as they foul quite quickly. They are really a fun, cheap gun to shoot and pretty accurate out to 300 yards +. A friend is going to install the "cover mount" we bought and apparently if done propery (quite tight) it is pretty good with a scope. Still undecided what scope to purchase but might get serious tomorrow and spend the money. THe best thing about the SKS is the cheap shooting, hard to beat 17 cents + or - per round for CF ammo.