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Auto426 · February 10, 2013, 01:42 AM

As the others have said, the current prices for SKS's don't reflect what it actually costs to make one. They were made long ago in Eastern Bloc countries and stored away for a ground war that never came. When the Soviet Union fell, they were exported to the U.S. civilain market and sold for rock bottom prices, as the governments selling them didn't care what they cost to make 30 to 40 years ago.

M14's on the other hand are almost all new production today, since the government never sold complete rifles as surplus due to their selective fire capabilities. They did sell parts kits from some of the rifles, which consisted of almost everything but the receiver, but those have all but dried up. Forged steel and walnut are also more expensive than aluminum and plastic, and since the demand for M14's isn't nearly as large as the demand for AR's, prices stay high.

February 10, 2013, 01:42 AM	#9
Auto426 Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2007 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 1,323	As the others have said, the current prices for SKS's don't reflect what it actually costs to make one. They were made long ago in Eastern Bloc countries and stored away for a ground war that never came. When the Soviet Union fell, they were exported to the U.S. civilain market and sold for rock bottom prices, as the governments selling them didn't care what they cost to make 30 to 40 years ago. M14's on the other hand are almost all new production today, since the government never sold complete rifles as surplus due to their selective fire capabilities. They did sell parts kits from some of the rifles, which consisted of almost everything but the receiver, but those have all but dried up. Forged steel and walnut are also more expensive than aluminum and plastic, and since the demand for M14's isn't nearly as large as the demand for AR's, prices stay high. __________________ *"Si vis pacem, para bellum"* - If you want peace, prepare for war.