Russian SKS price good?

Skarekrow88 · July 17, 2017, 07:20 PM

Local Gander Mtn is closing down 'cause, ya know, their business model is horrible. Anywho, they're just about cleaned out except for a section of used guns. They have two Russian SKS's that are marked down 50% off from $1,099 (lol) which makes them $549.99. They have been there just about since the store opened. One of them has some bad pitting while the other is in very good condition and matching numbers (I think). I tried to negotiate but they said "price is solid, already 50% off" which almost made my eyes do a 180 into the back of my head. I've been wanting a Russian SKS for a while but I can't determine whether it's worth that or not. Is $549 for the pretty one a decent price or nah?

Model12Win · July 17, 2017, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skarekrow88

Local Gander Mtn is closing down 'cause, ya know, their business model is horrible. Anywho, they're just about cleaned out except for a section of used guns. They have two Russian SKS's that are marked down 50% off from $1,099 (lol) which makes them $549.99. They have been there just about since the store opened. One of them has some bad pitting while the other is in very good condition and matching numbers (I think). I tried to negotiate but they said "price is solid, already 50% off" which almost made my eyes do a 180 into the back of my head. I've been wanting a Russian SKS for a while but I can't determine whether it's worth that or not. Is $549 for the pretty one a decent price or nah?

If it's in GOOD shape and you want it, get it. SKS rifles have gone up a whole lot in price in the past few years and the Russian ones have always been worth more. That $1099 price was insane though, no wonder nobody bought them, $549 is right in line as to what it should be worth. Make sure to check the bore and internal parts for damage.

turkeestalker · July 17, 2017, 08:52 PM

I remember when that would've just about bought you a case of the Chinese ones... I should've been thinking ahead back then!

ed308 · July 17, 2017, 09:20 PM

$500-$600 is what they are priced for on Gunbroker.

Model12Win · July 17, 2017, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turkeestalker

I remember when that would've just about bought you a case of the Chinese ones... I should've been thinking ahead back then!

Yeah well those days are over.

FrankenMauser · July 17, 2017, 11:52 PM

If the rifle is solid and at least mostly-numbers-matching, that's a reasonable price.
You probably won't get another opportunity at that price point, unless something 'falls into your lap'.

The Russians have been collected and are 'locked up' for the most part.

The SKSs being shot regularly are everything else: Chicom, Romanian, Yugo, etc.

I miss my Russian ('55 Tula). It was a fun, well-built rifle, and utterly reliable.
But... I don't miss the cartridge or the ergonomics. Mine was little more than a range toy, due to those factors ... and I don't do range toys.

Pilot · July 18, 2017, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankenMauser

If the rifle is solid and at least mostly-numbers-matching, that's a reasonable price.
You probably won't get another opportunity at that price point, unless something 'falls into your lap'.

The Russians have been collected and are 'locked up' for the most part.

The SKSs being shot regularly are everything else: Chicom, Romanian, Yugo, etc.

I miss my Russian ('55 Tula). It was a fun, well-built rifle, and utterly reliable.
But... I don't miss the cartridge or the ergonomics. Mine was little more than a range toy, due to those factors ... and I don't do range toys.

I added a rubber butt pad to both my Russian SKS's to add to length of pull which made them comfortable to shoot. It added about 1 1/2 inches, maybe even 2".

stagpanther · July 18, 2017, 08:35 AM

Quote:

I remember when that would've just about bought you a case of the Chinese ones... I should've been thinking ahead back then!

Yep--I bought a chinese norinco sks some 30 years ago for $75 (ak's were around $200). A colt AR was around $500.00 at the time. A little perspective.

FrankenMauser · July 18, 2017, 02:34 PM

Quote:

I added a rubber butt pad to both my Russian SKS's to add to length of pull which made them comfortable to shoot. It added about 1 1/2 inches, maybe even 2".

I went for the tacticool Fiberforce 'Dragunov' stock, for the pistol grip. (It was also the only pistol grip stock I could find on the market, at the time.)
It helped, but the rifle was still little more than a range toy for me.

stag, turkee...
Yep.
The first case of genuine surplus ammo that I bought was $39. (I paid a premium for the Tula SKS ... $275 I think?)
It hurts my brain to see people happy to pay $200 for commercial import garbage now.

Hanshi · July 18, 2017, 02:43 PM

So glad I got mine many years ago. I paid around $100 but was decades ago. Later I picked up a "paratrooper" model, the short one, in a trade with a friend. They are complete military and have those spike bayonets.

doofus47 · July 18, 2017, 03:02 PM

I paid 250 for my Russian SKS, but nowadays 550 is about right.

brian33x51 · July 18, 2017, 04:41 PM

I splurged and paid 109usd for the russian one with a chrome barrel instead of the junky yugo for 99usd.

It certainly had the dangerous and scary attached bayonet that would sometimes go out of control and try to randomly stab people (thank God for the assault weapon ban that got that mess under control).

I sold that 8 or 9 years ago since I already had a converted saiga and a wasr.

Ricekila · July 18, 2017, 05:08 PM

http://www.southernohiogun.com/longg...62x39-cal.html

Ricklin · July 18, 2017, 07:06 PM

I have one of my three Ruskies left in the safe, it ain't goin nowhere.

Circa 1995 89 bucks, only bought three should of bought ten.

Joe-ker · July 18, 2017, 07:54 PM

What makes a Russian sks better? Overall better quality or are there specifics? I've got a norinco I picked up for 150$ twenty years ago. Synthetic stock and detachable mags went a long ways towards improving it. I have to say, since picking up a couple AR's she doesn't see much use.

Model12Win · July 18, 2017, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricekila

http://www.southernohiogun.com/longg...62x39-cal.html

Yeah as I suspected, those grenade launchers with an SKS attached. That useless bit of kit (for us civillians) turns what would be a relatively compact and light rifle into a severely muzzle heavy gun with a silly OAL for the 7.62x39mm round.

Yeah, okay, you can shoot golf balls with it by using an adapter... but when you actually carry it around and shoot it with real ammo, the grenade launcher becomes super annoying and the cool factor disappears!

doofus47 · July 19, 2017, 09:10 AM

Hey, you other guys who owned and shot Russian SKS rifles, was your trigger good or bad? I had a great trigger that was like butter. Just curious if I got "lotto lucky" or if it was just the nature of that model.

Hanshi · July 19, 2017, 01:39 PM

Can't remember exactly when it was, but the ATF was telling SKS owners to turn in those "deadly" bayonets. Sure. Right. It's none of their business, for one thing and if I own it, then it is MINE!

SanchoPanza · July 19, 2017, 01:44 PM

Russian SKS is exempt...

FrankenMauser · July 19, 2017, 03:05 PM

Mine had a good trigger.

Quote:

Can't remember exactly when it was, but the ATF was telling SKS owners to turn in those "deadly" bayonets. Sure. Right. It's none of their business, for one thing and if I own it, then it is MINE!

The bayonet is only an issue if some one starts swapping parts out and fails to comply with 922(r).
But, even then... The ATF offered an opinion letter stating that dropping the rifle into a modern stock would be acceptable and seen as an exemption, so long as the bayonet was removed.
Can't find a reference to it. Man, that must have been 20 years ago, now.

Mobuck · July 20, 2017, 08:25 PM

SKS rifles were priced about right when they were $59.95.

FrankenMauser · July 20, 2017, 10:48 PM

Yea, but....
That's when leaded gas was still available under $0.99 / gallon, too.

Chainsaw. · July 21, 2017, 07:54 AM

Right? And minimum wage was $3.75. I bet the women were younger back then too.

stagpanther · July 21, 2017, 08:52 AM

I remember those times well--back when I shot my first T-Rex.

mr bolo · July 22, 2017, 06:34 PM

The Russian SKS is still a bargain in todays market for $550

just think how much a current production rifle of that quality would cost today?

my guess probably just as much as a Springfield Armory M1A

I know they use to sell a lot cheaper, but they are really worth a lot more than $100

If it's in very good condition , I would recommend buying it

I just saw a really beat up Romanian sks at the gun shop priced at $500

July 17, 2017, 07:20 PM	#1
Skarekrow88 Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 332	Russian SKS price good? Local Gander Mtn is closing down 'cause, ya know, their business model is horrible. Anywho, they're just about cleaned out except for a section of used guns. They have two Russian SKS's that are marked down 50% off from $1,099 (lol) which makes them $549.99. They have been there just about since the store opened. One of them has some bad pitting while the other is in very good condition and matching numbers (I think). I tried to negotiate but they said "price is solid, already 50% off" which almost made my eyes do a 180 into the back of my head. I've been wanting a Russian SKS for a while but I can't determine whether it's worth that or not. Is $549 for the pretty one a decent price or nah? __________________ "A life fought for others is a life worth living"

July 17, 2017, 08:52 PM	#3
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	I remember when that would've just about bought you a case of the Chinese ones... I should've been thinking ahead back then! __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

July 17, 2017, 11:52 PM	#6
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	If the rifle is solid and at least mostly-numbers-matching, that's a reasonable price. You probably won't get another opportunity at that price point, unless something 'falls into your lap'. The Russians have been collected and are 'locked up' for the most part. The SKSs being shot regularly are everything else: Chicom, Romanian, Yugo, etc. I miss my Russian ('55 Tula). It was a fun, well-built rifle, and utterly reliable. But... I don't miss the cartridge or the ergonomics. Mine was little more than a range toy, due to those factors ... and I don't do range toys. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

July 18, 2017, 03:02 PM	#11
doofus47 Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: live in a in a house when i'm not in a tent Posts: 2,483	I paid 250 for my Russian SKS, but nowadays 550 is about right. __________________ I'm right about the metric system 3/4 of the time.

July 18, 2017, 05:08 PM	#13
Ricekila Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2017 Location: Lawnguyland, NY Posts: 169	http://www.southernohiogun.com/longg...62x39-cal.html __________________ NRA Instructor / RSO & NRA Life Member / S.A.F.E. Armorer / 03-FFL / Moist Nugget gun nut / Ammosexual / COR of a Venturing Crew / And a right wing Republican Jew with guns Μολών Λaβέ

July 17, 2017, 09:20 PM	#4
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	$500-$600 is what they are priced for on Gunbroker.

July 18, 2017, 02:43 PM	#10
Hanshi Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2017 Posts: 239	So glad I got mine many years ago. I paid around $100 but was decades ago. Later I picked up a "paratrooper" model, the short one, in a trade with a friend. They are complete military and have those spike bayonets.

July 18, 2017, 04:41 PM	#12
brian33x51 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Location: Denver area Posts: 221	I splurged and paid 109usd for the russian one with a chrome barrel instead of the junky yugo for 99usd. It certainly had the dangerous and scary attached bayonet that would sometimes go out of control and try to randomly stab people (thank God for the assault weapon ban that got that mess under control). I sold that 8 or 9 years ago since I already had a converted saiga and a wasr.

July 18, 2017, 07:06 PM	#14
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,011	1 LEFT I have one of my three Ruskies left in the safe, it ain't goin nowhere. Circa 1995 89 bucks, only bought three should of bought ten. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

July 18, 2017, 07:54 PM	#15
Joe-ker Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2016 Location: North Iowa Posts: 247	What makes a Russian sks better? Overall better quality or are there specifics? I've got a norinco I picked up for 150$ twenty years ago. Synthetic stock and detachable mags went a long ways towards improving it. I have to say, since picking up a couple AR's she doesn't see much use. __________________ From my cold dead hands.....

July 19, 2017, 09:10 AM	#17
doofus47 Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: live in a in a house when i'm not in a tent Posts: 2,483	Hey, you other guys who owned and shot Russian SKS rifles, was your trigger good or bad? I had a great trigger that was like butter. Just curious if I got "lotto lucky" or if it was just the nature of that model. __________________ I'm right about the metric system 3/4 of the time.

July 19, 2017, 01:39 PM	#18
Hanshi Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2017 Posts: 239	Can't remember exactly when it was, but the ATF was telling SKS owners to turn in those "deadly" bayonets. Sure. Right. It's none of their business, for one thing and if I own it, then it is MINE!

July 19, 2017, 01:44 PM	#19
SanchoPanza Junior Member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Location: Beauvoir, Mississippi, C.S.A. Posts: 10	Russian SKS is exempt... __________________ "And a woman is only a woman, But a good Cigar is a Smoke." Rudyard Kipling The Betrothed

July 20, 2017, 08:25 PM	#21
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	SKS rifles were priced about right when they were $59.95.

July 20, 2017, 10:48 PM	#22
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Yea, but.... That's when leaded gas was still available under $0.99 / gallon, too. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

July 21, 2017, 07:54 AM	#23
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	Right? And minimum wage was $3.75. I bet the women were younger back then too. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

July 21, 2017, 08:52 AM	#24
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,784	I remember those times well--back when I shot my first T-Rex. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

July 22, 2017, 06:34 PM	#25
mr bolo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2012 Posts: 432	The Russian SKS is still a bargain in todays market for $550 just think how much a current production rifle of that quality would cost today? my guess probably just as much as a Springfield Armory M1A I know they use to sell a lot cheaper, but they are really worth a lot more than $100 If it's in very good condition , I would recommend buying it I just saw a really beat up Romanian sks at the gun shop priced at $500