Ok, I've decided to buy an sks at a gun show this weekend. What should I look for to select a good one?

Question

I thought about an AK-47, but I don't want to spend that much, and don't need the magazine capacity. I plan to use the gun as a general purpose nutria/beaver gun or bad weather brush gun for deer. I like the sks because it's easier to mount a short scope or other auxillary sights, since I never have liked the standard AK/SKS sights.

Answer 1

Dylan's answer lacks a lot of detail. The market is filled with these surplus SKS rifles in 7.62X39 caliber from several countries and the ammo is inexpensive to purchase. You can find guns that have never been issued or fired. It is of course your choice depending on what amount you wish to spend. THE FIRST THING TO LOOK FOR....See if the barrel is "pinned" into the receiver or machine threaded (screwed into the receiver) The "pinned" barrel rifles are less desirable because they are manufactured by placing a small metal pin through the receiver to hold the barrel into the gun action. You can easily see this pin by looking at the side of the receiver just in front of the chamber. The "pin" will go all of the way thru to the other side where it can be seen on either side. (95% of the Chinese guns are "pinned" making them the least desireable, and the cheapest to purchase.) Pin guns are manufactured cutting corners to cut costs...Rule of thumb..Pinned barrels=poorly manufactured internal parts.(BAD/AVOID) The Russian and Yugo and Romanian models are usually threaded barrels with noticeably higher quality and better manufactured/fitting internal parts (GOOD/BEST). Most reputable Dealers will tell you or help you if you need help spotting the cheapy guns from the good one's. Spend a few dollars more on the machined screw in barrel rifle and you will get a gun that will last a lifetime with minimal care.

Answer 2

I don't think there is any such thing as a bad SKS. I have seen ones made from parts and none of the numbers match and they work perfectly. I have several of the NORINCO chinese models and have found them to have the best workmanship around. The russians gave the plans to the chinese and they ran with it, did an excellent job. An SKS is the workhorse of general purpose hunting and knockaround rifles; and the caliber can't be beat. Get one with a chrome lined bore if possible, most of them have one anyway. Good luck.

Answer 3

It's really hard to go wrong with an SKS. If you can find a Russian one, buy it. It will be expensive but is worth it, and it will be a great investment. As for the Romanian, Yugo, and Chinese ones. They are all essentially the same quality wise. When you are looking at some, look to see if it's in good physical condition, and all the parts function as they should and you will be fine.

Answer 4

buy an ak-47 shoots the same 7.62 x 39 cartridge but is alot funner to shot