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Russian SKS, your opinions.
- Thread starter 8200 rpm
- Start date
Russian SKS
RPM- Have owned many Chinese SKS rifles over the years and for the most part find them roughly put together. Most were functional though sights were off and one even fired bursts between jams (sent that one back). Several guys where I work purchased Russian SKS that a local dealer had on sale,I did a trade for one and the difference is marked. Wood, metal finish and detail is much better. Accuracy is better... just a much nicer rifle. As a friend once said, "the quality will be enjoyed long after the lower price is forgotten".
Alex
RPM- Have owned many Chinese SKS rifles over the years and for the most part find them roughly put together. Most were functional though sights were off and one even fired bursts between jams (sent that one back). Several guys where I work purchased Russian SKS that a local dealer had on sale,I did a trade for one and the difference is marked. Wood, metal finish and detail is much better. Accuracy is better... just a much nicer rifle. As a friend once said, "the quality will be enjoyed long after the lower price is forgotten".
Alex
glock glockler
New member
I bought a Russian/Soviet made SKS that was manufactured in 1955 and it is a chrome bored beauty. Compared to the Chinese ones that I've seen, it seems alot more sturdy and solid. You might pay a little more for a Russian rather than a Chinese model, but you wont regret it. Overall, an SKS is a very nice piece that I am more than satisfied with.
Target Shooter
New member
The Russian SKS's appear to be of better quality than the Chinese counter part. I own a very early Chinese SKS that is in every way just as nice as the very best Russian made SKS. It is an early one with the blade style bayonet.
I feel the Russian model is worth more than the Chinese or Romanian model but I still wouldn't pay over $300.00 for one.
I purchased mine back in the $89.00 era and have owned several of the Chinese models and one Russian. They are fun to shoot and ammo is inexpensive.
I haven't seen or heard of any SKS that doesn't have a chrome lined bore. But then again I haven't seen everything.
TS
I feel the Russian model is worth more than the Chinese or Romanian model but I still wouldn't pay over $300.00 for one.
I purchased mine back in the $89.00 era and have owned several of the Chinese models and one Russian. They are fun to shoot and ammo is inexpensive.
I haven't seen or heard of any SKS that doesn't have a chrome lined bore. But then again I haven't seen everything.
TS
I've got a Chi-com Norinco I've had since 1993 and I'd go as far to say it is as good a rifle as any of the Russians I've seen.My buddy bought a Russian we took them out and the norinco shot much better than the more expensive russian.
I guess SKS rifles are like Fords and Chevy's you can get a real good one or one that realy sucks Russian or Chi-com
just my.02 worth
I guess SKS rifles are like Fords and Chevy's you can get a real good one or one that realy sucks Russian or Chi-com
just my.02 worth
FireForged
New member
1. The Soviet SKS's are the BEST- Strict quality control
2. The Chi-Com early years- Early production was supervised by the Soviets.
3. Romanian
4. Chi-Com late years
Note: E German models are the rarest and highly sought. Cant comment on quality.
2. The Chi-Com early years- Early production was supervised by the Soviets.
3. Romanian
4. Chi-Com late years
Note: E German models are the rarest and highly sought. Cant comment on quality.
Russian SKSs are great
I've had a Russian SKS for about 6 years now and I think it's great! Always fun to shoot and the ammo price can't be beat.
I've never shot a Chinese SKS, but by looking at them, the Russian seems to just "look" better and has a nicer construction to it. I've never seen or shot a Romanian one so can't help on that end...
I've had a Russian SKS for about 6 years now and I think it's great! Always fun to shoot and the ammo price can't be beat.
I've never shot a Chinese SKS, but by looking at them, the Russian seems to just "look" better and has a nicer construction to it. I've never seen or shot a Romanian one so can't help on that end...
Romanian SKS
I just bought a Romanian SKS at a gunshow a few weeks ago for $130. The metal is in about 99% condition and all the numbers match. The wood looks like it has been through a war but is solid and serviceable.
I've had an old RVN bringback Chinese SKS and a Russian SKS. (wish I still had the Russian) The Russian was definitely the nicest of the bunch. Much higher level of finish than the Romanian rifle. However, the Romanian SKS is very solid and very well made. It just has more machining marks and the bluing isn't quite as nice. (although it's not bad either) The glaring difference is in the stocks. The stock on my Russian was beautiful and looked new. The Romanian has it's share of dings, dents, scratches and gouges.
If you just want a beater and/or a shooter get the Romanian rifle. I've only shot about 100 rnds through it but it seems to be every bit as accurate as the Russian. (they are both chrome lined) If you are looking for something more collectable get the Russian.
A word to the wise though. If you go with a Romanian try to hand pick it. Condition seems to vary widely.
I just bought a Romanian SKS at a gunshow a few weeks ago for $130. The metal is in about 99% condition and all the numbers match. The wood looks like it has been through a war but is solid and serviceable.
I've had an old RVN bringback Chinese SKS and a Russian SKS. (wish I still had the Russian) The Russian was definitely the nicest of the bunch. Much higher level of finish than the Romanian rifle. However, the Romanian SKS is very solid and very well made. It just has more machining marks and the bluing isn't quite as nice. (although it's not bad either) The glaring difference is in the stocks. The stock on my Russian was beautiful and looked new. The Romanian has it's share of dings, dents, scratches and gouges.
If you just want a beater and/or a shooter get the Romanian rifle. I've only shot about 100 rnds through it but it seems to be every bit as accurate as the Russian. (they are both chrome lined) If you are looking for something more collectable get the Russian.
A word to the wise though. If you go with a Romanian try to hand pick it. Condition seems to vary widely.
For the best SKS dedicated site I've ever seen go to http://www.simonov.net
straightShot
New member
I like the Russian, just don't get gouged on the price. At some of the gun shows, some seem to think that if it's Russian and has a bayonet, someone will eventually walk up and pay $100 or more than it's actually worth.
You could actually buy one of each...ammo is cheap enough...
straightShot
You could actually buy one of each...ammo is cheap enough...
straightShot
9mmepiphany
New member
pause for a moment...
who were building the russian sks's after the war? that's right, forced labour...now, who were "staffing" forced labour camps? yup, german pow's who were never returned home.
would you buy a german produced sks with '40's workmanship and a screwed-in rather than pinned-in barrel for <$200...like the pepsi girl says - what were you thinking?
got one, love it...want economy "urban scout" rifle, can't bring myself to "touch it"...looking for a romo as we speak.
who were building the russian sks's after the war? that's right, forced labour...now, who were "staffing" forced labour camps? yup, german pow's who were never returned home.
would you buy a german produced sks with '40's workmanship and a screwed-in rather than pinned-in barrel for <$200...like the pepsi girl says - what were you thinking?
got one, love it...want economy "urban scout" rifle, can't bring myself to "touch it"...looking for a romo as we speak.
Poodleshooter
New member
1.) If you mean an original fully chromed/threaded barrel military SKS, they're pretty neat guns.
2.) Check for features such as those I mentioned in #1. Pinned barrels, no chrome and 16" barreled "paratrooper" models that never were a military item don't do much for me. Others could probably tell you which countries manufactured which models with which features.
3.) Check the barrel and chamber. You will see dull chrome or a silver color instead of the usual blue/gray/black color.
Back in the days when good ones were selling for $119 and the cheaper Norinco models for as low as $69.99 I'd have suggested you buy as many as you can. Now, for the money, you might as well get a SAR-1 or other stamped receiver AK copy.
2.) Check for features such as those I mentioned in #1. Pinned barrels, no chrome and 16" barreled "paratrooper" models that never were a military item don't do much for me. Others could probably tell you which countries manufactured which models with which features.
3.) Check the barrel and chamber. You will see dull chrome or a silver color instead of the usual blue/gray/black color.
Back in the days when good ones were selling for $119 and the cheaper Norinco models for as low as $69.99 I'd have suggested you buy as many as you can. Now, for the money, you might as well get a SAR-1 or other stamped receiver AK copy.