[AR-tim]

Ok, I have a few questions for you SKS nuts in here. For the record, I have a Norinco SKS, with a milled reciever. So, I am somewhat familiar with the SKS. Now on to the questions.

1. I am thinking about buying another SKS. I am thinking about a Russian, or a Yugo. I want the Russian because it's the cream-of-the-crop, excelent build quality/accuracy. I also like the history of it (Cold War). The price is something I dislike though. Roughly around $200-375 around here. You have to like the fact the guns the "Reds" once used to have, are in our hands now.

I like the Yugo for a couple of reasons. I like the night sights(dead by now I am sure), grenade launcher/sight, and that huge bayonet. I know they are growing in popularity, but they are still something different. The price is fair too, about $125-200 from what I see.

Any suggestions on other pros/cons, or what I should do?

2. I see "paratrooper" SKS's every once in a great while. If I remember right, they have shorter barrels/bayonets, and take AK mags. I hope I am not confusing two guns in one . Are these any good? I have heard that these were comercial made rifles, like M-1 tankers. I haven't seen one in probably a year, but I have been thinking about them lately. Am I right in thinking this is called an SKS-D? Or does that just mean it can take AK mags?I think all of the ones I have seen, were Norincos.

3. Ok, Russian, Yugo, etc. SKS's were made for the militarys of those countries, right? What about the Chinese? Norinco made a lot of SKS's. Were all those for comercial purposes, or were those for the military? Or is there another company in China that made military SKS's?

I think that is it for now... Just some questions to keep this forum busy... Boy, I better start buying 7.62X39 now because I am also thinking about picking up an AK.... Thanks guys.

 

[BattleRifleG3]

Very good questions.

1. Unless you want to shoot corrosive ammo, I'd go for a Yugo (in fact I did). You may a fraction of the price of a Russian for one of the same quality. Pay a little more and get an unissued one. You have your pickins with the Yugos more than Russians. You're not kidding about the bayonets... I have the most beautiful, smooth, clean bayonet in the world.

2. As far as 16" barrels and AK mags go, you have ones with short barrels and standard mags, short barrels and AK mags, and long barrels with AK mags. I believe paratrooper only applies to 16" barrels, and the "D" or "M" models to AK mags. I have one with a 16" barrel and thumbhole stock using AK mags. Post ban, so no bayonet.

Chances are a dealer or seller will know about as much as you did before asking the question, but will not approach it with as much modesty, so buyer beware.

3. I believe the Chinese did make commercial versions of the SKS. I think all stamped receiver versions are commercial, as are AK mag and paratrooper models. You'll pay more for a milled norinco than a stamped one. Another reason I advocate the Yugo, being milled and the least expensive.

Now are you looking for a fine military specimen or something to adapt?

 

[Michael M]

The paratrooper is a commercial Norinco. There was not a military paratrooper, but was developed for the U S market. It shoots just fine-I have one. Shorter, just as accurate, never a jam or problem, and it has a milled receiver and the 10 rd mag, no bayonet(post ban!), no AK mag. Chinese SKS have an interesting history. Norinco is Northern Industrial Complex, and yes they made both military and later export versions. Early Chinese SKS's were helped in development by USSR, and they may have any mix of Russian and Chinese parts. Later Norinco SKS were all Chinese. You might look for a Romanian, less expensive by 1/2 than Russian, but virtually identical. I have one of each, and even the arsenal markings are the same. The claim is that they both chose the same marks for there arsenals, but I can't help but wonder if the Ruskies supplied the receivers to the Romanians. I really like the engineering that went into these, and they are fun to shoot. Simonov had a fine design.

 

[NRAJOE]

Bought a Yugo in excellent condition from SOG for $159...cool gun, and it IS in excellent condition!

 

[jerry]

I have a Norinco & would like to add a Yugo. I'd do this due to it being that much different than the others. I can get a nice Russian, but it will "look" about the same as the Norinco, Albeit higher quality.

 

[Calvin]

Be advised that the only true military SKS's are the Yugos and certain serial-numbered Romanians. . All of the others were made for commercial export, including the Russian models.

 

[Jesse]

SKS/AK

There is much speculation over the Chinese Military SKS/AK, otherwise known as the Type 84. I have heard some reports that say it was the only true "paratrooper" modified SKS used by the Chinese Military; other reports say that all "paratrooper" modified SKS's were done so for export only. One thing is for certain, the SKS-D and the Type 84 are two totally different animals. The SKS Type 84 has a button on the top of the charging handle that holds the bolt back during mag changes, the SKS-D does not.

Here is a link to a pic of the SKS Type 84...SKS Type 84

 

[NRAJOE]

Yeah Jesse, I got a book that says the paratrooper was an export only gun that was named that for us silly Americans!

 

[Jesse]

http://members.tripod.com/~Surv1vor/mysksd.jpg


Here is an SKS-D Thumbhole Sporter.....

 

[Jesse]

http://members.tripod.com/~Surv1vor/sks.gif

Here is an SKS-D in pre-ban configuration with a Monte Carlo stock.

 

[Big Dog]

If you really want the one for us silly Americans, you need the "Cowboy's Companion" model. I think they're kindof rare these days.
Have y'all checked out the Simonov.net site - it's the ultimate website for SKS buffs.

 

[NRAJOE]

Yup, got that site saved in my favorites Big Dog :right:

 

[Jesse]

http://www.simonov.net/ubertypes.htm

Here ya go... massive sks info! Check out the early Soviet SKS variants...

 

[NRAJOE]

Nice! I'd sure like to have one or two of them '49-'51 Tulas!!!!!

 

[Jesse]

Good info... back about two years ago, I had a shot at a 1950 Tula SKS that had one of the earliest spring loaded firing pins. It also had no disconnector by design and was a laminated stock re-furb, (most that age are). It was offered for $250.00 delivered on auction. I missed it and I really regret I did. I have not seen any for sale since.

 

[AR-tim]

Thanks for all the responses. I think the hunt is now on for a nice Yugo. I really like/want a Yugo, and I think I can ignore the aura of the Russian. I remember hearing that Yugos should be bought un-issued because of bad bores/barrels. I think that is what I would buy anyway, because it's not a lot more money versus an issued one.

G3, I would be looking for more of a military specimen. All though, your SKS carbine idea from not too long ago is still a great idea (that pops up in my head when it's a slow day at work). I think if I would buy another SKS, the only thing I MIGHT do to it would be putting a scope on it (I mean, it already has a bayonet and grenade laucher, not much left to add ).

 

[jerry]

AR-tim
Sounds like you need to get your C&R now. After a bit of apprehension, I sent off for my app & recieved it a few days ago. Waiting for an extra 30 bucks.

 

[alan c.]

Mine is a Tula 1954 unissued with laminated stock.