SKS Ignorance

[PeterJasonMN]

I found a couple Yugo SKS's at the local gunshop for $139.

I'm not looking for anything top notch, just want a good plinker. Yugo's pretty decent, or bottom of the barrel?

[jonathon]

Yugos are top notch! Especially if the bores are excellent. They are more rifle sized than say a Chi/com Type 56, and heavier to boot. But that is because it is milled versus stamped.

[RMTactical]

They are some of the more robust SKS's. Their one downside is lack of chrome lining, but they are still a GREAT deal. Snatch one up!

[axel]

Be sure to examine the barrel for pitting. Otherwise, $139 for a Yugo is a fair price.

[git_r_dun0405]

Originally posted by PeterJasonMN
I found a couple Yugo SKS's at the local gunshop for $139.

I'm not looking for anything top notch, just want a good plinker. Yugo's pretty decent, or bottom of the barrel?

Top Notch! I love my Yugo SKS. Accurate as all get out for a surplus gun.;c

[kf4zra]

also want to check the gas switch to make sure its not rusted in place, and make sure the safety is not broken off.

[edeja]

yugo's aren't beefier and all sks's are milled;P

[PaleGreenHorse]

Originally posted by edeja
yugo's aren't beefier and all sks's are milled;P

I hope your kidding.

[kf4zra]

i wish i had a stamped sks, they arent that common

http://www.simonov.net/images/howie/stampedsks.jpg

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

[jonathon]

Most have milled recievers, even chinese.

However, the various small parts of the Chinese ones are MUCH lighter(and the trigger group on mine looks to be at the very least spot welded together, if not stamped) than the Yugo ones. Including magazines, trigger components gas tube, etc.

Also some Chi/com barrels are pinned versus screwed in.

They also have heavier barrels and metal parts.

Doesn't make them any better. Biggest downside is the lack of a chrome bore.

[edeja]

Originally posted by PaleGreenHorse
I hope your kidding.

did you bother checking?


In fact, the stamped SKS was a limited production, trial version of an SKS variant. I sincerely believe that if the Chinese could have made these as efficiently as the stamped AK-47, the sheet metal SKS would be in use there today.

and dude, yugo's are not "beefier" ;f

all you ever wanted to know about any sks below:

http://www.sksboards.com/forum/

[RMTactical]

Yugo's are one of the most robust SKS variations out there, no doubt.

[PaleGreenHorse]

I did not have to check because I have seen stamped SKS'. They are not that common but they do exist, the picture shown should be proof enough for you. Yugos are more robust not only in the milling but also in the stock. They are designed this way because of the grenade function. FWIW I am a member of sksboards and I have 4 sks' to date. PGH~

[edeja]

the stock yes, receivers no.
they're all milled receivers
(for all intents and purposes)
that stamped reciever is just
a small run that wouldn't catch
because of poor quality.

[PeterJasonMN]

I lifted it up in the store and was surprised at the weight. The ones they had there all had bayo's too. I think I'll go put money down on one tomorrow, then pay it off in January (I love 90 day layaway). Just stinks that I won't be able to actually shoot it now til April thanks to the weather.

[Decguns]

One must be careful when buying a Yugo SKS. The bore was not chromed lined and Yugo ammo is highly corrosive. Definitely check the condition of the bore and gas tube first. Any pitting at all, pass on it.

When buying a Yugo, your best bet is to get one in excellent to unissued condition. Anything in good condition or "shooter" grade should be avoided.

[PeterJasonMN]

The ones at the gun store I saw them at looked really nice. Stocks/barrel looked real good. If I get time I'll go tomorrow, take some pics, and maybe put money down.

[paccw]

They are "nice if all number match if not they are not worth anything or my not function properly.(in some cases)
The Yugo were built heavy because they wanted them to last shooting the hotter Yugo ammo.So the story goes.
If I were you I would take a look at the gun and make sure all parts match or at the least fit tightly together.You don't need a leaking gas tube.I just ran into a young guy at the range who has a single shot since the gas tube would not cycle the gun.He got the $89.00 Yugo about a month ago.

[Phydeaux]

The reason why military rifles generally have chrome-plated bores is because they were designed to be carried around by a kid, fired a lot between cleanings, and dragged through all sorts of wet and dry conditions.

No one who fires a few hundred rounds at a shooting range and then goes home and cleans their rifle needs a chrome-lined barrel.

[LonghornGlock]

I have one of the "shooter grade" Yugo SKS's. Hardly any blueing and a rough stock. Still the barrel looked like it was never fired and I can consistently pop a soda can at around 80 yards with it. Just got my father one, nearly full blueing and a nice stock, some light pitting in the barrel but should still shoot good. These are the best deals there are when it comes to semiauto rifles. Heck you can't hardly find a semi .22 for these prices. And though not tackdrivers don't let the naysayers tell you they can't shoot. Do your part and they are definetly "battlefield" accurate.

[ebigfish]

with the adjustible sight, I can bang the 200 yard gong at my gun club w/ my Yugo SKS without any problem. lots-o-fun, especially when the other shooters have their scoped hunting rifles...

It's my 19 yr old daughter's fav long gun!

get 1! I think I'll get another 1 myself.


-fish

[goblue]

In the Cities or up north? I just bought a safe that I need to fill out :)

[XNYTRUCKIE]

i remember hearing once that the paratrooper sks accepted ak mags, any truth to that?? I use to love my sks, considering another..

[FP2000H]

I'll reiterate what has been said here. Be careful as the bore may be nasty from corrosive ammo. I fired some through my Russian and didn't clean it right away and six hours later found myself in a battle to the death with some rust. I got it but it left dark discolorations on the bolt. My Yugo was mismatched but very clean and very accurate. I wish I hadn't gotten rid of it but oh well... I've got a late Russian Tula SKS that makes me happy.

[fastvfr]

Originally posted by XNYTRUCKIE
i remember hearing once that the paratrooper sks accepted ak mags, any truth to that?? I use to love my sks, considering another..

That is the SKS-D, an unofficial variant that uses AK mags as a standard feed device. It isn't as good at doing SKS things as a typical issue model SKS is, nor is it as good at doing AK things as an AK is.

In short, there are lots of reasons to choose one of these:

`The Yugo 59/66 IS stronger, both in the barrel and in the receiver.

`The extra weight at the muzzle can help with accuracy.

`The unchromed rifle barrel is generally known to AID accuracy, not diminish it. If the bore is not too dark or pitted, the 59/66 can typically outshoot any Mini-14 out there and many other centerfire semiauto rifles, too.

`There is no other SKS that digests hot handloads as well as the Yugo...and no other make of SKS can hope to bring out the accuracy potential inherent in that fine handloaded ammo like a Yugo, either. BTW, I neck-size and have excellent results with mine.

`The gas system can be turned off when firing exotic loads such as saboted .224 slugs or warmer-than-normal handloaded rounds in bolt-action mode.

`The Yugos have night sights, grenade launchers and bayonets! Now, if THAT won't scare your local liberal politicians...!!

But buying one to convert it into a Bubba Gun isn't at all a good idea. Just a word to the wise: if you WANT an AK-47, GET an AK-47 and do not try to turn an SKS into some sort of weird Frankenstein gun that uses AK mags...you'll break all sorts of Federal laws (922(r) et al) and probably won't end up with a satisfactory weapon no matter how much time and cash you sink into the project. Buy ammo instead of risking prison time!

Personally, I own a Yugoslavian SKS because it is accepted among knowledgeable people that these post-1966 rifles are of superior construction to any other Asian or Soviet SKS ever produced.

If they are in VG or better condition they are worth $200 or more, but excellent examples are commonly found priced at under $150.

The SKS has good balance and decent ergos. If you can appreciate it FOR WHAT IT IS, buy one (or maybe a few--hey, they's cheap!) and cherish it. But if you want something else, be sure to get something else. It is REALLY easy to turn your SKS into an illegal weapon (by removing its C&R status) just by hanging a single aftermarket part onto it.

Sucks, huh? ;b

Here's a review I found of them online:

"The Yugoslav's made two types of Simonov based carbines, both of which are considered to be of exceptionally high quality. They started in 1959 with a rifle more or less identical to the Russian SKS-45, the M59. Seven years later, in 1966, they started producing the M59/66. The M59/66's most obvious feature is the compensator looking grenade launcher fitting on the barrel. Other differences include a gas cutoff valve on gas block, a folding front sight ladder, and night sights.

The Yugoslavian SKS M59/66 is a semi-auto carbine in 7.62x39mm caliber. It features an integral 22mm NATO spec grenade launcher fitting, flip-up grenade and night sights, and a folding 11.5" blade bayonet. Made with milled and machined parts, and durable hardwood, the Yugoslavian SKS has quality and craftsmanship unmatched by the other European and Asian models."

Sounds good to me.

[Glockdude1]

Originally posted by GoreLicks
They are some of the more robust SKS's. Their one downside is lack of chrome lining, but they are still a GREAT deal. Snatch one up!

+1 Don't even bother with the barrel not being chrome lined. Once you start shooting a Yugo SKS, you will soon forget all about it, when all the rds you are shooting are hitting the black in the target down range. I added a Tech sight to mine and improved the accuracy even more. You have to remove the original rear sight to use the new sight. It is a M16 style peep sight. TS100.

http://www.tech-sights.com/

http://www.tech-sights.com/pict6.jpg

[branned]

I have Albanian, Chinese, and Yugo SKS's and by far the Yugo is the best. The Albanian is the worst. Spend a few dollars more and get a "like new" yugo and never look back. The Chinese ones are excellent for small Americans.

[rgkeller]

One can buy an unfired all matching Yugo 59/66 from Aimsurplus for $139 plus shipping with your C&R.

[FP2000H]

I must admit, I've only handled a Russian and a Yugo SKS and the Russian is slimmer and a bit lighter although by no means the inferior rifle. It just feels less cumbersome to grip, less bulky in the hand. Of course, my hands prefer single stack pistols. What does that tell you?