Just put an SKS on layaway.

[imjin138]

I bought an AK a few months ago and built it up a bit, so Shooter's had 2 SKS rifles and I bought the all matching one, it is a Yugoslavian model with a grenade launcher and folding bayonet. and some other accessories. I will pick it up next Thursday.

 

[Last of the Mohicans]

Just out of curiosity, what does a Yugo SKS go for in your neck of the woods?

 

[conn ak]

Had a Russian (Tula 1952) that grouped 2'' @100. That's better than my AKMs. Check the bore carefully with the Yugo as I believe they (Yugos) never chrome lined the barrels which is not good with corrosive ammo. Most Yugos I've looked at have decent bores anyway. There was a time a Yugo w/grenade launcher could be had for under $100. You'll need more 7.62x39, that's for sure.

 

[mod22shooter]

I remember the $59 SKS rifles from China. The last Yugo I bought was $125 and the last Russian I bought was $89. I see the Norinco's and Yugo's in Minnesota for $250 to $300. Last year I seen an awesome looking Tula for $500. I actually like SKS's better than the AK's for my purposes.

 

[Rule3]

They are fun guns to shoot. If it is heavily coated with cosmoline be sure to clean it extra. Also a good idea to remove the firing pin as no matter how long it soaks in solvent there is still some in there. If it sticks it will slam fire on you!

Here is one I completely re did. All zee numbers match. If you need some help/suggestions on cleaning, please let me know.

 

[Bat Guano]

I got one of the Yugos some years back when they were just starting their price rise. It was in excellent shape (once I got all the cosmolene out). I took a crack at improving the trigger but didn't have much luck; sent it off to a "Kivaari" (sp?) who did a nice job on it.

It's actually a pretty good utility rifle, if a bit long and heavy.

 

[conn ak]

Yes, and slamfire will leave a lasting impression on you. Happened to a friend of mine with his Chinese SKS. Popped off the last 8 rounds in about 3 seconds. As with any SKS, make sure the firing pin isn't denting the primer while cycling the round.

 

[truckemup97]

I remember being able to buy TWO SKS rifles and not having to put them on layaway.

 

[imjin138]

$300.00 + tax, I only had $50 with me and didn't want to write a check. The bore looked good as did the rest of the rifle, it looks almost unfired. I just bought a Romainian AK and modified it with some after market parts. The SKS I will probably leave as is. Though it does come with some other goodies like mags, but it has not been converted.

 

[gregintenn]

I remember the $59 SKS rifles from China.

I bought one. New in the box Norinco with bayonet. I wish I had bought a truckload. That was about the the time of the $150 m1 carbines. I only bought one of them as well.

 

[beach elvis]

If you ask me, the SKS is the poor man's M1 Garand.
Not as much juice as .30-06 obviously, but more than .223.
Reliable as long as the owner is smart about it (but no smarter than a fella needs to be w/ most other firearms.)

A Yugo is what taught me that cosmoline's like a redhead.
Sometimes you love it to death when it does what you like it for.
And then there are times when it's the bane of your existence.
(Don't ask me how I know in either instance.)

I must just be a wuss but I wound up selling my Yugo and getting 2 Norincos but it was just from lucking into a good deal on each Norinco.
For my wimpy self, the Yugo was just a bit long and muzzle-heavy. BUT I didn't notice this until I shouldered a Norinco. 'Course I also just figured out that I'm 'bout 45 lbs. overweight so it was prob'ly no more than a lack of muscle mass on my part.

To the OP, the gas system on a Yugo is different than on others but I can't remember how at the moment, other than the bleed valve for the grenade launcher is such that you have to make sure it's set to the right location for normal cartridge firing.

True , the bores aren't chrome-lined like on the chinese and others BUT the Slavs also had access to better steel so that is supposed to be why the chrome wasn't necessary.

Enjoy, and like another poster said, please MAKE SURE there's NO cosmoline in that firing pin channel. Unexpected full-auto will make you feel alive in in a new way.

 

[NFrameFred]

Yep - back in the '80's the Norc's were selling by the crate (5 count) for around $58 a piece, as I recall. Not a bad semi-auto if you wanted a mil-grade 30 cal and didn't have a lot of coins. Simple and robust, made to be maintained by peasant soldier's with little or no formal cleaning supplies or tools. I got bored with mine quickly and after seeing a couple of others at the range slam fire and one blow the gas tube/top hand guard almost off firing out of battery, I decided they weren't that interesting to me since I had plenty of other options to choose from in the safe at the time.