Russian SKS current market value?

[kawtech87]

Ok so a friend of mine called me this morning and said he is in need of some extra cash for the holidays and offered me the chance to buy his Russian SKS complete with original bayonet, scope and russian scope mount for right at $300. I kinda feel like i might be taking advantage of him bc i feel the rifle is worth more than that but idk so im asking you guys. Whats it worth with all the accesories? Idk the year of the rifle all i know is its one of the nicest SKS that ive ever seen and i know he hasnt shot it much and that he is more of a clean freak about his guns than i am. Id say its in about 95% condition if not better. If its worth more then i plan on offering more if not then im still gonna take it just to help out a friend in need. Any info is appreciated thanks.

 

[shooter521]

That's a good price; I suggest you take it and not feel bad about it. The scope and mount do not add much to the value of the gun, as they are almost certainly not Russian.

 

[Mrmonte]

There were a handfull of Russians at the last 1500 I noticed with price tags of $350. $300 from a friend sounds GTG.

 

[kawtech87]

Ok thanks guys sounds good.

Shooter, i know the russian stuff is rare these days but this rifle was purchased in the 70's when the russian import stuff was more common, my friend is considerably older than i am, so when i get it ill look for the russian proof marks and if i cant find any ill bring it to you and let you look at it. Trust me youll know me. I know he told me it was original to the rifle but thats hard to prove. I know for a fact its not the B-square mount and scope.

 

[Kaiser]

russian sks

was just in a local shop and they had one priced at 550.00

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Local shop had a beautiful matching number Russian AK. Had it priced at just under $400 and it did not last long.

 

[CarmelHP]

Shooter, i know the russian stuff is rare these days but this rifle was purchased in the 70's when the russian import stuff was more common, ...

'70's? There were NO Russian imports in the '70'a except scarce as hen's teeth Vietnam bringbacks. You must mean the '90's.

 

[kawtech87]

'70's? There were NO Russian imports in the '70'a except scarce as hen's teeth Vietnam bringbacks. You must mean the '90's.

Maybe not the 70's but im pretty sure it wasnt the 90's maybe the mid to late 80's or early 90's. Idk honestly i was only about 5 years old in the early 90's. He told me it was when they had pallets of them for $100 bucks a piece at the 1500. He said he spent hours picking through hundreds of them and picked out the very best ones he could find. He said that one had the scope and mount on it when he bought it and i belive him, and i kow for a fact the rifle is russian as for he scope and mount i really dont know it may not be. Anyway it still sounds like a good deal and im helping my friend out so im gonna take it.

 

[Black_Wolf]

We used to get the russian sks with all accoutrements and a case of ammo for about 80 bucks OTD from hobart lumber.

That was around 1991/92

I don't remember any large importation before that of russian sks.

I could be wrong though???

 

[Mgderf]

What makes the Russian versions so much more desireable than the Chinese Norincos?
Are the Russian guns better built, or are there just fewer of them?

 

[fullauto 45]

$300 is a good deal. Take it. I just bought a Yugo and a Norinco for $350 for the pair.

 

[CarmelHP]

Maybe not the 70's but im pretty sure it wasnt the 90's maybe the mid to late 80's or early 90's. Idk honestly i was only about 5 years old in the early 90's. He told me it was when they had pallets of them for $100 bucks a piece at the 1500. He said he spent hours picking through hundreds of them and picked out the very best ones he could find. He said that one had the scope and mount on it when he bought it and i belive him, and i kow for a fact the rifle is russian as for he scope and mount i really dont know it may not be. Anyway it still sounds like a good deal and im helping my friend out so im gonna take it.

It had to be 1992 or after. Russia could not export firearms to the U.S. before that time. After they were granted Most Favored Nation trade status in 1992 they were permitted to ship firearms to the U.S. That's when the box loads started to come in. I picked up a couple of them at about $130 at the 1500 when they first started arriving. $130 was a lot for an SKS at the time because the Chicoms had been as low as $80.

 

[CarmelHP]

What makes the Russian versions so much more desireable than the Chinese Norincos?
Are the Russian guns better built, or are there just fewer of them?

There are fewer. They a tad bit better as far as fit and finish and the Russkies were the originators so there is an allure in that.

 

[Gunaria]

Seen a non-refurb at a pawn shop in Bloomington a month ago for $289. $300 is more than fair.

 

[Hoosier8]

I just picked up a 53 Tula Russian SKS refurb in nice shape (stock one year off and remarked and the bayo is electro penciled) for $325 from an Ingo member. I wanted it because I was born in 53, now I need ammo.

The refurbs are supposed to be better shooters if they have had new barrels fitted.

 

[SideArmed]

Seen a non-refurb at a pawn shop in Bloomington a month ago for $289. $300 is more than fair.

Which one?

 

[fenderpbass]

I saw one on another board going for $275.00 w/synthetic stock.