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Russian SKS in mint condition

roscoepcoldtrainroscoepcoldtrain Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
I had a dealer offer me a mint condition Russian SKS that is still in the box with everything it came with from the factory for $600. I see that SKSes in good condition go for $250-300. Is this too much for this gun?

Thanks,
RoscoePcoldtrain
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Comments

  • tsavo303tsavo303 Member Posts: 8,913 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Most excellent condtion russians go $275-$350 now
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Russian SKS's when they were imported during the 90's came with two different finishes. Most were arsenal reworks with a black "paint" finish.

    A relatively few had the arsenal original blued finish and had never been refurbished. These are now being actively sought after by knowledgeable collectors.

    I don't believe they have gone up to the $600 range yet. Since they were in the decided minority when all the Russians were imported, it's just a matter of time till they reach that figure though. My 2?.
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  • nards444nards444 Member Posts: 3,994 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i would say 600 is probably double or triple whats its worth. Go ahead and sell it, your gain. If you really like SKS's buy a yugo for 150 and still pocket 400 bucks
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  • bobinwisbobinwis Member Posts: 361 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi, Did you get the chance to handle the rifle? Are you familiar with the Russian makes? On top of the receiver is the arsenal stamp. A star with an upright arrow in it indicates the Tula arsenal southeast of Moscow. The year of manufacture should also be stamped beneath it. A circle containing a diamond containing an arrow indicated the Izhevsk arsenal. If original, all of the bolt parts will be unfinished, ie, shiny. Importers typically cleaned them up and blued those parts. Make sure all parts have matching serial numbers. If new, there should be no signs of wear from soneone lifting the cylinder cover latch or the gas cylinder cover latch. If new, the bayonet should have a coat of lacquer. Even if new, you will find an importer's name and assigned serial number somewhere, possibly in very small text. If arsenal reworked or refurbished, there will be a small rectangle stamp on the right side of the stock.

    I can't speak for an SKS leaving the arsenal in a box, maybe soneone else can. Perhaps the importer 'boxed' them. If truly new, unissued, and unfired $600 is not a bad price. I'll get some flack on this but the difference between new and unissued and prettied up is like night and day. If you are looking for a shooter, go to a gun show.

    Regards, Bob
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