Much like German automobiles, why make it simple and straightforward, easy to maintain, and reliable when you can make it complex, convoluted, difficult and outrageously expensive to maintain, and horribly unreliable past 30% of expected service life?
@@c.j.rogers2422 Personally I've never owned a German car, but they appear to be very popular here in the UK. Surely if they are as bad as you say loads of people wouldn't keep buying them. Have you actually owned many German cars. We have a lot of the VW group cars here, Audi, Volkseagon, Seat & Skoda and they appear to be very popular. Plus Mercedes and BMW. I see the Audi's are expensive to service if you take them to an Audi dealer, but I think Skoda's are cheaper to service & maintain.
The SKS is probably the best value in firearms extant. Here in Canada, arsenal refurbished Tula examples can still be purchased for less than $300. Kept clean, the SKS is foolproof and indestructible. No reason not to own one.
I've got an SKS made in Russia in 1950. despite a lot of bad reputation given by hunters in our country and being neglected by many, i decided to buy one for recreational shooting, and i am satisfied with it. Best buy so far. Not to mention that many of those who spread out the myths hadn even owned SKS.
karamelles98 as long as you don't try using different magazines it should run fine the only time I have ever had reliability issues is because I was trying different magazines but the box fixed magazine runs perfectly aftermarket magazines are hit and miss sometimes you find one that works pretty good connects when you get jams and fails to feed every other shot
Hi Judy - This one was sold as unissued - but probably an arsenal refinish. The bore is flat new and the bolt face shows no sign of firing - so I suppose it doesn't matter much. Have a Happy New Year!
I have the Jugo SKS with grenade launcher. It was made the last year before the wall came down. No chrome line barrel , but the last year they made only 300 rifles, and mine is in excellent condition. I took off the standard slide rear site, and put a iron sight mounted on the end of the bolt action cover. Hard to hit much past 100 yards. A very dependable “bullet proof” gun that will work in any condition! I love your videos. Thanks for coming back!
I picked up a Russian sks for 150$ in 1998 and sold it to my friend for what I paid and I even picked up a 30 round mag for it but never put it on the gun. I've been angry with myself for about 18 years ( right after I sold it) were no longer friends so getting it back is out of the question. Ugh... You live you learn, but hindsight is definitely 20/20
You remind me of Oliver Stone. I agree that the design is pretty awesome. I had my first delivered a couple of weeks ago (unboxing / shooting video is the last on my channel), and the takedown is so simple. I was hesitant to do it at first, but wow - felt good to take it down to nothing and successfully put it back together after a clean.
I've heard that from a few people - some won't accept that I'm not Oliver and insist on an autograph - so I say "Okay but I can't sign for Oliver Stone" : so I just sign my name and they seem happy. It is so well engineered - and I know that good feeling that takedown and successful reassembly gives. Sometimes people bring me a box of parts that was their attempt. Mostly I return a functional firearm; sometimes I have to take mind breaks though.
I have a Soviet Tula Arsenal 1957 which had been refinished by the arsenal which I bought in 1991 for $175.00. I used it to hunt wild boars in Hawaii while stationed there and again in western Texas. The 7.62X39mm ammo is just as equal power to a 30-30 Winchester but cheaper ammo. The rifle is very easy to clean and maintain since that time I used a lot of Chinese Norinco copper washed steel core ammo. I was amazed by it's accuracy with standard battle sights at 100 to 200 yards at the range. I usually got my pigs at normal ranges of 50 to 100 yards with careful stalking. I want my front sight to cover the shoulder blade and my trigger at a full stop to deliver my shot. Fantastic light weight, rugged, and reliable hunting rifle.
That is my kind of hunting Paratrooper - and a perfect application for the SKS - these rifles are so tough and friendly on shoulder, pocketbook and ears - while accurate and reliable; not much more one could ask for. Thanks for writing.
Considering that the Soviets sold all their SKS manufacturing equipment to China in 1956, I would love to see a 1957 Tula SKS, because you must have the only one in existence.
I agree. The design of the SKS is exceptional. Simple, rugged, reliable, quick to reload with stripper clips and plenty accurate with it's intermediate power cartridge. I have a Chinese copy made at the Triangle 26 factory in 1966. I subscribed for you - I have a small channel myself and know that the sub counts are important. Thanks!
One of these days something will change and they won't be so readily available. This is a good time to buy a couple or three and just store them safely away. Thanks for writing.
USOG i know, just glad i was able to get my hands on one. Mine was rated #1 accuracy. Theres a number right by the front sight on the barrell from 1-5 1 being tightest groups 5 being least tight
My first semi auto center fire rifle was an old Chinese SKS … I regret the loss of that fine rifle . I recall how much lighter it was compared to My Old Westinghouse bolt action infantry rifle … those were the days . I doubt any lad of this day and age owns such a historic collection as I had back then .
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns : True … My collection now is more on the practical , utilitarian side … back then it was all cheap guns that looked cool and had a bit of history to them … even My side arm was an old Jimenez J32 , that looked like something out of Miami Vice , but it saved My life more than once .
It locks on the lug about 1/2" back of where you pointed, at the edge of the mag well. There is a mating, angled surface on the rear, bottom corner of the bolt. The barrel is actually not square with the reciever because the bolt sits at a slight angle when in battery.
I got the Chinese type 56 and I love it ..and the history that comes with it .I put the tapco interfuse stock and 25 round magazine which is pined to 5 round cause our Canadian laws. But I must say the aftermarket stock made it look more modern and very tactical ..but I still love the factory stock and enjoy the loading stripper clips over the tapco mags ..when all stock!
A fan favourite up here in Canada. Seems like every Canadian owns one because even in today's market, they only cost around $250 CND so about $170 USD. The Norinco SKS, which is band in the US is even cheaper.
There are places where one is not allowed to speak, or assemble, or worship as one wants. There are places where the right to a fair trial does not exist, and police and/or military personnel are everywhere - even your house. There are places where you are not free to travel or to choose where you live and how; or what you do or how many children you have. All of these places could not exist if the people had the right to bear arms. From the right to bear arms flow all other rights. Arms are the wellspring of freedom.
I always enjoy you're videos very informative,and coming from me that's a compliment would like to go moose or carabou hunting with you I'll bet you can shoot well also ,PS I always wondered how Mauser 66 worked thanks to you I now know ,a very unique design one I think is vastly supperior to the blaser!
Copper washed ammo is the best . It is an awesome rifle . If I could only have one rifle this might be it . Yes I have others in AR platform but the SKS I think is more reliable and easy to maintain . It's just my opinion , I'm sure others will disagree .
Short stroke gas piston operation runs cleaner than direct gas impingement anyway, albeit the AR platform has less ports of ingress for dirt and debris when the dust cover is used.
Both the SKS and the AK are fantastic guns. They will pull you through a bad situation or give you countless hours of enjoyment at the shooting range. Thank you for a nice video! Oh, and I have the book also!
Good afternoon USOG - I lucked into a few SKS's for my collection over the years... One - was a real "Bubba Job" that looked awful. Missing parts/bayonet - lousy "camo" paint job and was just plain ugly. I decided to try a little "spruce up" by taking off all the old paint and gave the rifle a good cleaning. The rifle (and bore) looked almost new underneath all of the "sproterizing"... So long story short - the rifle looks wonderful now with a Tru-Oil finish - all refinished metal work - a shortened barrel to save some weight and remove the bayonet lug and added a scout style mount in place of the rear iron sight with a Bushnell Red Dot scope now in place! Why I did not take before and after photos is beyond me!!! But now I have a very handy and surprisingly accurate SKS hunting carbine. I know some will hate me for altering a military rifle - but it is a Norinco that likely never saw battle and was in REALLY rough shape. Thanks for your excellent videos Sir - please keep them coming. By the way - I am also crazy over the Remington 788 - I have collected all calibers. Even the 30-30 and 44 Mag! What a great and underrated rifle. The new Remington's are - well - not for me.
That SKS sounds like a winner - wish I could see a pic and great vision : seeing what could come out of a wreck and making it happen. Good on you! And you have all the luck. Who has the 44 Mag 788 AND the 30-30? Well done : )
Thanks so much USOG - I just applied one more coat of TruOil to a few areas of the stock for the final touch. All else looks pretty decent and I am ready to take a trip with my wife to our local range. I will work to send a number of images - thank you for your interest. Yes - it took my many years to obtain all of the calibers in the 788 - I wanted one in 7mm-08 so bad when I was much younger that perhaps this was "therapy" assuaging the frustration I felt when I was 14 years old and my father said NO - you already have a 35 Remington!!! My next "project' is going to be a sporterized Model 98 that should be here early next week. Looks much better in the images than the SKS but we will see... I know there are several holes drilled into the side of the receiver for some type of side scope mount that I wish were not there but the price was right and the rifle looked like it needed saving! Enjoy your weekend Sir and I will see what I can do to get you some photos of the SKS - I am rather pleased with it!
By far my favorite "battle rifle." In my opinion it's even better than an M1. I have 2 of them. A 1956 Russian and a brand new Yugo version. The Russian model is in really excellent condition. I installed it in a Timbersmith stock. It is one of my deer rifles. Excellent shooter. I made firing pin spring addition to prevent "slam fire." my Russian must have been a parade weapon because there isn't any obvious wear. Incidentally speaking of the AK. I love the Saiga "civilian" version with a conventional stock. An even better battle rifle. If the M-14 was chambered in a lower powered cartridge it would be a perfect battle rifle. My most favorite semi-auto is a Ruger Mini-30 that has been rebarreled with a 6.5 Grendel chamber. It is an excellent shooter.
Hi Ryan - great rifles - had one and sold - I like them better than just about all the other semi's. About the only thing might be weight - but no big deal. Mine was exceptionally accurate.
What a shame how the prices have skyrocketed. I passed up a beautiful Albanian sks 3 years ago at a gunshow for $300. Boy am I kicking myself now. I'm not aware of any new rifles being manufactured in Romania, but carbines are still being produced in Russia for commercial sale. Sadly, not for commercial sale to the US!
I have to look the Albanian model up. I saw an SKS once - I think it was at Kesselrings - years ago and it was stocked in European walnut! The stock was the usual military shaping though. It was something!
Yes, the handguard extends along the entire gas tube. Some like it, others think they're quite odd looking. I personally prefer the length, as it lets me (large stature) get a better purchase on the rifle, and follows what I think is a more traditional appearance for military arms, similar to the H&K 770 compared to the SL-7.
+Linus McMinus the prices went up be cuase people started buying 4 at a time my uncle bought one for 70 bucks 10 years ago and got 12 clips with it and alot of ammo
No the Albanian is not made as matter of fact they destroyed so many guns including the SKS I seen a video of this being done and what a shame. Roadman55@verizon.net
Looks refurbished and the stock looks laminated and that's what they started using plus if their are two cross bolts in the stock that is usually a sign.
Thanks for the video - for a tilting block maybe also take a look at the czech variant/the vz58/the FAL/ or the HMG STG 44 and get a modern versatile gun with great history.
Yes - excellent - thank you. I looked at these because you mentioned them - and the tilting block is versatile and we will probably see more applications.
I have placed Many Sitka black tail deer in the meat shed with my SKS,.. I Go along the beaches in my skiff until I see them, They herd up along the low water line. Out comes the SKS. Bang-Bang, bang 4,5,6 down Yum/Yum. Great deer rifle. for my style of putt'n up meat..
You've got the life kodibass! I drove 4 hours to escape the city; then came the many more hours drive to the hunting grounds. For many city dwellers our beaches are sidewalks, our deer are in dreams and the freezer is full of factory food. It's all good though...but you've got the life. : )
I hunted deer with an SKS back when an SKS cost less than $100.00. I took military ammo which was all we had in the day and pulled the bullet and replaced it with a 308 hunting bullet. I was ignorant to the fact that it required a slightly larger bullet? They were all over the target not accurate at all. Once I realized this and corrected the problem a lot of deer had a bad day!
Hi Matt - Good on you. The SKS is one of those unstoppable rifles and some people vies it as the Model 94 of semi-autos. I have one with a removable mag now and I must say it is outstanding.
Somebody probably pointed this out already, but Yugo SKS's and AKM's like yours aren't chrome bored because the Yugoslavian ammo is quality brass (good ammo too). You shouldn't shoot the lacquered stuff out of it.
My question is can you shoot brass ammo with the free floating firing pin ? I have read you cannot so does anyone know for sure? Roadman55@verizion.net
Yes..if it was made for sks ..some after market brass gets hot and swells up ..causing a jam..i use the steel case Russian surplus stuff or chinese..i have not used the yugo stuff but that makes sense about the bores .
If the case i stuck (baked lacquer for isntance) the bolt will not turn the cartridge, it will instead ride on it. So no advantage here. The advantage of AK is tactical qualities (full auto + triple the ammo capacity + faster reloads) as well as manufacturing ones - the manufacture is cheaper, and with the turning bolt theres less tolerances stacking problem. EDIT: I think the AK bolts still arent freely switchable without risks, and theyre still matched to particular rifle (or tolerance group, as with CZ pistols).
Any thoughts on why my original magazine on my Yugo won't stay seated? I just bought the rifle, and I'm not the original owner. All parts numbers match, including the 10 round mag. But it just falls out of the receiver! It does appear that there's a lot of space between the front tip of the mag and the stock. I've heard that some people have removed some of the stock well, so it can fit one of those high capacity duckbill mags. Very disappointing...
+USOG do you have any airguns? I got into the PCPs several years back and am hooked. Not a cheap thing to do, but I absolutely love the build quality, accuracy and how quiet they are with the moderators and barrel shrouds.
Glad you asked! I have a couple of break barrel Slavia's, a Daisy Cadet rifle which is a lot of fun to shoot and one Eunjin - which is the most powerful of what I have. I have to learn more about the PCPs - I've seen some amazing shooting done with the PCPs. Which one(s) do you have if you don't mind me asking?
USOG I have a couple FX, Royale 400 and Gladiator, but I started with a Benji marauder. They are evolving quickly and keep getting better. I think FX is pulling away from the rest in design. I've met Frederick Axelson the owner and he is a very nice, intelligent guy. You should check them out, but be warned, you will get hooked.
USOG you know you're hooked when you sign up to go to Extreme Benchrest competition in AZ. It's a good time but getting crowded now as airgun popularity grows.
Haha! I have to say I'm surprised, and not surprised that you have an sks. I have a Russian one, with a laminate stock that I refinished with tung oil. Have to admit, it's quite beautiful. But I have a problem with some pretty serious zero change as I'm shooting it. Like I'm talking over 1/2" per shot at 50m. Any ideas on why? I was thinking the stock is too tight somewhere and maybe I need to make sure the barrel is floating, but it's just a guess.
Hi Jim - I had one like that. I went over the wood contact points and relieved them - so I'm not sure which cured the problem since I made several surfaces less tight. After I relieved the wood it shot like a house on fire - for an SKS. : )
USOG Hmmm, I checked last night with the sliding the paper under the barrel, and it seems alright. I also pushed the receiver in and out several times and could heat it "clinking" on the metal cross bar near the front. So from the receiver forward, it seems to only be sitting on that. The receiver itself seems to fit quite snugly along the sides, and doesn't touch in the back. So the only place I think it's touching is neat the back/bottom because it takes quite a lot of effort to click the trigger back it. Any advice on critical areas to look extra closely at? It'd be a shame if I can't fix it. I put a fair amount of effort into refinishing the laminate stock, and I have to admit it's kinda pretty. It also came to me in pretty much unfired condition. It's a Russian Tula manufacture. Though judging by some of the crude stencilling, it may have been a used gun, but thrown together with new parts.
I bought my yugo back in 2006 for 208.00 out the door back then you could pickup a ak wasser 10 for right about 300 .....the price now is ridiculous and at one time the SKS was sold as cheap as 80 bucks
Hi Joseph, We should all have purchased 10 each at that time - happened to me many times that I see an opportunity and don't buy at all or not enough. Oh well, life is good.
Just wished the recent Ruger mini 14 I just bought from a great deal I got a few weeks ago, wish it came in the 7.62x39 caliber like this sks. From what I read and heard from some were the Russian 7.62x39 and the German 9mm are the 2 top and most popular gun calibers in the world. I own about 30 some guns. Don't think I have a gun collection like well noted people like USOG or Charleston Heston, or Ted Nugent etc...has, but I do have a great gun collection, compared to most people out there do. There is just like about 4 or 5 more guns I just like to add to my gun collection. The Russian sks or ak-47 and a over and under shotgun and 1911 Colt 45 and the 30 carbine and probably an pump Ithaca. Then after I get these 4 or 5 more guns, then think my days for buying guns will probably be over.
Hope you get a Ruger Mini-30 - one of the most useful semi's out there. Your collection is great - and I don't know all the pieces - but 30 guns is a lot - you can cover just about all types with that number; after that it is just a matter of variations and specific interests. Well done on the collection.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns When I got the mini 14 again wish it was in the 7.62x39 caliber or in the mini 30, so I can hunt wild hogs with it, when I am down south. But the 5.56 mm is ok, cause most of the reason on why I bought it is cause I got it for a steal in price, and I like the style of the mini 14 much better then I do with something like the ar-15 or m-16 styles . Do know 5.56 will kill wild boar, but really not the best caliber for that and deer hunting. And I cannot believe this mini 14 is the very first semi-auto rifle I ever bought in my life. Never bought a semi-auto rifle before cause I was brought up in the old school from my dad and grandpa using only a single shot, lever action, bolt action or a pump action. I am kind of just shocked that no one else jumped on this deal on this mini 14 before I did. Think a big reason on why I got a great deal on it is cause probably in my area most gun people are not to educated about the mini 14 or 30 or other military and police style guns like I am. Their main interest is mostly on the ar-15s or ak-47s, all probably cause the news stations and gun control makes a big deal out of them. Out of all these guns and calibers I own, I can hunt any animal in north America and Canada and probably south America. If I had any interest to hunt like elephants in Africa I would get something like a 375 H&H or this newer 375 Ruger caliber. So my purpose I don't need a caliber like that, cause don't have no plans or interest in hunting in a place like Africa. Growing up my dad really got me into a big interest on military style guns of all kinds.
Your right about that amo. Best way to deal with that is do not buy those Bunnell russisn bullets they are nice have that liquar on after its hot..I buy the stripper clips that come with 10 shells grt like 20 shots for 3.99 but try srr corrosive so make sure to clean after each use
The Soviet Red Army had abandoned the sks for reasons of force philosophy not because of potential hazards associated with the non-locking, non-rotating bolt --there are no such problems with the sks. The Chinese manufactured the same rifle (essentially the same design) and supplied them to their armed forces from 1956 to well into the 1980s and even the 1990s.
Thanks Jeffrey - I learn something new everyday. Another collector sent pics of an SKS with no bayonet, AK mags work, a sporter stock and even a recoil pad - all in factory packaging and unfired. I had no idea such a factory product existed.
they are plentiful in canada, only thing bad about the gun is both the stock and the gas tube are basically only clamped on the receiver. so when the gun gets hot they become loose and accuracy suffers dramatically.
I have one. A really good "battle rifle." My favorite 7.62x39 self loader is a Ruger Mini-30. It would be my choice if I had to go to war with my own rifle. Well actually that is only partially true. If James River Armory chambered their really excellent M1A in 260 Rem I would have the perfect "battle rifle." Still the James River M1A in 7.62x51 is a superior M-14 style rifle. The 260 Rem(6.5x51) is much softer shooting while being ballistically superior to the 7.62x51. Much higher sectional density and ballistic coefficient. I am a big fan of 6.5mm bullets. It began with the 6.5x56 SE all the way through the 260 Rem and now the 6.5 Grendel. I have rifles chambered in all three. My 260 Rem Sako 85 FS is probably my favorite. I do wish that Sako would build a Finnwolf in 260 Rem. I have one in .308. I bought it in 1969 when I was 20 years old. It is a spectacular lever action rifle.
@@dannysmith634 I have a couple of excellent Carl Gustav 96 Mausers in 6.5x55 and a Husqvarna 6.5x55. All are excellent shooters. 6.5x55 SE is one of favorite calibers. I really like the 6.5 Grenel. I think "long & skinny" bullets over "short & fat" bullets. Better sectional density and way better ballistic coefficient.
There are scores of SKS's here in Canada and the Russian and Yugoslavian are favorites.The Chinese ones are more accurate, and the early Chinese-Russian ones are the best to find, besides the rare 1945 Russian model.Still cheap Russian ones to be had, but prices are going up.Favorite gun for Canadian natives as they are cheap and take down deer and bear.
Год назад купил СКС, насмотревшись американских и канадских виде облогеров, расхваливающих это оружие. Здесь в России СКС далеко не так популярно, как в США и Канаде. Покупают его только ценители исторического прошлого, а таких среди владельцев оружия здесь не много. Поэтому СКС в России не пользуется спросом, стоит около $250. Мне досталось изделие Тульского арсенала 1952 года в идеальном состоянии.
I had a couple I think were made in China. Seems you could pick them up for around $75.00-$100.00 back then. I sold them years ago. Kids here like to use them to hunt coyotes and prairie dogs.
The SKS was obsolescent almost immediately after the AK was adopted and that's actually why it was so popular. Russia gave the tooling and design to some countries for free.
USOG Yeah, surprising great outdoor\all around rifle too for the civilian market. I think it’s 50 state legal as well. The design definitely stands out when modernized versions still show up in video games and movies after 73 years.
Oh we'll be able and will have them, we are the people that the founders mention in our Constitution, the ones with the okày to defend ourselves against enemies foreign or and Domestic never forget we are many and do not like change.
Wow ... 80 dollars ! There were 3 recently made it to a specialty gun shop recently . They were yugo versions in almost new condition . There was about 15 calls( or emails) on them in a matter of minutes . At 500.00 dollars
Amazing is right. In my opinion, I think it is the finest battle rifle ever produced. I would choose the SKS any day of the week and twice on Sunday over any AR platform.
May I ask why . I am the proud new owner of the nicest yugo version I have ever seen in person . I am finally able to take it to the range tomorrow . And my a.k. and Ar friends were laughing at my choice . I bought it because it was in my price range and a A.R. is not .
@@papimiami1938 Well, I've found that the 7.62x39 is a hard hitting round with excellent penetration through body armor and steel and rounds are still plentiful. Secondly, the accuracy from the Yugoslavian version is superb with iron sights out to 300-500 meters. Additionally, the ease of maintenance, breakdown, ease of cleaning and availability of replacement parts, which are interchangeable are all positives. It is not a finicky rifle in that dust, dirt and grime can be present and it will still function with rarely a hickup.
@@nojustno1216 that is awesome! I'm glad a made a good choice . Covid has been hard on my industry and am being frugal . Plus I can get 7.62 and I have not seen 5.56 in quite awhile . Thanks for the response !
@@papimiami1938 You are very welcome. You definitely made a good choice and I'm sure that you'll grow very attached to yours. Just remember to clean your gas valve after extensive shooting and you'll not have any problems with your rifle. I forgot to mention that I don't like the AR platform for one main reason-during my time in the Army, my M4 wasn't very tolerant of sand and required constant cleaning for proper function. It's just inherent to the design because of tight component tolerances. If I had an SKS, that would not have been a concern. 👍
I think you pointed too far forward for the receiver locking lug is behind the mag you can see the wear marks no biggy . P.s in Alaska Ive seen ak-47s fail at -40 and never seen 1 that would shoot in cold weather in fact ive never seen 1 work it was always cold.But the sks will shoot every time Ive seen them as a solid block of ice you chip the trigger out and shoot a ice rifle and the Ak47 was in a case no snow on it still wont shoot. I used to have an norinco sks got it for 125$ wish i didn't get rid of it I THINK WHAT MAKES A GOOD GUN IS 1 THAT GOES BANG NOT 1 THAT LOOKS LIKE A STARWARS GUN OR IS SO SHINNY YOU CAN PUT WEATHERBY ON IT
that means that the official blueprints, machinery and procedures were never shared with Radom factory so they would have to reinvent and backengineer. that is just not going to happen. They are cranking out msbs grot and the beryls now.
This guy has an idea but he doesn’t really know . If you have the right knowledge and the right tools for the weapon it’s a wonderful thing . Sight adjustment tool , and broken shell extractor if you can find these tools this rifle will run like a sewing machine and an you won’t have any problems with out them your dead in the water .
Hi Robert , Thanks for the note. I picked up a couple more of these SKSs over the past year or two. One fellow put an expensive polymer stock on and all kinds of features and then put it up for sale. I bought it. I'll have to study what all he put on that rifle. Anyway, you're right - after the many years I've owned various SKSs - the most important thing I learned about them is they work very well. The action is simple - as you know. All the best.
the Russian model is harder to find, they were used at the battle of berlin in a limited number, became a postwar gun. the gun is reliable & tough shoots about any brand of ammo. but the prices have really gone up.
Hi I watched many of yours videos,and about SKS is it possible to ask you if you could get me extractor bolt spring.I need it to replace it. Here is my email if you have any idea how to or where to get it from.
Thanks Teodor. So true - one can only go by what what reads and hears. My favorite was a sincere fellow who had been told the Garand was used only by France. Anyway, thanks again for writing.
They will not pass the mud test etc because of two many open spaces same for the AK that lets in all the crap.The M-4 will pass this test with 100% reliability so will the 95 Winchester because they are sealed up from the elements .See for yourself on In Range TV where they put them to the test.M-14 M-1 Garand failed miserably.
Life goes easier with an SKS if you forget about optics and extended magazines and just shoot the rifle the way it was intended with iron sights and the 10 round box magazine.
“The best designs have the fewest parts” *German gunmaker has a heart attack
Hahahaha!
Much like German automobiles, why make it simple and straightforward, easy to maintain, and reliable when you can make it complex, convoluted, difficult and outrageously expensive to maintain, and horribly unreliable past 30% of expected service life?
@@c.j.rogers2422 Personally I've never owned a German car, but they appear to be very popular here in the UK. Surely if they are as bad as you say loads of people wouldn't keep buying them. Have you actually owned many German cars. We have a lot of the VW group cars here, Audi, Volkseagon, Seat & Skoda and they appear to be very popular. Plus Mercedes and BMW. I see the Audi's are expensive to service if you take them to an Audi dealer, but I think Skoda's are cheaper to service & maintain.
The SKS is probably the best value in firearms extant. Here in Canada, arsenal refurbished Tula examples can still be purchased for less than $300. Kept clean, the SKS is foolproof and indestructible. No reason not to own one.
I just bought a Tula 1954 SKS all matching and with a great bore for 225 in the Yukon
Good purchase Jay.
I've got an SKS made in Russia in 1950. despite a lot of bad reputation given by hunters in our country and being neglected by many, i decided to buy one for recreational shooting, and i am satisfied with it. Best buy so far. Not to mention that many of those who spread out the myths hadn even owned SKS.
The SKS is awesome - a great value and excellent to shoot. On average the SKS shoots tighter groups than the AK.
Good decision to buy!
karamelles98 as long as you don't try using different magazines it should run fine the only time I have ever had reliability issues is because I was trying different magazines but the box fixed magazine runs perfectly aftermarket magazines are hit and miss sometimes you find one that works pretty good connects when you get jams and fails to feed every other shot
The run better and are cheaper then a mini 30 and if it gets a scratch that just gives it character
I've had the same experience. Factory works best.
My thoughts exactly.
I’m a BIG fan of the SKS!
A tank - the SYS is excellent.
Russian red wood is my favorite stock of the sks family. The one you have looks almost unissued or redone, an exceptional example of one for sure.
Hi Judy - This one was sold as unissued - but probably an arsenal refinish. The bore is flat new and the bolt face shows no sign of firing - so I suppose it doesn't matter much. Have a Happy New Year!
Arctic birtch
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns g5m
You explain things so even I can understand. :)
I have the Jugo SKS with grenade launcher. It was made the last year before the wall came down. No chrome line barrel , but the last year they made only 300 rifles, and mine is in excellent condition. I took off the standard slide rear site, and put a iron sight mounted on the end of the bolt action cover. Hard to hit much past 100 yards. A very dependable “bullet proof” gun that will work in any condition! I love your videos. Thanks for coming back!
Sir I have just subscribed to Your Channel. I do enjoy watching Your Videos about historical firearms very much. God Bless You
Hi Rick! Thank you - good words inspire me. Wherever you are - Gob Bless You and keep you : )
USOG Thank You Sir
I picked up a Russian sks for 150$ in 1998 and sold it to my friend for what I paid and I even picked up a 30 round mag for it but never put it on the gun. I've been angry with myself for about 18 years ( right after I sold it) were no longer friends so getting it back is out of the question. Ugh... You live you learn, but hindsight is definitely 20/20
You remind me of Oliver Stone. I agree that the design is pretty awesome. I had my first delivered a couple of weeks ago (unboxing / shooting video is the last on my channel), and the takedown is so simple. I was hesitant to do it at first, but wow - felt good to take it down to nothing and successfully put it back together after a clean.
I've heard that from a few people - some won't accept that I'm not Oliver and insist on an autograph - so I say "Okay but I can't sign for Oliver Stone" : so I just sign my name and they seem happy. It is so well engineered - and I know that good feeling that takedown and successful reassembly gives. Sometimes people bring me a box of parts that was their attempt. Mostly I return a functional firearm; sometimes I have to take mind breaks though.
Great vid. Did not know that gun existed. Learning about new guns is excellent. Thanks! :-)
I have a Soviet Tula Arsenal 1957 which had been refinished by the arsenal which I bought in 1991 for $175.00. I used it to hunt wild boars in Hawaii while stationed there and again in western Texas. The 7.62X39mm ammo is just as equal power to a 30-30 Winchester but cheaper ammo. The rifle is very easy to clean and maintain since that time I used a lot of Chinese Norinco copper washed steel core ammo. I was amazed by it's accuracy with standard battle sights at 100 to 200 yards at the range. I usually got my pigs at normal ranges of 50 to 100 yards with careful stalking. I want my front sight to cover the shoulder blade and my trigger at a full stop to deliver my shot. Fantastic light weight, rugged, and reliable hunting rifle.
That is my kind of hunting Paratrooper - and a perfect application for the SKS - these rifles are so tough and friendly on shoulder, pocketbook and ears - while accurate and reliable; not much more one could ask for. Thanks for writing.
Considering that the Soviets sold all their SKS manufacturing equipment to China in 1956, I would love to see a 1957 Tula SKS, because you must have the only one in existence.
Incredible finish on the wooden stock.
I got a Tula 1952 3 years ago paid 179 $C, very good semi automatic, easy to tare apart and clean , this rifle is undestructable !
I agree. The design of the SKS is exceptional. Simple, rugged, reliable, quick to reload with stripper clips and plenty accurate with it's intermediate power cartridge. I have a Chinese copy made at the Triangle 26 factory in 1966. I subscribed for you - I have a small channel myself and know that the sub counts are important. Thanks!
Thank you and all the best with your channel!
Please send a link
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns www.youtube.com/@theoriginalOSOK
I don't even have one, I want one I just don't have one 😁
: )
so glad these things are still so widely available and cheap
One of these days something will change and they won't be so readily available. This is a good time to buy a couple or three and just store them safely away. Thanks for writing.
USOG i know, just glad i was able to get my hands on one. Mine was rated #1 accuracy. Theres a number right by the front sight on the barrell from 1-5 1 being tightest groups 5 being least tight
My first semi auto center fire rifle was an old Chinese SKS … I regret the loss of that fine rifle . I recall how much lighter it was compared to My Old Westinghouse bolt action infantry rifle … those were the days . I doubt any lad of this day and age owns such a historic collection as I had back then .
Hi Richard - Those Chinese SKSs - excellent. Hope you can build a collection again - even if only a smaller collection. It is similar to hunting IMHO
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns : True … My collection now is more on the practical , utilitarian side … back then it was all cheap guns that looked cool and had a bit of history to them … even My side arm was an old Jimenez J32 , that looked like something out of Miami Vice , but it saved My life more than once .
It locks on the lug about 1/2" back of where you pointed, at the edge of the mag well. There is a mating, angled surface on the rear, bottom corner of the bolt. The barrel is actually not square with the reciever because the bolt sits at a slight angle when in battery.
I got the Chinese type 56 and I love it ..and the history that comes with it .I put the tapco interfuse stock and 25 round magazine which is pined to 5 round cause our Canadian laws.
But I must say the aftermarket stock made it look more modern and very tactical ..but I still love the factory stock and enjoy the loading stripper clips over the tapco mags ..when all stock!
That's a useful and very tough rig. As you know, they can take brutal treatment and conditions - and not react at all.
Yeah....I did the same thing....mainly for the adjustable stock...that and a Williams FIre Site kit.
A fan favourite up here in Canada. Seems like every Canadian owns one because even in today's market, they only cost around $250 CND so about $170 USD. The Norinco SKS, which is band in the US is even cheaper.
Hi Gerald - that is a steal and a great opportunity. I'd buy a crate - that price/availability won't last forever. Great SKS.
“banned”
NRA member. Proud GOA member! Thanks for sharing!!
There are places where one is not allowed to speak, or assemble, or worship as one wants. There are places where the right to a fair trial does not exist, and police and/or military personnel are everywhere - even your house. There are places where you are not free to travel or to choose where you live and how; or what you do or how many children you have. All of these places could not exist if the people had the right to bear arms. From the right to bear arms flow all other rights. Arms are the wellspring of freedom.
Хорошее видео. Хоть я и мало понял), но думаю, что ты тепло отзывался о СКС. Теперь я хочу такой же !
Spasiba!
Have two sks rifles. One pristine Yugo and a Chinese. The Chinese sks has a lot of trench graffiti. Beautiful rifles! Great video usog!
Nice SKSs Zach!
I always enjoy you're videos very informative,and coming from me that's a compliment would like to go moose or carabou hunting with you I'll bet you can shoot well also ,PS I always wondered how Mauser 66 worked thanks to you I now know ,a very unique design one I think is vastly supperior to the blaser!
Thanks for the compliment. I have not gone after caribou - although I had caribou stew and it was excellent. The Mauser 66 is very unique for sure.
Beautiful rifle sir
Thanks Randy!
Thanks for info
Copper washed ammo is the best . It is an awesome rifle . If I could only have one rifle this might be it . Yes I have others in AR platform but the SKS I think is more reliable and easy to maintain . It's just my opinion , I'm sure others will disagree .
Spencer Boaz I actually agree. I think the SKS is the perfect SHTF Minuteman rifle.
Short stroke gas piston operation runs cleaner than direct gas impingement anyway, albeit the AR platform has less ports of ingress for dirt and debris when the dust cover is used.
Sks is a tuff gun it takes alot of abuse and will always fire i love them.
Both the SKS and the AK are fantastic guns. They will pull you through a bad situation or give you countless hours of enjoyment at the shooting range. Thank you for a nice video! Oh, and I have the book also!
The reason the SKS was replaced by the AK so quickly was the larger capacity removable magazine. Had nothing to do with jam ups.
Good afternoon USOG - I lucked into a few SKS's for my collection over the years... One - was a real "Bubba Job" that looked awful. Missing parts/bayonet - lousy "camo" paint job and was just plain ugly. I decided to try a little "spruce up" by taking off all the old paint and gave the rifle a good cleaning. The rifle (and bore) looked almost new underneath all of the "sproterizing"... So long story short - the rifle looks wonderful now with a Tru-Oil finish - all refinished metal work - a shortened barrel to save some weight and remove the bayonet lug and added a scout style mount in place of the rear iron sight with a Bushnell Red Dot scope now in place! Why I did not take before and after photos is beyond me!!! But now I have a very handy and surprisingly accurate SKS hunting carbine. I know some will hate me for altering a military rifle - but it is a Norinco that likely never saw battle and was in REALLY rough shape. Thanks for your excellent videos Sir - please keep them coming. By the way - I am also crazy over the Remington 788 - I have collected all calibers. Even the 30-30 and 44 Mag! What a great and underrated rifle. The new Remington's are - well - not for me.
That SKS sounds like a winner - wish I could see a pic and great vision : seeing what could come out of a wreck and making it happen. Good on you! And you have all the luck. Who has the 44 Mag 788 AND the 30-30? Well done : )
Thanks so much USOG - I just applied one more coat of TruOil to a few areas of the stock for the final touch. All else looks pretty decent and I am ready to take a trip with my wife to our local range. I will work to send a number of images - thank you for your interest. Yes - it took my many years to obtain all of the calibers in the 788 - I wanted one in 7mm-08 so bad when I was much younger that perhaps this was "therapy" assuaging the frustration I felt when I was 14 years old and my father said NO - you already have a 35 Remington!!! My next "project' is going to be a sporterized Model 98 that should be here early next week. Looks much better in the images than the SKS but we will see... I know there are several holes drilled into the side of the receiver for some type of side scope mount that I wish were not there but the price was right and the rifle looked like it needed saving! Enjoy your weekend Sir and I will see what I can do to get you some photos of the SKS - I am rather pleased with it!
By far my favorite "battle rifle." In my opinion it's even better than an M1. I have 2 of them. A 1956 Russian and a brand new Yugo version. The Russian model is in really excellent condition. I installed it in a Timbersmith stock. It is one of my deer rifles. Excellent shooter. I made firing pin spring addition to prevent "slam fire." my Russian must have been a parade weapon because there isn't any obvious wear.
Incidentally speaking of the AK. I love the Saiga "civilian" version with a conventional stock. An even better battle rifle. If the M-14 was chambered in a lower powered cartridge it would be a perfect battle rifle. My most favorite semi-auto is a Ruger Mini-30 that has been rebarreled with a 6.5 Grendel chamber. It is an excellent shooter.
The custom 30 is a great idea - perhaps factory now or soon.
This gun saund is very Nice I love sks.
Russian SKS stock are made of Birches mostly, because of it available ability and low cost hard wood in Russia.
It is a very fine wood - even if it is not so pretty as some.
They used Arctic birch.. Chinese use catalpa wood
I just picked up it’s Czech distant cousin the VZ52/57. Would love to see a video on these too!
Hi Ryan - great rifles - had one and sold - I like them better than just about all the other semi's. About the only thing might be weight - but no big deal. Mine was exceptionally accurate.
What a shame how the prices have skyrocketed. I passed up a beautiful Albanian sks 3 years ago at a gunshow for $300. Boy am I kicking myself now.
I'm not aware of any new rifles being manufactured in Romania, but carbines are still being produced in Russia for commercial sale. Sadly, not for commercial sale to the US!
I have to look the Albanian model up. I saw an SKS once - I think it was at Kesselrings - years ago and it was stocked in European walnut! The stock was the usual military shaping though. It was something!
Yes, the handguard extends along the entire gas tube. Some like it, others think they're quite odd looking. I personally prefer the length, as it lets me (large stature) get a better purchase on the rifle, and follows what I think is a more traditional appearance for military arms, similar to the H&K 770 compared to the SL-7.
+Linus McMinus the prices went up be cuase people started buying 4 at a time my uncle bought one for 70 bucks 10 years ago and got 12 clips with it and alot of ammo
No the Albanian is not made as matter of fact they destroyed so many guns including the SKS I seen a video of this being done and what a shame. Roadman55@verizon.net
come on up to canada!i got mine for $300 .got 100 rounds with it tula arsenal made in 1952.fucking awesome gun.seeing as i cant get an ar
Has that stock been refinished? I ask because it looks really clean and shiny. I could be wrong, was just curious
Hi Jay, You're right - it does look that way but it is just as new so no wear. Sleeps in a vault - I just don't have enough time.
Looks refurbished and the stock looks laminated and that's what they started using plus if their are two cross bolts in the stock that is usually a sign.
@@williamjohnzuggi2534 don't look laminated..like plywood ..looks like Arctic birtch
Thanks for the video - for a tilting block maybe also take a look at the czech variant/the vz58/the FAL/ or the HMG STG 44 and get a modern versatile gun with great history.
Yes - excellent - thank you. I looked at these because you mentioned them - and the tilting block is versatile and we will probably see more applications.
‘’I don’t have many... I only have two!’’ :)
I have placed Many Sitka black tail deer in the meat shed with my SKS,.. I Go along the beaches in my skiff until I see them, They herd up along the low water line. Out comes the SKS. Bang-Bang, bang 4,5,6 down Yum/Yum. Great deer rifle. for my style of putt'n up meat..
You've got the life kodibass! I drove 4 hours to escape the city; then came the many more hours drive to the hunting grounds. For many city dwellers our beaches are sidewalks, our deer are in dreams and the freezer is full of factory food. It's all good though...but you've got the life. : )
He pronounced Garand correctly THUMBS UP
Hi Mark - I try to get at least one things right every day : )
One pronunciation is for the rifle and another for the man who designed said rifle.
Only a Québécois can prononce Garand the right way ....
I hunted deer with an SKS back when an SKS cost less than $100.00. I took military ammo which was all we had in the day and pulled the bullet and replaced it with a 308 hunting bullet. I was ignorant to the fact that it required a slightly larger bullet? They were all over the target not accurate at all. Once I realized this and corrected the problem a lot of deer had a bad day!
Hi Matt - Good on you. The SKS is one of those unstoppable rifles and some people vies it as the Model 94 of semi-autos. I have one with a removable mag now and I must say it is outstanding.
Somebody probably pointed this out already, but Yugo SKS's and AKM's like yours aren't chrome bored because the Yugoslavian ammo is quality brass (good ammo too). You shouldn't shoot the lacquered stuff out of it.
My question is can you shoot brass ammo with the free floating firing pin ? I have read you cannot so does anyone know for sure? Roadman55@verizion.net
Yes..if it was made for sks ..some after market brass gets hot and swells up ..causing a jam..i use the steel case Russian surplus stuff or chinese..i have not used the yugo stuff but that makes sense about the bores .
The primer is the issue..hard primers are ok.soft aftermarket primers are dangerous.use only military grade ammo made for sks and ak.
If the case i stuck (baked lacquer for isntance) the bolt will not turn the cartridge, it will instead ride on it. So no advantage here. The advantage of AK is tactical qualities (full auto + triple the ammo capacity + faster reloads) as well as manufacturing ones - the manufacture is cheaper, and with the turning bolt theres less tolerances stacking problem.
EDIT: I think the AK bolts still arent freely switchable without risks, and theyre still matched to particular rifle (or tolerance group, as with CZ pistols).
Good to know. Thanks!
Any thoughts on why my original magazine on my Yugo won't stay seated? I just bought the rifle, and I'm not the original owner. All parts numbers match, including the 10 round mag. But it just falls out of the receiver! It does appear that there's a lot of space between the front tip of the mag and the stock. I've heard that some people have removed some of the stock well, so it can fit one of those high capacity duckbill mags. Very disappointing...
+USOG do you have any airguns? I got into the PCPs several years back and am hooked. Not a cheap thing to do, but I absolutely love the build quality, accuracy and how quiet they are with the moderators and barrel shrouds.
Glad you asked! I have a couple of break barrel Slavia's, a Daisy Cadet rifle which is a lot of fun to shoot and one Eunjin - which is the most powerful of what I have. I have to learn more about the PCPs - I've seen some amazing shooting done with the PCPs. Which one(s) do you have if you don't mind me asking?
USOG I have a couple FX, Royale 400 and Gladiator, but I started with a Benji marauder. They are evolving quickly and keep getting better. I think FX is pulling away from the rest in design. I've met Frederick Axelson the owner and he is a very nice, intelligent guy. You should check them out, but be warned, you will get hooked.
Very good - I'm going to look at FX. I'll be careful....which usually means next stop is 10 PCPs haha : ) !
USOG you know you're hooked when you sign up to go to Extreme Benchrest competition in AZ. It's a good time but getting crowded now as airgun popularity grows.
My opinion is that the SKS is the finest battle rifle ever made.
Good choice Steve. The AK folks say the same - and the AR people say the same - but there is room for all opinions.
Haha! I have to say I'm surprised, and not surprised that you have an sks.
I have a Russian one, with a laminate stock that I refinished with tung oil. Have to admit, it's quite beautiful. But I have a problem with some pretty serious zero change as I'm shooting it. Like I'm talking over 1/2" per shot at 50m. Any ideas on why? I was thinking the stock is too tight somewhere and maybe I need to make sure the barrel is floating, but it's just a guess.
Hi Jim - I had one like that. I went over the wood contact points and relieved them - so I'm not sure which cured the problem since I made several surfaces less tight. After I relieved the wood it shot like a house on fire - for an SKS. : )
USOG Hmmm, I checked last night with the sliding the paper under the barrel, and it seems alright. I also pushed the receiver in and out several times and could heat it "clinking" on the metal cross bar near the front. So from the receiver forward, it seems to only be sitting on that.
The receiver itself seems to fit quite snugly along the sides, and doesn't touch in the back. So the only place I think it's touching is neat the back/bottom because it takes quite a lot of effort to click the trigger back it.
Any advice on critical areas to look extra closely at? It'd be a shame if I can't fix it. I put a fair amount of effort into refinishing the laminate stock, and I have to admit it's kinda pretty. It also came to me in pretty much unfired condition. It's a Russian Tula manufacture. Though judging by some of the crude stencilling, it may have been a used gun, but thrown together with new parts.
Have a Yugo 66.....love it....
I bought my yugo back in 2006 for 208.00 out the door back then you could pickup a ak wasser 10 for right about 300 .....the price now is ridiculous and at one time the SKS was sold as cheap as 80 bucks
Hi Joseph, We should all have purchased 10 each at that time - happened to me many times that I see an opportunity and don't buy at all or not enough. Oh well, life is good.
Just wished the recent Ruger mini 14 I just bought from a great deal I got a few weeks ago, wish it came in the 7.62x39 caliber like this sks.
From what I read and heard from some were the Russian 7.62x39 and the German 9mm are the 2 top and most popular gun calibers in the world.
I own about 30 some guns. Don't think I have a gun collection like well noted people like USOG or Charleston Heston, or Ted Nugent etc...has, but I do have a great gun collection, compared to most people out there do.
There is just like about 4 or 5 more guns I just like to add to my gun collection. The Russian sks or ak-47 and a over and under shotgun and 1911 Colt 45 and the 30 carbine and probably an pump Ithaca.
Then after I get these 4 or 5 more guns, then think my days for buying guns will probably be over.
Hope you get a Ruger Mini-30 - one of the most useful semi's out there. Your collection is great - and I don't know all the pieces - but 30 guns is a lot - you can cover just about all types with that number; after that it is just a matter of variations and specific interests. Well done on the collection.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns When I got the mini 14 again wish it was in the 7.62x39 caliber or in the mini 30, so I can hunt wild hogs with it, when I am down south. But the 5.56 mm is ok, cause most of the reason on why I bought it is cause I got it for a steal in price, and I like the style of the mini 14 much better then I do with something like the ar-15 or m-16 styles . Do know 5.56 will kill wild boar, but really not the best caliber for that and deer hunting. And I cannot believe this mini 14 is the very first semi-auto rifle I ever bought in my life. Never bought a semi-auto rifle before cause I was brought up in the old school from my dad and grandpa using only a single shot, lever action, bolt action or a pump action. I am kind of just shocked that no one else jumped on this deal on this mini 14 before I did. Think a big reason on why I got a great deal on it is cause probably in my area most gun people are not to educated about the mini 14 or 30 or other military and police style guns like I am. Their main interest is mostly on the ar-15s or ak-47s, all probably cause the news stations and gun control makes a big deal out of them. Out of all these guns and calibers I own, I can hunt any animal in north America and Canada and probably south America. If I had any interest to hunt like elephants in Africa I would get something like a 375 H&H or this newer 375 Ruger caliber. So my purpose I don't need a caliber like that, cause don't have no plans or interest in hunting in a place like Africa. Growing up my dad really got me into a big interest on military style guns of all kinds.
Your right about that amo. Best way to deal with that is do not buy those Bunnell russisn bullets they are nice have that liquar on after its hot..I buy the stripper clips that come with 10 shells grt like 20 shots for 3.99 but try srr corrosive so make sure to clean after each use
Thanks Andrew.
Everybody should have two SKS's.
Great vid! First firearm I ever purchased. Paid 120.00
That was a very wise first buy! They last forever...just about.
I have a Tula 1952, paid 179 $can and it is a great rifle 😁👌
You bet - a tank for $179 - awesome!
Best gun forever
Sks 😘
Many agree Sitamgar! So tough and reliable.
how about doing a shooting video with some of the cool stuff you have?
I know you're right - I've got to do it. : )
To fix a stuck bolt on an SKS or AK. Place butt of rifle on ground. Place foot above charging handle, and kick down. Fixed.
Thanks David! Right and ready!
The Soviet Red Army had abandoned the sks for reasons of force philosophy not because of potential hazards associated with the non-locking, non-rotating bolt --there are no such problems with the sks.
The Chinese manufactured the same rifle (essentially the same design) and supplied them to their armed forces from 1956 to well into the 1980s and even the 1990s.
Thanks Jeffrey - I learn something new everyday. Another collector sent pics of an SKS with no bayonet, AK mags work, a sporter stock and even a recoil pad - all in factory packaging and unfired. I had no idea such a factory product existed.
You can buy them direct from Chinese suppliers that way.... assuming you live in Canada. Of course we can’t get AK’s here so there’s that. ☹️
VT Concerned Citizen. Prolly just got an un issued one ..vietnam ended in 75...for most guys
they are plentiful in canada, only thing bad about the gun is both the stock and the gas tube are basically only clamped on the receiver. so when the gun gets hot they become loose and accuracy suffers dramatically.
Very good point Alex. I hope people read your post.
SKS is one of the best Military rifles EVER produced.
I should have said that : )
I have one. A really good "battle rifle." My favorite 7.62x39 self loader is a Ruger Mini-30. It would be my choice if I had to go to war with my own rifle. Well actually that is only partially true. If James River Armory chambered their really excellent M1A in 260 Rem I would have the perfect "battle rifle." Still the James River M1A in 7.62x51 is a superior M-14 style rifle. The 260 Rem(6.5x51) is much softer shooting while being ballistically superior to the 7.62x51. Much higher sectional density and ballistic coefficient. I am a big fan of 6.5mm bullets. It began with the 6.5x56 SE all the way through the 260 Rem and now the 6.5 Grendel. I have rifles chambered in all three. My 260 Rem Sako 85 FS is probably my favorite. I do wish that Sako would build a Finnwolf in 260 Rem. I have one in .308. I bought it in 1969 when I was 20 years old. It is a spectacular lever action rifle.
@@dannysmith634 I have a couple of excellent Carl Gustav 96 Mausers in 6.5x55 and a Husqvarna 6.5x55. All are excellent shooters. 6.5x55 SE is one of favorite calibers. I really like the 6.5 Grenel. I think "long & skinny" bullets over "short & fat" bullets. Better sectional density and way better ballistic coefficient.
There are scores of SKS's here in Canada and the Russian and Yugoslavian are favorites.The Chinese ones are more accurate, and the early Chinese-Russian ones are the best to find, besides the rare 1945 Russian model.Still cheap Russian ones to be had, but prices are going up.Favorite gun for Canadian natives as they are cheap and take down deer and bear.
Great post - I hope people read your observations - the note on the accuracy of the Chinese ones is very interesting.
Год назад купил СКС, насмотревшись американских и канадских виде облогеров, расхваливающих это оружие. Здесь в России СКС далеко не так популярно, как в США и Канаде. Покупают его только ценители исторического прошлого, а таких среди владельцев оружия здесь не много. Поэтому СКС в России не пользуется спросом, стоит около $250. Мне досталось изделие Тульского арсенала 1952 года в идеальном состоянии.
I have a SKSS It's a norianko..Chinese Paratrooper model.
I had a couple I think were made in China. Seems you could pick them up for around $75.00-$100.00 back then. I sold them years ago. Kids here like to use them to hunt coyotes and prairie dogs.
They are so rugged and one never feels bad using them as guns ought to be used. I like them a lot!
The SKS was obsolescent almost immediately after the AK was adopted and that's actually why it was so popular. Russia gave the tooling and design to some countries for free.
Makes sense - what a great design though
USOG Yeah, surprising great outdoor\all around rifle too for the civilian market. I think it’s 50 state legal as well. The design definitely stands out when modernized versions still show up in video games and movies after 73 years.
They not only gave the tooling to China..they also gave them the master gunsmiths to show them how to build them
Oh we'll be able and will have them, we are the people that the founders mention in our Constitution, the ones with the okày to defend ourselves against enemies foreign or and Domestic never forget we are many and do not like change.
I wish I'd bought a crate of those when they were selling for $80 bucks a copy.
Me too Patrick. I missed the forest for the trees. Oh well - there's probably another forest right now - and I'm missing it. : )
Wow ... 80 dollars ! There were 3 recently made it to a specialty gun shop recently . They were yugo versions in almost new condition . There was about 15 calls( or emails) on them in a matter of minutes . At 500.00 dollars
Can you tell me the title of that NRA published book? Thanks
Hello : The NRA Guide to Firearms Assembly
USOG Thank You! Just ordered it.
Simonov did not invent the tilting bolt system. It has been used years before the SKS, most famously in the Stg44.
Thanks for the correction! All the best.
You gotta clean em well after storage with cosmoline. They are not clean from the factory.
Good thing to note - thanks for sending.
Arctic birchwood. Thats that.
Great vid. His name is pronounced as "See-menov" not "SIMONov"
Spasiba!
You're absolutely right on the laqure
If you have an interest in or are planning on buying an SKS the TIME IS NOW. Cheap SKS rifles are drying up and fast..
All good things come to an end. Thanks for the heads up.
Excellent rifles for sure and glad they are not on Justins list….
Amazing is right. In my opinion, I think it is the finest battle rifle ever produced. I would choose the SKS any day of the week and twice on Sunday over any AR platform.
May I ask why . I am the proud new owner of the nicest yugo version I have ever seen in person . I am finally able to take it to the range tomorrow . And my a.k. and Ar friends were laughing at my choice . I bought it because it was in my price range and a A.R. is not .
@@papimiami1938
Well, I've found that the 7.62x39 is a hard hitting round with excellent penetration through body armor and steel and rounds are still plentiful. Secondly, the accuracy from the Yugoslavian version is superb with iron sights out to 300-500 meters. Additionally, the ease of maintenance, breakdown, ease of cleaning and availability of replacement parts, which are interchangeable are all positives.
It is not a finicky rifle in that dust, dirt and grime can be present and it will still function with rarely a hickup.
@@nojustno1216 that is awesome! I'm glad a made a good choice . Covid has been hard on my industry and am being frugal . Plus I can get 7.62 and I have not seen 5.56 in quite awhile . Thanks for the response !
@@papimiami1938
You are very welcome. You definitely made a good choice and I'm sure that you'll grow very attached to yours. Just remember to clean your gas valve after extensive shooting and you'll not have any problems with your rifle.
I forgot to mention that I don't like the AR platform for one main reason-during my time in the Army, my M4 wasn't very tolerant of sand and required constant cleaning for proper function. It's just inherent to the design because of tight component tolerances. If I had an SKS, that would not have been a concern. 👍
Some years ago, the SKS was junk. Now it is Amazing. Like the Trabant, it was a junk car, now is a cool funny car.
Nyet, rifle was never junk!
member 4 life!!!
charles jenkins
Join GOA too ;)
I collect many different makers W&C Scott and Son is one of my favorites would appreciate your thoughts on that English side by side
Thanks
I have a Romanian SKS made in 1960 in mint condition
Hi Francis - not easy to find - glad you have one.
How do you afford all these guns? Do you own a museum?
Good question - some I had, some I buy, some I sell...wish I had a museum but it is all a lot simpler than it may appear.
I think you pointed too far forward for the receiver locking lug is behind the mag you can see the wear marks no biggy . P.s in Alaska Ive seen ak-47s fail at -40 and never seen 1 that would shoot in cold weather in fact ive never seen 1 work it was always cold.But the sks will shoot every time Ive seen them as a solid block of ice you chip the trigger out and shoot a ice rifle and the Ak47 was in a case no snow on it still wont shoot. I used to have an norinco sks got it for 125$ wish i didn't get rid of it I THINK WHAT MAKES A GOOD GUN IS 1 THAT GOES BANG NOT 1 THAT LOOKS LIKE A STARWARS GUN OR IS SO SHINNY YOU CAN PUT WEATHERBY ON IT
Thanks Mike - I'm sure you're right - I should update the video. I like your definition of what makes a good gun!
شلون احصل وحده مثلها بلعراق
بارك الله فيك
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns أريد اشتتري مثلها عدكم فرح بلعراق تكدر توديلي
I need magazine for sks gun 30 to 40 round
Hi Kamran - I'm not sure where to get those. I think Magpul or a company like that makes a polymer removable magazine kit. Sorry I don't know more.
I m living in UAE but I m from Pakistan if possible any where you send me
rotating bolt does not help breaking the casing free.
sks was never made in Poland unfortunately- it would have been the ultimate one...
It's not too late : )
that means that the official blueprints, machinery and procedures were never shared with Radom factory so they would have to reinvent and backengineer. that is just not going to happen. They are cranking out msbs grot and the beryls now.
They were made in East Germany
This guy has an idea but he doesn’t really know . If you have the right knowledge and the right tools for the weapon it’s a wonderful thing . Sight adjustment tool , and broken shell extractor if you can find these tools this rifle will run like a sewing machine and an you won’t have any problems with out them your dead in the water .
Hi Robert , Thanks for the note. I picked up a couple more of these SKSs over the past year or two. One fellow put an expensive polymer stock on and all kinds of features and then put it up for sale. I bought it. I'll have to study what all he put on that rifle. Anyway, you're right - after the many years I've owned various SKSs - the most important thing I learned about them is they work very well. The action is simple - as you know. All the best.
the Russian model is harder to find, they were used at the battle of berlin in a limited number, became a postwar gun. the gun is reliable & tough shoots about any brand of ammo. but the prices have really gone up.
I didn't know about their use in that battle - thanks. They are great guns.
They were Cold War rifles.
Baloney, the rifle was produced after WWII
Yup after wwll..and used in Vietnam and still used today
There is some talk that they were used in the later parts of the war in 1945, no confirmation though. I suppose it could be possible.
I have an extra cleaning rod i could mail you..
Thanks Salish Wolf : )
Bayonet missing ?
Hi Jay - I think so - I can't remember exactly what happened with this rifle - I think a fellow bought it from me.
Hi I watched many of yours videos,and about SKS is it possible to ask you if you could get me extractor bolt spring.I need it to replace it. Here is my email if you have any idea how to or where to get it from.
Buddy, you have no clue about so called “eastern block” nowadays. Hear that : they still build that! Ha Ha Ha!
Thanks Teodor. So true - one can only go by what what reads and hears. My favorite was a sincere fellow who had been told the Garand was used only by France. Anyway, thanks again for writing.
sks is still made today by the Molot factory in Vyatskie Polyany, Russia. check their website at molot.biz/catalog/nareznoe/karabin_op_sks_k_7_62kh39/
amlite thanks for posting that link. I'm in love with the looks of the new sks I wish I could get my hands on one of those stocks.
They will not pass the mud test etc because of two many open spaces same for the AK that lets in all the crap.The M-4 will pass this test with 100% reliability so will the 95 Winchester because they are sealed up from the elements .See for yourself on In Range TV where they put them to the test.M-14 M-1 Garand failed miserably.
Thanks Albert! I'll have a look! Makes sense.
Russia, China, Albania, Yugoslavia, Romania
Such an excellent design they can be made just about anywhere and remain superb.
i will take my sk over my ar's or ak has never jammed or failed to fire EVER
Most people agree - the SKS is unstoppable.
Life goes easier with an SKS if you forget about optics and extended magazines and just shoot the rifle the way it was intended with iron sights and the 10 round box magazine.
@@scdevon i put a good fold-able on mine with a 25 round mag hasnt missed a lick
I thought the SKS came from China ?
Hi Mike - Quite a few made in China but the SKS is a Soviet product ; AKs as well as many other firearms. Here is more info. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKS