I got a "nearly new" Yogoslav SKS a couple of years ago (really cheap) and think it is a very fine rifle, capable of excellent accuracy out to 150 yds or so. With BARNAUL and the bayonett extended off the bench (issue sights @100 yd.) it is consistant and will put all ten shots in a 2" bull. The night sights are quite functional as well. Light, handy, accurate, cheap to shoot, a great combo!

My first one had a bent barrel!!! I couldn't adjust the sights enough to hit the bulls eye at 100 yds, so I traded it in on another and got a Russian with a laminated wood stock. It shoots very well with the reloads I make. I know I'm not really saving anything by reloading, but what the heck.

I had a Chinese SKS in excellent condition. Trigger was an abomination and the stock was made out of a "bed slat" but other than this it was very well made. Overbuilt, really.

I shot it against my Mini 14 Ruger and the SKS was easily TWICE as accurate as the Ruger.

A fool looking for a good SKS found me and offered to trade a Ruger 308 Hvy BBL Varmint rifle in excellent shape. Boy did I snatch up that deal!!!

Not all Chinese SKSs are equal. Early imports were made for use by the PLA. The threaded barrel models made in China from about 1956-1969 were well made and accurate.

The "made for export" Norincos with pinned barrels aren't as well made or accurate.

DaMan

The pinned barrel export models ain't no good, huh?

HAR! I would suggest you take a laxative, but that might be considered a flame.

I have owned at least 20 SKS carbines. I never met an SKS I didn't like and it is a terrible myth that a screwed barrel is superior to the pinned versions. That same BS was circulated for ever about S&W handguns when they dropped the pin from the barrel.

I have 2 Russians and 2 Chinese SKS's at the present and the Chinese pinned barrel will outshoot them all and after at least 10,000 rounds, that barrel hasn't even offered to fall off! All SKS triggers suck and none are pretty to look at, but they are humble and tough, reliable to a fault and a pure joy to own and shoot. I know people who refuse to own a SKS because the VC used them.....that's about as stupid reasoning I ever heard proffered.

Right now, I'd say the $99 beater grade Yugo's represent the best value for an SKS. They were carried a lot more than shot and probably have great barrels.