I've decided I'm in the market for an SKS...

Two people local to me have them for sale - one wants
$450 FIRM - the other $450 OBO - and has already said
he'd take $400 cash.

Right now Classic Firearms has them on sale for $299.
Shipping and tax is another $60, roughly, plus I'd have
to pay a local FFL and the TICS fee, so it would be
pushing $400 anyway.

The ones from Classic are Chi-Com surplus, with
bayonets, and are COATED in - oh me the name is
escaping me - the 'line' stuff that they protect
that stuff with. They are also true surplus, so
they will have 'wear and tear,' which actually
intrigues me!

So - any thoughts on this? Any advice?





... We should back the Metric System every inch of the way.
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org

Re: Re: SKS
By: Grease to JIMMY ANDERSON on Tue Apr 28 2020 08:42 am

> On 04-18-20 01:05, JIMMY ANDERSON mumbled to ALL about SKS.
>
>
> JA> I've decided I'm in the market for an SKS...
>
> JA> Two people local to me have them for sale - one wants
> JA> $450 FIRM - the other $450 OBO - and has already said
> JA> he'd take $400 cash.
>
> Wow! I bought two in the early 90's for about $85 each. Nice rifles.
>
> JA> Right now Classic Firearms has them on sale for $299.
> JA> Shipping and tax is another $60, roughly, plus I'd have
> JA> to pay a local FFL and the TICS fee, so it would be
> JA> pushing $400 anyway.
>
> Would have to see what condition. Sometimes the "previos owner" ones
> are sometimes in better shape than the import ones.
>
>
> JA> The ones from Classic are Chi-Com surplus, with
> JA> bayonets, and are COATED in - oh me the name is
> JA> escaping me - the 'line' stuff that they protect
> JA> that stuff with. They are also true surplus, so
> JA> they will have 'wear and tear,' which actually
> JA> intrigues me!
>
> Cosmoline. Cleaning that stuff off of a rifle will teach you excellent
> gun cleaning skills. But once it's gone, you'll know it's clean.
>
>
>
> JA> So - any thoughts on this? Any advice?
>
>
> Are you wanting to update stocks? Add-ons? Or just keep it stock and just
> shoot? They are very accurate to about 200 meters with standard sights
> once you get it locked in. Watched a pro in a youtube vid pick one up and
> hit at 400. And that was 1 out of 5. It was a good grouping though, just
> to the left of the target.
>
>
> Grease
> Dark Matter BBS
>
> QWK: DoveNet, fsxNet, SFNet, SciNet
> FTN: AgoraNet (46:10/135), Fidonet (1:106/101), TQWNet (1337:3/120)

A couple of years ago some real rough grade SKS' came on the market. They
looked well worn and the stocks had minor cracks while others looked
horrible. Whatever type of bluing/ parkerizing was also worn to bare metal.
IIRC they were selling for $299.i would've spent a little more for a Yugo -
Zastava SKS with the gas cutoff and grenade sight. I have a Russian SKS made
in the early 1950's and a Chinese "paratrooper" model that takes AK mags.
The 1990's AWB compliant "thumbole" stocks. Looked like a 5th grade woodshop
project made from recycled plywood. The cosmoline it was packed in made the
finish soft and tacky until it finally cured by laying it in the sun for a
day to cook out the cosmoline.

---
þ Synchronet þ The Cave BBS - Since 1992 - cavebbs.homeip.net

-=> GREASE wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

JA> I've decided I'm in the market for an SKS...

Hey - thx Grease for the reply! Havne't been able to
get back into the BBS to read/reply til now...

JA> Two people local to me have them for sale - one wants
JA> $450 FIRM - the other $450 OBO - and has already said
JA> he'd take $400 cash.

GR> Wow! I bought two in the early 90's for about $85 each. Nice rifles.

Yeah - LOL - even a few years ago I think you could buy them
for aobut $200...

JA> Right now Classic Firearms has them on sale for $299.
JA> Shipping and tax is another $60, roughly, plus I'd have
JA> to pay a local FFL and the TICS fee, so it would be
JA> pushing $400 anyway.

GR> Would have to see what condition. Sometimes the "previos owner" ones
GR> are sometimes in better shape than the import ones.

No doubt, but I love the idea of getting a surplus one that no
one has shot in twenty years and having some 'character' to it...

JA> The ones from Classic are Chi-Com surplus, with
JA> bayonets, and are COATED in - oh me the name is
JA> escaping me - the 'line' stuff that they protect
JA> that stuff with. They are also true surplus, so
JA> they will have 'wear and tear,' which actually
JA> intrigues me!

GR> Cosmoline. Cleaning that stuff off of a rifle will teach you excellent
GR> gun cleaning skills. But once it's gone, you'll know it's clean.

Yes! That's it! LOL I watched a couple of videos on cleaning it and
thought that's a great little exercise to break it down and learn the
ins and outs (no pun intended) of the rifle. I haven't broken down my
S&W M&P Shield .40 all the way to 'parts,' but other guns I've owned I
have just to learn how they tick...

JA> So - any thoughts on this? Any advice?

GR> Are you wanting to update stocks? Add-ons? Or just keep it stock and
GR> just shoot?

I love the idea of having a late 60's Chi-Com surplus gun (whether I get
it packed in cosmoline or not - LOL) with original wooden stocks, etc. My
wife had an SKS and gave it to our youngest son, and he's been modding
it. That's one of the things that made me get interested in having one again...
She has an AR-15 rifle and now an AR-15 pistol, and they are fun, but I like
the 'historical' side of the SKS...

GR> They are very accurate to about 200 meters with standard
GR> sights once you get it locked in. Watched a pro in a youtube vid pick
GR> one up and hit at 400. And that was 1 out of 5. It was a good grouping
GR> though, just to the left of the target.

Yeah this one our son has now, when we had it, was very fun to shoot!


GR> QWK: DoveNet, fsxNet, SFNet, SciNet
GR> FTN: AgoraNet (46:10/135), Fidonet (1:106/101), TQWNet (1337:3/120)
GR> --- MultiMail/Win v0.52
GR> = Synchronet = Dark Matter BBS. darkmatt.synchro.net. Howdy from
GR> Texas!

... Taglines temporarily out of order. Please use your imagination...
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org

-=> MOONDOG wrote to GREASE <=-

MO> A couple of years ago some real rough grade SKS' came on the market.
MO> They looked well worn and the stocks had minor cracks while others
MO> looked horrible. Whatever type of bluing/ parkerizing was also worn to
MO> bare metal. IIRC they were selling for $299.

Could be this same batch...

I'm not as concernrd about the looks - I like the idea of the history
and the character.

MO> i would've spent a little
MO> more for a Yugo - Zastava SKS with the gas cutoff and grenade sight. I
MO> have a Russian SKS made in the early 1950's and a Chinese "paratrooper"
MO> model that takes AK mags. The 1990's AWB compliant "thumbole" stocks.
MO> Looked like a 5th grade woodshop project made from recycled plywood.
MO> The cosmoline it was packed in made the finish soft and tacky until it
MO> finally cured by laying it in the sun for a day to cook out the
MO> cosmoline.




... Velcro - what a rip off!!!
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org

Re: Re: SKS
By: JIMMY ANDERSON to MOONDOG on Sat May 16 2020 04:00 am

> -=> MOONDOG wrote to GREASE <=-
>
> MO> A couple of years ago some real rough grade SKS' came on the market.
> MO> They looked well worn and the stocks had minor cracks while others
> MO> looked horrible. Whatever type of bluing/ parkerizing was also worn to
> MO> bare metal. IIRC they were selling for $299.
>
> Could be this same batch...
>
> I'm not as concernrd about the looks - I like the idea of the history
> and the character.
>
> MO> i would've spent a little
> MO> more for a Yugo - Zastava SKS with the gas cutoff and grenade sight. I
> MO> have a Russian SKS made in the early 1950's and a Chinese "paratrooper"
> MO> model that takes AK mags. The 1990's AWB compliant "thumbole" stocks.
> MO> Looked like a 5th grade woodshop project made from recycled plywood.
> MO> The cosmoline it was packed in made the finish soft and tacky until it
> MO> finally cured by laying it in the sun for a day to cook out the
> MO> cosmoline.
>
>
>
>
> ... Velcro - what a rip off!!!

My concern over the very worn rifles is whether it's only external wear or if
there's serious internal wear. In the 1990's there were warnings about SKS's
coming in the country with firing pin spring (or something like that)
missing, and cautioned that you should load two rounds the first time you
fire it to verify it doesn't slam fire when the bolt closes.

My brother collects Mausers, and he received one that appeared to be
transitional between the WWI pattern and WWII K98 model. The firing pin
would stick on occasion, so pulling the trigger would either result in a hang
fire or may not fire at all. We stripped the bolt down and cleaned it
thoroughly, however my guess was parts either need to be further fitted, or
replaced completely. In the past, any gunsmith worth a hoot would have a cox
of spare bolt parts, or knew how to machine and polish parts. Nowadays, most
will do the same thing a customer could do and take a chance on getting parts
from Gun Parts Corp.

---
þ Synchronet þ The Cave BBS - Since 1992 - cavebbs.homeip.net

-=> MOONDOG wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

MO> My concern over the very worn rifles is whether it's only external wear
MO> or if there's serious internal wear. In the 1990's there were warnings
MO> about SKS's coming in the country with firing pin spring (or something
MO> like that) missing, and cautioned that you should load two rounds the
MO> first time you fire it to verify it doesn't slam fire when the bolt
MO> closes.

Yeah I would probably break it down before I shot it, just because I'm
interested.

I just ordered a part for my wife's newest gun - a SUB 2000. I'm getting
her a two finger charging handle and while I was there - mcarbo.com - I
was watcing the video on their 'trigger kit' and polishing of the various
internal parts for my S&W M&P Shield .40 that is my daily carry. I decided
to get the trigger kit, plus their polishing kit (dremel bits that are
polishing pieces, along with their polishing "goop" that they sell).

I need to polish the feedramp on my Browning SA-22, so again looking
forward to finally getting an SKS and tearing it down!

MO> My brother collects Mausers, and he received one that appeared to be
MO> transitional between the WWI pattern and WWII K98 model. The firing
MO> pin would stick on occasion, so pulling the trigger would either result
MO> in a hang fire or may not fire at all. We stripped the bolt down and
MO> cleaned it thoroughly, however my guess was parts either need to be
MO> further fitted, or replaced completely. In the past, any gunsmith
MO> worth a hoot would have a cox of spare bolt parts, or knew how to
MO> machine and polish parts. Nowadays, most will do the same thing a
MO> customer could do and take a chance on getting parts from Gun Parts
MO> Corp.

I'm not scared to do basic cleaning/polishing/replacing of parts... That's
what youtube is for. ;-)




... COMMAND: A suggestion made to a computer.
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org

Re: Re: SKS
By: JIMMY ANDERSON to MOONDOG on Fri May 29 2020 01:52 am

> -=> MOONDOG wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-
>
> MO> My concern over the very worn rifles is whether it's only external wear
> MO> or if there's serious internal wear. In the 1990's there were warnings
> MO> about SKS's coming in the country with firing pin spring (or something
> MO> like that) missing, and cautioned that you should load two rounds the
> MO> first time you fire it to verify it doesn't slam fire when the bolt
> MO> closes.
>
> Yeah I would probably break it down before I shot it, just because I'm
> interested.
>
> I just ordered a part for my wife's newest gun - a SUB 2000. I'm getting
> her a two finger charging handle and while I was there - mcarbo.com - I
> was watcing the video on their 'trigger kit' and polishing of the various
> internal parts for my S&W M&P Shield .40 that is my daily carry. I decided
> to get the trigger kit, plus their polishing kit (dremel bits that are
> polishing pieces, along with their polishing "goop" that they sell).
>
> I need to polish the feedramp on my Browning SA-22, so again looking
> forward to finally getting an SKS and tearing it down!
>
> MO> My brother collects Mausers, and he received one that appeared to be
> MO> transitional between the WWI pattern and WWII K98 model. The firing
> MO> pin would stick on occasion, so pulling the trigger would either result
> MO> in a hang fire or may not fire at all. We stripped the bolt down and
> MO> cleaned it thoroughly, however my guess was parts either need to be
> MO> further fitted, or replaced completely. In the past, any gunsmith
> MO> worth a hoot would have a cox of spare bolt parts, or knew how to
> MO> machine and polish parts. Nowadays, most will do the same thing a
> MO> customer could do and take a chance on getting parts from Gun Parts
> MO> Corp.
>
> I'm not scared to do basic cleaning/polishing/replacing of parts... That's
> what youtube is for. ;-)
>
>
>
>
> ... COMMAND: A suggestion made to a computer.

I also don't mind performing repairs at an armorer's level. Finished parts
or parts that need minor fitting or stoning are way different than using a
lathe or mill to create a prototype part from brass, then repeat the process
with a billet of tool steel and heat treat it. The Midway USA and Brownells
videos on how to convert old large bore rimfires to centerfire and bore out
shot out barrels to install rifled sleeves amazes me. In the old days, a
gunsmith could buy a box of 1000 random sized surplus Enfield bolt faces, and
fix the headspace by digging around and finding one that fits right. Smiths
with big teardown bins of parts recovered from damaged guns are hard to find.

---
þ Synchronet þ The Cave BBS - Since 1992 - cavebbs.homeip.net

-=> MOONDOG wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

> I'm not scared to do basic cleaning/polishing/replacing of parts... That's
> what youtube is for. ;-)

MO> I also don't mind performing repairs at an armorer's level. Finished
MO> parts or parts that need minor fitting or stoning are way different
MO> than using a lathe or mill to create a prototype part from brass, then
MO> repeat the process with a billet of tool steel and heat treat it. The
MO> Midway USA and Brownells videos on how to convert old large bore
MO> rimfires to centerfire and bore out shot out barrels to install rifled
MO> sleeves amazes me. In the old days, a gunsmith could buy a box of 1000
MO> random sized surplus Enfield bolt faces, and fix the headspace by
MO> digging around and finding one that fits right. Smiths with big
MO> teardown bins of parts recovered from damaged guns are hard to find.

I don't know that I've ever met more than one actual gunsmith... I've met
a few that claim to tinker but only one local that actually sounds like he
knows what he's talking about. :-)




... Excuse my driving - I'm trying to reload!
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org

I've decided I'm in the market for an SKS - any thoughts
here?

Classic Firearms tempted me when they showed the big
batch of Chi Com units that have been packed in Cosmoline
for 20+ years! I watched the video where they tore one
down and cleaned it and reassembled it. I loved the
"character marks" on the stocks and such!!!

Anyway, I'd like to get one, but locally when they are
sold they go for abour $400. That's about what I can
get one for from Classic, after paying shipping, a local
FFL to handle it, tax and the $10 TICS fee. If I'm going
to pay that, I'd rather have one no one has done anything
with or to for 20+ years! :-)

I was checking Acadamy and Gander and other site for deals
on ammo and Gander had a 'used guns' section, so I clicked
on it. SKS - Cosmoline - 20+ years - all that, basically
the same thing - $342, plus a $15 'shipping charge' to the
local store. No FFL transfer fee, just tax and the $10
TICS (Tennessee Instant Check System) fee.

Hmm... I really wanted to click it and purchase, but
I didn't... yet... :-) We are in Indy visiting for a few
days, so I thought no need in it just sitting at the local
store, and I might just get lucky and find something
somewhere. :-)

So - any thoughts?




... If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org

Re: SKS
By: JIMMY ANDERSON to ALL on Mon Jun 01 2020 11:39 am

>
> I've decided I'm in the market for an SKS - any thoughts
> here?
>
> Classic Firearms tempted me when they showed the big
> batch of Chi Com units that have been packed in Cosmoline
> for 20+ years! I watched the video where they tore one
> down and cleaned it and reassembled it. I loved the
> "character marks" on the stocks and such!!!
>
> Anyway, I'd like to get one, but locally when they are
> sold they go for abour $400. That's about what I can
> get one for from Classic, after paying shipping, a local
> FFL to handle it, tax and the $10 TICS fee. If I'm going
> to pay that, I'd rather have one no one has done anything
> with or to for 20+ years! :-)
>
> I was checking Acadamy and Gander and other site for deals
> on ammo and Gander had a 'used guns' section, so I clicked
> on it. SKS - Cosmoline - 20+ years - all that, basically
> the same thing - $342, plus a $15 'shipping charge' to the
> local store. No FFL transfer fee, just tax and the $10
> TICS (Tennessee Instant Check System) fee.
>
> Hmm... I really wanted to click it and purchase, but
> I didn't... yet... :-) We are in Indy visiting for a few
> days, so I thought no need in it just sitting at the local
> store, and I might just get lucky and find something
> somewhere. :-)
>
> So - any thoughts?
>
>
>
>
> ... If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.

The Gander Mt deal sounds good. Back in the 90's I bought a Russian SKS for
$125 and my brother bought a Chinese SKS for $89. A year or two later I
picked up an SKS "paratrooper" model that used AK mags fo $139.

---
þ Synchronet þ The Cave BBS - Since 1992 - cavebbs.homeip.net

-=> MOONDOG wrote to JIMMY ANDERSON <=-

> I was checking Acadamy and Gander and other site for deals
> on ammo and Gander had a 'used guns' section, so I clicked
> on it. SKS - Cosmoline - 20+ years - all that, basically
> the same thing - $342, plus a $15 'shipping charge' to the
> local store. No FFL transfer fee, just tax and the $10
> TICS (Tennessee Instant Check System) fee.
>
> Hmm... I really wanted to click it and purchase, but
> I didn't... yet... :-) We are in Indy visiting for a few
> days, so I thought no need in it just sitting at the local
> store, and I might just get lucky and find something
> somewhere. :-)
>

MO> The Gander Mt deal sounds good. Back in the 90's I bought a Russian
MO> SKS for $125 and my brother bought a Chinese SKS for $89. A year or
MO> two later I picked up an SKS "paratrooper" model that used AK mags fo
MO> $139.

Yeah - I know you used to could get them SUPER cheap :-) But I missed
the boat on that years ago! LOL The one our son has was given to my
wife by her uncle several years ago. He had had it a long time, so it
was probably one of the 'cheap' ones. :-)

Thx for the input - read about Empire Arms as well, but still thinking
the Gander deal might be the best one for one that will be 'mine' and
not someone else's for the last 20+ years...





... Heisenberg may have slept here.
--- MultiMail/Mac v0.52
þ wcQWK 8.0 ÷ Omicron Theta * Memphis, TN * winserver.org