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The Range
Military Surplus
SKS Question
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<blockquote data-quote="MP43" data-source="post: 2524763" data-attributes="member: 1631"><p>Matching numbers indicates that the rifle is still in its original configuration with the same parts it left the factory with. Non-matching means that someone, maybe a military arsenal, maybe Bubba, assembled a pile of mis-matched parts into something that looks like an SKS, but may or may not function as intended. SKSes are actually pretty forgiving of this sort of thing, as they were designed with relatively loose tolerances from the start. So its not as big of a deal as it is for more precision-made weapons like Lugers and broomhandle Mausers. But its still a factor, and prices reflect this. Of course, which parts are mis-matched is important also. A non-matching triggerguard or buttplate isn't likely to impact reliability or accuracy, so shouldn't be much of a factor if you're looking for a shooter. A mis-matched bolt assembly, on the other hand, requires more caution. </p><p>Also be aware that some guns may be advertised as matching numbers based on electro-penciled numbers that were added after the rifle left the factory. "Force-matching" parts with an electro-pencil is a common technique at Eastern Block arsenals. From a collector standpoint, only factory stamped-in markings count toward "matching numbers."</p><p></p><p>A variant to look for, if collectability is a factor, is the Albanian SKS. They weren't produced in large numbers and only a couple thousand were imported into the US. Its been reported that those remaining in Albania were destroyed by the UN, so there won't be any more coming. Right now they're priced about the same as a nice Russian SKS, but are much, much rarer. I believe that the price differential will increase as more people view the SKS as a collectable and start looking for pieces to fill out their displays. Albanian SKSes have several unique features, with an AK47-style bolt lever, longer handguard, and buttplate with two trapdoors being the most obvious. </p><p>Romanian SKSes are another semi-rare variant that will likely continue to increase in value. Romanians tend not to be as pretty as Russian rifles, but are generally just as well made and accurate. </p><p>As for Yugos, there are two main variants, the M59 and M59/66. The M59/66 has permanently affixed grenade-launcher hardware, the M59 does not. Right now, prices are similar between the two. However, the M59s are far more rare, as most went through arsenal refurbishment at some point, and were rebuilt in the newer configuration. </p><p>Aside from the rifles themselves, each country tended to have its own variants of sling, ammo pouches, cleaning kits and so forth. Many of these pieces have become somewhat collectable in their own right, and a rifle outfitted with correct accessories will bring a premium, sometimes a significant one, over a bare rifle or one with some generic items. </p><p>Anyway, whatever you get, they're fun to shoot, relatively accurate for a service-grade weapon, and ammo is abundant. Everybody should have at least one!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="MP43, post: 2524763, member: 1631"] Matching numbers indicates that the rifle is still in its original configuration with the same parts it left the factory with. Non-matching means that someone, maybe a military arsenal, maybe Bubba, assembled a pile of mis-matched parts into something that looks like an SKS, but may or may not function as intended. SKSes are actually pretty forgiving of this sort of thing, as they were designed with relatively loose tolerances from the start. So its not as big of a deal as it is for more precision-made weapons like Lugers and broomhandle Mausers. But its still a factor, and prices reflect this. Of course, which parts are mis-matched is important also. A non-matching triggerguard or buttplate isn't likely to impact reliability or accuracy, so shouldn't be much of a factor if you're looking for a shooter. A mis-matched bolt assembly, on the other hand, requires more caution. Also be aware that some guns may be advertised as matching numbers based on electro-penciled numbers that were added after the rifle left the factory. "Force-matching" parts with an electro-pencil is a common technique at Eastern Block arsenals. From a collector standpoint, only factory stamped-in markings count toward "matching numbers." A variant to look for, if collectability is a factor, is the Albanian SKS. They weren't produced in large numbers and only a couple thousand were imported into the US. Its been reported that those remaining in Albania were destroyed by the UN, so there won't be any more coming. Right now they're priced about the same as a nice Russian SKS, but are much, much rarer. I believe that the price differential will increase as more people view the SKS as a collectable and start looking for pieces to fill out their displays. Albanian SKSes have several unique features, with an AK47-style bolt lever, longer handguard, and buttplate with two trapdoors being the most obvious. Romanian SKSes are another semi-rare variant that will likely continue to increase in value. Romanians tend not to be as pretty as Russian rifles, but are generally just as well made and accurate. As for Yugos, there are two main variants, the M59 and M59/66. The M59/66 has permanently affixed grenade-launcher hardware, the M59 does not. Right now, prices are similar between the two. However, the M59s are far more rare, as most went through arsenal refurbishment at some point, and were rebuilt in the newer configuration. Aside from the rifles themselves, each country tended to have its own variants of sling, ammo pouches, cleaning kits and so forth. Many of these pieces have become somewhat collectable in their own right, and a rifle outfitted with correct accessories will bring a premium, sometimes a significant one, over a bare rifle or one with some generic items. Anyway, whatever you get, they're fun to shoot, relatively accurate for a service-grade weapon, and ammo is abundant. Everybody should have at least one! [/QUOTE]
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