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I saw an ad for a North Vietnamese SKS. Asking price was $4,500. Is this a good price?
Going price for a North Vietnamese SKS
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Unless it has papers its too much in my mind. How much do you want it? How long you gonna keep it? You hold onto it like a retirement investment it will definitely exceed that price over time. But if you post more info and pics theres guys on this forum that have alot of knowledge
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They’ve gone up and exceeded 2K a couple of years ago. I haven’t followed prices closely since I filled that slot three years ago but I’d be surprised if the average price was 4.5K. I’d guess 3K would be fair for a decent condition unpapered example. I wouldn’t bat an eyelash at 4.5K if it had genuine papers.
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I think the one you’re referring to was a factory 26 Chinese SKS. North Vietnam manufacture is much rarer.
I have no clue what the rifle would be worth. I do know that I would never put that much money into it.
Not speaking to the specific rifle, but any rifle without papers it is just another rifle with a legend. The question is, "Is the legend worth $4,000.00?" I have a type 53 that is almost certainly a "bring-back" but the lack of provenance makes it just another ratty type 53.
Not speaking to the specific rifle, but any rifle without papers it is just another rifle with a legend. The question is, "Is the legend worth $4,000.00?" I have a type 53 that is almost certainly a "bring-back" but the lack of provenance makes it just another ratty type 53.
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Right. We've all heard the collectors' saying, "Buy the gun, not the story," and without papers it's just a story. Still, a genuine NV sks would be way cool.
When I had my first SKS collection back in the '80s, found a NVA at a collector show. If memory serves, it was matched with nice bluing, but was missing the bayonet assembly and cleaning rod. I was unsure about the stock for some reason as well. Price was $200. and I offered $180, in the absence of the bayonet/rod. Seller was unwilling to negotiate so I walked. By today's standards I would be considered a fool. However, if you were collecting during those times, you would likely see things a bit differently. I know a guy whom has a NVA and though not having seen it, would not be surprised if it ends up being the same rifle, since he often attended the same show circuit as I did (he is not a dedicated SKS guy, either.). As for today's prices, as stated they can fluctuate wildly on one of these rifles. It is last of the "trinity" SKS I need, but one (if they stay in the game long enough) eventually gets to the point perhaps it doesn't really matter any more, one way or the other...
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Papers should have little to no bearing on the price of an NV sks carbine. The carbine itself is all the documentation / provenance needed.
As for price-- the sks market is bonkers of late. $4500 is well over what a NV sks was selling for just 2-3 years ago. But heavy Soviet refurbs are regularly selling for more than double what they were worth 2-3 years ago too.
If it's not an auction, you can always make a low offer and see how far the seller will come down.
Find similar rifles that sold for less within the last year, and show the seller where you think the fair market value is.
Having said that, NVA carbines are very uncommon to see in the wild, let alone having an opportunity to add one to a collection. If the rifle speaks to you, it may be worth it.
As for price-- the sks market is bonkers of late. $4500 is well over what a NV sks was selling for just 2-3 years ago. But heavy Soviet refurbs are regularly selling for more than double what they were worth 2-3 years ago too.
If it's not an auction, you can always make a low offer and see how far the seller will come down.
Find similar rifles that sold for less within the last year, and show the seller where you think the fair market value is.
Having said that, NVA carbines are very uncommon to see in the wild, let alone having an opportunity to add one to a collection. If the rifle speaks to you, it may be worth it.
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In my opinion many collectors put entirely too much emphasis on the necessity of “papers” while denigrating the existence of other tangible and intangible evidence that support the characterization of a particular piece as a bringback.
Ironically longtime collectors, who own papered firearms, are routinely schooled by those who don’t own such guns (and who have never so much as held a set of trophy papers in their hands) that the ironclad rule that “no papers, not a bringback” is the ne plus ultra determination.
Ironically longtime collectors, who own papered firearms, are routinely schooled by those who don’t own such guns (and who have never so much as held a set of trophy papers in their hands) that the ironclad rule that “no papers, not a bringback” is the ne plus ultra determination.
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957 Posts
Its value on any given day is what someone is willing to pay for it, in the market today, I don't think that price is out of line if someone wants it.
Younze can all cry your coulda, woulda, shoulda about back in the day, but its a bit late now to complain.
Younze can all cry your coulda, woulda, shoulda about back in the day, but its a bit late now to complain.
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3,415 Posts
I would say beat the bushes and see what is out there..... Its a sub Niche item.....
Many guys are looking for One for their collection but reluctant to pay up......
Many guys are looking for One for their collection but reluctant to pay up......
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@OP - If you're not interested in the listing - Would you mind letting me know where it's at please -
Thank you -
Thank you -
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