[groundbound99]

this weekend is our local show in pennsdale and ive decided to buy a sks.... now what should i look for ? been thinkin about a yugo 59/66 with the grenade launcher any help would be appreciated ya can email me at [email protected]

 

[ij70]

Yugo is your best bet. Chinese are also somewhat common. Soviet, Albanian and Romanian are rare.

 

[leadpusher]

a M59/66 would be a great choice at this time. there will be no more imported so the prices will continue to rise on these. check the bore and gas valve. I assume that is pennsdale pa? if so you should be able to find a nice one for $200 or less, and a shooter (well used/dark bore/bad gas valve)for $125-$150

 

[groundbound99]

i dont know anything about sks's on the gas valve what am i lookin for forgive my noobish questions hahaha

 

[AKBLUE]

As a first time purchase I would recommend a Chinese SKS. They have a goods balance and are 100% reliable. Available at any Gun Show or retail outlet.
A Yugo 59/66 is a fine rifle but the gas system can be problematic. For a first time purchase I would not recommemd a Yugo based on potential problems in this area. Unless you get an unissued type rifle. These can be a bit pricey.

In either case I would recommend a rifle that is in original condition and free from plastic stocks, muzzle attachments and other add-on furniture. You can do other things later if you wish.

 

[K.O.Savatte]

The gas valve. It is located directly in front of your rear sight, there is a lever on the right side of the sight that you will flip up to free the gas valve assembly. Pull back and up on the gas valve to remove. You will want to inspect bot ends of this tube for corrosion and if you theres nothing that you immediately notice to be unusual about the tube it should be ok. And of course inspect the bore. I would go with a Yugo!

 

[mriddick]

The gas valve. It is located directly in front of your rear sight, there is a lever on the right side of the sight that you will flip up to free the gas valve assembly. Pull back and up on the gas valve to remove. You will want to inspect bot ends of this tube for corrosion and if you theres nothing that you immediately notice to be unusual about the tube it should be ok. And of course inspect the bore. I would go with a Yugo!

On a yugo the valve is on the gas block up front of the gas tube.

 

[micmacman]

i agree with Chinese,much better than the bulky,clumsy 59/66 and they are still under rated at the shows and can be had for $200 and under,the last two i got were for $185,one a 6666 code,and another that has all of the ear marks of a Vet BB

 

[El Karang]

On a yugo the valve is on the gas block up front of the gas tube.

Glad you clarified that.Seems like a lot of people confuse the the operating rod as some kind of gas channeling device when it is impact driven by the longer rod-the gas piston.The Yugo gas valve just allows for the gas to be shut off for launching grenades.
I think a Chinese SKS is a great first SKS to get.Chinese are no longer plentiful in my area but I am glad to hear they are plentiful and more reasonably priced in others.
Yugo 59/66s are slightly longer and are great for taller folk but if you are planning to put more modern furniture on your SKS it shouldn't matter.They seem to be heavier than the Chinese-but if you go to a gunshow you can usually find an assortment to choose from.

 

[falm16]

yep, chinese for the 1st one.

 

[Bucko]

If you are planning to one day have both I would look for a 59/66 in good condition since they are fewer in numbers. The Chinese have been around here for quite a while and are still reasonably priced. The 59/66's will soon be going the way of the Russian and romanian sks in price.

 

[wintermute]

Recent show I was at, saw an unissued, pristine chinese for $250...would've loved to had the cash on me.

 

[Farmall]

The 59/66 is alright. I have two, but am really annoyed by the grenade launcher.

Yugo 59 if you can find one under $250 is good!

I'd look for a good condition Chinese for under $250 if possible too. They're hard to beat.