[Raiderhater]

Originally Posted by trndobrd

The Russian SKSes were primarily manufactured in the Tusla factory. Oftentimes these were exported to other easternblock countries. Many "Romainian" SKSes were originally manufactured in the Russian factory. I don't know if Yugoslavia imported them from Russia or manufactured locally. Check the rifle markings online if you are curious.

Chineese SKS manufacture varies widely. Some rifles are fine, some are absolute crap. Most lack chromed chambers, have pinned barrels instead of screwed, and everything but the bold is stamped instead of machined.

I have a Russian SKS and have been very satisfied. The 7.62x39 is an exceptionally versatile round. The price you quoted is a little high, some of that depends on the quality of the rifle (new out of the box vs. beat to hell) and the completeness of components (bayonet, cleaning kit, etc.). You should still be able to find a brand new out of the box European SKS for under $200.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't looking to pick one up (right now anyway) I just saw these and thought if they were a good buy I would go ahead and get one. I really haven't been following the rifle market, my focus up to this point has been on hand guns.