Back in 1993 me and some buddies were going through the fire department training academy. On one payday we all went to a local gun store and bought a Norinco SKS for $80. I had no idea what I was buying but till this day it has been my most reliable rifle. In fact it was the first gun I ever bought and began my journey of fire arms collecting. Thanks to my buddy Roger Korte for getting us to go and buy one. He’s no longer with us but I will always be grateful to him.
I was having a hard time deciding between a mauser m18 30-06 (expensive) or an SKS (there's an inexpensive good shape one near me) and your comment has helped me decide
+expertizer I can see why. I lived in China for 2 years for my Sophmore and Junior year in uni. People in China loves general mao even tho he slaughtered millions
The land of sako and Tikka and you use an sks as your main hunting rifle? Dont get me wrong, I love sks rifles, just not what I would choose as my go to hunting rifle.
Cole Kramer love all my sks rifles. Had advanced tech stocks, aftermkt mags, in a reddish color cant memer company, 30 rounds. Had mak90, nhm91, saiga ak’s. Like my SKS best
+Terry Dean personally I prefer the mosin idk why I have both there is just something about the mosin but I love the SVT 40 better than both one of my friends has one and I'm so jealous.
The spike bayonet doesn't mean its not a military model and neither does the colour of the stock. The Type 56 is the most inconsistent SKS simply because they produced it for over 20 years in several different factories with several changes to the design from 1956 - 1980. You can see many pictures of Vietnamese troops using spike bayonet Type 56 during the Vietnam war.
Saying spiked bayonets are commercial models is utterly foolish, why would a "commercial model" use a bayonet that clearly intended for causing star shaped wounds which can't be easily sewed.
Funkidyo Not sure. Looks like it was a chinese commercial export, that's about all I know of it. It has some chinese markings on the side of the receiver, but I obviously can't read them. Haha
Funkidyo It's basically exactly like the one in this video, except the hand guard is wood and not bakelite. It's all numbers matching and 100% unfired, so I'm pretty happy with the purchase either way! Gas tube was still full of cosmoline. Looks like whoever bought it initially just wiped it off and put it in a safe or something. Would have been cool to get one of the military ones, though.
300? for an sks? and a chinese one? holy crap. its 200 to 250 for one in Canada and thats only russian surplus, chinese ones arent very common but as much as a mosin.( if you ever see one, ive never seen one in a shop here, only online)
My dad bought two for $50 total back in the ‘90s. When I moved to Alaska from Texas he gave me one. Now I’m back in Texas and told him he can’t have it back!
My very first gun, purchased in 1991. Love this thing, have had it in all kinds of configurations, sitting in an SGWorks bullpup stock now. Thanks for giving the Norinco SKS her due.
+snowpaw360 oh, dang, those were rare. Well, it may assertion user strippers and it is a lot easier to carry those than AK mags. Either way, bad ass rifle.
I have to say, this is one of the best SKS videos ive watched, and I have watched a ton of them. I have seen way to many videos seem to blow out of proportions its limitations/drawbacks. I love this little shooter and grew up with it. I once did a field day with some pals that brought their ARs but had never seen an SKS before (I know, weird). They were having a hell of a time with their rigs, both of the ARs having some mals (they blamed the ammo) not hitting anything cause the optics were off. Then they put that SKS in their hands, with iron sights and a 3rd more bang per round and.... its just a rifle that makes you smile, and I can see that enjoyment in this video.
I wouldn't take his historical info as fact though... Right off the bat he hits us with one I have never heard before,"Military models only had blade bayonets and the spiked ones were all commercial." First of all, even if I didn't know it was wrong, why would COMMERCIAL ONLY import models have bayonets at all? Better yet, why would they ONLY be spike bayonets? Commercially made guns post-1984 didn't ship with bayonets at all, any bayonet is either a military model being sold or an imported added it after it got here. Next he's gonna say "24,000,000 of these were made." Making me roll my eyes. The amount of research he actually put into it is... Disappointing at best.
Im searching for my first gun and this is the one I want to buy but I also know this gun isn’t gonna be my be all and all gun. I hate the guys that have to have an AR cause to me the AR is the LS V8 of the gun world. Everyone loves em cause they can be whatever they want them to be. You wan a scoped plinker rifle long barrel .223/5.56 AR baby. You want a holy shit pants dropping fast drag racing engine thats cheap as a hooker. LS V8 baby. You can make it do whatever you want it to do. I want either an SKS or a Lee Enfield because I want something thats lighter recoil than my dads 30-06. I can put about 20-40 rounds down range and im done, my shoulder is sore and the fun is lost.
@@synshenron798 Just keep in mind before making your decision, that while a Lee Enfield is less powerful than 30-06, it pretty close to matching its ballistics, so its still going to buck. And with the SKS, if you keep it in its wooden furniture, the distance between the butt plate and the dust cover is very short, I used to bop my nose with my thumb when I shot my dads. I put a different stock on the one I own (I know, sacrilegious to some) If a all possible, the heaviest recommendation I can make is to simply find someone with whatever gun your thinking about buying so you can see if you still want it after shooting it.
@@quistan2 Ive been looking but no one I know has any rifles like these. Everyone I know has an AR cause it’s the cats meow. I just want a rifle thats not gonna brutalize my shoulder cause the rifle my dad owns is a Remington 7400 and I can use it but I can only put about 20-40 rounds out before im sore. He on the other hand has shoulders of a linebacker and can take the recoil like a champ. I want a gun that wont brutalize my shoulder but has more bite than my .22. I was thinking a 5.56 bolt action or 7.62x39. I wouldn’t mind putting a bigger stock on the SKS. Id probably end up making a longer wooden one cause I want it to still have the look of an SKS just with wood and not plastic. So if I can make myself a longer wood stock and do some other modifications to it then thats fine with me. About how far are the SKS’ accurate too, and can I mount a scope to it that will keep its 0? I know a lot of people say theres no way but Ive heard a few people say theres a specific way to make it work
@Syn Shenron Old comment I know but: SKSs are accurate to about 300yd, if you get a good-shooting one. Some real gigachads can shoot them out to 550-600 but that isn't typical. Best plug-and-play optic mount I've seen is from Bad Ace Tactical.
Great video! The Norinco SKS was my 1st semi-auto rifle, in a combat/SHTF situation I wouldn't feel out gunned. They are very solid and accurate rifles, I since have found my current SKS (1953 Tula Type 45) and couldn't be happier, it's one of my favorite firearms ever made!
I bought mine in 1988. Still packed in the cosmoline, it was not a reworked or used rifle. It was new and unfired. It has the pike bayonet. It's a great little rifle that has never had a malfunction of any kind.
I love my SKS! I've had it for about 20 years. Every time I think about upgrading anything on it, I don't because I like the original look of this rifle. Great video!
Another great video, thanks for posting. In SKS collector circles, the bakelite handguard variant is known as a "French Tickler". A neat and fairly uncommon variant. I was able to find one recently still in the importer box. There really isn't a better "milsurp" value out there than the SKS. Even at $350 - $400, it is still a good value for what you get: a tough as nails and utterly reliable semi-auto.
It's the best 7.62x39 semi-auto ever made. The SKS was designed as a semi-auto from the start. The AK was designed with auto-fire in mind and loses a lot when used in semi-auto.
not true, a fa weapon is much looser in construction to operate hot and dirty, which is not the way a accurate weapon is built. most fa weapons have a barrel that has been very hot and therefore has a lot of erosion in the throat and that kills accuracy. chrome can only help so long.@@jessesimmons9238
@@Bearclaw_Jake You do not think so why? It has a 30 rd mag,It has a better gas system,its not as heavy as it is sheet metal,less wood are those not improvements?
I had an SKS for years, and always found the stripper clips easy to use. Then I started watching videos on RUclips and seeing all kinds of people just having the hardest time with even 5-round clips... Nice to see that your experience with these 10-round gems was as smooth as mine. I also had no problems hitting watermelon sized targets at 300 yards or so; give me one of these any day.
It was all matching (I bought it in 1991) with original stock, but that was in a bag; it had a muzzle brake added (so the bayonet, although included, was not mounted) and a monte carlo zytel stock. It had been modified so that the 10-round magazine could be removed and replaced with a 5-round magazine (for hunting) and also had a 30-round mag. Also came with a receiver that had a scope mount, although over the years I decided that the scope mount was crap (I didn't have the money for a short scope, and expended cases would hit the side of the scope); but I could shoot that thing with iron sites all day... I sold it to a friend of mine because I ended up in a state with crap gun laws (MD) for work, and it was just sitting in my closet, but he would go places to hunt and would actually get some use out of it. I would definitely buy one of these again; it will easily hit anything out to 300 yards, and if it hits it it will put it down. Although I had the 30 round, and I would load it up and take it out to shoot; usually when it was empty I didn't bother to reload it. The strippers were so easy to use, and taking a look at the target every 10 rounds was more fun than 30... The quality was great. It was very smooth. I put thousands of rounds through mine, and the only malfunctions I had were a couple of stovepipes.
Good to see this workhorse reviewed. Grew up on this rifle and 3oo yards is definately obtainable. The cartridge is well suited. All the AR guys get pretty much butthurt when they can't place groups as well. Keep up the good reviews guys.
sks is amazing, mine went through a fire and burned the stock, grandpa cleaned her up and we got her shooting just as good as she did new, its also a chinese norinco...its an amazing rifle and all numbers matched and we even had the box too
Back in around 2013 I found a factory 26 weapon complete with the logbook from where it had been put into storage for $175. Made in 1967 and as far as I could see it had never been fired outside of factory testing. It was slathered in Cosmoline but once I cleaned it up I found it was quite a beauty. That and my Yugo SKS two of my favorite weapons.
I've had mine for over 20 years. I bought it at a gun show. The best 80 bucks I've ever spent. I've never had a hiccup out of it. Fantastic little rifle.
AWESOMENESS in a gun video! Thank you for the great camera shots. It's cool as hell to be able to track the bullets trajectory to the steel. I have a deep respect and fondness for the sks. It was my first semi auto rifle I purchased at the young age of 18. I unfortunately sold that rifle , but I purchased a norinco sks today. It's in mint condition and I can't wait to shoot her. Great video, god bless, good health to you both!
1978-80 / 23-25MIL RIFLES These rifles represent the last known series of rifles produces at the Jianshe /26\ plant. They retain most of the characteristics as the 14mil series rifles with the exception of the rear sight marking changed from an (n) to a (III), and SOME have the plastic "french tickler" hand-guard. Both wooden and plastic hand-guards have been observed on the 23&24mil carbines.
Glad you mentioned the trigger job 8888. a trigger job(with maybe a spring kit) and the tech-sight peep sights is the only upgrades needed to have a phenonminal platform. that stock makes a worldclass skullcracker too!
My SKS is my home security blanket weapon. I've got AR 15s and M 14s and lever action and bolt rifle operated rifles and all types of shotguns but I just love my SKS.
@Ford Fanatic full automatic rifles are illegal here, they banned "assault style" fire arms. They just made legal gun owners into criminals. Meanwhile the knee-jerk reaction that caused the ban was due to ILLEGAL firearms. So instead of fixing the problem of criminals using illegally acquired guns, they just made millions legal of guns illegal
When Eric shoots, I watch the target to see what's up... When Chad shoots, I watch him to learn. Both are great shots, but Eric really needs to stop buying Chad lunch. lol
I agree. It seems like Chad can let a miss go mentally and quiet all the mind noise... If eric misses it seems like he lets it mind fuck him, and the next few shots he will throw. Could be wrong, just my observation
Actually China, in certain industries, is rapidly catching up to the West when it comes to the quality of their products. For example, in the area of audio electronics, they now make studio microphones that rival some of the best mics condenser and ribbon mics made in the U.S. and Germany.
I just purchased that exact rifle... wood stock with the Chinese jungle stock upper handguard in excellent shape for $400. When they guy first purchased it in 1990 he shot 10 rounds out of it (non-corrosive), cleaned it up and put it back in his safe and never shot it again. I LOVE that rifle, dead nuts accurate and shoots like a dream. I have had mine for about a month and a half and have 600 rounds through it already. I also have a 1990 Norinko Mak90 that I switched the hardware out for some Romanian wood, LOVE that rifle too but I think I have to give the edge to the SKS.
Similar thoughts concerning my MAS 49/56: Extremely reliable direct impingement action, built like it could smash an anvil to pieces, very accurate, insanely low number of parts and simple, great battle sights that are easily fully adjustable, almost the same length as a .30 Carbine so handy as heck, and chambered for a full-power .30 cal round.... And substitute attached bayonet with a grenade launcher sight. One of my favorite SA surplus rifles that is IMO so underrated and under appreciated. Nice video fellas.
In the restricted class, yes. Non restricted... Until that 958 variant comes out, good luck with that. Plus I could buy 5 or 6 SKS rifles for the price of every VZ 58 variant up here.
If you look closely in the right side during the shooting, you can actually track the bullet's vapor trail. Pretty sweet. I have a type 56 that was manufactured in about 1955 judging from the serial numbers, all matching numbers, completely milled, sweet rifle.
Trigger job..You did one on a norinco I sent you just before shot show. You could have waited till you came back but your a man of your word. You did it I got It back and there is NO creep at all, it breaks crisp. Excellent job, price was to rite, and I would send anything I have for you to work on. Thanks for being a professional!!
unvmematt no. you would have to pay extra for the conversion and then pay out ragious prices for 55.6. your not gaining any distance or stopping power.... if any thing your losing some.
Anyone that's bashing the SKS must hate on AK47's as well...they both serve the same purpose, 500yds anyway. Remember, these are SEVENTY year old designs, not post 60's designs (and the AR15 wasn't much better, in its initial iteration...so, don't bother trying to claim it was) If you look up that stats. of the 5.56x45mm vs the 7.62x39mm in the Vietnam war...the latter was MORE deadly for rounds fired...the ratio was something like 50K per kill (5.56) vs 30K per kill (7.62x39) (no idea what the wound rate was). The .30 cal. was intended to KILL people, the .22 cal (yes, a 5.56 is a .22 cal round, deal with it) was intended to wound ONE guy, forcing 2-4 ppl to carry him off the field; and to allow for support fire as more ammo could be carried. Repeated accuracy at 300yds...exactly what it was intended for, stop asking designs to do more then they were intended to do. You don't execpt your car to FLY...or your spouse to suddenly wake up looking like a 'model'...or your muzzle loader to be accurate to 300yds. Keep within the realm of reality people. The SKS is an inexpensive, semi automatic, cheap to feed, FUN rifle to plink with...AND its reliable and accurate enough to save your life, your home and your family...if you have to use it for that. Fact is, you're never 'unarmed' with any firearm...might be UNDER armed, but you got MORE then an arm's reach and more 'power' then most handguns (criminals tend not to break in with rifles...). If all you 'AR' fans wanna spend your >$1000 on ONE rifle, be my guest. You'll have ONE armed person. But the SKS is inexpensive enough to arm EVERY adult in your house (assuming you don't have all the grandparents living with ya). That's enough to have one at each door (front/back) and maybe ONE more up in the second floor window picking off the guys coming up the block. (depending how much you spend on each SKS of course).
Your assessment of the 5.56 NATO round isn't quite complete or correct. It is a myth that the round was designed to maim enemy soldiers. Eugene Stoner and his design team, including ammunition experts, designed the original 55-grain M193 round back in the 1950s as a work-around to the Geneva and Hague Conventions, treaties which prohibit the use of hollow-point or expanding ammunition. Their challenge was that they were tasked with designing an assault rifle capable of firing a smaller, lighter round which had lethality equivalent to the older designs chambered in full-bore .30-caliber cartridges such as the M-1 Garand and M14, but with rifle and ammunition both significantly lighter and easy to carry. Stoner's team designed a high-velocity cartridge whose terminal effects upon target were based disproportionately upon the projectile (bullet) striking at high velocity. At or above around 2700 fps, the 55-grain bullet would fragment or fracture into several pieces (usually breaking initially at the crimping groove or cannelure), which created a high-velocity blast cone of fragments inside the target's tissue, inflicting damage sufficient to kill or seriously wound enemy soldiers within the range specified for the design. The catch is that the old M193 and the later M855 62-grain FMJ "green tip" which replaced it, depended upon those same high MVs for optimal performance. Below 2700 fps or so, the terminal effectiveness of these rounds decreased, although of course, a hit was still potentially lethal depending where it impacted an enemy soldier. Especially with the 62-grain green-tip M855, reports began to come out about the unreliability of the round as a man-stopper; this was around the time of the Battle of Mogadishu in the early 1990s. Today's ammunition for the M16/M4 platform has advanced significantly and far-outperforms its predecessors. In particular, this is true of OTM and copper solids, which offer reliable expansion and/or fragmentation at a much wider range of muzzle velocities. Stoner's system didn't start off as well as those Com-Bloc designs chambered in 7.62x39, but the AR has become an extremely effective and reliable system, which is so many elite forces continue to use it. The Russians, upon studying captured examples of American M16s obtained in SE Asia, must have liked what they saw because their AK-74s were chambered in 5.45x39 rather than the venerable 7.62x39. Ballistically-speaking the 7.62x39 is akin to the old 30-30 Winchester in its performance. The standard 123-grain round hits hard out to 400 meters or so, but rapidly runs out of gas thereafter, going subsonic usually by 550 meters or so. That's very good performance for an assault rifle cartridge, but it is not comparable in any way to a full-bore rifle cartridge such as the 7.62x54 Russian or for that matter, the .308/7.62x51 NATO. The ARs standard rounds, the M193 and M855, stay supersonic somewhat farther than the 7.62x39 (which has a lousy ballistic coefficient), but they too go subsonic well before reaching 1000 meters. In design terms, both types of rounds - the 7.62x39 and the M193/M855 - fulfilled their design parameters, which were focused on effectiveness within 0-300 meters range, the distance range at which most infantry engagements occur in modern war.
5.56 NATO or the 7.62 Soviet round, both are accurate and can and will kill a man up to 3-400 yards no problem. Just like hunting big game, if the shot placement is right, the animal dies. Man is no different. I've seen animals like wild boar for example, take a round from a 30-06 and just got pissed off running toward the shooter, only because the shot placement was poor. Yet I myself have shot 300+ lbs boar with a 30-30 and dropped them instantly. Why? shot placement is key. the only time shot placement becomes irrelevant is when the round that is used is far out from its parameters, it doesn't penetrate or expand when it impacts it's target. I love my guns. I've had all kinds of different rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders. They all serve a different purpose. When it comes to semi auto rifles like the SKS, AK-47, and the AR-15/M4, the ranges and its intended use are practically the same. However what is different are the details of the firearm itself. The versatility, ease of reloading, maintenance, and it's performance are the main differences. With a skilled shooter, any of these guns can be used to kill a man with one shot to the rounds maximum threshold. Imo, I prefer the SKS to the AK-47. I've always had better luck with them and I have never had any kind of failure with an SKS, Chinese, Romanian, or Russian. I've had friends with AK rifles who have had a lot of jams, not sure why exactly, but keeping the original box mag on my SKS, she would shoot all day long. But I did not care for how front heavy the SKS is and I also didn't care for how it was not a great system for a scope, especially the mounts that are on the rear receiver cover. these reasons is why the AR platform won me over. it's lighter, a great design to mount optics, and with using pmags, I never get a jam, but I do once in a while with some steel GI mags. Basically, it comes down to the quality of the components which determines how reliable your system is, and your overall preference based on needs and use of the particular weapon system. however, another reason why I did sell or trade in my commie guns for AR type rifles, not only because I like that system better, but the fact there are so many options with different uppers in different configurations and calibers available, it's a very versatile system in which no AK or SKS can compete with. But all in all, these rifles all perform almost the same when used for their intended purpose by a skilled user. Another thing I like to touch on, many folks talk about range and how one is more effective than the other. well, I know the AR is very capable to hit targets constantly at 500 yards as Marines are required to do so in order to pass their rifle range training program. The same can be done with the Soviet round, which the standard AK does through some slightly larger groups at that range, these rifles are primarily for >400 yards and close quarter combat. And as far as a SHTF scenario, I'd rather save my ammo for my AR for the multiple enemy engagements less than 2-300 yards and use a more precise shooting rifle like a bolt action. In a defensive situation, let's say four people, two have semi auto rifles like AR, SKS, or AK's, one shotty, and one precision long range rifle, all your bases are covered. That's a pretty damn good system just to protect a household from a threat.
I recently purchased a Jianshe type 56. You can tell it’s been dragged through mud and blood. It definitely has character and history to it. I love SKS’
Due to your embargo Norinco products are dirt cheap in Canada: M14 with 10 round Elander A1A legal mags: $500. SKS Russian (used but plenty to choose from) $200. SKS Norinco (military model 56) new unissued $150. SKS Norinco (bulk 10+) arm your neighborhood $125. SKS new unissued with 1440 rounds 75. SKS with purchase of hand gun (promotional sale) ....Free! I bought the Russian model to play with and a new $75. Norinco to store away for SHTF. At these prices this is the perfect 'burial' gun.
Just dropping a little tip on this excellent video, when shooting prone with the SKS you can use the bayonet as a single leg bi-pod works well for a couple of shots if the ground is acceptable.
The Type 56 (military) had a Soviet style blade bayonet from atart of production until 1964 when it was replaced by the spike. It has nothing to do with "commercial" or "military"
I bought mine for 85 dollars years ago. Haven't changed a thing on it. Really nice gun, tough and, at least the one I got, pretty accurate. Looks almost exactly like yours.
back in the 1990s i went looking for an sks. I ended up finding a norinco for 80 bucks brand new unissued. the guy who sold it to me asked me if I wanted to buy only 1. I was broke at the time and only got the 1. but he was gonna sell me a case of them for 50 a piece. SHIT!!! wish I was smarter back then. I still have it. it's still beautiful and shoots as straight as any Ar out there. love it!
@@therideneverends1697 Thats why its made like that.The long spike Bayonet they started using after the blade one,it was lighter and cheaper and easier to make and they designed it to be used as a monopod.
i remember these at the gun shows back in the 80's,,, less than a $100 out of the box... boy i wish i knew then what i do now...(sound familiar?) purchased my first one last year for $400,, in great shape, fun to shoot, cheap to shoot and it's one of my favorites,,, (my AK is jealous)
Great video and thank you for serving. We own his & hers Norinco SKS's and they are rated highly on our fun factor to shoot. I purchased the 1st new at Roses for $119.00 decades ago (wish I had bought 10) and the second from a dealer friend. Hers is bone stock with all but mag having matching numbers. Mine does have all matching numbers but is Tapco'd out in black just for the fun of it; kept all the stock parts for quick reversal. Both are now equipped with spring loaded firing pins (just as a precaution when shooting soft primer domestic ammo) although thorough cleaning is the key to keeping any rifle functioning safely and reliably regardless of ammo used. I also mounted a UTG quad rail and Bushnell TS red dot but Brasstacker emailed me that they are soon to offer a more secure scout type optics mount system for the Norinco.Thanks again for the video and may all your rounds stay in the inner circle. RP
I bought 4 of these new unfired Norinco type 56 SKS rifles in the early 1990's . At the time I bought a sight adjustment tool but never needed it. All 4 rifles shot right to point of aim from the factory. I paid $129 ea for them. The only ones I ever saw below that here in Utah were used ones & I did get a used one for $89 years ago. The day I bought my 4 rifles there was an old farmer who bought 12 which was one for everyone in his family-brothers & kids & himself. He also bought 12 cases of the yellow box steel core ammo. He was in an old Galaxy 500 Ford & when he drove away with all that in the trunk his car was sagging quite a bit. Smart old farmer.
I grew up @ range all my life. Got me a Norinko SKS. Went to friends farm. Big ol woodchuck took off at full run for hardwoods @ about 200-225. 10 rounds off hand. All around him dirt was flying. Finally got him about 10 feet from woods. Walked up. Fingers were missing, tail chopped off, grazed on back. ....finally a got him good.
I bought 4 of these in the early 90's for about a hundred bucks a pop, new in box. I also bought a Mak 90 for $260.00. Great days... I 'rediscovered' these guns when my son became interested in shooting, and man was I happy about my presence of mind 20 years ago.
The problem now is you can get an AK for just a little more than what the market is at on the SKS. I wanted to get a cheap SKS but for 50-100$ more you can get an AK.
camerl2009 I think id rather deal with higher prices than a lot of the restrictions you guys have. The ban on AKs, plus dont you even have to pin all your rifles to 5 rounds?! I think all that stuff would get frustrating.... I will admit im envious that SVTs go so cheap. Just goes to show a lot of 'market place value' has to do with politicians playing games, rather than the actual worth of any given firearm, especially modern/foreign made ones...
It's just crazy how much these SKS are going for now. In 1990 a friend of mine had a FFL and talked me into going in on a case of 10 SKS rifles for $890 ..LOL I got 5 for $445 and he ended up making $10 dollars a rifle off me ! LOL . They were packed in cosmoline and we took them to the car wash late at night to clean them off. We ended up finding steel core 7.62x39 in crates that were 2 tuna cans of 550 on stripper clips for $110 dollars. He sold 1 SKS with a crate of 1100 rounds (steel core) for $500. I still have one SKS with a crate of ammo. It is a great shooter and looks just like the SKS in this video.
I got my paratrooper model in 1996 from a friends Dad, he had a crate of them he had gotten direct from china before they banned import. It was brand spanking new still cosmolined up, paid $90. I am so glad I got it, cant find them for less than $300 used these days.
Question when you all shoot out to 2 or 3 hundred meters/yards why don't you use the 2-3 hundred meters settings on the rear sight instead of Kentucky windage? I mean that is why it's there after all. I would like to see a video of y'all testing the accuracy of those sights.
The reason is , it is alreaddy set for point blank to 300 meters in the position you see it in.the thinking is a soldier can wake up and engage in a firefight with reasonable Accuracy.. aiming at body mass..plus these are great weapons but not olympic grade match guns.
I was given a Norinco sks from my grandfather. He bought it for $89 years ago and just left it sitting in a safe until he gave it to me. I searched the serial number and it said it was one of the earlier production Chinese sks. It's serial number was all matching and it was under 12,000. from what I can find, it was made back in 1957.
Phoenix circa 1990-91; Norinco SKS $69 Norinco MAK-90 $149 (7.62x39) Norinco MAK-90 $159 (.223) Norinco 7.62x39 Steel Core 1440 round crate; $149 (Sometimes on sale for $89). Those were the days.
Unfortunately the only ones I found for a reasonable price were already sporterized and picked em up. Also in the 80s my uncle picked up a crate of 20 of the Russian sks rifles for I believe he said for 15 dollars a piece. He still has a good amount of them.
i bought my norinco sks for $78 back in the 80"s put a Chinese scope on it and love it altered the stock by adding a pistol grip and 2 inches to the stock length
My brother used a nickle finish Norico type 56 sks in China V-day parade, beautiflul shinny gun. I bet the nickle finish one can sell a good price IF one day imported into US...God I want it badly!
Not so fast. Most i f those "Parade Rifles" are worn out POS that are all shiny on the outside but inside they're in dreadful condition. They don't need to be safe or even work if they're never going to be actually used. Some I've see look great but have missing parts & bores that are so badly pitted they'd be dangerous.
This makes me want to wipe the dust of mine and go shooting. BTW how much do you charge for trigger work? I have tech sights on mine, and it shoots well.
i recently (the last 6 months) got a Norinco SKS in similar condition for under 600 and I love it. I highly suggest grabbing one to anyone wanting a fun inexpensive plinker with multiple uses.
Isn't fun to challenge yourself with a old rifle. Just have fun people and enjoy any weapon you have. I hope I never have to sell any weapon I own if I like it. I just want to collect and shoot them all and have so many options.
I love the SKS, but 'lightweight' isn't a term I'd use for it. It's something like 8.5lb unloaded, almost exactly 4kg. With 10 rounds of 7.62x39, which weighs about .3lb or .14kg, then yeah you're talking about a 4kg rifle. Meanwhile the AKM is about 6.5-6.8lb unloaded if memory serves, and about 8lb with a plastic mag of 7.62x39. vZ.58 might manage to be just slightly under 8lb loaded since it's a lighter firearm and uses lighter mags though it's still 30 rounds of 7.62x39. Then a bare bones M4A1 with a 30-rnd STANAG mag will be something like 7.5lb, possibly less. Though if you start slapping on foregrips, lights, and optics, you'll definitely bump yourself up to 9lb or so in a hurry. Still, the SKS was made in a time when the AKM nor vZ.58 didn't exist... in fact now that I think of it, when the vZ.58 was designed, the SKS-45 wasn't even being produced in Russia anymore, but I digress. The Ak-47 was something like 10lb with a steel 30-rnd mag, so in being a rifle designed towards the end of WWII, 8.5lb unloaded and about 8.8lb loaded, I assume with bayonet, sling, and cleaning kit, is quite good. It also handles nicely, there's no wonder that it stayed on as a 2nd line rifle for so long, even though it stopped being produce in the mid-late 50s. Shit on it all you want for being cheap, but that doesn't stop it from being effective, reliable, and accurate. Personally, I've put almost exactly 1000 rounds of Czech 7.62x39 surplus through my 1954 SKS-45. I had precisely one hick-up, and if I recall correctly, it was a stove pipe. Rack the bolt, and I was back in business. Very minor malfunction. 1 in 1000, literally 99.9% reliability... perfectly respectable, I don't care what firearm you're talking about. AK, Glock, whatever. If you get one minor jam per 33 AK mags or 60 Glock mags, there's not a whole lot to complain about there. How many AKM mags might a soldier carry? 6-8? So if said soldier went on tour, fully loaded, and everything went to shit so badly that he had to empty every last magazine he had, it'd be about 4-5 of these heated engagements before he ended up with a SINGLE jam in his assault rifle. That's with SKS reliability. I wager the AK is even more reliable. I'll also add that I was using a Tapco magazine, which didn't fit all that well in my SKS. I had to shave some wood from the mag well just to stop the follower from getting stuck on the way up. If my standard internal mag hadn't have broke (due to a weld which pinned it to 5 rounds and weakened the follower arm), then I wouldn't have had to get that Tapco mag, and thus probably wouldn't have had that 1 in 1000 jam. Great rifle.
NormanMatchem Definitly love SKSs, "Lightweight" may not be the correct term but I could see where hes comeing from as they are very pointable and convenient. they may weigh 8 pounds but it doesent feel like it
I have one of these, right after they ditched the bakalite. Great rifle. That ban really annoys me. Why!? China sure is good at making some good quality weapons, both their military and commercial.
Jesse Sisolack they still import the surplus ones aslong as they arnt imported directly from china, most come from Vietnam. some from other Asian countrys, they come in pretty harshly carried but not used much
Andre Krumins I did notice Classic Firearms got a few creates full of them just seemingly out of nowhere, but that was it. I would be very happy to see them flooding the market again. I would love a larger stock of them as backup rifles.
My father's(now mine) SKS is a Vietnam bring back. It has a spike bayonet and a rice paddy finish. When he got to Vietnam he was in the repodepo. They didn't issue him a weapon. So he bought a SKS from a guy going home. He carried it the month he was there. Before he was assigned to a unit finish histour.
I have a 1980 SKS. One of the last of the Norincos. Very clean and smooth. I got tired of the attached bayonet, blade style version but be careful when removing them. Spring loaded. Mine turned into an icbm!
Back in 1993 me and some buddies were going through the fire department training academy. On one payday we all went to a local gun store and bought a Norinco SKS for $80. I had no idea what I was buying but till this day it has been my most reliable rifle. In fact it was the first gun I ever bought and began my journey of fire arms collecting. Thanks to my buddy Roger Korte for getting us to go and buy one. He’s no longer with us but I will always be grateful to him.
I was having a hard time deciding between a mauser m18 30-06 (expensive) or an SKS (there's an inexpensive good shape one near me) and your comment has helped me decide
hey say what you want about the commies, but they made some great rifles and the SKS was one of them.
+道法自然 Care to elaborate as to what you mean with that statement or do you just want someone to talk to you?
+Layer Ant not me, I'm a Jew
Tzahal Tavor *Sigh* With the exception of Jews.
+Daniel Dough well, in russia stalin is still admired till today...
+expertizer I can see why.
I lived in China for 2 years for my Sophmore and Junior year in uni. People in China loves general mao even tho he slaughtered millions
These are our main hunting rifles in Finland
Stephen Howard Do any y’all Finns use mosins anymore? Like Simo Häyhä?
@@mann8557 I believe old school finnish people uses mosin. Finnish m39s are one of the best variant
The land of sako and Tikka and you use an sks as your main hunting rifle? Dont get me wrong, I love sks rifles, just not what I would choose as my go to hunting rifle.
Do you hunt soviets with it?
i can think of about 1300 monetary reason why.
I absolutely love my norinco sks. One gun I'll never sell.
Same got mine from a gunshop still had cosmoline all nums match. I re did the stock just to change the stock color but i love it wont ever let it go
same
ken at the dump i had over 10 ass weapons, and sks is Fav. Had an ffl so i had my pick
Cole Kramer love all my sks rifles. Had advanced tech stocks, aftermkt mags, in a reddish color cant memer company, 30 rounds. Had mak90, nhm91, saiga ak’s. Like my SKS best
This is the 2nd best DMR in PUBG.
I love the sound the sks makes. I'll never sell my paratrooper.
Aaron Richards thanks for watching my vids. And thanks for the sub.
+mixflip
They don't really sound like how they sound in the video though...
+mixflip the paratrooper has a different sound than any other SKS... it has a shorter barrel... more akin to an AK47
+mixflip maybe you just mean the 7.62x39
+Terry Dean personally I prefer the mosin idk why I have both there is just something about the mosin but I love the SVT 40 better than both one of my friends has one and I'm so jealous.
The spike bayonet doesn't mean its not a military model and neither does the colour of the stock. The Type 56 is the most inconsistent SKS simply because they produced it for over 20 years in several different factories with several changes to the design from 1956 - 1980. You can see many pictures of Vietnamese troops using spike bayonet Type 56 during the Vietnam war.
Saying spiked bayonets are commercial models is utterly foolish, why would a "commercial model" use a bayonet that clearly intended for causing star shaped wounds which can't be easily sewed.
Agreed
Pig sticker
I came here to post this.
I came here to post the same thing. Mine was used in Vietnam and has a spike bayonet
Just picked up a totally unused, unfired chinese SKS at my local gun shop, 300 bucks. Feel like it was a pretty good deal.
amazing deal. you can get 450 out of it easily if it's in the described condition. what's the factory number?
Funkidyo Not sure. Looks like it was a chinese commercial export, that's about all I know of it. It has some chinese markings on the side of the receiver, but I obviously can't read them. Haha
ah, if its a commercial import that makes more sense.
Funkidyo It's basically exactly like the one in this video, except the hand guard is wood and not bakelite. It's all numbers matching and 100% unfired, so I'm pretty happy with the purchase either way! Gas tube was still full of cosmoline. Looks like whoever bought it initially just wiped it off and put it in a safe or something. Would have been cool to get one of the military ones, though.
300? for an sks? and a chinese one? holy crap.
its 200 to 250 for one in Canada and thats only russian surplus, chinese ones arent very common but as much as a mosin.( if you ever see one, ive never seen one in a shop here, only online)
I bought one when they were $79, damn good for the money
me too, cant seem to wear it out!
My dad bought two for $50 total back in the ‘90s. When I moved to Alaska from Texas he gave me one. Now I’m back in Texas and told him he can’t have it back!
the cost $79 dollars back and still worth $79 dollars to me now
Yeah, I did too. I regret selling it
79 bucks back in the 90s. I loved the Norinco ammo too.
Clinton sucks.
My Sks has never jammed in 26 years
My very first gun, purchased in 1991. Love this thing, have had it in all kinds of configurations, sitting in an SGWorks bullpup stock now.
Thanks for giving the Norinco SKS her due.
I'm about to get one for my first gun as well, won the auction this mourning, it's an sks sporter model, i love how it looks.
+snowpaw360 You're going to love it! Invest in a good 30 stripper clips at least. Safe shooting!
it uses ak mags from factory actually.
+snowpaw360 oh, dang, those were rare. Well, it may assertion user strippers and it is a lot easier to carry those than AK mags. Either way, bad ass rifle.
Stamatos Yeah the sks sporter has a different stock as well look it up you can't miss it.
I have to say, this is one of the best SKS videos ive watched, and I have watched a ton of them. I have seen way to many videos seem to blow out of proportions its limitations/drawbacks. I love this little shooter and grew up with it. I once did a field day with some pals that brought their ARs but had never seen an SKS before (I know, weird). They were having a hell of a time with their rigs, both of the ARs having some mals (they blamed the ammo) not hitting anything cause the optics were off. Then they put that SKS in their hands, with iron sights and a 3rd more bang per round and.... its just a rifle that makes you smile, and I can see that enjoyment in this video.
I wouldn't take his historical info as fact though... Right off the bat he hits us with one I have never heard before,"Military models only had blade bayonets and the spiked ones were all commercial." First of all, even if I didn't know it was wrong, why would COMMERCIAL ONLY import models have bayonets at all? Better yet, why would they ONLY be spike bayonets? Commercially made guns post-1984 didn't ship with bayonets at all, any bayonet is either a military model being sold or an imported added it after it got here.
Next he's gonna say "24,000,000 of these were made." Making me roll my eyes. The amount of research he actually put into it is... Disappointing at best.
Im searching for my first gun and this is the one I want to buy but I also know this gun isn’t gonna be my be all and all gun. I hate the guys that have to have an AR cause to me the AR is the LS V8 of the gun world. Everyone loves em cause they can be whatever they want them to be. You wan a scoped plinker rifle long barrel .223/5.56 AR baby. You want a holy shit pants dropping fast drag racing engine thats cheap as a hooker. LS V8 baby. You can make it do whatever you want it to do. I want either an SKS or a Lee Enfield because I want something thats lighter recoil than my dads 30-06. I can put about 20-40 rounds down range and im done, my shoulder is sore and the fun is lost.
@@synshenron798 Just keep in mind before making your decision, that while a Lee Enfield is less powerful than 30-06, it pretty close to matching its ballistics, so its still going to buck.
And with the SKS, if you keep it in its wooden furniture, the distance between the butt plate and the dust cover is very short, I used to bop my nose with my thumb when I shot my dads. I put a different stock on the one I own (I know, sacrilegious to some)
If a all possible, the heaviest recommendation I can make is to simply find someone with whatever gun your thinking about buying so you can see if you still want it after shooting it.
@@quistan2 Ive been looking but no one I know has any rifles like these. Everyone I know has an AR cause it’s the cats meow. I just want a rifle thats not gonna brutalize my shoulder cause the rifle my dad owns is a Remington 7400 and I can use it but I can only put about 20-40 rounds out before im sore. He on the other hand has shoulders of a linebacker and can take the recoil like a champ. I want a gun that wont brutalize my shoulder but has more bite than my .22. I was thinking a 5.56 bolt action or 7.62x39. I wouldn’t mind putting a bigger stock on the SKS. Id probably end up making a longer wooden one cause I want it to still have the look of an SKS just with wood and not plastic. So if I can make myself a longer wood stock and do some other modifications to it then thats fine with me. About how far are the SKS’ accurate too, and can I mount a scope to it that will keep its 0? I know a lot of people say theres no way but Ive heard a few people say theres a specific way to make it work
@Syn Shenron
Old comment I know but:
SKSs are accurate to about 300yd, if you get a good-shooting one. Some real gigachads can shoot them out to 550-600 but that isn't typical.
Best plug-and-play optic mount I've seen is from Bad Ace Tactical.
Great video!
The Norinco SKS was my 1st semi-auto rifle, in a combat/SHTF situation I wouldn't feel out gunned. They are very solid and accurate rifles, I since have found my current SKS (1953 Tula Type 45) and couldn't be happier, it's one of my favorite firearms ever made!
I bought mine in 1988. Still packed in the cosmoline, it was not a reworked or used rifle. It was new and unfired. It has the pike bayonet. It's a great little rifle that has never had a malfunction of any kind.
I love my SKS! I've had it for about 20 years. Every time I think about upgrading anything on it, I don't because I like the original look of this rifle. Great video!
love my SKS - figure it will be my go-to rifle for SHTF
The best one gun for any and all purposes. All day. Any day. Every day. Just say SK YES
Another great video, thanks for posting. In SKS collector circles, the bakelite handguard variant is known as a "French Tickler". A neat and fairly uncommon variant. I was able to find one recently still in the importer box. There really isn't a better "milsurp" value out there than the SKS. Even at $350 - $400, it is still a good value for what you get: a tough as nails and utterly reliable semi-auto.
It's the best 7.62x39 semi-auto ever made. The SKS was designed as a semi-auto from the start. The AK was designed with auto-fire in mind and loses a lot when used in semi-auto.
Richard Lamoreaux nah a semi auto only AK is more accurate than a full auto AK. Precision over suppression.
not true, a fa weapon is much looser in construction to operate hot and dirty, which is not the way a accurate weapon is built. most fa weapons have a barrel that has been very hot and therefore has a lot of erosion in the throat and that kills accuracy. chrome can only help so long.@@jessesimmons9238
The AK is actually an improved version of the SKS
@@jimpersingerSaysClickMe lol
@@Bearclaw_Jake You do not think so why? It has a 30 rd mag,It has a better gas system,its not as heavy as it is sheet metal,less wood are those not improvements?
My great grandfather bought a spike bayonet SKS after he left the navy. I love shooting this rifle.
The sks really has its own unique sound. It’s a thing of beauty
The recoil impulse is very distinct also
@@texaspatriot9159 yes that too exactly
The SKS is a great versatile gun. And it has a nice quick round that stings when it hits. Plus it fits in ur hands nicely. Great video sir.
I had an SKS for years, and always found the stripper clips easy to use. Then I started watching videos on RUclips and seeing all kinds of people just having the hardest time with even 5-round clips... Nice to see that your experience with these 10-round gems was as smooth as mine. I also had no problems hitting watermelon sized targets at 300 yards or so; give me one of these any day.
It was all matching (I bought it in 1991) with original stock, but that was in a bag; it had a muzzle brake added (so the bayonet, although included, was not mounted) and a monte carlo zytel stock. It had been modified so that the 10-round magazine could be removed and replaced with a 5-round magazine (for hunting) and also had a 30-round mag. Also came with a receiver that had a scope mount, although over the years I decided that the scope mount was crap (I didn't have the money for a short scope, and expended cases would hit the side of the scope); but I could shoot that thing with iron sites all day... I sold it to a friend of mine because I ended up in a state with crap gun laws (MD) for work, and it was just sitting in my closet, but he would go places to hunt and would actually get some use out of it. I would definitely buy one of these again; it will easily hit anything out to 300 yards, and if it hits it it will put it down. Although I had the 30 round, and I would load it up and take it out to shoot; usually when it was empty I didn't bother to reload it. The strippers were so easy to use, and taking a look at the target every 10 rounds was more fun than 30... The quality was great. It was very smooth. I put thousands of rounds through mine, and the only malfunctions I had were a couple of stovepipes.
Good to see this workhorse reviewed. Grew up on this rifle and 3oo yards is definately obtainable. The cartridge is well suited. All the AR guys get pretty much butthurt when they can't place groups as well. Keep up the good reviews guys.
sks is amazing, mine went through a fire and burned the stock, grandpa cleaned her up and we got her shooting just as good as she did new, its also a chinese norinco...its an amazing rifle and all numbers matched and we even had the box too
I loves my sks. You guys are having absolutely too much fun. I'm taking my sks to the range tomorrow.
Great video.
Back in around 2013 I found a factory 26 weapon complete with the logbook from where it had been put into storage for $175. Made in 1967 and as far as I could see it had never been fired outside of factory testing. It was slathered in Cosmoline but once I cleaned it up I found it was quite a beauty. That and my Yugo SKS two of my favorite weapons.
I've had mine for over 20 years. I bought it at a gun show. The best 80 bucks I've ever spent. I've never had a hiccup out of it. Fantastic little rifle.
I own high dollar rifles of various makes. The SKS is by far one of my favorites in 200 yard guns all day.
SKS aka the Canadian AK.
The only easy Day was yesterday that makes no sense it was not made to fill a role for us it was made to be used with the country of origins military
Or Californian lol
Is the SKS a non restricted rifle in Canada?
Yes the SKS is non-restricted in Canada and the AK-47/74 is prohibited.
Actually Canada now has the type 81 😏😏. Thats our ak
Everyone who has their PAL (Canadian Firearms Licence) starts with or at least owns a Norinco SKS or M1A.
I am on my 3rd Russian SKS, and used to own a Norc M14.. so Canehian, you are 100% correct fine sir (I am Canadian myself).
Well, I’m Canadian with a PAL, and I don’t own any gun.
@@iglooproductions well get on it bro!
I started with my savage mark 2 g and then a mossy 500, next is gonna be a Soviet sks before they might get banned
5 years later and M14's are banned and an SKS will set you back $450.
I love mine! it’s never misfired, jammed, no problems at all in 35 yrs.
I purchased my first SKS right out the crate about 35 years ago for $99.
Good deal but I beat you. Randy at work bought 10 arsenal 26 SKS rifles in 1993 for $470 and sold me two at his cost!
AWESOMENESS in a gun video! Thank you for the great camera shots. It's cool as hell to be able to track the bullets trajectory to the steel. I have a deep respect and fondness for the sks. It was my first semi auto rifle I purchased at the young age of 18. I unfortunately sold that rifle , but I purchased a norinco sks today. It's in mint condition and I can't wait to shoot her.
Great video, god bless, good health to you both!
1978-80 / 23-25MIL RIFLES
These rifles represent the last known series of rifles produces at the Jianshe /26\ plant. They retain most of the characteristics as the 14mil series rifles with the exception of the rear sight marking changed from an (n) to a (III), and SOME have the plastic "french tickler" hand-guard. Both wooden and plastic hand-guards have been observed on the 23&24mil carbines.
Glad you mentioned the trigger job 8888. a trigger job(with maybe a spring kit) and the tech-sight peep sights is the only upgrades needed to have a phenonminal platform. that stock makes a worldclass skullcracker too!
My SKS is my home security blanket weapon. I've got AR 15s and M 14s and lever action and bolt rifle operated rifles and all types of shotguns but I just love my SKS.
@ 5:11 "They can get 'em in Canada still"
Well that sentence didn't age well. Sorry Canada.
Lol nope there not on you can’t own them list. But we are going to Cort to get the rest of our rights back .
@@Mrkeats5487 Good luck. They're gone.
@Ford Fanatic full automatic rifles are illegal here, they banned "assault style" fire arms. They just made legal gun owners into criminals. Meanwhile the knee-jerk reaction that caused the ban was due to ILLEGAL firearms. So instead of fixing the problem of criminals using illegally acquired guns, they just made millions legal of guns illegal
SKS wasn't on the list, fortunately
@@Mrkeats5487 p
When Eric shoots, I watch the target to see what's up...
When Chad shoots, I watch him to learn.
Both are great shots, but Eric really needs to stop buying Chad lunch. lol
Are you on drugs?
fixed the typo.
Haha what
75ShadowShooter Seems like every competition Eric gives Chad, Eric almost always has to pay up for lunch!
I agree. It seems like Chad can let a miss go mentally and quiet all the mind noise... If eric misses it seems like he lets it mind fuck him, and the next few shots he will throw. Could be wrong, just my observation
The one thing that comes from china that doesn't suck.
BloodViper Games your mom must be from China then...
How bout GungboGaiding....ya'know, chicken with peanuts and chilli peppers over rice...yum! Gotta have it with a cold beer.
Actually China, in certain industries, is rapidly catching up to the West when it comes to the quality of their products. For example, in the area of audio electronics, they now make studio microphones that rival some of the best mics condenser and ribbon mics made in the U.S. and Germany.
they make a damn fine 1911 too...
Curry & Raisins is a nasty combination
Know your gun. Most people don't. Great rifle.
I just purchased that exact rifle... wood stock with the Chinese jungle stock upper handguard in excellent shape for $400. When they guy first purchased it in 1990 he shot 10 rounds out of it (non-corrosive), cleaned it up and put it back in his safe and never shot it again. I LOVE that rifle, dead nuts accurate and shoots like a dream. I have had mine for about a month and a half and have 600 rounds through it already. I also have a 1990 Norinko Mak90 that I switched the hardware out for some Romanian wood, LOVE that rifle too but I think I have to give the edge to the SKS.
Similar thoughts concerning my MAS 49/56: Extremely reliable direct impingement action, built like it could smash an anvil to pieces, very accurate, insanely low number of parts and simple, great battle sights that are easily fully adjustable, almost the same length as a .30 Carbine so handy as heck, and chambered for a full-power .30 cal round.... And substitute attached bayonet with a grenade launcher sight. One of my favorite SA surplus rifles that is IMO so underrated and under appreciated. Nice video fellas.
"Some of us can't afford ARs"
For us canadians, its also a fact that SKS aren't restricted firearms and have even more red tape to possess.
Karine Mallet and for us canucks they are dirt cheap
Also the closest thing we can get to an AK without going into the "banned overnight" category the CZ 858 falls in....
***** you can still get the vz58 rifles
In the restricted class, yes. Non restricted... Until that 958 variant comes out, good luck with that. Plus I could buy 5 or 6 SKS rifles for the price of every VZ 58 variant up here.
***** nope they have non restricted vz 58's both in 7.62x39 and .223
If you look closely in the right side during the shooting, you can actually track the bullet's vapor trail. Pretty sweet. I have a type 56 that was manufactured in about 1955 judging from the serial numbers, all matching numbers, completely milled, sweet rifle.
sgemz
theyre all milled. it isnt an ak
it cant be from 1955 since they werent in production until 1956, hence the name type 56
It feels nice having something the U.S doesn't, considering 99% of the time it's the other way around
Just picked one up at a gun show for $400! A bit bubba’d but came with all the original parts in a bag, I love it! Hell, prefer it over an AK
Trigger job..You did one on a norinco I sent you just before shot show. You could have waited till you came back but your a man of your word. You did it I got It back and there is NO creep at all, it breaks crisp. Excellent job, price was to rite, and I would send anything I have for you to work on. Thanks for being a professional!!
Awesome rifle! I'm hoping to get my hands on one this week.
Get it in 5.56 its better
unvmematt no. you would have to pay extra for the conversion and then pay out ragious prices for 55.6. your not gaining any distance or stopping power.... if any thing your losing some.
They make a 556 sks?
***** just have to add more chrome in the bore to make it smaller and then you're good
Save your money and get a VZ2008. It is the more evolved version of the SKS. It even takes stripper clips.
Call me crazy but when I got in a financial bind I sold my ar-15 and kept my sks and not because the ar brought more $
Nowadays, you can get a decent AR for $400 (2020)..
Thats not as easily said about a nice SKS.
Miguel Zagal Right now Classic has Norinco SKS’s for $300
Anyone that's bashing the SKS must hate on AK47's as well...they both serve the same purpose, 500yds anyway. Remember, these are SEVENTY year old designs, not post 60's designs (and the AR15 wasn't much better, in its initial iteration...so, don't bother trying to claim it was)
If you look up that stats. of the 5.56x45mm vs the 7.62x39mm in the Vietnam war...the latter was MORE deadly for rounds fired...the ratio was something like 50K per kill (5.56) vs 30K per kill (7.62x39) (no idea what the wound rate was). The .30 cal. was intended to KILL people, the .22 cal (yes, a 5.56 is a .22 cal round, deal with it) was intended to wound ONE guy, forcing 2-4 ppl to carry him off the field; and to allow for support fire as more ammo could be carried.
Repeated accuracy at 300yds...exactly what it was intended for, stop asking designs to do more then they were intended to do. You don't execpt your car to FLY...or your spouse to suddenly wake up looking like a 'model'...or your muzzle loader to be accurate to 300yds. Keep within the realm of reality people.
The SKS is an inexpensive, semi automatic, cheap to feed, FUN rifle to plink with...AND its reliable and accurate enough to save your life, your home and your family...if you have to use it for that. Fact is, you're never 'unarmed' with any firearm...might be UNDER armed, but you got MORE then an arm's reach and more 'power' then most handguns (criminals tend not to break in with rifles...).
If all you 'AR' fans wanna spend your >$1000 on ONE rifle, be my guest. You'll have ONE armed person. But the SKS is inexpensive enough to arm EVERY adult in your house (assuming you don't have all the grandparents living with ya). That's enough to have one at each door (front/back) and maybe ONE more up in the second floor window picking off the guys coming up the block. (depending how much you spend on each SKS of course).
+MrRocque That's an interesting SHTF scenario right there. I'll agree with you on the utility of buying multiple SKS as 'handout' rifles.
Your assessment of the 5.56 NATO round isn't quite complete or correct. It is a myth that the round was designed to maim enemy soldiers. Eugene Stoner and his design team, including ammunition experts, designed the original 55-grain M193 round back in the 1950s as a work-around to the Geneva and Hague Conventions, treaties which prohibit the use of hollow-point or expanding ammunition. Their challenge was that they were tasked with designing an assault rifle capable of firing a smaller, lighter round which had lethality equivalent to the older designs chambered in full-bore .30-caliber cartridges such as the M-1 Garand and M14, but with rifle and ammunition both significantly lighter and easy to carry. Stoner's team designed a high-velocity cartridge whose terminal effects upon target were based disproportionately upon the projectile (bullet) striking at high velocity. At or above around 2700 fps, the 55-grain bullet would fragment or fracture into several pieces (usually breaking initially at the crimping groove or cannelure), which created a high-velocity blast cone of fragments inside the target's tissue, inflicting damage sufficient to kill or seriously wound enemy soldiers within the range specified for the design. The catch is that the old M193 and the later M855 62-grain FMJ "green tip" which replaced it, depended upon those same high MVs for optimal performance. Below 2700 fps or so, the terminal effectiveness of these rounds decreased, although of course, a hit was still potentially lethal depending where it impacted an enemy soldier. Especially with the 62-grain green-tip M855, reports began to come out about the unreliability of the round as a man-stopper; this was around the time of the Battle of Mogadishu in the early 1990s. Today's ammunition for the M16/M4 platform has advanced significantly and far-outperforms its predecessors. In particular, this is true of OTM and copper solids, which offer reliable expansion and/or fragmentation at a much wider range of muzzle velocities. Stoner's system didn't start off as well as those Com-Bloc designs chambered in 7.62x39, but the AR has become an extremely effective and reliable system, which is so many elite forces continue to use it. The Russians, upon studying captured examples of American M16s obtained in SE Asia, must have liked what they saw because their AK-74s were chambered in 5.45x39 rather than the venerable 7.62x39. Ballistically-speaking the 7.62x39 is akin to the old 30-30 Winchester in its performance. The standard 123-grain round hits hard out to 400 meters or so, but rapidly runs out of gas thereafter, going subsonic usually by 550 meters or so. That's very good performance for an assault rifle cartridge, but it is not comparable in any way to a full-bore rifle cartridge such as the 7.62x54 Russian or for that matter, the .308/7.62x51 NATO. The ARs standard rounds, the M193 and M855, stay supersonic somewhat farther than the 7.62x39 (which has a lousy ballistic coefficient), but they too go subsonic well before reaching 1000 meters. In design terms, both types of rounds - the 7.62x39 and the M193/M855 - fulfilled their design parameters, which were focused on effectiveness within 0-300 meters range, the distance range at which most infantry engagements occur in modern war.
The 5.56 will kill and leave you with more ammo to shoot.
5.56 NATO or the 7.62 Soviet round, both are accurate and can and will kill a man up to 3-400 yards no problem. Just like hunting big game, if the shot placement is right, the animal dies. Man is no different. I've seen animals like wild boar for example, take a round from a 30-06 and just got pissed off running toward the shooter, only because the shot placement was poor. Yet I myself have shot 300+ lbs boar with a 30-30 and dropped them instantly. Why? shot placement is key. the only time shot placement becomes irrelevant is when the round that is used is far out from its parameters, it doesn't penetrate or expand when it impacts it's target. I love my guns. I've had all kinds of different rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders. They all serve a different purpose. When it comes to semi auto rifles like the SKS, AK-47, and the AR-15/M4, the ranges and its intended use are practically the same. However what is different are the details of the firearm itself. The versatility, ease of reloading, maintenance, and it's performance are the main differences. With a skilled shooter, any of these guns can be used to kill a man with one shot to the rounds maximum threshold. Imo, I prefer the SKS to the AK-47. I've always had better luck with them and I have never had any kind of failure with an SKS, Chinese, Romanian, or Russian. I've had friends with AK rifles who have had a lot of jams, not sure why exactly, but keeping the original box mag on my SKS, she would shoot all day long. But I did not care for how front heavy the SKS is and I also didn't care for how it was not a great system for a scope, especially the mounts that are on the rear receiver cover. these reasons is why the AR platform won me over. it's lighter, a great design to mount optics, and with using pmags, I never get a jam, but I do once in a while with some steel GI mags. Basically, it comes down to the quality of the components which determines how reliable your system is, and your overall preference based on needs and use of the particular weapon system. however, another reason why I did sell or trade in my commie guns for AR type rifles, not only because I like that system better, but the fact there are so many options with different uppers in different configurations and calibers available, it's a very versatile system in which no AK or SKS can compete with. But all in all, these rifles all perform almost the same when used for their intended purpose by a skilled user.
Another thing I like to touch on, many folks talk about range and how one is more effective than the other. well, I know the AR is very capable to hit targets constantly at 500 yards as Marines are required to do so in order to pass their rifle range training program. The same can be done with the Soviet round, which the standard AK does through some slightly larger groups at that range, these rifles are primarily for >400 yards and close quarter combat. And as far as a SHTF scenario, I'd rather save my ammo for my AR for the multiple enemy engagements less than 2-300 yards and use a more precise shooting rifle like a bolt action.
In a defensive situation, let's say four people, two have semi auto rifles like AR, SKS, or AK's, one shotty, and one precision long range rifle, all your bases are covered. That's a pretty damn good system just to protect a household from a threat.
this is why i went with sks myself. that and i didnt like the 600+ price tag attached to the ar platform.
I recently purchased a Jianshe type 56. You can tell it’s been dragged through mud and blood. It definitely has character and history to it. I love SKS’
Spike bayonet, stamped trigger guard, looks like the one I've owned since 1987.
Over 1000 rounds through it and it is still going great.
Due to your embargo Norinco products are dirt cheap in Canada:
M14 with 10 round Elander A1A legal mags: $500.
SKS Russian (used but plenty to choose from) $200.
SKS Norinco (military model 56) new unissued $150.
SKS Norinco (bulk 10+) arm your neighborhood $125.
SKS new unissued with 1440 rounds 75.
SKS with purchase of hand gun (promotional sale) ....Free!
I bought the Russian model to play with and a new $75. Norinco to store away for SHTF. At these prices this is the perfect 'burial' gun.
That's kind of makes me sick. I live in the US and payed $375 for a nirinco and $550 for a Russian
Keith Moriyama
100% wish I could go to Canada and buy one there to bring home.
Colonizer-Chan I mean, if you have balls of steel you could
I don't see why someone couldn't have them shipped to a U.S. address, some sks' fit under c&r requirements too...
You need 2 licenses in Canada to buy a gun there and bring it back
Just dropping a little tip on this excellent video, when shooting prone with the SKS you can use the bayonet as a single leg bi-pod works well for a couple of shots if the ground is acceptable.
Great video!
Reminds me of an old saying from my Dad:
'It's not the arrow. It's the Indian.'
The Type 56 (military) had a Soviet style blade bayonet from atart of production until 1964 when it was replaced by the spike. It has nothing to do with "commercial" or "military"
🤌
No country put spike bayonets on battle rifles and the SKS is no exception.
@@wsbill14224 No. 4 Mk 1: Am I a joke to you?
I love my SKS! Mine was still in the cosmoline when I got it, had never been fired, and all matching numbers.
I have a factory 26 with the French tickler pre ban just like this one. Mine is a last production year. (1980)
Spike vs. blade bayonet not necessarily commercial vs. military. Serial numbers are more reliable to tell difference.
I have 5 total: 3 Chinese (2 are "Paratrooper") and 2 Russians. Love them all!
Nice collection
I bought mine for 85 dollars years ago. Haven't changed a thing on it. Really nice gun, tough and, at least the one I got, pretty accurate. Looks almost exactly like yours.
back in the 1990s i went looking for an sks. I ended up finding a norinco for 80 bucks brand new unissued. the guy who sold it to me asked me if I wanted to buy only 1. I was broke at the time and only got the 1. but he was gonna sell me a case of them for 50 a piece. SHIT!!! wish I was smarter back then. I still have it. it's still beautiful and shoots as straight as any Ar out there. love it!
If i had to choose one gun for the rest of my life it would be an SKS.
You and me both
I am sorry but no I would go ak for one and only gun
grab sks, go innawoods
Don't get me rong I love the sks
If it came down to it I'd probably take the AK just because its a bit easier to drop a scope on it without modifying.
for prone pos bring your bayonet to half mast and stick it the ground and use as a front barrel rest.
Bob Heard Interesting idea use it as a quasi monopod
@@therideneverends1697 Thats why its made like that.The long spike Bayonet they started using after the blade one,it was lighter and cheaper and easier to make and they designed it to be used as a monopod.
Really I was going to buy a tripod or fab one for my sks have you tried this how did it work
Just use your buddy’s shoulder.
i remember these at the gun shows back in the 80's,,, less than a $100 out of the box... boy i wish i knew then what i do now...(sound familiar?) purchased my first one last year for $400,, in great shape, fun to shoot, cheap to shoot and it's one of my favorites,,, (my AK is jealous)
At that price, is it a yugo or Romanian?
Great video and thank you for serving. We own his & hers Norinco SKS's and they are rated highly on our fun factor to shoot. I purchased the 1st new at Roses for $119.00 decades ago (wish I had bought 10) and the second from a dealer friend. Hers is bone stock with all but mag having matching numbers. Mine does have all matching numbers but is Tapco'd out in black just for the fun of it; kept all the stock parts for quick reversal. Both are now equipped with spring loaded firing pins (just as a precaution when shooting soft primer domestic ammo) although thorough cleaning is the key to keeping any rifle functioning safely and reliably regardless of ammo used. I also mounted a UTG quad rail and Bushnell TS red dot but Brasstacker emailed me that they are soon to offer a more secure scout type optics mount system for the Norinco.Thanks again for the video and may all your rounds stay in the inner circle. RP
That's where I bought my first one . At roses in blue ridge GA in the 90s.
I bought 4 of these new unfired Norinco type 56 SKS rifles in the early 1990's . At the time I bought a sight adjustment tool but never needed it. All 4 rifles shot right to point of aim from the factory. I paid $129 ea for them. The only ones I ever saw below that here in Utah were used ones & I did get a used one for $89 years ago. The day I bought my 4 rifles there was an old farmer who bought 12 which was one for everyone in his family-brothers & kids & himself. He also bought 12 cases of the yellow box steel core ammo. He was in an old Galaxy 500 Ford & when he drove away with all that in the trunk his car was sagging quite a bit. Smart old farmer.
Norinco!!! I wish I could buy your ammo brand new..... When someone speaks of China junk, I point to Norinco which is far from junk...
You're right about that. Norinco is top notch quality built for war
@@REVOLVERS365 USED to be. Once Norinco lost the US market they resorted to selling cheapest possibly made AKs to African Warlords.
The SKS is kind of a odd rifle, its like a battle rifle in a assault rifle caliber.
Can't beat buying 1500 round crates!
7.62x54r
John Quester that's what a carbine is
There is quite a great difference actually... 308 is superior at long ranges and in the accuracy department.
Kind of like the Mini-14 although the sks came before it.
i have a soviet one 1953 and i love it so much it my hunting rifle for deer and my plinker rifle to i shot it each 2 week
I grew up @ range all my life. Got me a Norinko SKS. Went to friends farm. Big ol woodchuck took off at full run for hardwoods @ about 200-225. 10 rounds off hand. All around him dirt was flying. Finally got him about 10 feet from woods. Walked up.
Fingers were missing, tail chopped off, grazed on back. ....finally a got him good.
I bought 4 of these in the early 90's for about a hundred bucks a pop, new in box. I also bought a Mak 90 for $260.00. Great days...
I 'rediscovered' these guns when my son became interested in shooting, and man was I happy about my presence of mind 20 years ago.
The problem now is you can get an AK for just a little more than what the market is at on the SKS. I wanted to get a cheap SKS but for 50-100$ more you can get an AK.
Shawn Tannehill here in Canada we can get both Chinese and Russian for around $180 for a shooter grade :P
camerl2009 Yeah its almost double that here, but we can have AK's. lol
Shawn Tannehill some people still have ak's here they were pretty common before they became prohibited in the mid 90's
camerl2009 I think id rather deal with higher prices than a lot of the restrictions you guys have. The ban on AKs, plus dont you even have to pin all your rifles to 5 rounds?! I think all that stuff would get frustrating....
I will admit im envious that SVTs go so cheap. Just goes to show a lot of 'market place value' has to do with politicians playing games, rather than the actual worth of any given firearm, especially modern/foreign made ones...
sergeantbigmac market value has to do with the flooded market and the fact its still importable
That looked like too much fun at the end! I hope to be getting one today on a trade-off.
knocked down my last white tail in Northern Ontario with this type....light, a really good bush gun.
William Reynolds damn straight. 7.62x39 is no joke! I killed my first deer with my SKS
It's just crazy how much these SKS are going for now. In 1990 a friend of mine had a FFL and talked me into going in on a case of 10 SKS rifles for $890 ..LOL I got 5 for $445 and he ended up making $10 dollars a rifle off me ! LOL . They were packed in cosmoline and we took them to the car wash late at night to clean them off. We ended up finding steel core 7.62x39 in crates that were 2 tuna cans of 550 on stripper clips for $110 dollars. He sold 1 SKS with a crate of 1100 rounds (steel core) for $500. I still have one SKS with a crate of ammo. It is a great shooter and looks just like the SKS in this video.
I got my paratrooper model in 1996 from a friends Dad, he had a crate of them he had gotten direct from china before they banned import. It was brand spanking new still cosmolined up, paid $90. I am so glad I got it, cant find them for less than $300 used these days.
Question when you all shoot out to 2 or 3 hundred meters/yards why don't you use the 2-3 hundred meters settings on the rear sight instead of Kentucky windage? I mean that is why it's there after all. I would like to see a video of y'all testing the accuracy of those sights.
Cool Breeze your right
I agree that would be a nice update to this video.
Cool Breeze - I posted the exact same question.
The reason is , it is alreaddy set for point blank to 300 meters in the position you see it in.the thinking is a soldier can wake up and engage in a firefight with reasonable Accuracy.. aiming at body mass..plus these are great weapons but not olympic grade match guns.
@O9r Geronimo My sks has adjusts for 100, 200, 300, etc. up to 1,000 meters. So no 300 meter zero.
1:28 dang, look at how that bullet is seated. I've always gone to tulammo for my cheapo rounds and i've never seen something like that.
I was given a Norinco sks from my grandfather. He bought it for $89 years ago and just left it sitting in a safe until he gave it to me. I searched the serial number and it said it was one of the earlier production Chinese sks. It's serial number was all matching and it was under 12,000. from what I can find, it was made back in 1957.
That's good because they probably used steel, instead of Aluminum beer-can, on the receiver!
Son! You are a great shot! To all who dislike 7.62 x 39 for so called "accuracy" issues, watch this man pick em off at 200 yd's WITHOUT an optic!
Phoenix circa 1990-91;
Norinco SKS $69
Norinco MAK-90 $149 (7.62x39)
Norinco MAK-90 $159 (.223)
Norinco 7.62x39 Steel Core 1440 round crate; $149 (Sometimes on sale for $89).
Those were the days.
Unfortunately the only ones I found for a reasonable price were already sporterized and picked em up. Also in the 80s my uncle picked up a crate of 20 of the Russian sks rifles for I believe he said for 15 dollars a piece. He still has a good amount of them.
that is the shortest, smoothest trigger pull I've seen in an SKS... do you do the trigger job on it ? if so, great job..
I got a SKS when they first came over for $75 . I think in the late 80's early 90's. I harvested a deer Nov 2019. Nothing but praise for this gun. 😁
I wish Iowa would bring back their high power season for deer
i bought my norinco sks for $78 back in the 80"s put a Chinese scope on it and love it altered the stock by adding a pistol grip and 2 inches to the stock length
Picked up my first SKS today. Russian model. Excited to try it out.
I put tech sights on my Norinco, pretty damn impressed with my old rifle. I almost sold it last year. Best thing I ever did was keep her.
My brother used a nickle finish Norico type 56 sks in China V-day parade, beautiflul shinny gun. I bet the nickle finish one can sell a good price IF one day imported into US...God I want it badly!
Not so fast. Most i f those "Parade Rifles" are worn out POS that are all shiny on the outside but inside they're in dreadful condition. They don't need to be safe or even work if they're never going to be actually used. Some I've see look great but have missing parts & bores that are so badly pitted they'd be dangerous.
@@dumptrump3788 where did you get that info ?..
Lol Chad said "Instead of lunch I think I'm just going to take this rifle" LMAO
I bought my Yugo SKS M59/66 in 2010 and I'll never get rid of it. It's just so awesome to me. I bought it for $180.
Picked up a Yugo SKS as my first gun not long ago, and I can say right now that I'll never get rid of it.
Good Review, The SKS is Too Underrated, How can you knock it for Reliability & Price👍😀
you can't really
Carlos Tasty-Weiner yu cant
Some people, like myself, are poor, and for the price, reliability, and power that an SKS brings, it can't be beat.
Lmao! At 18:46 I was dying. You can tell Eric was trying to hold back a laugh too lol!
This makes me want to wipe the dust of mine and go shooting. BTW how much do you charge for trigger work? I have tech sights on mine, and it shoots well.
Run Chad, RUN LOL.
SKS - justifiably popular in Canada; thanks for the review; always enjoyable watching y'all!
i recently (the last 6 months) got a Norinco SKS in similar condition for under 600 and I love it. I highly suggest grabbing one to anyone wanting a fun inexpensive plinker with multiple uses.
Isn't fun to challenge yourself with a old rifle. Just have fun people and enjoy any weapon you have. I hope I never have to sell any weapon I own if I like it. I just want to collect and shoot them all and have so many options.
I love the SKS, but 'lightweight' isn't a term I'd use for it. It's something like 8.5lb unloaded, almost exactly 4kg. With 10 rounds of 7.62x39, which weighs about .3lb or .14kg, then yeah you're talking about a 4kg rifle. Meanwhile the AKM is about 6.5-6.8lb unloaded if memory serves, and about 8lb with a plastic mag of 7.62x39. vZ.58 might manage to be just slightly under 8lb loaded since it's a lighter firearm and uses lighter mags though it's still 30 rounds of 7.62x39. Then a bare bones M4A1 with a 30-rnd STANAG mag will be something like 7.5lb, possibly less. Though if you start slapping on foregrips, lights, and optics, you'll definitely bump yourself up to 9lb or so in a hurry.
Still, the SKS was made in a time when the AKM nor vZ.58 didn't exist... in fact now that I think of it, when the vZ.58 was designed, the SKS-45 wasn't even being produced in Russia anymore, but I digress. The Ak-47 was something like 10lb with a steel 30-rnd mag, so in being a rifle designed towards the end of WWII, 8.5lb unloaded and about 8.8lb loaded, I assume with bayonet, sling, and cleaning kit, is quite good. It also handles nicely, there's no wonder that it stayed on as a 2nd line rifle for so long, even though it stopped being produce in the mid-late 50s. Shit on it all you want for being cheap, but that doesn't stop it from being effective, reliable, and accurate.
Personally, I've put almost exactly 1000 rounds of Czech 7.62x39 surplus through my 1954 SKS-45. I had precisely one hick-up, and if I recall correctly, it was a stove pipe. Rack the bolt, and I was back in business. Very minor malfunction. 1 in 1000, literally 99.9% reliability... perfectly respectable, I don't care what firearm you're talking about. AK, Glock, whatever. If you get one minor jam per 33 AK mags or 60 Glock mags, there's not a whole lot to complain about there. How many AKM mags might a soldier carry? 6-8? So if said soldier went on tour, fully loaded, and everything went to shit so badly that he had to empty every last magazine he had, it'd be about 4-5 of these heated engagements before he ended up with a SINGLE jam in his assault rifle. That's with SKS reliability. I wager the AK is even more reliable. I'll also add that I was using a Tapco magazine, which didn't fit all that well in my SKS. I had to shave some wood from the mag well just to stop the follower from getting stuck on the way up. If my standard internal mag hadn't have broke (due to a weld which pinned it to 5 rounds and weakened the follower arm), then I wouldn't have had to get that Tapco mag, and thus probably wouldn't have had that 1 in 1000 jam.
Great rifle.
NormanMatchem Definitly love SKSs, "Lightweight" may not be the correct term but I could see where hes comeing from as they are very pointable and convenient. they may weigh 8 pounds but it doesent feel like it
I have one of these, right after they ditched the bakalite. Great rifle. That ban really annoys me. Why!? China sure is good at making some good quality weapons, both their military and commercial.
Norinco specifically was banned because they got caught in the early 90s bringing in select fire AKs.
Jesse Sisolack they still import the surplus ones aslong as they arnt imported directly from china, most come from Vietnam. some from other Asian countrys, they come in pretty harshly carried but not used much
Andre Krumins Well I have not seen any imported in a while now. If they are coming in, it is not much.
Jesse Sisolack They where all over the internet as of last year, its rumored that more are comeing in.
Andre Krumins I did notice Classic Firearms got a few creates full of them just seemingly out of nowhere, but that was it. I would be very happy to see them flooding the market again. I would love a larger stock of them as backup rifles.
My father's(now mine) SKS is a Vietnam bring back. It has a spike bayonet and a rice paddy finish. When he got to Vietnam he was in the repodepo. They didn't issue him a weapon. So he bought a SKS from a guy going home. He carried it the month he was there. Before he was assigned to a unit finish histour.
I have a 1980 SKS. One of the last of the Norincos. Very clean and smooth. I got tired of the attached bayonet, blade style version but be careful when removing them. Spring loaded. Mine turned into an icbm!