Yugo SKS Hierarchy

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

  • No ad networks!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • kmittleman

    Active Member
    Nov 22, 2010
    857
    Howard County
    Hi all,

    I know all SKS’s are considered to be reliable, but is there any hierarchy - are they any worse than any of the others? I know the Yugo’s don’t have a chrome lined bore, but beyond that are they worth having?

    Thanks!

    K
     

    zoostation

    , ,
    Moderator
    Jan 28, 2007
    22,857
    Abingdon
    I used to collect them. Yes, the Yugos are nice weapons as long as they were not left to rust from corrosive ammo. While the Yugoslavian Army was very disciplined about weapons maintenance, after the breakup, not so much. And corrosive 7.62x39 ammo was made and issued well into the modern age. The Eastern Bloc armies loved it for reliability after long term depot storage.

    A couple to mention. Albanians are rare and certain years are very rare driving up the value. Russians from my experience still have the best quality. Chinese quality can vary but the older military-built guns tend to be of excellent quality from my experience. So much to write, so little time lol. SKS forums is usually a great resource.
     

    Jimbob2.0

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 20, 2008
    16,600
    All good examples and will shoot well. I would say the bottom end is the 59/66 with the grenade launcher, its heavy and largely useless in civy form. I have one but got it cheap "unissued".

    Its arbitrary but I prefer Russian or spiker Chinese guns.
     

    Combloc

    Stop Negassing me!!!!!
    Nov 10, 2010
    7,212
    In a House
    They are about the most heavy duty SKS built. So long as it's been cared for, it's as good as any out there.
     

    Sirex

    Powered by natural gas
    Oct 30, 2010
    10,380
    Westminster, MD
    I have owned a Yugo 59/66A1, a Russian (don't remember the year), a regular Chinese, and 2 Chinese paratrooper carbines. The Yugo was my first rifle, so has the most sentimental value to me. Mine was sold to me unissued, and covered in goo. Commie goo. Took a while to clean it all out. The Yugos don't have the chrome, so, in my opinion, it is very important to inspect the rifle before buying if possible. Many were used, firing corrosive ammo, and not cleaned well enough evidently. I love the 59/66A1's features the other rifles don't have. The grenade launcher, ladder sight, night sights, gas shut off. Not practical for us, but I dig them. Cool conversation bits to new shooters or other range patrons. On mine, the machine work was excellent. Built like a tank. I love my Yugo, but it is heavier than the rest. The Yugo M59s are similar to the Russian and Chinese rifles, but without a chromed bore. They don't have the dealer upgrades the 59/66A1s have.

    The Russians are probably the most collectible, along with the Albanian and Romanian ones. Mine was pretty well used, and not pristine, so cant really offer much there.

    I think the Chinese rifles are the most practical. Cheaper, chromed bores, plentiful parts. My favorite is the paratrooper. My one is a factory 26, and shoots very well, is lighter, and with the shorter barrel is a very handy, practical rifle. Has a shorter spike bayonet, sling. Just a really fun rifle to shoot.

    All in all, if I had to choose, it would be a tie. The Yugo, because it was my first, and I love it, and my Chinese /26\ because it is the most practical of the bunch. I like it better than my full length Chinese or Russian ones I had.
     

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Latest posts

    Forum statistics

    Threads
    274,915
    Messages
    7,258,419
    Members
    33,348
    Latest member
    Eric_Hehl

    Latest threads

    Top Bottom