i am thinking about getting one. i know going in that its a crap-shoot. the only quetion is which option (hand select $25, numbers matching $20, both or neither) to do and why. i am leaning towards numbers matching. just want to keep the cost down (i'm cheap). with shipping and tax considered in that . i do respect everyone's here advice and thanks for all opinions. thumb1
I think you have to ask yourself;are you going to collect it?,shoot it?,customize it for a certain purpose?Resell it?Family heirloom?
Quote from: Bubbazinetti on May 15, 2020, 10:48:56 AM
I think you have to ask yourself;are you going to collect it?,shoot it?,customize it for a certain purpose?Resell it?Family heirloom?
well i have two blade types(ghost & sino-soviet), i want a spike type to go along with them. so, collect would be major purpose. thanks Bubba.
They went up 20 bucks in the last couple weeks at classic. They were 299.00. Haven't checked prices but I think Atlantic Firearms had some too.
I think I would go numbers matching and leave it at that. I think the hand select is a little bit of a racket.
There always seems to be some sort of "add on" when you're ready to purchase. When I was purchasing mine, they had three options; "hand select" "numbers matching" and "guaranteed milled trigger group" as opposed to the default stamped trigger group. They did say that in terms of performance, there didn't seem to be a difference between milled and stamped.
I chose milled, (+$25.00) and didn't go with hand select.
Based on their photos, the most recent batch looks to be in better condition as far as wear and bluing. The stocks are as beat up or better than previous offerings.
Atlantic had them for $379.00, but they're sold out.
I went with numbers matching, skipped hand select....some selects looked worse than mine...and mine was 100% matching....ugly as sin, but matching. The select option can even get an Albanian replacement stock, generally ugly. The thing is, they don't check gas tubes or pistons, likely not sight leaves....and they don't guarantee the stock even. Its a total crap shoot, lots of folks who just ordered without upcharges got matching ones...some of them are even nice. Mismatched major parts might be worth paying to avoid though....which was what I opted for, and kind of got lucky with the minor parts matching too....
I bet that didn't help one bit did it?
Quote from: Justin Hell on May 15, 2020, 02:23:48 PM
I went with numbers matching, skipped hand select....some selects looked worse than mine...and mine was 100% matching....ugly as sin, but matching. The select option can even get an Albanian replacement stock, generally ugly. The thing is, they don't check gas tubes or pistons, likely not sight leaves....and they don't guarantee the stock even. Its a total crap shoot, lots of folks who just ordered without upcharges got matching ones...some of them are even nice. Mismatched major parts might be worth paying to avoid though....which was what I opted for, and kind of got lucky with the minor parts matching too....
I bet that didn't help one bit did it?
chuckles1 chuckles1 rofl2 thumb1 clap1 rofl :)) That was Funny : ) ... Weather one likes Classic or not, It is a option. Last time I bought one it was a ugly Chi - Com 299.00 special from AIM. non returnable no guarantees it would even shoot and I got a all matching except the stock very nice shooter that was right below 400.00 with all fees tax ship. I just love it. It had the wrong side sling swivel. Here is about at worst example you could expect on a low grade choice of selection
(https://i.ibb.co/ygnfj18/20190916-155529.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gtMjKpD)
(https://i.ibb.co/NySQ89G/20190916-154623.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d5g1dPH)
I would just be happy that they are coming into the country at all.
So true. Id be buying allot more if I didnt have my police trade in Glock addiction.
I'm like that with SigSauers.Useta live near the factory.
I'll place another vote for matching but not the hand-select thumb1 I really don't know what they select for or how they do it, but I haven't been impressed with those that are hand-select vs. luck of the draw.
I did both hand select and # matching, but thought about doing only one or none. Most seem to be matching #s from what I have seen, so it might not really be needed. The hand select is probably better in the beginning when they just got in a new shipment. Now...might not make a huge difference now. I did it with the idea I'd only get two and hopefully they would be pretty nice. I'm satisfied with them, as they are used 50+ year old rifles.
Might be best now, just to do the base $299 and save the money. Just keep your expectations low. :)
pulled the trigger, did matching numbers only (which was more important to me anyway). keeps the OTD price under $400 (including tax, shipping). will try doing pics after it comes. thanks for all the replies.
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on May 15, 2020, 10:23:06 PM
I really don't know what they select for or how they do it, but I haven't been impressed with those that are hand-select vs. luck of the draw.
They have the process listed as:
"We do offer a hand select in which we will pick the best of 10 from any particular group. Now remember, the more rifles that sell, and the more hand selects are drawn from the lot, the lower the standard for the hand-select will be even though it will still be the best of 10. As such, the early bird gets the worm, so to speak on the best of the hand selects."
I read it as:
"We sorta look at the top layer and take a WAG at what Cletus Leroy JR thinks might be the best because we ain't gonna sort 'em, and we sure as Hell ain't ain't gonna clean anything off of them to see."
Quote from: carls sks on May 16, 2020, 09:27:25 AM
pulled the trigger, did matching numbers only (which was more important to me anyway). keeps the OTD price under $400 (including tax, shipping). will try doing pics after it comes. thanks for all the replies.
Good Job Carl. All matching for under 400 out the door is really a good deal these days. thumb1
Amazing how when you look back to the earlier import years the actual distributor cost was $35 with the accessories! crazyp1
Quote from: Bubbazinetti on May 16, 2020, 03:05:09 PM
Amazing how when you look back to the earlier import years the actual distributor cost was $35 with the accessories! crazyp1
Yeah, and back in the mid '90s, my friends where buying them for around $89 each.
The first one out here were $29.99, no accessories.
That would be late 80's I think. Maybe very early 90's.
And that was for a nice one.
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on May 15, 2020, 10:23:06 PM
I really don't know what they select for or how they do it, but I haven't been impressed with those that are hand-select vs. luck of the draw.
They have the process listed as:
"We do offer a hand select in which we will pick the best of 10 from any particular group. Now remember, the more rifles that sell, and the more hand selects are drawn from the lot, the lower the standard for the hand-select will be even though it will still be the best of 10. As such, the early bird gets the worm, so to speak on the best of the hand selects."
I read it as:
"We sorta look at the top layer and take a WAG at what Cletus Leroy JR thinks might be the best because we ain't gonna sort 'em, and we sure as Hell ain't ain't gonna clean anything off of them to see."
[/quote]
Sounds about right. I know they don't/can't take a lot of time to inspect each one for every order. As you mentioned they are covered in cosmoline, so it's probably just quickly looking each lot of ten.
Yup,just a way to make more money.
Hand select ain't what it used to be many years ago where they'd go through the crate just about and you'd get one as new just about.Now,I think it's just not worth it unless you know someone who works there or are a dealer calling in a favor.
Doesn't Classic say they pick the best out of 10 rifles for "hand select"? I don't recall exactly but I thought that's what they do.
Quote from: Bob_The_Student on May 18, 2020, 07:27:31 AM
Doesn't Classic say they pick the best out of 10 rifles for "hand select"? I don't recall exactly but I thought that's what they do.
That's correct Bob. The reason I didn't choose hand select is because I wanted one that showed character. Their hand select shows more bluing on metal parts and less battle scars on the stock. I wanted one with less bluing and more battle scars.
Quote from: Bob_The_Student on May 18, 2020, 07:27:31 AM
Doesn't Classic say they pick the best out of 10 rifles for "hand select"? I don't recall exactly but I thought that's what they do.
“Hand select best of 10 for cosmetic condition” Which means whatever subjective criteria the minimum wage warehouse guy considers good cosmetic condition rofl
I wouldn’t pay the $25 up charge for that but would pay the $20 for matching visible serial numbers excluding the stock, even though I think it’s lame that they exclude the stock. You also don’t know if the bolt, gas tube, gas piston or rear sight serial numbers will match. It’s a crap shoot.
There's way too much cosmoline for them to do a real "hand select". I figure it's the "not worst" of the layer they're looking at, at any given time.
When it gets to the bottom of the barrel, you'll get the shiniest turd....
Quote from: Larry D. on May 18, 2020, 11:07:24 AM
...When it gets to the bottom of the barrel, you'll get the shiniest turd....
rofl chuckles1 True story! thumb1
So, if it's the last rifle in the case, it's naturally the best one and eligible for "hand select" :)).
Does the best out of ten start counting before or after Ben drops it? chuckles1 Jk, I like ole Ben
Quote from: Ghost51xxx on May 18, 2020, 12:59:45 PM
Does the best out of ten start counting before or after Ben drops it? chuckles1 Jk, I like ole Ben
Lackey: "Hey boss, this is the purtiest of ten from this row"
Ben: "Okay, toss it in the "hand-select" gaylord across the aisle, and move to the next row"
I'd love the opportunity to go through the crate, like Scootch00 did, and really hand select a few for myself. That would really be worth an extra $25 for each one!
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on May 18, 2020, 02:30:12 PM
Quote from: Ghost51xxx on May 18, 2020, 12:59:45 PM
Does the best out of ten start counting before or after Ben drops it? chuckles1 Jk, I like ole Ben
Lackey: "Hey boss, this is the purtiest of ten from this row"
Ben: "Okay, toss it in the "hand-select" gaylord across the aisle, and move to the next row"
Nope.
They don't sort. You'll get the "best" of the ten in Whatever they'e looking at right that minute. The next layer could be stone mint, and you'll get the "best" of whatever ten they were looking at
If they started sorting them, they'd call it grading, and you'd pay even more. They've graded guns in the past, and are happy to charge you more for that as well.
Classic is going to raise the price again....site says $320 price ends 5-31-20. Appears it will be $364.99 after that because I put a bunch more of the SKSs in my cart and it showed $364.99.
Classic's "hand select" - pure snake oil.
(https://i.ibb.co/YcjjqSk/Screenshot-2020-05-27-02-07-22-1.png) (https://ibb.co/QPmm1VN)
Salt water quenched for 20yrs? :))
Quote from: Matchka on May 27, 2020, 05:02:12 AM
Classic's "hand select" - pure snake oil.
I think they should downgrade the way they discuss it or not offer it all. Just say, "We'll glance at the next 10 and grab the one that appears to look the best - but we don't spend much time on it." It's probably no more than that.
I just added one to my cart for the $319, but the last time it jumped from $299 it updated my cart after a few attempts didn't process...several days before they said the price was going to go up. I had forgotten to turn off my VPN so they thought I was ordering from Switzerland... rofl
By the time the CC and bank dropped the pending orders, they updated my already existing cart to the higher price, some 4-5 days earlier than was stated by them as the end of the $299 sale.
I was about to try write to them and ask for a new gun at the cracked stock price....since I ordered a $319 upped to matching numbers....
The gun was likely used to beat someone with, as the bayonet was bent over the stock ferrule, the stock is cracked to within a thread all the way through the bayo channel, and there is a crack at the wrist behind the action...which is minor. but this thing whacked someone/something hard enough to break out the front two vents on both sides of the handguard. The stock can be squeezed inwardly around the receiver. The firing pin is quite damaged at the tip....and unlike a lot of folks, mine seems to have been fired A LOT, no harm to the barrel, but the hammer...I have never seen a hammer show so much use... I will get some pics up as soon as the BLO dries, it's a pretty rad wall hangar. I have everything I need to restore it onhand, but considering it's the second most I have paid for an SKS ever, I kind hoped it wouldn't require my spare parts to be functional safe. >:(
Interesting it now says out of stock. Surprised as it seemed that they had gotten in so many crates.
Here is the cart I had...some are still $319 and the new ones were $365.
(https://i.ibb.co/Ydh2NT9/Classic.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Wow, sure does. I guess I will only get the one. Oh well.
$349 @ Palmetto currently in-stock,no hand select.No mention of numbers matching but give honest description of what to expect.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/chinese-type-56-sks-7-62x39-military-surplus-rifle-w-spiker-bayonet.html (https://palmettostatearmory.com/chinese-type-56-sks-7-62x39-military-surplus-rifle-w-spiker-bayonet.html)
Also,$379@ Atlantic in-stock currently.
J&G Sales has them as well for $350, without any upgrade options.
"Chinese SKS Type 56 semi auto rifle chambered in 7.62x39. mid-1960s Chicom SKS military surplus rifles. Features a blued steel receiver and milled trigger guard, hardwood stock with sling swivels (depending on year may be on side or bottom), folding spike pattern bayonet, chrome lined barrel threaded into receiver, fixed 10rd mag, and adjustable rear sight. Mostly in the 10-11 million serial number range, C&R eligible. The bluing may be worn almost away and it will have some areas of corrosion and /or pitting, the stock and handguard show many dings and scratches and large cracks. Earlier Chinese manufacture from the Jianshe Arsenal factory /26\ . May or may not include cleaning rod. Protected with a very generous amount of cosmoline. C&R eligible."
https://www.jgsales.com/chinese-sks-type-56-semi-auto-rifle,-7.62x39,-factory-26-surplus,-cracked,-corroded,-spike-bayo,-c-r.-p-104086.html
Quote from: High Noon on May 29, 2020, 04:27:53 PM
many dings and scratches and large cracks.
The LARGE cracks part is a deal breaker for me. I'll probably go with PSA. Got to get one before they all get gone!
Quote from: High Noon on May 29, 2020, 04:06:52 PM
Interesting it now says out of stock. Surprised as it seemed that they had gotten in so many crates.
Here is the cart I had...some are still $319 and the new ones were $365.
(https://i.ibb.co/Ydh2NT9/Classic.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
I hope they didn't send them to JRA to be refinished like they did the 303's
The J&G description doesn’t sound too great. Expect pitting in areas and cracked stocks. I think I will pass at that price.
They should just call them gunsmith specials because that is exactly what they are from what I can see.It would save everyone a lot of wasted time.
Yeah...the J&G description does not sound very good and the prices are higher. I wouldn't want a cracked stock, rusted parts or all mismatched parts.
I'd pass on those and look for one locally even if it was more $$. You'd spend more trying to find a new stock, buy parts or make other repairs. Glad I bought when I did - got two good ones to keep. If I need too sell in the future I could get the funds back.
Same here. Looks like pickings are getting slim.
Classic is showing in stock again.
Quote from: ffjoey on May 31, 2020, 10:40:41 AM
Classic is showing in stock again.
That's interesting. Wonder if they changed it, so they could evaluate what they had left in inventory without any new orders coming in?
Nope just increase price by an extra 10$ because they can.
Well I just ordered another, this time matching no hand select. We will see what I get.
Yeah - let us know. I saw they had bumped up the price to $329.99 now, so it will be interesting to see what condition the new one is in.
I will definitely report what I get. I kind of figured when PSA and J&G is at $349 for nonmatching, Classic would raise its price. I am curious that it was out of stock, then back, then the price increase a couple days later.
What chaps my posterior is that my wife has been playing tag with their 'customer service' dept for weeks now over ours. Basically got them to issue a credit to reduce the price to a cracked stock special, since that is what it was. Finally got them to agree to it...and they have yet to issue the credit to our account. I have had another in the cart since last Wednesday. Yesterday as I awaited a reply at the usual ONE time per day they respond, they didn't so she called, again...this week they are back to only email and are not accepting calls. As my wife was calling them, and learning of this, the price went up. We haven't heard a peep from them since Wednesday morning.
I have received dozens of emails from them, contests, daily deals, videos, invites to watch them play video games....but the service department doesn't seem to have the same vigor as the sales department. With the price increase, and the reduced value of our 'refund', we are considering just getting a Romanian Tokarev and being done with them.
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 09, 2020, 11:16:32 AM
With the price increase, and the reduced value of our 'refund', we are considering just getting a Romanian Tokarev and being done with them.
Unfortunately, there are many people I've talked to that feel the same way about them as you JH. Reputation is a funny thing, takes years to build up and can be gone in an instant when they don't do the right thing.
There are certainly places out there that I would absolutely go the extra mile to promote (Dan's Sporting Goods comes to mind, absolute TOP notch service there and an all around good guy), while others like Classic I really wouldn't even mention at all except for the fact that they were the only ones with T56s for a while. If RTI, Atlantic, J&G, Centerfire, AIM etc. has them, I personally would not let a $10 or $20 price difference be the deciding factor where I bought my next one from. thumb1
I’m not sure if this is an indication of anything but when I ordered last month the rifle was shipped out in 48 hours. This time it’s been a week and still shows the status as processing/packing.
Update, still hasn’t shipped.
FF, it's the Corona....no wait, can't use that any more. Bubba fell in a crate and we can't find which one rofl2.
Something is certainly up there....they went from email only support, briefly to phone, then back to email only.....which gets ZERO replies. STILL awaiting a $90 credit promised to my wife before ordering another, my inclination though is to not deal with them anymore. It's been two weeks since I got any email from them that wasn't the typical several times a day spam.
Nobody gives Mrs. Hell a hard time except Mr. Hell. bat1
On the upside we did get two Classic Firearms stickers I assume this was a mistake though.
Honestly, the only reason we got one of these was to get this serial range covered. It's the second most I have ever spent on an SKS...and by far, the crummiest. I did anticipate that...to a degree. I had seen several matching examples, that were pretty decent all things considered....mine is matching but really leaves a lot to be desired....I did replace the firing pin so it can fire safely, but I fear a couple of shots would be enough to split the stock in half.
I don't want to separate a matching gun from it's parts....so, it's a $400 wall hanger. I have the parts to make it work....but only as a bubba....with a different gas tube, and stock. I have a donor two piece tube astray from a matching gun that I bubbified before I knew better. I have a pretty nice blonde inverted take down stock and handguard. I can make it a shooter in minutes....for the price paid I should not have to. With the bluing loss, using this stock will create serious pig/lipstick issues. I do kinda want to shoot it...the trigger feels spectacular. I doubt I would leave it as such though.
I can live with the bent bayonet....it stays in the stock, is still staked, and the only thing more menacing than a bayonet, is a bent one. ;)
Another reason to leave the poor thing alone is, it's only a couple digits off from tarheel87's nicer example he posted earlier. I find that to be pretty friggin' neat, both in a historical way....and how cool this board is to have in the world. What is he likelihood of that happening??? thumb1
Sweaty Ben is a crook and classic firearms is a garbage company. Even if they are the cheapest i'll never buy from them on principle alone.
Justin. The gun I got from Classic in this batch differs from yours very little in condition (mine might be slightly better, but not by much). The stock is cracked all the way through and I simply haven’t had the inclination to pull the Albanian nails out of it to even see whether it’s salvageable or not. It’s sat in the shipping box ever since I got it, tore it down and took photos for the board. My desire to *do* something with it simply hasn’t manifesteed itself yet. I find it funny that we are in similar boats.
I have parted with exactly 2 firearms in my 20 years of collecting: Ugly Betty, my first Yugo M59/66 with nary a matching number anywhere, and a wicked nice ‘54 Tula that I sometimes regret trading for another gun. This Classic gun however, I’m seriously thinking of flipping it, getting at least what I paid out of it, and considering the matter over & done. Having that inclination is very unusual for me. Maybe we just cut our losses and try again somewhere else? dntknw1
Mine is finally shipping today. I hope it’s reasonably close to the condition of the one I bought last month. Sorry to hear you guys got less than great examples.
As long as you understand that they are gunsmith specials that need work and not collector grade heirlooms.
I already have a couple, mine were actually in pretty decent shape. Will see how this one turns out.
Well, heck.... at 6:21PM tonight, Sunday...Father's Day no less....
Classic did two things, gave me $90 credit for my purchase....AND bumped the price up to $349, while it does still say they are on sale for $329 on the banner at the top of the page....try to add one. pullhair1
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 22, 2020, 12:01:48 AM
Well, heck.... at 6:21PM tonight, Sunday...Father's Day no less....
Classic did two things, gave me $90 credit for my purchase....AND bumped the price up to $349, while it does still say they are on sale for $329 on the banner at the top of the page....try to add one. pullhair1
They did the same thing when they went from 319-329, the banner gets updated last it seems. :))
I feel at this point after shipping, taxes, ffl, etc you can find better condition chinese SKS's elsewhere for less. LGS, pawn, GB, etc.
https://gyazo.com/d8e9114e38848448e6a4e0054c21e26e
(Sorry for the link, but i just wanted the picture to crop part of my screen and not show my personal info.)
A hand select, numbers matching rifle will set me back over 460$ before I get to my FFL. If the condition of these was pristine in the cosmoline, I could see myself paying it maybe, but the majority of what i've seen could be fit into the old cracked stock special category. Just my .02
-STR
I think I will skip any embellishments this time and just hope for the best....with the credit, I should get away after shipping and ffl, at around $315ish. (we don't do tax in Montana, and folks can't charge us tax either.) :)
I doubt I could find one locally for less, and it's a credit I have to use at Classic anyway. I had considered a Romanian Tokarev, but while awaiting the credit...of course, they sold out. Nothing else really appeals to me.
I may hold off for a few days to see if they put them on sale again, or if they have cracked stock specials.
I might be pushing my luck, mine didn't come with free Albanian nails to hold it together. It doesn't seem quite as bad as that...if they are getting to the bottom of the bucket, the next one could be worse. :-\
I will be picking my newest one up from my FFL Wednesday. I got a really nice one the first time around. I’m starting to get the feeling I might not be as lucky this time. Some of the most recent reviews on the Classic site reference rust and pitting.
Quote from: ffjoey on June 22, 2020, 10:45:51 PM
I will be picking my newest one up from my FFL Wednesday. I got a really nice one the first time around. I’m starting to get the feeling I might not be as lucky this time. Some of the most recent reviews on the Classic site reference rust and pitting.
I am still on the fence a little....when you get yours, could you give a quick mention about it's condition? Pics aren't necessary...I just am curious about broken stocks, broken stocks nailed together, or anything that can give you tetanus. I think I will bite again if it's not too terrible....but the bottom of the barrel may be at hand. Hopefully, they just jumped the price because the stock on hand is too nice and not enough folks paid for hand select, so they are building it into the price? If all turns out the same again...I do have one more inverted take down sock to use if needed.
I did restock and borrow another gas tube, and took mine out shooting today. It functioned just ducky with the new firing pin...the gas tube is a bit loose, but it did sound a tad 'broken in' beyond that....I think the recoil spring might be a bit weak. It was weird though...I haven't ever had an SKS that had such tight groups, not on the target..but on the ground. The ejected shells I am used to hunting all over the place for practically stacked like cord wood. Two types of ammo, two locations....both had a about 18 inches square that had 5-6 cases....the others in both locations were only a few feet directly in front of me. Usually shooting sessions for me are five minutes shooting to 20 minutes trying to clean up after myself...so, I have that going for me. :)
I definitely will report on what I get. I’m hoping it’s at least similar to the two my brother and I got last month, but they were probably nicer than many already got. We will see tomorrow, I will definitely let you know.
JH, "... but the bottom of the barrel may be at hand." With all of this Covid-19 motivated buying going on (and at crazy, need I say insane prices?); 2020 just might possibly be the beginning of the end for sub-$400 deals. 'Gunsmith specials', aka "mutts", are basically the new-normal for a $300-399.99 SKS.
Quote from: Matchka on June 23, 2020, 10:21:51 AM
JH, "... but the bottom of the barrel may be at hand." With all of this Covid-19 motivated buying going on (and at crazy, need I say insane prices?); 2020 just might possibly be the beginning of the end for sub-$400 deals. 'Gunsmith specials', aka "mutts", are basically the new-normal for a $300-399.99 SKS.
I am so sick of the term 'new normal' but you are likely right.
I think this will be my last SKS for awhile...I just need to get back to a round number again. I missed out on the 2012 wave of imports and regretted it. I will likely just hope for sweetheart deals from locals and pawn shops....ordering sight unseen is a bit unnerving.
But, what the heck am I gonna do with the other 3/4 gallon of mineral spirits anyway? chuckles1
Quote from: Matchka on June 23, 2020, 10:21:51 AM
JH, "... but the bottom of the barrel may be at hand." With all of this Covid-19 motivated buying going on (and at crazy, need I say insane prices?); 2020 just might possibly be the beginning of the end for sub-$400 deals. 'Gunsmith specials', aka "mutts", are basically the new-normal for a $300-399.99 SKS.
I agree, I’m thinking we are getting to the end of the road for the most part of the SKS imports.
We say that all the time and then a new importer pops up and more come in. Once of these days it truly will be the last one and they will have dried up permanently, but there are still larges caches in Africa waiting to be imported. One only has to look to the recent Mauser, VZ52, and M1 Carbine bonanza from Ethiopia to see that there are still milsurp C&R firearms that are waiting to be bought and brought to the states. thumb1
Quote from: running-man on June 23, 2020, 12:58:19 PM
We say that all the time and then a new importer pops up and more come in. Once of these days it truly will be the last one and they will have dried up permanently, but there are still larges caches in Africa waiting to be imported. One only has to look to the recent Mauser, VZ52, and M1 Carbine bonanza from Ethiopia to see that there are still milsurp C&R firearms that are waiting to be bought and brought to the states. thumb1
Maybe, but I remember when the $99 AK parts kits were pouring in, seemed like an endless supply, until it wasn’t. I hope importers stay on their toes and keep bringing good stuff in but there is a finite number of these things and once it’s over it’s over. Generally, with no prior warning.
Quote from: Justin Hell link=topic=4944.msg57006#msg57006 date=159292741
But, what the heck am I gonna do with the other 3/4 gallon of mineral spirits anyway? chuckles1
/quote]
chuckles1 chuckles1
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 23, 2020, 11:50:15 AM
But, what the heck am I gonna do with the other 3/4 gallon of mineral spirits anyway? chuckles1
Come on, now.
You know dang well you're gonna need it within the next few months (weeks) when your resolve weakens and you snatch another one.......
rofl :P rofl
Quote from: Larry D. on June 23, 2020, 05:40:37 PM
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 23, 2020, 11:50:15 AM
But, what the heck am I gonna do with the other 3/4 gallon of mineral spirits anyway? chuckles1
Come on, now.
You know dang well you're gonna need it within the next few months (weeks) when your resolve weakens and you snatch another one.......
rofl :P rofl
On the way to pick up the last one, I bought a gallon...forgetting that I still had the better part of a quart left from a T53 I picked up years ago....I barely had to dip into the gallon. I haven't had much cosmo cleanup since 1999....a wee bit on the internals of the Cherry's Yugo, but otherwise...I have been generally picking up tacticooled bubbas locally, or getting barreled receivers and building my own. A big portion of the quart went into cleaning up a bunch of Albanian (Chinese, really) cleaning kits from the 2012 import time frame.
By the way guys....if you are looking for a cleaning kit for your Classics that are in about the same condition as your gun....hit me up.
meanwhile, I am sitting here....debit card in hand, with two SKSs in the cart, one zero upcharge....one hand select upcharge. After getting the credit that took nearly a month, I wonder if I should splurge for the HS mostly due to getting the credit and perhaps ticking them off about it. We had already opted for it to be ordered in the wife's name...both in hoping that they might treat a girl nicer, and because since both of our ID's are technically illegal as issued with our PO Box and zero street address...she can use our car title as additional proof...as I didn't want my name on official paperwork for a bleeding Subaru. :))
I am also on the fence over the paltry $4 upcharge for insurance. To this very day if you check the tracking # for my last one, it is STILL pending delivery. Fed Ex delivered it to the wrong gun shop, my gun shop figured it out...and got it themselves. Fed Ex has no business shipping firearms it seems....yet, they do. Apparently, they also don't bother calling to admit they lost a package, nor do they do anything about it.
I had Fed Ex deliver an AK74 to a dry cleaner one day instead of the FFL. It was missing for about 6 hours. After 3 hours of getting nowhere with FedEx on the phone I contacted the ATF. Finally found the rifle myself just going door to door. Sorry, I know that was a bit off topic.
Quote from: ffjoey on June 23, 2020, 07:45:51 PM
I had Fed Ex deliver an AK74 to a dry cleaner one day instead of the FFL. It was missing for about 6 hours. After 3 hours of getting nowhere with FedEx on the phone I contacted the ATF. Finally found the rifle myself just going door to door. Sorry, I know that was a bit off topic.
Off topic or not, what the heck did the dry cleaner say? chuckles1
Did you ever confront FedEx about it? I wanted to, but since the ATF knows better....I am kinda glad I haven't.
I F'ing hate FedEx like I hate Fauci! bat1 Sorry, but I feel better now! wink1
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 23, 2020, 07:15:42 PM
By the way guys....if you are looking for a cleaning kit for your Classics that are in about the same condition as your gun....hit me up.
PM on the way.
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 23, 2020, 09:20:51 PM
Quote from: ffjoey on June 23, 2020, 07:45:51 PM
I had Fed Ex deliver an AK74 to a dry cleaner one day instead of the FFL. It was missing for about 6 hours. After 3 hours of getting nowhere with FedEx on the phone I contacted the ATF. Finally found the rifle myself just going door to door. Sorry, I know that was a bit off topic.
Off topic or not, what the heck did the dry cleaner say? chuckles1
Did you ever confront FedEx about it? I wanted to, but since the ATF knows better....I am kinda glad I haven't.
The dry cleaner basically said fedex dropped it off and they had no idea what it was. They were going to take it over to the ffl when they had a chance but it was only one lady on duty and she didn’t want to close the store to take it to it’s proper location. FedEx didn’t give a crap until I told them I contacted the ATF, then they “opened an investigation “. Like I said, I went and found the rifle, FedEx didn’t. They ended up blaming it on the driver being a new employee. It was a potentially bad bad situation.
Went to pick up my newest purchase just now and background in FL the s running 24 hours plus so I was unable to leave with it. I was able to look it over though. I did not pay for best of 10 this time but I did last time. I did pay for matching both times. The other one I got was about 90% bluing intact and the stock was fairly rough, with a couple large gouges. This new one is the exact opposite from what I could tell through the cosmo. The stock is matching the metal parts and is in excellent condition. The metal parts are more on the rough side. Bluing appeared to be about 50-60% with some surface rust on the top cover and carrier. I didn’t see any pitting though. The rust should easily knock off with some oil and maybe a little steel wool. Overall, it’s a pretty decent looking rifle. I will take some pics once I have it in my possession and get it cleaned up. Again, with all the cosmo it’s a little tough to make a really good assessment but it appears to be a decent rifle. The bluing on my previous one was much better than I expected, this one is about on par with what I would expect.
I went ahead and bit this morning...might as well before they dry up or I get tempted by something else. The only thing I paid extra for was the insurance....our combined FedEx experiences almost seem to warrant it....despite my four bucks not counting for much last time.
I got to wondering though, when you don't pay for hand select, do they just grab one without looking at all, or do they look for the ugliest one for the cheapskates? I guess I will find out in a week or so huh? I am rolling the dice on the numbers, since they don't bother looking at the BIGGEST serial number on the gun, if I paid the extra....I may get a replacement stock anyway, so it's kind of a moot point. I kinda had buyers remorse almost instantly last time due to that...but, the matching numbers are pretty much the best part of that one now. :)
I am kind of hoping perhaps if they don't look it over too much I may get a nicer one by chance alone. nailbite1
But, if all else fails...I've got parts....and about a dozen stocks.
The credit took the sting out of the last one at least, this time it will be $320.28....if my FFL charges me. Often they don't.
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 24, 2020, 03:19:04 PM
I went ahead and bit this morning...might as well before they dry up or I get tempted by something else. The only thing I paid extra for was the insurance....our combined FedEx experiences almost seem to warrant it....despite my four bucks not counting for much last time.
I got to wondering though, when you don't pay for hand select, do they just grab one without looking at all, or do they look for the ugliest one for the cheapskates? I guess I will find out in a week or so huh? I am rolling the dice on the numbers, since they don't bother looking at the BIGGEST serial number on the gun, if I paid the extra....I may get a replacement stock anyway, so it's kind of a moot point. I kinda had buyers remorse almost instantly last time due to that...but, the matching numbers are pretty much the best part of that one now. :)
I am kind of hoping perhaps if they don't look it over too much I may get a nicer one by chance alone. nailbite1
But, if all else fails...I've got parts....and about a dozen stocks.
The credit took the sting out of the last one at least, this time it will be $320.28....if my FFL charges me. Often they don't.
Well, with Classic it’s probably a bit of a crap shoot but overall I am pretty pleased. This one is definitely a decent example. My brother ordered another the same time I did. He paid for nothing extra and he inspected his today as well. His appears to be all matching and is actually slightly nicer bluing wise than mine. I think it may bode well for you. Pics of both of ours will be up sometime tomorrow.
Update, I got the rifle and it seems to have been dunked in a vat of cosmo that hadn’t heated up enough or something. The exposed parts had large clumps of cosmo but none inside the receiver or in the areas covered by the stock. As a consequence, there are several areas of rust pitting.
(https://i.ibb.co/SB7pScS/78-A83932-82-E0-4-DAB-8-B92-E20-CE238-DF67.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BBKRkGk)
(https://i.ibb.co/v36kNHB/78-DD44-C9-347-A-44-AD-BE85-B3-B793130-F00.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Wk4fr63)
(https://i.ibb.co/yPwPmYh/BB3-D3523-D33-B-47-D3-AD5-E-3248-FB800973.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SyhyDdQ)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZWD5G70/FA80-EDB1-7891-4-BEE-9-E5-C-810513382-E39.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m6Wkbg3)
(https://i.ibb.co/XVcKGyv/E3876-C3-A-D76-B-459-D-8-BA2-65-F038-EC5-C7-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hC34TXt)
(https://i.ibb.co/VQqYG39/A3897875-359-C-4-F38-BB9-D-66-C3-B845-B8-D9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dL54v7M)
(https://i.ibb.co/fqGzmYG/9-DBD2-AB1-F7-AB-481-A-9127-08-EF8-F4-AD9-BF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vVv62xv)
One bonus, it actually had a cleaning kit in the stock
(https://i.ibb.co/vX8Lx5W/1-D493-E8-E-5824-46-C9-81-D2-C1-D91-A33-AA8-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/41x4ZyL)
(https://i.ibb.co/Pgn8dNw/18361743-8368-4773-9074-202-E2-CA0667-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VTZ8st2)
(https://i.ibb.co/FYtqYt4/DE7-EF925-1-CF6-4-F71-9159-2-C04091541-FB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vd8vd84)
After cleaning. Long story short, the areas if pitting are kind of a bummer but overall it’s pretty nice and looks like what it is, a rifle that has a life in the Balkans. This one has definitely been shot some. The bore had quite a bit of carbon fouling, something the last two did not have.
Did you really mean to type 'if putty' or was that autocorrect changing "of rust" to something else? I honestly don't think the pitting is all that bad compared to many I've seen. It cleaned up darn nicely in my opinion, looks like a very desirable Sino-Banian to me. thumb1
Yours and my current one are very similar in bluing...how the heck did they clean these? I have that same weird spiraling my gas tube....it's like they took them to a carwash and used muddy water! My receiver cover is similar. Mine appeared to have been shot..a lot, but my bore seemed fine. I do wonder about the cosmoline application, as mine was aplenty with it, yet the bottom of the buttstock looks as if it had been outdoors, dry and flaky.
I would say if mine had a decent stock, they would be twins, aside from the bent bayonet.
Are you seeing any sign of shellac on it or does it seem like an oil finish? I am fairly certain mine was oil originally...I don't see any sign of the usual dripping on the inside of the stock edges. The underside of the gas tube wood makes me think so too. It's hard to tell for sure though. The only shiny thing on the whole stock is directly under the rear of the receiver about the size of a fingernail...which I am pretty convinced is just hammered smooth from recoil. The wood is so thin on the sides though it likely was sanded, and/or given the dirty carwash buffing treatment.
It sucks about the pitting, but I have a letter gun receiver in much worse, yet serviceable condition. Try Frontier Big45 metal cleaner, it's a cheap scouring pad that will remove the rust, but not any bluing...that and a regular oiling should keep it from getting worse. It works as fast as doing dishes. I have been using the same pad, occasionally cutting some off to run through the bore for a nice deep scrub, for years. It's in my top three favorite gun products.
Quote from: running-man on June 25, 2020, 01:46:57 PM
Did you really mean to type 'if putty' or was that autocorrect changing "of rust" to something else? I honestly don't think the pitting is all that bad compared to many I've seen. It cleaned up darn nicely in my opinion, looks like a very desirable Sino-Banian to me. thumb1
Yes, autocorrect got me, I meant pitting and it changed to putty. I agree the areas of pitting are pretty small and minor. Only reason it’s a bit of a bummer is it’s really the only defect. The stock is in really nice shape and the bluing is thin but intact on most of the rifle. Thinnest areas are the common ones, top cover, butt plate, and magazine. I’m certainly not complaining, overall it’s a decent rifle.
Quote from: Justin Hell on June 25, 2020, 02:03:08 PM
Yours and my current one are very similar in bluing...how the heck did they clean these? I have that same weird spiraling my gas tube....it's like they took them to a carwash and used muddy water! My receiver cover is similar. Mine appeared to have been shot..a lot, but my bore seemed fine. I do wonder about the cosmoline application, as mine was aplenty with it, yet the bottom of the buttstock looks as if it had been outdoors, dry and flaky.
I would say if mine had a decent stock, they would be twins, aside from the bent bayonet.
Are you seeing any sign of shellac on it or does it seem like an oil finish? I am fairly certain mine was oil originally...I don't see any sign of the usual dripping on the inside of the stock edges. The underside of the gas tube wood makes me think so too. It's hard to tell for sure though. The only shiny thing on the whole stock is directly under the rear of the receiver about the size of a fingernail...which I am pretty convinced is just hammered smooth from recoil. The wood is so thin on the sides though it likely was sanded, and/or given the dirty carwash buffing treatment.
It sucks about the pitting, but I have a letter gun receiver in much worse, yet serviceable condition. Try Frontier Big45 metal cleaner, it's a cheap scouring pad that will remove the rust, but not any bluing...that and a regular oiling should keep it from getting worse. It works as fast as doing dishes. I have been using the same pad, occasionally cutting some off to run through the bore for a nice deep scrub, for years. It's in my top three favorite gun products.
Stocks appear oiled to me, I don’t see any evidence of shellac either. The pitting really isn’t too bad. I think I was spoiled by the condition of my first one but this one is just fine too. I’m pretty meticulous with keeping all my rifles pretty well oiled. At least three times a year everything comes out of the safe and gets oiled down. I have roughly 40 long guns and 20 pistols so it takes a while but haven’t had any issues with rust on anything I own.
Quote from: running-man on June 25, 2020, 01:46:57 PM
Did you really mean to type 'if putty' or was that autocorrect changing "of rust" to something else? I honestly don't think the pitting is all that bad compared to many I've seen. It cleaned up darn nicely in my opinion, looks like a very desirable Sino-Banian to me. thumb1
BTW, I just tried to enter this rifles info into your sks database and it says the “form is over quota” and leads to a dead end
I think you did pretty great actually....the cleaning kit is a shocker, I don't recall anyone else having one.
Have you had a chance to check the internals for numbers? I assume the stock matches?
Yes, I couldn’t believe the cleaning kit was in there. All numbers match, I’m certainly not displeased with the rifle. I was trying to give a honest review in case someone else is thinking of ordering one. My first one I paid for matching and best of 10 and got near perfect metal and a so so stock. This one I only paid for matching and got so so metal and a pretty nice stock. I’m overall happy with both I got.
ffjoey, like Justin said get yourself the Frontier45 metal pad/ scrubber. It works great. It may be my favorite thing to use to clean guns. And only thing I use if I'm dealing with rust. It's cheap like $6 per. thumb1
Quote from: Bob_The_Student on June 25, 2020, 06:04:34 PM
ffjoey, like Justin said get yourself the Frontier45 metal pad/ scrubber. It works great. It may be my favorite thing to use to clean guns. And only thing I use if I'm dealing with rust. It's cheap like $6 per. thumb1
Will do. Thank you to you both
Quote from: ffjoey on June 25, 2020, 02:22:18 PM
BTW, I just tried to enter this rifles info into your sks database and it says the “form is over quota” and leads to a dead end
Yeah. The site i use sucks with their free plan. Paid plans start at $15 a month though and i’m not ready to fork that $ over for something that only occupies a small portion of my time anymore. I’ll get it reset. Thanks!
No worries, just thought you may want to know.
Cleaned up my brother’s new one today. He bought the basic choice. No handpick, no matching. It is all matching except for the bolt. The bolt is a mismatch but strangely ends in the same three numbers. Overall, well used with thin bluing, nice stock that has what appear to be tick marks. One tiny spot of rust on the magazine right at the lip. Pretty nice example.
(https://i.ibb.co/6PMdTT8/8-D9-A4-A97-DB65-4-B9-E-8119-C45-B0-F68121-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/R0F5ssN)
(https://i.ibb.co/Br1qFGn/105389-CA-7254-4438-8528-84-EAF709-B092.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HxJn3Ch)
I think from my sample size of 4. 2 best of 10 and 2 not, there is a definite difference in metal condition between them. If you want mostly solid bluing it’s probably worth the extra $25. If you just want a decent sks it really does not matter.
maybe they are just getting to the end. still, yours and brothers look good to me. thanks for sharing.
Could be. Either way, I’m happy each of us got one mostly pristine example and one well used example. No complaints on my end at all.
I'm thinking it's fairly easy to tell if there is bluing loss vs anything about the stock with all the cosmoline. If you want bluing, it costs extra...if you want a decent stock too...well, roll the dice! :))
I think both this time between you and your brother's would leave me satisfied.
That's a riot about the carrier's numbers....what are the chances? I have kinda hoped for something like that when I find a nice stock, hasn't happened yet.
Yesterday I went to a LGS looking for some 8x56R, and came across a couple of stocks he had for sale, and asked if he happened to have the handguards. He was like, yeah! I have one around here somewhere.....a few seconds later he produced a French Tickler, with a fresh $5 price tag on it.... I jumped, as I don't have a handguard for my second backup inverted takedown stock....so I am covered should the worst happen again. Best thing is the new handguard matched better to the stock on my 78, and the swap matched better on the spare stock too. It will be 11 years out of kilter, but heck...that might be the new setup when I shoot my first Classic. We shall see, someday....they still haven't shipped my new one, so that likely won't happen until at least Monday. Heck, I am going to be able to complete the entire series of rabies shots before it gets here now, I started the day I ordered. chuckles1
I like it.
Taking a fresh air break before donning my gloves again and get ready to huff some mineral spirits for the rest of the afternoon....BUT. I got my new one in.
This one looks much much better...and, it is an 11m....milled trigger...and the PW Arms serial number is in the 17K range. This must have been a bigger batch than we may have thought.
The gas tube and piston are the only things that don't match...although I cannot see any serial on the sight leaf. I am hoping for a close match on the wood, it seems closer than a lot I have seen. The stock has retained it's /2\ stamping....nearly destroyed by a big ol' NEW carrier handle ding. Thanks Ben.
Zero trench art....and I am totally cool with that. And the dings and gouges are mostly on the left...so It will hide that on display....oh, and there is shellac this time. :)
Some things I haven't seen before, the magazine has a 7 stamped on the right side of the spine. The barrel and receiver are 22 stamped, although the font is much smaller on the barrel. IIRC they are the same size on others I have. There is also a N or W 43 stamped on the barrel sideways, just past the lug. Rebarrel?
Bayonet remains staked. Bluing is better than last time, but not by a lot. Cleaning rod present, kit AWOL. The replacement gas tube is a one piece...ugh, but no biggie.
Had I paid for upgrades, this is nicer than several hand selects I have seen....and if I went for matching, this would have been considered that, glad I saved the twenty bucks.
Back to the slime.
I’m glad to hear this one is better. Enjoy the cleaning and take some pics please.
She is actually MUCH better...after cleaning I am quite impressed. The bluing was better than expected...and the stock is quite nice, although the recent damage is kind of annoying.
I just got back from shooting her actually, and she is certainly well within minute of ponderosa pine stump. It's a bit dusky....and our shooting spot isn't exactly good. Perfect function....fantastic trigger. Nice way to celebrate the Fourth...cleaning a commie gun, and firing it publicly. chuckles1
It has been a little crummy around here, so I did another coat of BLO on the first one, and a teeeeeny bit of sanding on the furry butt it had, and put it back into the original furniture, so I can get some pics of both. The contrast is striking. The first one is still the most beat up gun I have...the new one is the second, yet...dang. I am satisfied, this time around I got what I kind of expected.
I only have done the mummy pack of paper towels/garbage bag/dash of black van treatment to the stock, I didn't even take off the buttplate or swivel...I kinda wanted to shoot it once it was capable. A bit more cleanup is still coming for the stock.
What's kinda cool though is I didn't need a second 12m, getting the 11m was kind of a bonus, I now have a 64,65,66 and 67...leaving gaping holes betwixt my 59 and 78...thankfully they didn't make 'em all those years...but miles to go before I sleep. :P
Nice write up, Justin.
Quote from: Justin Hell on July 04, 2020, 11:37:14 PM
What's kinda cool though is I didn't need a second 12m, getting the 11m was kind of a bonus, I now have a 64,65,66 and 67...leaving gaping holes betwixt my 59 and 78...thankfully they didn't make 'em all those years...but miles to go before I sleep. :P
Kinda sounds like a song about a Cadillac :).
Ordered July 4th + hand select. wont ever pick hand select again. factory 26 12million
(https://i.ibb.co/g31gNwF/MVIMG-20200708-134630.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/2vn5drK/MVIMG-20200708-134705.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0CDQrLJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/H78dG95/MVIMG-20200708-134635.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F6TV8dR)
Wow, that is a totally refundable upcharge IMO, unless best counts for creativity. That is a seriously wonky 'repair'. It looks like someone got caught at the bandsaw, messed up and had to put it back together and live with it. That is a cut, not a crack.
I am going to stop complaining about the bunk one I got.
Curious, what was the PW Arms import serial? The last one I got was a big jump from others seen, mine was in the 17k range vs 12k being seen towards the end of this batch as the higher range. I am hoping more may be seen later.
I received my last Classic on the 3rd, and it was a much nicer 11 m without upgrades, and I seriously doubt the credit I received for the bad one granted special attention. I think they just pick em and ship em without a second glance. I would send a complaint, at the very least for the $25....but they were selling cracked stocks from this batch for $249, which is what I got them to credit us down to vs. the $319 paid. Their service department is kinda ridiculous slow. Send pics in advance, as they will request them....or just send them the link here!
I contacted Classic and they said they would refund me $30 but that was 9 days ago so chances are improving that it was just lip service. Im not a complainer by nature im actually too quiet but when i went on their facebook buyers group and people were posting pictures of better looking sks's in the same delivery date range and they had not picked the hand select option i had to speak up and say something. Its a scam "service"
I also saw pictures of their cracked stock models and saw one with the exact same arsenal fix that mine had..... it should have been a 279-299 dollar gun.
Importer serial was early 9k range. gun was matching serial from all the parts ive seen
ill post up pics of the PSA SKS (grade 2) when i get it cleaned up (this from what ive checked is also matching serial)
They should advertise and sell them as gunsmith specials because that's exactly what they are.Battlefield turn-ins.
It took nearly a month for Classic to issue the credit they offered me.
It 'coincidentally' arrived simultaneous to a price jump. I wonder if they have had some Covid shutdowns because there are some pretty big lapses that occur in their service dept....and folks were waiting for three weeks after ordering before getting their guns according to reviews, whereas when I ordered my second, it arrived in a week, just like the first time.
Quote from: auskip07 on July 19, 2020, 09:39:12 PM
Ordered July 4th + hand select. wont ever pick hand select again. factory 26 12million
(https://i.ibb.co/g31gNwF/MVIMG-20200708-134630.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/2vn5drK/MVIMG-20200708-134705.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0CDQrLJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/H78dG95/MVIMG-20200708-134635.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F6TV8dR)
That is just wrong... I am genuinely sorry, project guns are fun when they're picked up on the cheap and it makes sense if you're willing to put in the work, but to upcharge the price on these clearly gunsmith specials, and then receive one of the most messed up (if not the most messed up) stocks of the whole batch i think ive seen thus far would have me pretty upset NGL.
Hope they credit you back, and i'd definitely submit that picture to the reviews so people can see what could happen to them as well.
Best of luck brother.
It seems that Classic may be holding onto any SKSs they have currently. Likely awaiting enough time for a price increase to seem more reasonable.
BUT in the meantime you can buy a very overpriced SKS T-shirt. Hurry though, it's limited edition!
https://www.classicfirearms.com/limited-edition-chinese-sks-rifle-shirt/
I am gonna pass though, because the skinny model used reveals how badly they show moobs...and I know my man cans are bigger than his. nea1
Quote from: Justin Hell on July 20, 2020, 05:19:10 PM
It seems that Classic may be holding onto any SKSs they have currently. Likely awaiting enough time for a price increase to seem more reasonable.
BUT in the meantime you can buy a very overpriced SKS T-shirt. Hurry though, it's limited edition!
https://www.classicfirearms.com/limited-edition-chinese-sks-rifle-shirt/
I am gonna pass though, because the skinny model used reveals how badly they show moobs...and I know my man cans are bigger than his. nea1
they should give those for free with the purchase of hand select >:(
Quote from: Justin Hell on July 20, 2020, 05:19:10 PM
It seems that Classic may be holding onto any SKSs they have currently. Likely awaiting enough time for a price increase to seem more reasonable.
BUT in the meantime you can buy a very overpriced SKS T-shirt. Hurry though, it's limited edition!
https://www.classicfirearms.com/limited-edition-chinese-sks-rifle-shirt/
I am gonna pass though, because the skinny model used reveals how badly they show moobs...and I know my man cans are bigger than his. nea1
Typical Classic, trying to make money on anything they can come up with, but a SKS rifle t-shirt? Give me a break!
The Customer: fineprint Classic: your#1
its a shame because classic has the best selection of surplus rifles. You almost have to deal with them
Quote from: auskip07 on July 20, 2020, 09:38:58 PM
its a shame because classic has the best selection of surplus rifles. You almost have to deal with them
On occasion I still deal with CF, but I prefer the online auction houses, GunBroker and Gunboards WTS sub-forum. It's nice to see at least a couple to a few dozen pics of the firearm I'm buying.
Of course CF just got those Chinese Type 54 Tokarevs that are a bit tempting. Curious as heck where they came from. Albania again? Their "unboxing" video is good for a few chuckles. "I wonder what those characters are on top of the slide?" ??? chuckles1
Quote from: owenj492 on July 20, 2020, 05:55:15 PM
Quote from: Justin Hell on July 20, 2020, 05:19:10 PM
It seems that Classic may be holding onto any SKSs they have currently. Likely awaiting enough time for a price increase to seem more reasonable.
BUT in the meantime you can buy a very overpriced SKS T-shirt. Hurry though, it's limited edition!
https://www.classicfirearms.com/limited-edition-chinese-sks-rifle-shirt/
I am gonna pass though, because the skinny model used reveals how badly they show moobs...and I know my man cans are bigger than his. nea1
Typical Classic, trying to make money on anything they can come up with, but a SKS rifle t-shirt? Give me a break!
Makes me wanna buy a shirt here instead. I wonder if they are still available?
(https://i.ibb.co/cYB5r8j/classic-firearms-t-shirt.png) (https://imgbb.com/)
Dang, you guys are brutal...! I guess we eat our own. You have to give them some credit, they do offer an assortment of MilSurp firearms. I have had great luck with them. You always set yourself up for disappointment when you pay extra for "Hand Select", there is no such thing. :P
Quote from: owenj492 on July 21, 2020, 09:54:03 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/cYB5r8j/classic-firearms-t-shirt.png) (https://imgbb.com/)
They got me years ago with the Yugoslavian SKS batch, first buy was a very nice rifle, I paid extra for hand select (best out of 10) and numbers matching also if I remember correctly, the next month, bought another one with same extras, got a rifle that was non-matching, warped stock (had to fight just to re-insert trigger group) and had the look (and feel) of being dragged across Yugoslavia by a tank, after that classic never got my business again. I avoid them like the plague!
Quote from: JorgeSKS on July 21, 2020, 10:10:45 AM
Dang, you guys are brutal...! I guess we eat our own. You have to give them some credit, they do offer an assortment of MilSurp firearms. I have had great luck with them. You always set yourself up for disappointment when you pay extra for "Hand Select", there is no such thing. :P
Before this panic to buy firearms at inflated prices, I purchased almost all my mil-surps on gunbroker, a couple on local armslist, but before I made any purchase, I made sure it was number's matching and always requested extra pictures, I avoid classic firearms and PSA because I don't trust them.
Quote from: owenj492 on July 21, 2020, 10:49:44 AM
Before this panic to buy firearms at inflated prices, I purchased almost all my mil-surps on gunbroker, a couple on local armslist, but before I made any purchase, I made sure it was number's matching and always requested extra pictures, I avoid classic firearms and PSA because I don't trust them.
Look at Simpson LTD, i bought my K31 from them in 2014 for $250 they even called me asking if i was alright with its condition and described it as being in bad shape.... when i got it i couldnt find an issue, it shot great and the bore looked fine.
https://simpsonltd.com/full-search/?q=sks
Prices from $695 to $995! They have some nice SKS rifles but a little steep for my taste for the moment!
Quote from: owenj492 on July 21, 2020, 02:23:26 PM
https://simpsonltd.com/full-search/?q=sks
Prices from $695 to $995! They have some nice SKS rifles but a little steep for my taste for the moment!
its a sellers market, lets hope after the election we have someone that wont ban import rifles.
I posted an honest review of both rifles PSA Grade2 and Classic + hand select, on classic's facebook group and they werent too happy with my review. It was removed by their moderators within an hour. Nothing slanderous just an honest review.
Quote from: auskip07 on July 22, 2020, 10:56:44 AM
I posted an honest review of both rifles PSA Grade2 and Classic + hand select, on classic's facebook group and they werent too happy with my review. It was removed by their moderators within an hour. Nothing slanderous just an honest review.
From what I heard they do the same thing on their website [reviews], I think it is messed up they do that, it also shows their dishonesty, and another reason why I will never do business with them!
Quote from: auskip07 on July 22, 2020, 10:56:44 AM
I posted an honest review of both rifles PSA Grade2 and Classic + hand select, on classic's facebook group and they werent too happy with my review. It was removed by their moderators within an hour. Nothing slanderous just an honest review.
Sportsmans Guide did the exact same thing to one of my reviews a couple of weeks ago.
I was completely honest, and even gave an overall positive review, but they wanted no part of me telling folks that part of a kit was a knockoff.
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on July 20, 2020, 09:46:06 PM
Of course CF just got those Chinese Type 54 Tokarevs that are a bit tempting. Curious as heck where they came from. Albania again? Their "unboxing" video is good for a few chuckles. "I wonder what those characters are on top of the slide?" ??? chuckles1
STOP!!!! R'Guns has them! Don't ask me how I know. dance2
Bob....what have you done?
Quote from: Bob_The_Student on July 22, 2020, 04:26:41 PM
Quote from: Phosphorus32 on July 20, 2020, 09:46:06 PM
Of course CF just got those Chinese Type 54 Tokarevs that are a bit tempting. Curious as heck where they came from. Albania again? Their "unboxing" video is good for a few chuckles. "I wonder what those characters are on top of the slide?" ??? chuckles1
STOP!!!! R'Guns has them! Don't ask me how I know. dance2
8) thumb1
Well, the T-Shirts are already on sale for $14.99
That didn't take long.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/880506743