I have a good friend that went to the local gun show this past weekend and picked up a SKS. He told me that he had picked up one that accepted AK mags, and wanted to know exactly what he had. I figured it would be a "M" or one of the many post-ban models offered. Long story, short, he sent me pics and it's a DIG-imported SKS-30, commonly called the SKS-D. They were only imported the one year, 1988, along with BETA ARMS and CHINA SPORTS imported "D"s. After all these years, I've only seen 2-3 of the DIG imported "D"s.
A couple of questions: (It's a SKS. There's always questions... :) )
1) I know the BETA ARMS and CHINA SPORTS offerings used the "detachable" bayonets. This rifle came to him sans bayonet. Wouldn't it make sense that this one would have used the detachable bayo, as well? I told him that a standard bayo would work until, and IF, he could ever find a detachable bayo to put it back, "as manufactured". I doubt much of a database exists on this small group of one-year-imported rifles by a small importer. RM, do you have any history on the DIG imported "D"s? (Other than what's on the Weebly site?)
2) GG, RM, GM, PHOS, or anyone else have any ideas of value on these? I've seen the new-in-box sets sell on GB for $1300.00, more than once. Regular, good condition "D"s with no box or accessories will sell anywhere from $700-$900. That's assuming they're matching, (for the few numbers that are stamped) and has the detachable bayo's still with the rifle. This very low volume DIG import could be a tiny collectable attribute, but not much.
He bought the rifle for $500.00, so he's not gotten hurt. He may have even traded for it, I'm not sure. He just said that's what he had in it.
RM, the SN on this DIG imported SKS-D is 04381. I'll take some pics for the database when I see it in person. He sent me pics, so I can confirm the SN, importer, model, etc.
Thanks for any insight into these.
firstchoice
Hey there FC, how ya been? Tell your friend he stole that thing for $500. I'm not the expert on the Ds, but I am of the understanding that all Ds had the detachable bayonet. I would be of the frame of mind that if the rivet is intact on the bayonet lug then I'd make every effort to find the correct detachable bayonet so as not to disturb what is there. I have seen a few pop up from time to time on both GunBroker and eBay.
On the other hand, if the bayonet attachment uses a screw then I'm probably wrong and a regular bayonet is fine, LOL.
On value, I've only seen a few Ms sell recently and they were all around the $800-$950 mark. I would think a D would bring more into the $1200 +/- mark. More with a bayonet and even more yet if complete in the box.
Tell your Buddy he got a great deal on that SKS-30 FC! thumb1
I have not been keeping track of the commercial guns. That was XXX Joe/ power surges baby for certain. I'll look through my records when I get some time on the computer and see what I can find. I may have S/N's off a few i stashed away on my hard drive.
I would be very surprised if it was not like the others we have seen with detachable spring loaded bayonets and permanent rivets. The bayo itself can be readily fabricated but the collar might be special. I honestly haven't looked at one in 8 or 9 years so I don't remember the details. They are still around, but not very plentiful and often are pricey. Still, it would help the value of that carbine tremendously should he want to flip it I'd think.