How unlikely or likely...

[Bob_The_Student]

What is the probability or likelihood that I will see or be able to buy a "correct" as manufactured 1949 Russian or a 1950? What are a couple of the most important facts about these two years? The critical items I need to not make a HUGE mistake. Is there any "faking" (can't think of the word)/ red flags or anything like that. I have picked up quite a bit about Russian SKS's in general but is there anything specific with these years?

Thanks

[Phosphorus32]

What is the probability or likelihood that I will see or be able to buy a "correct" as manufactured 1949 Russian or a 1950? What are a couple of the most important facts about these two years? The critical items I need to not make a HUGE mistake. Is there any "faking" (can't think of the word)/ red flags or anything like that. I have picked up quite a bit about Russian SKS's in general but is there anything specific with these years?

Thanks

I'd guess the probability of getting an as-issued 1949 SKS-45 in the US is lower than getting a good condition North Korean with grenade launcher and DD603.   

Personally, I'd buy just about any 90 degree gas block SKS with a loop-style receiver cover latch pin if the price was within my price tolerance zone (cheap)  Obviously, I'd prefer one with serial numbers that match down to the font and no refurbishment marks, but that's a very low likelihood event.

[Bob_The_Student]

OK, let me ask this also. I don't want refurbs even though, due to my "fever" of course, I have one or two (?) but should I buy a refurb if I see it and everything looks good? Or even better if only the stock is replaced? I'm just trying to see what ledge on should walk out onto for a '49 or '50. I assume '50 is more within reach.

Thanks for the help.

[Phosphorus32]

I would, but your preferences may differ. I just think 1949s especially, and 1950s a bit less so, are rare enough in the US to definitely consider buying a refurb.

[GT_80]

I would, but your preferences may differ. I just think 1949s especially, and 1950s a bit less so, are rare enough in the US to definitely consider buying a refurb.

The market is pretty limited in my area, so my gauge on buying anything gun related is, "If I like it enough, and can live with the price, it's coming home with me".

I would love to have all matching number, unmolested guns, but it doesn't always work, especially when dealing with 60+ year old rifles that have been through battles, and come from other countries...

Sometimes you have to wait for specifically for what you want, and save enough to be able to affod it even if it is much more than you are comfortable spending, to get what you want... History is littered with examples of people spending too much for stuff thats not worth it, just because they want it...

[Bob_The_Student]

OK, thanks guys. That's what I wanted to know from your experience. Sometimes you just take what you can get if you can live with the condition and price if it's rare enough or "special" enough. And I understand EVERYONE has there own "taste" buy for something like this I'm just wondering where the line is drawn. Appreciate the responses.

[running-man]

In my nearly 20 years following SKS45s:
There are ridiculously few as-issued late '50's in the US.
There are an order of magnitude less as-issued transitional '50's than late '50's.
There are an order of magnitude less as-issued '49's in the US than transitional '50's. (If any exist here at all)

I would pass up either of the latter two only if the price is way out of line or if it's been bubba'd.

[Bob_The_Student]

Thanks for info.

So I guess that leads me to all your expertise here on this forum. What is the realistic (not I gotta have price - cause only "you" can decide that price) prices for a legit (as good as it will get in the US model) '49, early '50 and late '50 styles. A range of course because of all the variations and conditions that play into the price. As best a ballpark that can be given. I don't want to hesitate if I see one and it appears to be within the realm of a legit '49 / '50 as you guys have stated above. And if you can provide on same criteria approx. refurb prices. Thanks.

[echo1]

Thanks for info.

So I guess that leads me to all your expertise here on this forum. What is the realistic (not I gotta have price - cause only "you" can decide that price) prices for a legit (as good as it will get in the US model) '49, early '50 and late '50 styles. A range of course because of all the variations and conditions that play into the price. As best a ballpark that can be given. I don't want to hesitate if I see one and it appears to be within the realm of a legit '49 / '50 as you guys have stated above. And if you can provide on same criteria approx. refurb prices. Thanks.

I've seen $1200  for a '49. I don't remember when or where because that' SVT money (or was) PAX

[running-man]

Thanks for info.

So I guess that leads me to all your expertise here on this forum. What is the realistic (not I gotta have price - cause only "you" can decide that price) prices for a legit (as good as it will get in the US model) '49, early '50 and late '50 styles. A range of course because of all the variations and conditions that play into the price. As best a ballpark that can be given. I don't want to hesitate if I see one and it appears to be within the realm of a legit '49 / '50 as you guys have stated above. And if you can provide on same criteria approx. refurb prices. Thanks.

My Opinion:

• Any '49 under $1000, regardless of condition (unless totally butchered by bubba) is a good buy IMO.  Of course the $64,000 question is "What constitutes a 1949 SKS?"  The answer to that question is not as easy as it seems, there are several iffy "1949" SKSs out there being peddled all the time.
• An all matching but heavy 'furb transitional '50 under $750 is a screaming deal IMO.  Surprisingly these do not garner much of a premium above other early SKS 45s (or at least they didn't over the few years that I tracked every single SKS sale on gunbroker).
• An as-issued '50 is worth at least $1000 in my book.  Rare as hen's teeth those ones... I'd challenge anyone to produce photos of more than 5 of them from anywhere in the US.

[Matchka]

Just snagged this #'s matching refurb'd '50.

[Bob_The_Student]

Thanks RM/ Echo.

Matchka what's with the teaser (1) photo.

[Matchka]

BTS, adding to RM's comment/the convo. I got it for under 500 before paperwork.

[pcke2000]

Thanks for info.

So I guess that leads me to all your expertise here on this forum. What is the realistic (not I gotta have price - cause only "you" can decide that price) prices for a legit (as good as it will get in the US model) '49, early '50 and late '50 styles. A range of course because of all the variations and conditions that play into the price. As best a ballpark that can be given. I don't want to hesitate if I see one and it appears to be within the realm of a legit '49 / '50 as you guys have stated above. And if you can provide on same criteria approx. refurb prices. Thanks.

It also depends on your luck. You may be able to buy a decent refurb 1949 with all (or most of) early features at the price of a normal Russian refurb (at a gun show), if the seller does not know what s/he has.

[Matchka]

I've taken advantage of this on a few occasions. Get to the show early, scout the SKS racks AFTER doing my milsurp scan for the odd SKS on the guy's table who's really proud of his 'best' stuff and/or militaria - and takes a $150 for a Police Security. Dunnit!

[Bob_The_Student]

Nice deal Matchka.

[Worm]

My first Russian was a 50', non-chrome'd barrel n' all. I don't think those are all that uncommon to be honest.

49's.. different story