Imported quantities

[Weldrdave]

I'm sure this number is very fluid, one side or the other but does anyone have an Idea of the quantity of SKS's imported to the United States from various Countries? 
I've been trying to get a "grasp" on just how many are in this Country in my reading, and so far it's lead me into oblivion    Anyone have an Idea?  I'm sure some of the Great SKS minds here might be able to get close!  I'd be anxious to know.    Thanks all!  Dave

[carls sks]

always wondered myself.   good question and will be following to see if there are any answers.

[Weldrdave]

I recently found this article but it was from 1994.  https://www.newsweek.com/comrades-do-booming-business-187374

[running-man]

We have been working on estimates of Russian imported SKSs based on new serial numbers.  It's a work in progress, but the data I have shows some results: https://sks-files.com/index.php?topic=4369.msg48808#msg48808


It's funny that that article you post shows a tenfold surge from '92 to '93 in Chinese imports and doesn't explain that the massive volume was importers scrambling to get their product onto US soil prior to the full arms embargo taking effect.  By May 26, 1994 imports from China was limited to exempt shotguns only, all other firearms imports from China were embargoed.   

The same is true with the years leading up to 1994 in the Russian imports...by March 4th, 1994 ATF sent an open letter to all FFLs notifying them of the new VRA amendment which effectively closed off all SKS45 imports from Russia and any ex-Soviet block countries with Russian SKS45 stores left.  People 'in the know' knew this was coming and accordingly imported what they could as quickly as they could.

Here's a NYT article on a Chinese SKS that was used to "spray bullets at the White House" that is semi-intersting if you can get past the anti-gun slant.  In it they state:

Statistics from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms show that the SKS accounted for most of the 950,000 Chinese rifles imported into the United States in 1993. It was also the fourth most frequently traced gun by the bureau, which traces guns seized in criminal investigations.

[Weldrdave]

Great stuff Running-man!  I ask this because beings I have a few now, I'd like to have a "FEW" more. . Now I'm making my ventures on looking for them at shops, seeing them in the shows and on line. What I have noticed is prices are gradually going up it seems almost monthly and I wanted to have an understanding of just "how many" were out there.  I've been told and heard the stories of $79.00 ones but "Not any more"!!!  .  I'd love to get a couple more Russians.  All in due time, and I know they'll be $$$ pricey. 

[running-man]

There are a ton out there. Likely 2 to 3 million or so total in the US from all nationalities would be my best guess. Prices have been steadily rising since 94. Sometimes it rises in fits and spurts such as after the Newtown school shooting, but in general 5% to 10% appreciation per year seems to be the historical norm.  Deals can still be had, but you've got to beat the bushe in the small pawn and consignment shops to find them. The days of $200 sks's (even horrid bubba jobs) on gunbroker are long gone.

[Weldrdave]

There are a ton out there. Likely 2 to 3 million or so total in the US from all nationalities would be my best guess. Prices have been steadily rising since 94. Sometimes it rises in fits and spurts such as after the Newtown school shooting, but in general 5% to 10% appreciation per year seems to be the historical norm.  Deals can still be had, but you've got to beat the bushe in the small pawn and consignment shops to find them. The days of $200 sks's (even horrid bubba jobs) on gunbroker are long gone.

Thanks for the input and response.  I actually passed on one recently at a gun shop, it was a Yugo 59/66 but looked like it was an attempt to transform it into a "scoped" AR platform with foldable stock and all that stuff.  Just not for me, and the $700.00 price tag wasn't very appealing either.  I like the stock/factory look of them, even though I did camo a beat up stock.

Thanks!