Gun show Russians...

[Power Surge]

I went to my first ever gun show today, and it was pretty cool, despite being kinda small. There were about 7 SKS's there for sale, and of course I checked them all out

I don't know crap about Russians, but there were three there, and I'm curious on thoughts. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pics of any of them.

The first one was a 52, and it was badly mismatched. Wasn't really interested in it.

Then there was a guy that had a 53 and a 54.

The 54, said 1954 r on the receiver, and every part I could see had matching numbers to the serial on the receiver. All parts were stamped. The only part that didn't was the stock...well, it had an old serial XXXXXed out, and then the matching one stamped in. I'm guessing that's a refurb? This one also had a blue bolt and carrier.

The 53, had a shiny silver bolt carrier. All parts were matching, but I noticed the trigger group and magazine were EP'd serials, and not stamped. I don't know if that's how 53s were or if it was force matched. I also noticed that the hand guard wood had a pattern to it like horizontal wood lines. The stock on this one, looked like it was originally stamped with this serial, no signs of restamping.

I got the guy's phone number. He was asking $500 for each, but was negotiable.

So...thoughts on each from what I could describe? Is one more desirable than the other? And thoughts on price?

Thanks!

[Loose}{Cannon]

Both refurbs... the 54 was a bbq heavy refurb and the 53 sounds like a blued refurb.

[Power Surge]

Both refurbs... the 54 was a bbq heavy refurb and the 53 sounds like a blued refurb.

LC, could you explain what those mean?

[Power Surge]

Or anyone else....

[Ol Relic]

Or anyone else....

He means the one with the dark bolt was painted (the Soviets painted some parts and sometimes most of a whole rifle with what's slang termed as "Barbecue Paint" during refurb). 

[Power Surge]

Or anyone else....

He means the one with the dark bolt was painted (the Soviets painted some parts and sometimes most of a whole rifle with what's slang termed as "Barbecue Paint" during refurb).

Ohhh....no, neither gun was painted. Both had beautiful dark blueing. How can you tell a refurb? I know the stock on the 54 was restamped with the current serial, but what did I mention that gave away the 53 as a refurb?

[Loose}{Cannon]

Russians never came with a blued carrier... its either bbq or bubba.

[Power Surge]

Russians never came with a blued carrier... its either bbq or bubba.

Ah, I see. What about the 53? What sounds refurb about that one?

[Loose}{Cannon]

The laminated handguard and the EPed FCG housing and Mag.

[Power Surge]

The laminated handguard and the EPed FCG housing and Mag.

How does that affect value? From what I've been reading, is it true that most russians are refurbed?

[running-man]

A refurb Russian is going to be about $200 to $300 on avg, (sometimes much more than that) less than an equal condition as-issued gun.  They both shoot equally well, the refurb maybe more so as it could have new components installed before storage and import. 

Last month there were 5 as-issued, 5 light refurbs (XXX'd stocks), 22 heavy refurbs (BBQ bolt), and 4 bubbas.  We'll see what May brings...

Honestly, I'd shop around a bit PS before I jumped on a local Russian refurb for $500.  It's not a bad price for certain, (in fact it  is pretty much the avg. on GB), but there are certainly diamonds in the rough out there, you just have to be patient. 

[Power Surge]

Thanks guys. Your information is always valuable and appreciated. And this forum makes owning these guns enjoyable

[Loose}{Cannon]

Right, most Rusos are refurbed.  What level of refurb is the question.

[Blicero]

I'm 1/2 drunk and it's not my money we're talking about throwing around here so it's quite easy for me to say this:
Buy them.
Both of them.
Buy anything and everything you come across that fits into the realm of historic, non-bubbaed, and reasonable-to-somewhat reasonable price range. What's teetering on overpriced now will look like a steal in 24 months. Screw shopping around. Screw prudence. If the rifle speaks to you, and it's not any sort of pimped up dumpster fodder, buy it.

[Shotz90s]

Being sober, I would agree with Bilcero. I only say this because I picked up a sks a few weeks ago only because it spoke to me. I finally had it out this weekend and it was like I had always owned it. The only disappointment you'll feel is if you DON'T purchase one or even both of them. Hell mine was Chinese and I couldn't let it go as much as I was holding out for a Russian. I just never see them up here. Do it for me would ya?

[running-man]

Let's not get carried away here.  He hasn't found the holy grail.  Russian SKSs are not rare by any stretch of the imagination.  ~50 sell each month on GB and ~50 will continue to sell each month.  The only thing going for these guns PS talks about is the locality.  Being able to do a FTF transfer keeps the gov't out of the deal (possibly, unless the seller at the show was an FFL) and you get to inspect and hold the gun before you pull the trigger. 

The '54 with the XX'd stock sounds quite a bit like this gun: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=477875638  It would be the only one of the three that I'd even consider for that kind of money I think.

After transfer fees and shipping, probably right around $475 or so.  The $500 price isn't unreasonable at all but it's not a screaming deal.

[Shotz90s]

I'm on board purely because he said negotiable plus where I live I never, ever see any good looking Russians. Well not those kind of Russians that is. Online I can certainly find anything.

[Dannyboy53]

I also noticed that the hand guard wood had a pattern to it like horizontal wood lines.

Like this one on mine?



Power I know I paid too much for mine ($475) with no magazine, a mismatched cover and heavily refurbed. If I had it to do over again...I would still buy it. I have no regrets!

Like we used to say in the 60's, "if it feels good, do it"!

[Loose}{Cannon]

California hippies aint got nuthin on Danny!   

[Dannyboy53]

California hippies aint got nuthin on Danny!   

That's right Cannon, ya can't best a Louisiana hippie!!