My personal Yugoslavian Sks Collection

[Evossti]

I figured it would be appropriate to introduce myself and my work in progress Sks collection. My name is Ivo (pronounced Evo) I am originally from Yugoslavia and I lived there until 1997 when my family immigrated to Usa. My collection is very "simple" as in I collect only guns from Balkans and anything really war related from period of 1991-1995. I currently have 16 Sks rifles so I figured might as well share pictures of those with y'all! Currently I am missing examples (m59-m59/66) of military  Dmr rifles with on-2 scope but so far I have been able to get 1 complete set of on-2 scope with mount and rail in Croatia. I am in finishing stages of new house plans and they include 15"×20" walk in fema style safe room which will be setup as Zastava/Balkan museum room! Enough talk lets start with good stuff! This is one of my two long barrels serial # 007. I aquired it with another long barrel #015 from Dmitry on this forum for which he was amazing to deal with!

               

[Evossti]

This is a absolutely incredibly mint Ceremonial Guard example that came from Slovenia. Original book came with it, rubber covers on front/rear sights, and brand new correct sling!

                 

[Evossti]

Here is a example of more uncommon Croatian Honor Guard rifle. I really haven't seen much of them around comparing to Yugoslavian examples.
         

[Evossti]

Like everyone else I absolutely love finding guns with sequential serial numbers and even more when it is a beautiful set of m59s!
       

[Evossti]

This are my 2 nib Mitchell Arms examples. I really like that serial numbers were electropenciled vs being stamped I find that detail very neat because it easily differentiates it from military production line.

       

[Evossti]

I got approached by another collector on akfiles that was getting out of Yugo guns and this incredibly unique trench art covered example is one of the few sks rifles that came out of that deal!

               

[Pizzabert]

Wow, these are some beautiful rifles.  I wish I never sold my 59/66

[Evossti]

This is great example of B series m59 with Croatian trench art. I feel that I acquired two very unique sks's in this example one being rare B series serial number and second (my favorite part!) Croatian trench art! Generally you get one or the other, but this beauty came with both!

             

[Evossti]

My all time favorite trench art covered rifles! For me they just feel incredibly peronal! This is a Serb soldier example from Republika Srpska (VRS stands for Vojska Republike Srpske).
         

[Evossti]

This particular example is from Bosnian Muslim soldier by the name Haso.

         

[Phosphorus32]

Very focused and deep collection! Great examples! 

[echo1]

Welcome from Kali and the rest of the USA, great pile of iron. I can see how the Yugos would be close to your soul and the Euro rifles in general having much personal attachment. I'll reciprocate and wet you whistle by throwing some of my stuff for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy, PAX
Tula, Tula, Izzy, Yugo M59C, Romy, 2 Albys

SVT, 7MM Venezuelan FN49, Egyptian 8MM FN49, Luxembourg .30-06 FN49, Winchester Garand

[Evossti]

Very focused and deep collection! Great examples! 

Thank you it is definitely work in progress and huge passion project for me! I will try to spend some time tomorrow and take pictures of few more rifles that I have in my collection.

[running-man]

Great collection and nice photos. Thanks for sharing.  I had always wondered who snagged the 007 Yugo LB!

Do you get to go back 'home' every once in a while to visit relatives?  Would like to hear stories about how things have changed since the war and what people are up to these days. 

[echo1]

Great collection and nice photos. Thanks for sharing.  I had always wondered who snagged the 007 Yugo LB!

Do you get to go back 'home' every once in a while to visit relatives?  Would like to hear stories about how things have changed since the war and what people are up to these days. 

My bud's wife was Croation. They went for a visit in the '80s (?). Her aunt told them if the tanks parked in the street start-up they should go back to their hotel. PAX

[Evossti]

Great collection and nice photos. Thanks for sharing.  I had always wondered who snagged the 007 Yugo LB!

Do you get to go back 'home' every once in a while to visit relatives?  Would like to hear stories about how things have changed since the war and what people are up to these days. 

Only been back once in 2018 and had a amazing time! Once our kids are little older we will make another trip for sure. I honestly really don't keep up much with things back there except talk to few cousins here and there.

[Evossti]

Here is one of my favorite pieces a really nice example of expedient "sniper" rifle.
         

[Evossti]

This was only other rifle I was able to take out and take pictures of today so few more left for next Sunday. This is infamous long barrel m59 serial # 015. It is missing correct front sight and cleaning rod. I will get new front sight drawn from my other long barrel 007 and get it machined so that 015 can be complete once again!

           

[Phosphorus32]

Excellent! Another pair of special Yugoslavian SKS rifles. I really like the field expedient sniper 

[Evossti]

Excellent! Another pair of special Yugoslavian SKS rifles. I really like the field expedient sniper 

Me too! I also have very nice m48 expedient sniper in my collection.