im looking at buying a SKS, I have one individual who is selling his norinco paratrooper for 325 and another selling his standard norinco for 350. Both are it great shape so really my only question is, other then the barrel lengths being different, what are the differences.
Should I go standard or paratrooper, does it not matter.
any input is welcome.
Thanks

I'm getting my norinco chopped as week speak. I'm no SKS guy or expert but from researching I am of the understanding that a "factory" made paratrooper is rare.

That is all I know

I had both, kept the paratrooper.  They are a great little rifle.  Paid $69 for it many moons ago.  Paid $99 for the Norinco SKS rifle.  Sold it for $250.  Kinda wished I would have kept it too.  If you can't get both, I vote for the para.

I had three at one time (1 para).  I sold the other 2 during the panic and kept the paratrooper.

that's what I read too

Paratrooper! Dang, handy little weapon!

+1

Factory paras are not rare.  They were not used by any standing army anywhere on the planet either.  They were initially made by Navy Arms and Golden State by shortening factory standard rifles.  They were very popular when first released, so much so that Norinco sent their folks over here to look at how they were made.  They went back to China with the specs and started making them there for export to the civi market.  I have one and like it, so much so that I sold my /636\ arsenal standard to buy my para.  The early ones were made on military surplus receivers and barrels, the later ones were made on virgin receivers.  They have no real collector/special value as a surplus weapon since they were not issued to any legitimate army.  They do tend to pull a bit more money than a similar condition standard model because they are more handy for field use.  Some folks claim the shorter barrels produce better ballistics but I don't know for sure.  Also, paras will take any factory or aftermarket stocks and accessories just like a standard will.  I would get the para if I had to choose between the two, others wil tell you to get the standard because they will be worth more in the future.  It's up to you, get the one you like.

Pic of my para

>>I have one individual who is selling his norinco paratrooper for 325<<

For that price I'd jump on it in a minute!

All else being equal, the para is more desirable, IMO.

I used to own a "Paratrooper" SKS. They were cut short after being imported you know right? My para wasn't very reliable. Short stroking.