I plan on getting a Soviet SKS in the future. (One with a fixed magazine)

But I seen some massive variations on how much they cost, I've been told that they price around $200, while my friend said that he saw some that were $800 dollars at The Shootin' Shop, the ones I've seen were around $500.

What would be the best price range for a good-quality Soviet SKS? I'm on a tight budget and I really do not want to get ripped-off.

I picked up a 1953 Tula last summer for $425 that is in excellent shape, and was happy I was the first one to see it. Most people were getting $500+ for norincos around here, in fact I sold my Tapco-ed Norinco for $550 after I got the Russian! Not saying that's what it's worth, but people went nuts for them here.