Ahh remember the mid 90's when you could go into a gunshow and buy a NIW Russian (NOT ROMANIAN) for only $89?
The wood & finish of these SKS's are really amazing. No current SKS that is being imported I think compares to these. Also, they are fully milled.

Dont get me wrong, I love the Chinese SKS Carbines and the Yugo's a lot. But these Russians are really a work of art too!

I dont see any around in my area now and I think they have gone up in value by $350

So, if you have one please share some pics!

My 1955 Soviet SKS

Beautiful SKS sir.  I have two Tula Arsenal Russian SKS's.  One a 1953 and the other a 1954.  I have kept one unfired since I got it as I believe it was unissued.  I shoot the other and have never had a problem.  They are extremely reliable and battle accurate.  I can get some decent groups off a rest at 100 yards, typically around three inches, but sometimes as good as two.  

I'll take some pics and post later.

Thanks Pilot,

How do you know which Arsenal your SKS came from? I see the markings on mine but I dont know what they mean or where they are from.

IF YOU LOOK ON TOP OF THE RECEIVER ABOVE THE DATE WILL BE EITHER A STAR WITH AN ARROW INSIDE IT-TULA ARSENAL, OR A CIRCLE WITH A TRIANGLE AND ARROW INSIDE- IZHEVSK ARSENAL. GO TO SIMONOV.NET FOR ALL THE FACTS ON SKS'S.  

Lumberjack is absolutely correct.  Also, if there is box with a diagonal line through it (sometimes looks like a Z) underneath the Star then its an arsenal refurbished gun.  You may also see X'ed out serial numbers on the buttstock and crossed out serial numbers on other parts that have been re-serialed with an electro-pencil.

I still think the Russians are the best of the lot, but I just may have to get a Yugo.

Quoted: if there is box with a diagonal line through it (sometimes looks like a Z) underneath the Star then its an arsenal refurbished gun.

Nope, no box with the Z. I remember mine being brand spanking new when I got it. Also, mine looks like it came from the Tula Plant.

Which is better, Tula or the IZHEVSK ?

I got my Russian sks back whene they first came over .From Century arms had them in the SHOTGUN NEWS for $150 I should have bought a few , but young and dumb. I didnt expect much after looking at alot of Chinese ones at gun shows.I have never had any problem with it I have shot Norinco,Wolf ,Barnal,South African Yogo all by the case and it works all the time. It is one I will never part with. 54 Tula. My buddy got one at the same time and has abused his at a cabin he owns it rusted dirty but still work with a little oil and wacking the gas piston free.I see them in NE ohio running $300 and up.

Bumping the thread. I had to re-type the board code for the new image.