I know little about SKS's:

I have the opportunity to buy an SKS:

- Norinco, "26" inside the pyramid stamp,
- supposedly made in 1972,
- good wood,
- cruciform shaped spike bayonet
- sling is stamped "7.62" with lots of Mandarin characters,
- sling is attached to swivels with shiny metal....spirals?

I don't know if the barrel was screwed in or pressed and pinned, but where the barrel goes into the receiver, it is cylindrical and then steps down to a thinner diameter after an inch or so.

$425

I like those slings with the spring style attachment I haven't seen too many of them.

I would pass for that price.

If it is a real clean or unfired (well, unfired since getting over here) Chinese SKS that isn't bad anymore... my refurb I bought last fall was still greased and was $425, nicely done gun overall and shoots well, hard to beat the feeling of being the first person to shoot it despite being stateside for 25+ years.  Some of those were done better than others, I have two and you can see the difference in finish quality and workmanship.  I'd feel better at around $375 though if it's used or showing wear, maybe see if they'll take $400 for it.  They still aren't rare, even in unused condition, at least in the US.  They will certainly command more in restricted states, in PA they aren't the hottest semi auto around.

What would you say is a fair price in a high cost area?

They can be found for 325-375 all day long around here. I've seen them sitting at 325 for a while without a buyer.