Gun snobs suck.

SKS's don't.  Mine are reliable and more accurate than my AKs.  Whats not to like?

here's the score...

if the siminov were built in the united states...by a company like remchester...it would cost $750 and have a nice chunk of walnut on it.

sadly, it probably would jam.

there is nothing 'cheap' or bashable about the siminov. it's all milled and forged (well, the chi-com stamped & pinned is a lower budget version). laminated, teak or chu...it's well worth owning and shooting.

How many German soldiers laughed at the Mosin Nagant and PPSH during the war in Russia?  Those things sent MANY Germans home in body bags.  More than a few of thiose rifles were fired by WOMEN as well.

Even yet, a bolt action rifle is not funny if it is being fired at you by a skilled marksman!!  While we would not be likely to prevail against a modern military force armed with modern weapons, they would not escape unharmed.

I do not laugh at those who enjoy high dollar guns with a mirror shine.  SOme of those guys can reach out and touch something at hundreds of yards FIRST SHOT.  I respect that.  In turn, all I want is for them to respect how I get MY jollies.  I am a firm believer it is more the shooter than it is the weapon.  A .22LR in the hands of a skilled person is no joke.

Ever meet one of those guys that cvan walk through dry leaves and never make a sound?  I have - and they are scary.  Arm that person with a silenced .22 pistol and the results would be amazing.  Group wakes up in the morning and half are dead.  VERY un-nerving.

I enjoy my Mausers, MN, Siminov (SKS), AK, FAL, HK, M-16, Thompson and all the other toys.  The group includes some shotguns, .22 Rugers and other sorts of strange guns.  My interests change from time to time.  WHY the hell the snobs can't accept that I will never know!!

Last night I was plinking with a ciouple friends.  We had some old Mosin Nagants nearly 70 years old, popping Freon cans at 125 yards.  Ammo test and just plain fun.  I have a safe full of unique and expensive guns but would not have enjoyed them anymore than those old MN rifles of long ago.  I only wish those old guns could talk........

How people of Czarist Russia and later the communists were able to craft such highly reliable and durable rifles never ceases to amaze me.  Those who refer to "Russian Junk" underestimate our former advesaries.  Much of their stuff was quite adequate, thank you very much.  The same can be said of many other Eastern Block countries.  Some of the Chinese craftmanship is EXCELLENT.

CAmpy is right, what we purchase surplus for $150. would cost us a thousand or more made new today.  In addition the quality would just not be there.  I really just consider the snobs ignorant.  Their loss!