Hey I'm new to the site and blogging in general, But any ways I was thinking about purchasing a Yugo SKS 59/66 any suggestion, tips, what to look for, would be greatly appericiated! Thanks!
If it's covered in cosmoline it will be difficult to inspect...to put it lightly. You may not even be able to operate the action if the cosmo is on heavy and is old.
The Yugo SKS is a pretty hardy beast but there are some things to look at.
A bore light is vital for inspecting a firearm; I use a $4.99 LED light with a flexible head...CMP sells a cool bore inspection mirror that I think is a must have for anyone who buys used firearms as well.
The bore may not be bright and shiny like you would normally expect. The Yugos are not chrome lined so they tend to darken up with age. As long as the rifling is clean and sharp, and the bore is not pitted or rusty, a dark bore is generally OK.
Check the chamber for corrosion or pitting. That can cause extraction problems.
Probably the single most problematic area of the Yugo SKS is the gas system. There is a gas cutoff valve that is used to shut off the gas bled off for cycling the action. This is only intended for use when firing grenades. In fact, the gas cutoff valve also acts as the release for the grenade sight.
Many times the valve housing or the valve itself have not been well cared for and may be corroded, worn or pitted.
***if you don't know how to do any of the following, email me at sailorcurt[at]cox[dot]net and I can explain further***
Remove the gas tube and piston. Take the piston out of the tube and make sure the inside of the tube isn't corroded or pitted.
Push in on the button on the gas cutoff valve and rotate it till it points straight up. While holding the button down, push it to the rear until it lines up with the larger hole in the housing. Then the button and spring will pull out the top and the valve will pull out to the rear. Inspect the valve and the housing for corrosion and pitting. The valve can be replaced, the housing it is inserted into is problematic. If that is pitted or corroded, pass on it. The rifle will probably chronically short cycle and fail to extract.
Replacement parts are readily available but I'd go in armed with prices and if things need to be replaced...gas tube corroded, piston bent or pitted, gas valve pitted etc...I'd try to get them to lower the price. You won't be able to get them to lower it as much as the replacement parts cost, but at least you'll know what the total cost for a serviceable rifle is going to end up being.
Other people may have more insight but those are the major (potentially hidden) things to look for from my perspective. One thing about the SKS is that it is simple to field strip and no tools are required. Take it down as far as you can and inspect everything before buying...especially if you're paying top dollar for one in "excellent" or "new" condition.
One more thing...there are no guarantees when buying a milsurp rifle make sure you understand the return policies of the seller and have good contact info for them before buying. Some may allow you to return a defective rifle, some may not. Don't assume anything and the best bet is to get it in writing. You can look at all the right things and still end up with a problematic rifle. If you aren't into tinkering and gunsmithing, you may want to stay away from the fly by night (read: lower priced) dealers and the ones who won't accept returns.
Welcome
Surplus Rifle is a good source for information on any milsurp weapon.
Don't have an SKS myself, so I don't have a lot of personal information to share. The "new" ones usually go for about $200.
Surplus Rifle Forums is a good place to seek out folks with experience.
Yugo SKS
If it's covered in cosmoline it will be difficult to inspect...to put it lightly. You may not even be able to operate the action if the cosmo is on heavy and is old.
The Yugo SKS is a pretty hardy beast but there are some things to look at.
A bore light is vital for inspecting a firearm; I use a $4.99 LED light with a flexible head...CMP sells a cool bore inspection mirror that I think is a must have for anyone who buys used firearms as well.
The bore may not be bright and shiny like you would normally expect. The Yugos are not chrome lined so they tend to darken up with age. As long as the rifling is clean and sharp, and the bore is not pitted or rusty, a dark bore is generally OK.
Check the chamber for corrosion or pitting. That can cause extraction problems.
Probably the single most problematic area of the Yugo SKS is the gas system. There is a gas cutoff valve that is used to shut off the gas bled off for cycling the action. This is only intended for use when firing grenades. In fact, the gas cutoff valve also acts as the release for the grenade sight.
Many times the valve housing or the valve itself have not been well cared for and may be corroded, worn or pitted.
***if you don't know how to do any of the following, email me at sailorcurt[at]cox[dot]net and I can explain further***
Remove the gas tube and piston. Take the piston out of the tube and make sure the inside of the tube isn't corroded or pitted.
Push in on the button on the gas cutoff valve and rotate it till it points straight up. While holding the button down, push it to the rear until it lines up with the larger hole in the housing. Then the button and spring will pull out the top and the valve will pull out to the rear. Inspect the valve and the housing for corrosion and pitting. The valve can be replaced, the housing it is inserted into is problematic. If that is pitted or corroded, pass on it. The rifle will probably chronically short cycle and fail to extract.
Replacement parts are readily available but I'd go in armed with prices and if things need to be replaced...gas tube corroded, piston bent or pitted, gas valve pitted etc...I'd try to get them to lower the price. You won't be able to get them to lower it as much as the replacement parts cost, but at least you'll know what the total cost for a serviceable rifle is going to end up being.
Other people may have more insight but those are the major (potentially hidden) things to look for from my perspective. One thing about the SKS is that it is simple to field strip and no tools are required. Take it down as far as you can and inspect everything before buying...especially if you're paying top dollar for one in "excellent" or "new" condition.
One more thing...there are no guarantees when buying a milsurp rifle make sure you understand the return policies of the seller and have good contact info for them before buying. Some may allow you to return a defective rifle, some may not. Don't assume anything and the best bet is to get it in writing. You can look at all the right things and still end up with a problematic rifle. If you aren't into tinkering and gunsmithing, you may want to stay away from the fly by night (read: lower priced) dealers and the ones who won't accept returns.