How Much Is An SKS Worth?

[@skelelator]

When the SKS was first brought into the country for commercial sales in the US in the mid 1980's, a friend and I went to the local sporting goods store to purchase two. We paid $79 for the rifles, and $69 for a "tuna can" of 540 Chinese 7.62x39 on stripper clips. We went to a a local abandoned sand bank and fired every round off, went back to the sporting goods store and bought another tuna can of ammo the next day.

[@tb7771]

Yep, I got mine from my brother who had his FFL then. I paid $49 for a minty Norinco with all kinds of goodies. Can't believe what they sell for now.

[@OasisTypeZaku]

As it's said: "Those were the Days!"😢

[@yougonnaeatthat9889]

Yeah I wish I'd bought every one the gun store had. I bought a couple MAK 90s for $300 back in the day, wish I'd bought a dozen of them.

[@bunk95]

Using, whats marketed to [citizens] as, USD is an addin to the transaction done. You added on ___ USDs to get the SKSs.

[@jackhouston357]

$100 plus tax

[@kuhmpashun]

Came for the SKS pron, stayed for the economics lesson. But for real, this was such a thorough explanation and shut down of the “it’s not worth that much!” argument. Very well articulated. Thank you. You also made me feel a little better getting into the SKS game later than I “should have” 🤣 idk why, I just love the sks.

[@Al_capachino]

They’re old rifles that run better then new ones…I’d say they were gems that a lotta people didn’t appreciate at the time

[@juand.ramirez8200]

Good fkn grief man! Just fkn say it, how much is an SKS rifle! period...........

[@kuhmpashun]

@@juand.ramirez8200 haha. A Chinese norinco is probably going for $400-500 right now. Price goes up depending on all the factors, of course.

[@JB-mo8rs]

I bought my very first gun in 1994. A Russian Tula SKS for $125. And yes, I still shoot it!

[@Triangle26]

Awesome. I bet it runs as well today as it did 29 years ago!

[@andrewgreiner4157]

I bought mine in 1994 as my first rifle too..I still have it💪💪

[@frankfitz3421]

And I will always have mine 😉

[@jaimemartinez3866]

Yep me too. I got rid of it. Big mistake.

[@jaimemartinez3866]

​@@andrewgreiner4157I still have my norinco mak 90.

[@davedoughty1213]

I was aware of the value of the SKS when serving in Cambodia. Our unit used them for various reasons. You have a good grasp of economics and statistics. Well done!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and sharing, friend!

[@Cr0wmagnum]

I remember picking one up to replace my old 30-30 on the farm. $30 and $2 for a box of 40 rounds. Still have it. How times have changed. Really wish I had bought a crate of them.

[@Gargoyle77777]

I remember paying 105 for a Chinese model 15 cents a round great 👍 rifle

[@sambowz9077]

@@Gargoyle77777 I remember when the only SKS were Vietnam bring backs and ammunition was nearly impossible to find ammunition.

[@Gargoyle77777]

@@sambowz9077 I remember norinco non corrosive ammo two dollars a box my first sks had a cheap black plastic stock but never had a problem with it

[@Qingeaton]

Very well thought out discussion friend. Back when these were $99 and an AK was $130 in the cosmoline (mid to late 80's) , they were a fun thing to pick up at a store or show. At that price, it was basically a day's wages for the average blue collar worker and a lot of people bought them in multiples. Strange these days to think a guy would choose the sks when he could pay a little more for the AK, but that's what a lot of us did. A little heavy, but as accurate as most anyone who is shooting it will be. My son paid $400 for a very nice, clean one a few years back, which I thought was quite high, but my thoughts are jaded by my experience of them at $100........ now, you see them commonly asking more than $400.

[@rhydoesgamimg]

Just paid $500

[@Qingeaton]

@@rhydoesgamimg Haven't bought anything in a long time, but I can see how a nice one would be worth that.

[@baneofbanes]

As I understand it “tactical” guns weren’t as popular back then as they are today.

[@Qingeaton]

@@baneofbanes Not to sound like an old timer when "everything was better back then", but today's gun shows kind of suck compared to what you would find at one back then. In 1985, you would see stuff that was bargain priced and that's why you paid a few bucks to get in. Now, a Bass pro shop is going to have 90+% of what a show has, plus all the gear that they don't.

[@slimjim2584]

​@@Qingeatonfyi, $99 in 1987 dollars is about ~$300 dollars today, the scarcity now is due to russian and chinese import blocks. The russian one is justified as that money would help them against ukraine, the chinese one is because norinco was caught selling full auto AKs and RPGs to west coast gangs in the early 90s. The canadians can still buy brand new chinese SKS rifles and other cheaper chinese rifle clones.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

A "new" Chinese Type 56, obtained long ago .... blazed away on so many trips. A little maintenance...and it looks and shoots excellent like day one. Even the beat looking ones shoot great. Great rifle ....worth even today's value. My favorite to shoot. Good video, addresses the usual crowd. PS: I had to have an SVT40 too, just based on the looks.

[@elliotmann9787]

I remember being shocked at how cheap Russian SKS rifles were in 1994. So I went out and bought two of them, in brand new condition. They were about $100 each, maybe less. The Chinese SKS's were about $80, but I didn't want one of those because they looked kind of low quality. SKS was the first gun I ever owned.

[@alexllc2958]

You over paid for the SKS 😉 , I bought 10 of then around that time for $650 , sad to say I only kept two and sold the others for $75-$120 .

[@waytogopaul.5200]

I don’t usually subscribe to channels anymore but every single one of your videos that I decide to watch has been worth my time, every time! Looking forward to giveaways for Canadian residents and beyond!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks a ton. Definitely still working on finding a way to show some love for my friends of a Northern inclination!

[@Col_Panic]

This was probably one of the best breakdowns of pricing and collector value explanations I have ever heard. Nice work!

[@taasch2505]

I just bought 2 Norico SKS. One was a regular one and one was a paratrooper. Combined i paid $1,300 and YES for me it was worth it. I live in the craphole know as California. I fear we may be headed for a conflict in the not ak distant future. I have a wife who is 5'4 and the paratrooper fit her. I am 6'3 and the full size doesnt bother me. I had enough money for 2 of these SKSes or ONE entry level AR. The MP 15 sport 2 is going for $850 here before taxes. We are getting a 22% sales tax in 2 months. I needed to get the rifles now (i had no long guns yet) and i needes to get the better Czech clips (secured 80) and i needed a good amount of ammo to train with and store up on for both my wife and myself BEFORE the tax! I grabbed 2 bandoleers, fortunately both rifles had slings. I got the gunshop to slash $344 off the total. I'll take what i can get! We all do what we gotta do.

[@DogzDinette]

So I picked up a Chinese Triangle 26 14XXXXXX today @$520 CDN at Cabelas Canada...maybe 10 years ago the price was $350 or less and surp ammo was 1000+ rounds for $350-400ish . The rifle is in great condition...lightly coated in cosmo, so surface cleaning is easy,not gooey at all inside. I really liked your (serial #) manufacture date video and I know I'll be spending more time (watching your videos) researching this particular "communist" rifle. 😁

[@Triangle26]

Awesome - great find! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Ian-yf1rl]

Last month I picked up a unfired Chinese sks, 680 rounds of golden tiger, 4 new 30rd mags(garbage imo), backpack gun case, 100 clips, and sks book for $475.

[@j.gordonellis4175]

I appreciate this video. I’ve turned down $800 and $1,000 for my M59/66. Besides the fact it is a great shooter, it’s all matching and in excellent condition.

[@gledalac001]

Congratulation!

[@wvdave771]

Lmao!!!

[@wvdave771]

I have both m59 and a 59/66 and consider them the lowest value of any sks as far as quality , they are very collectable because they are scarce , at least the m59

[@BattlefieldCurator]

Great points and market analysis. It’s 2025 now and I think inflation has more of an impact on pricing now. Economy and consumer spending in general also has an impact on the Mislurp markets, especially seeing how the last couple years have been for the average working class American. I think we’re in a plateau right now for average milsurps.

[@Triangle26]

Good to hear from you - and congrats on a great year for your channel! I agree that we seem to be in a plateau at the moment, hard to say what the future holds...

[@rik4369]

Great video. Big SKS Ffan here but the prices I see in Gun Shops an Pawn Shops are ridiculous. I paid $200.00 for 1963 Chinese version from Aresenal 26. Today you can get soo much more gun for what their asking these days. Again, I like the SKS but not for what I see them going for. Great video!

[@trolllibtards2604]

Back in 1994 my local gun shop sold used Chinese sks rifles for $59.99 and new for $99.99. The new ones came with new everything, chest rig, oil bottle, cleaning kit, a stack of stripper clips and sling. My buddy bought a new one and I bought the used. To me, at the time, the sks was a cheap fun little gun to plink around with, almost like a Ruger 10/22.

[@Triangle26]

Boy, those must have been the days! I missed that era, but I remember when 7.62x54 and 5.45x39 were less than 10 cents a round. I love .22, but it sure was nice to "plink" with full power cartridges!

[@indycharlie]

Yep . Here in Michigan in the late 90's , pre Y2K :D .. At Gun Shows you could get a New Norinco SKS and 1,000 rds for $125 OTD . I missed that and paid $189 for a new , after the word got around ..

[@MarkTurner-vs7uc]

That was common everywhere, I got 3. 99 bucks apiece, then 129 bucks for the paratrooper. 1993. They were everywhere.

[@Kessler7.62]

I agree with what your saying 100%, If you go to gun shows often or keep up with the market they are uptrending right infront of our faces and would be wise if anyone wants to get one for a somewhat affordable price act sooner than later!

[@painmt651]

Now!

[@tommyt8998]

I love my Norinco Paratrooper SKS that I bought new in the mid 80s for about $179. On the other hand, if I wanted a fun semi auto today and didn't own one, I would probably buy a Smith and Wesson Sport 2 M4 Carbine for about $650, rather than an SKS for the same price. PS, great channel content!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks a ton for watching, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the channel. Sounds like you took the best possible approach, which was to buy them when they were cheap so you didn’t have to make that choice later!

[@scottdunn2178]

$179 in the 80's for a Norinco paratrooper was paying too much. In 1990 the local pawn shop had new Soviet SKS's for $89. Norinco MAK-90's were $149. And Norinco SKS's were $69 (you couldn't give them away). Of course now $179 for a vintage Norinco paratrooper would be a steal 😂

[@chrisnukem2133]

No such thing as a sks paratrooper norinco made the to sell on civilian Market

[@adamburnette]

I have a Chinese SKS that completely matches given to me by my pops.. it's priceless to me. Also X39 is one of the most abundant and affordable rounds to date and the rifle is reliable AF. Buy one and keep it. You won't regret it.

[@Triangle26]

Absolutely

[@wokeamerica1661]

Bought 2 SKS rifles today, and hickok45 posted a video at about the exact same time. He referred me here to you to learn!

[@Triangle26]

Welcome! Friends of Hickok’s are friends of mine. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any specific questions, I’m here to help.

[@Sledgehammer1944]

The bigger problem with all of this is the ammo will eventually dry up as demand goes up and up. I'm at the point now that every gun owner gets to eventually. I own too many guns to be able to buy enough ammo to use them all. So i have to pick and choose which gun is the most important to me to shoot. Then you get into reloading and realize it wont save you any money unless you reload military calibers like .303 Brit or 30-06 M1

[@Triangle26]

I agree that ammo is an important consideration, but it’s not clear to me that 7.62x39 is in any danger of drying up. Demand is a double edged sword, and 7.62x39 is not M2 Ball or 303 Brit. If demand is great enough to exhaust the enormous stockpiles already in this country, I think demand is great enough to justify huge investment in future importation and/or large scale domestic production. I’m sure the day will come in which 7.62x39 is no longer a global staple, but honestly I think we are decades away from that at least. I can’t see the future though 🤷‍♂️

[@darthmartinez]

I bought my Albanian SKS for 449$ in 2008. While that was expensive for a SKS back then I don't regret it because they are uncommon and rare.

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

that seems pretty good to me. those are something you almost never see.

[@mkgzt]

their quality is meh -- beware of their soft metals

[@rahjivickers2497]

I need a well spoken friend like this guy.This is the best introduction I ever seen on a gun video.Im subscribing for sure ❤❤❤

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Here bc of Hickock45, he paid you a nice compliment form his SKS video. I can see why, I love your enthusiasm for the historical aspect of firearms. Arms wree/are their own currency on a global stage, watching that right now with Ukraine. They are both a symbol of freedom and oppression - I accept this as a reality and take it from there. Thanks for your generous share with hard-earned information.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks a ton for watching. Hickock45's endorsement means the world to me, his channel basically sparked my interest in the platform 12 odd years ago. Love hearing from people who appreciate the symbolic and cultural value of these weapons!

[@Contender-wk2kh]

I'm thinking of buying the 1 type-56 SKS ($625) we have at the gun shop I work at. Only reason, so I don't have to hear the " I used to be able to get that for $50" stories over and over.. thank you for the great videos.

[@jonleone777]

That price is crazy. I sww these at gun shows in the mid 80's after i went in the military. They werd 49 bucks and the tables were stacked to the ceiling. I see these as beater guns ans cant fathom current prices. There ars much better weapons for that kind of cash.

[@adam_clay]

I keep buying them. I will never stop. They are my favorite.

[@Triangle26]

Relatable.

[@thedailywin537]

The honest disclaimers at the start of the video were respectful and well done. The rest of your commentary was very insightful, too.

[@Triangle26]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment - sincerely appreciated.

[@JohnWaldron-cm7ce]

So glad that I bought 10 over the years, from a Chinese model that take AK mags to the rare Romanian and Albanian to the collectable Yugo M59 and a rebuilt Russian Tula. Also converted a $75.00 Chinese factory 26 with correct spike bayonet to a bakelite jungle stock with matching handguard and spring sling keepers. Not easy, as the gas tube , along with the tube and stock furniture, ALL need to be hand fitted and a new rivet created for the gas tube. There's no how-to book on doing this, but it was a fun project-John in Texas

[@lingerinlead80421]

Best and most informational SKS info out there. Thank you.

[@lintlicker4178]

I just bought an extremely clean Norinco for 450 (2023) I feel like that was a great deal at this time, came with some extras too, a chest rig, some ammo, sling. Everything has matching numbers except the bandolier

[@wallclock4648]

That is an amazing deal actually

[@lintlicker4178]

@@wallclock4648 thanks

[@w2vmc953]

Sir, this is the very BEST observation of firearm prices that I've see on KZbin! :-)

[@Triangle26]

I really appreciate that. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@EmphasisontheFFF]

this is a great channel. i chose the sks as my "ban state" just in case gun, specifically a 1958 type 56 mounted with a pu scope. i concluded that the sks was a great all around workaround to the ban states limitations, a set of quality stripper clips will keep your sks fed no problem

[@Triangle26]

Thank you. I think the SKS makes a ton of sense as a “ban state” rifle, especially with a solid optic.

[@charlestaylor253]

Fuck "ban states". 🤬

[@TheBuster0926]

In 20 minutes I learned more about business than my actual High School Business class I dropped out of because it was a waste of time. I got my //136\\ (15,000) SKS with a Scope-Mount Dustcover(4x20 scope included) and a Stock Dust cover for 400$ Flat at a local Rural King (same day it came in probably the fastest turn-around theyd ever seen) When what I was thinking about when I walked into the Gun Barn i just figured i wanted an Accurate, Semi-Auto Intermediate-Cartrige chambered rifle. When I say that for 650$ I could get an AR15(M&P15). Or 450$ could get me a half-decent modern Pistol-Caliber Carbine. It took me all of 45 seconds after asking the Clerk to allow me to inspect it. Before I knew I was walking home with it. At the time I just figured I wanted a Higher-Mass projectile. With a longer barrel than the AKs they had on offer (750 Starting for a fucking Wasr) I'd say I'm a lucky fellow. For at least now I have somthing to protect my Hobby-Farm. And at least at the time (Mid-Pandemic) 7.62x39 was still comparably cheap. Thanks a million for your concise advice.

[@Triangle26]

Awesome. Thanks a ton for watching and sharing.

[@nomansland4811]

I think mine was 139.00 back in the mid 90’s. A Chinese forged model. Supposed to be a step up from the stamped. Got a lifetime supply of dirt cheap ammo back then.

[@piobmhor8529]

I bought mine about 10 years ago. In Canada, the SKS is quite popular as it’s the closest thing to a fighting rifle we can own legally. I paid $129 CDN from Canadian Tire which is a chain of automotive/hardware stores here. I can’t believe what they are going for today. It’s a very capable firearm, I dropped an 8 pointer white tail with a single shot. The ammo I used was off the shelf Barnaul 7.62x39 soft point. Is it worth $800-$1,000? I don’t think so, but then again I’m a recreational shooter on a budget. I’m keeping mine just in case anybody is asking.

[@jaydendrennan9567]

I have gotten pretty lucky with my SKS rifles. I bought a Russian Izhevsk Sks and a Yugo 59/66 A1 for $450 each last year. Small price to pay for a lifetime of enjoyment.

[@Triangle26]

Oh yea, those are great deals. Nicely done.

[@jaydendrennan9567]

@@Triangle26 thank you. Your content is very helpful! Keep up the good work

[@billwiley7216]

I bought my brand new Chinese SKS packed in the cosmoline with bayonet, toolkit in the stock and oil bottle back in the late 80's for the royal sum of $89. I have bought and sold AK's since but still keep the SKS as it is a cheap reliable SHTF type of firearm and surprisingly accurate.

[@theNoNNo]

goes for $50 here in norway in 2023.

[@MDformernavalperson]

Very interesting review. I bought Russian SKS' for myself and two sons years ago for about $100 each. At the time, I thought - Hmm,,, center fire semiauto rifles for less than a .22lr,,,what could go wrong? Over time. I have found that the rifles were very well made, practical, efficient, reliable and virtually indestructible. Perfect - no, the sights are primitive, trigger creepy, rifle is heavier and lengthier than necessary, [I do not consider the fixed internal 10 round magazine to be a significant drawback] But, manufacture is excellent with milled receiver, chrome-lined chamber and bore (about 15 years before we decided to do the same to the M-16), and in my experience over more than 30 years, it is totally dependable. I am not a dedicated "historical" collector, so I find it hard to decide what I would pay for one today, but it would certainly be more than I paid for it.

[@robertbush8327]

I've had like 3 SKS rifles over the years, currently I have a Russian SKS I bought years ago for $130 packed in cosmoline and brown paper. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if they where reasonable priced. I don't encourage new shooters to buy one over $400 when you can buy a quality AR brand new that you can improve as your budget allows... jmo. Great video!

[@MichelleLopez-u9m]

Excellent video on the SKS. Would like the same info on the 7.62 Nagant. It seems that the Nagant prices are going through the roof.

[@michaelm2725]

Close your eyes and it's like being back in econ, open your eyes and it's your buddy Jim talking about guns. Legitimately good video.

[@michaelm2725]

I happen to be in a position where the SKS does become a better value for a budget home defense platform due to firearms restrictions that remove the budget AR from consideration. So, budget defense platform folks from my state and several others are now being pushed back into the surplus market putting a little more pressure on those prices. Again, great video man.

[@cartermorey8647]

nobody knows the sk better than the tri!

[@BrentP.45ACP]

Yes sir! I agree ya 100%.

[@scottdunn2178]

Misha

[@michaelseeley9879]

Literally laughed aloud at the "put a flag on the moon"! Good stuff, man.

[@saviorsloth7784]

Holy cow thank you for that gun broker price advice that actually makes alot of sense and I will use that from now on

[@Ape76]

That’s why I bought two for $500 each last week because I got lucky and I realized I got lucky! First on gun broker (buy now) in excellent condition plant 9696 made 1968 and before it arrived I fond second one early triangle 26 pretty beat up , from 1958 in a pawn shop and couldn’t resist! Thanks for your other videos also, that’s how I know what they are👍🙏🏻

[@Triangle26]

Awesome. Congratulations on the new acquisitions, glad my videos were helpful!

[@wvdave771]

If it's actually a 58 then great find , the other one is a commercial sks and you over paid @$500, but it will grow into that value , so objectively the $150 you over paid

[@TexMexTactical]

Mine was 800 is with 200 rounds rifle was like 570 ish in good condition and then 200 rounds was like 180 ish

[@Ape76]

@@wvdave771 try to find a commercial one now in excellent condition for $500 😎

[@wendyvic4046]

Great video. I am one of those who remember the days of "60-70 dollar SKS". Back then, it is true that most collectors sneered at the SK...and the Mosin! I am now looking at a type 56... again...at a MUCH higher price than I remembered. But, after perusing many sites where such pieces are sold, I think I am doing ok. Thanks for the infy, and you have a new subscriber.

[@The_Cookie_Crumbles]

A few weeks ago, I picked my first rifle up at my local gun shop for $800, originally marked for $1200. All matching 1953 Tula. Would you consider that overly priced for the firearm? I looked on Gunbroker and found examples from 600$ flat to over $1,700

[@Triangle26]

I would not consider $800 overpriced for a matching ‘53 Tula. That’s on the low end of average for 2023. Congrats on choosing an excellent first rifle - hope you enjoy!

[@rhye_guy7717]

Finally a voice of reason. All the people complaining about the price and here I'm pumped that I'm getting a french tickler for just under 500 (in CAN). It's my first gun and something similar that's modern is like tripple the price.

[@baneofbanes]

Oh milsurp rises in prices pretty quickly.

[@SimpleMansJourney]

I love the people that say "its a 100 dollar gun". My reply is yes I bought them in the 90s for that price, I also bought gold below 300 a ounce in the 90s, and I wont sell it for that now. I look at firearms as an investment.

[@ryanbenson6669]

I bought a 1975 type 56 Norinco, all matching numbers with sling and cleaning kit for $189 16 years ago from a pawnshop. Shoots like a champ.

[@1001CP]

Great points my friend!! When I began to really began to collect conflict arms from around the world I was lucky to pick up very unique first or last run rifles, battlefield pickups and storied arms with splatter and battle marks. MY rule of thought at the time is when I saw one of these type of arms, verified authenticity or story then paid the asking price or won an auction with my highest rifles being several SVT40 spread of matching SVT/AVT/Sniper/non SA and duffel bring back trench rifle but at the time still not too much and cheap compared to now. My first was two bring back M53 Chinese Mosins from the southeast asian conflict with the battle marks and other things. at 150 dog bones for the two. Not expensive at all like now but a really appreciated start to our collection. Then several Chi SKS at 150 bananas and amazing B ser# Yugo first run m59, and m59/66s that were just amazing from an infamous area for around 300 bumps each. I believe for collecting its not so much the price of the item-its how much you want that item in your collection. I made sure to get the corresponding bayos, grenade launchers, etc that you can not find now, or they crazy expensive. 20-30 dolls then and now hundreds of dolls. But how much do you want in a forever family collection??

[@truckntrejo9459]

Years back I bought a Norinco type 56 has the old pig sticker on the front not a bayonet 30-round detachable magazine all matching numbers$300 out the door with 300 rounds. Even has the original pill box. To this day it's one of my favorite to take to the range. Had offer's but that's going to be one that will be in my son's collection.

[@DominiOne683]

I got my Russian Mod 45 in the cosmoline wayyy back in the day, matching everything. Took it apart taking my time down to bolt/firing pin. This you gotta do, even if it’s used. Many prior owners didn’t bother to do this. Great rifle as a Russian or Chinese, they work great. Me and other SK owners will say they are still worth the price now days, but if you are lucky you can find the estate sale of a dearly departed’s stash and get it dirt cheap on a transfer from the next of kin like a friend of mine did. Good luck to those looking to buy.

[@dragdragon23]

this idea of getting it while you can, goes all other forms of collecting in the military surplus. As for the SKS, the statement of; it be like this, there is no big hurry. then you notice it's gone and then the higher price tag come into view a short time later and you gasp in shock. When it was cheap, the SKS took place of the pump shotgun, the lever action and the bolt action rifle. hanging at the back window of a pickup truck, it was everywhere until the bottom fell threw and I'm happy I still have three and wish, I kept the other three I had, one was a russian made one.

[@baneofbanes]

Ain’t that the truth. Unfortunately the bottom has fallen out of most of the milsurp market by now. Doesn’t help that the gun stores all close by to me suck and only carry junk.

[@dragdragon23]

@@baneofbanes a person had to constantly look around everywhere in order to find a deal.

[@biggshow1045]

In late 90s I went to college in Utah. One of my buddies was an Apache Indian from New Mexico / Arizona area. We would drive to Idaho and buy sks riffles for 98$ take them to the res. And sell them for 3and4 hundred a piece,great for beer money .

[@Triangle26]

Nice! Great res rifle.

[@AldoSchmedack]

This is fabulous and spot on. Very thurough too. TY Subbed! ❤

[@billydeewilliams9104]

25 yrs ago in SE MO, middle of nowhere, could buy these all day for $90. Racks were FULL of em. Some were tack drivers, some were basically a blunderbus.

[@ninowalker4221]

Got mine for $45.00 back in the day!!

[@Triangle26]

Awesome, hard to beat that!

[@wsieber89]

I'm so glad my dad bought a bunch of these and a ton of the akm pattern. The polytech aks we have now are insane on gunbroker. And he paid pennies

[@jasonlamson2543]

I just got a 1979 SKS from a coworker. I took it apart for a pre range day cleaning and was surprised to find, this thing has never been fired! The action still has cosmolene on it, there is no carbon anywhere. Not on the bolt face, not in the chamber, and not in the barrel. So, just how much will I devalue it by shooting it?

[@Triangle26]

Congratulations! The ‘79s are excellent, one of the most refined SKS variants out there. In regard to value: Funny enough, it’s not necessarily shooting that will lower the value, but simply cleaning off the cosmoline (which is necessary to safely fire). I’ll shoot extremely rare and expensive SKS’s without giving it a second thought, I’m just careful with them. You are more likely to cause value detracting wear by banging it into something than you are by just shooting it - especially in a controlled flat range environment. That said, examples packed in the original cosmoline do tend to command a premium. By removing the cosmoline, you might be knocking $100-$150 off the value. If it’s an investment, leave it packed, if it’s a collector piece, I’d say that’s a small price to pay to enjoy your fine rifle. As long as you don’t abuse it, it should still gain value in the long run.

[@jasonlamson2543]

Thank you for the quick reply! I discovered your channel because of this gun. It's my first SKS. I kinda figured it would be about that. And since I already removed the cosmoline from the bolt carrier group I'm just gonna bite the bullet so to speak, and see how she shoots. It's not every day you get to take the first shot in a 44 year old rifle. Love the channel and the information you provide. You're research and attention to detail puts you up there with forgotten weapons in serious firearm channels. I'm just beginning my collection and I really appreciate the work you do. Thank you!

[@coastghost1649]

Great video with good points. Thanks for the content

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jacobwinter826]

Do you have any videos out on the 1954r? I just got one and im curious on yhe history and so on neat old gun

[@Triangle26]

Now that you mention it, I don't. I probably should make one though, 1954 Soviets are pretty much the quintessential "SKS". Congrats on your purchase!

[@JohnVanDyk]

Great video quite thought provoking. Love the Soviet/Russian milsurps Tokarev and SKS specifically.

[@jacobgreve802]

I bought a sporterized Norinco m21d back in 2015 for two hundred and fifty dollars, and I sold it for exactly what I paid for it 2 years later because I hated the cheap ati poly stock. Then back in 2020 I bought a Sino-banian type 56 from palmetto and love it. All numbers matching with enough wear to look good, used but not abused for only five hundred dollars, and I consider that a good price, cindering what people are asking for them now.

[@JosephSimonis]

I remember at a gun show a SKS and a case of ammo for $100.00 I just saw one for $850.00

[@theluth9046]

You are so true about these! Well thanks again!

[@crabtrap]

i was a 90's FFL. i got 2 norinco 'presentation models' along with a few cases to sell. the presentation model is beautiful polished bolt, a high quality poly shade stain and the barrel has micro ribbing on the outside. all of the crated rifles were pretty standerd unissued commercial

[@jackoutthebox96]

Im impressed and enlightened by your understanding of supply and demand. bought my Norinco sks from classic firearms in 2020 for 300$ I got it shipped to a gunstore, she was EMBALMED in cosmoline. Never did get the smell out, and I love this gun. Also being that its a fixed mag and 10 rounds, California thinks its a "nice" gun lol.

[@dennistate5953]

Well done, good Sir! I am an old utilitarian. My 56 is a best friend on a bad day, or a hungry one. I paid 125 for mine in the 80s. Wouldn't sell it for a grand.

[@Triangle26]

Thank you, sir! Couldn't agree more. The 56 is a trusty as they come.

[@crankygunreviews]

I bought a ratty 1961 YOM Chinese SKS for $500 in 2016, and then prices skyrocketed to $750 - $1000 in my state when our AG put a "assault weapon ban" in place - people realized there are ways around the ban so prices stabilized- now we have a more restrictive ban, and prices are going back up. I am looking at a near unfired Norinco Chinese SKS with all matching numbers, and they're around $700 - bad, but if I want one, I know I need to buy one now.

[@allenschmitz9644]

Norinco SKS Nylon stock circa 1992 a hefty 165.00 dollars used and a case of 762x39 1600 rounds 260 dollars...this was when these were /fun/ cheap/and pot was best with beer and magic underware was big in Utah.

[@Triangle26]

😂 I enjoyed reading that greatly.

[@devmeistersuperprecision4155]

I bought mine over tens ago. I bought it for about $275 bucks at a gun store. It’s a mint condition Yugoslav SKS with a teak stock and milled receiver. The blueing is pristine. Virtually a brand new gun. But they are very hard to find today and demand is up. I am not inclined to want to sell it. I am looking for Yugoslav AK47 or Hungarian AK47 with folding stocks. What it will cost is simply going to be more each year.

[@-RM-]

14:22 T26's dream rifle is the E. German Karabiner S. My dream rifle is the Česká Zbrojovka Vz. 52/57. The last one I saw for sale was somewhere north of $2700. Ouch. Being of Czech heritage, I really really want this rifle. But I also desire to have shelter and food! 😆

[@MrSymbolic7]

How much is a Type M , SKS in immaculate condition with a 200 round count down the barrel worth today ?

[@Triangle26]

It varies, but they seem to sell in the $1000-$1500 range in online auctions.

[@Demonlord468]

I just bought a Yugo SKS off a coworkers dad 3 days ago with grenade launcher attachment and sights as well as the night sight flip up with the blade style bayanette for $400 with 400 rounds of 7.62x39 ammo which were mixed lot of Wolf to brown bear and a couple other companies. One of the Wolf ammo boxes of 20 steel case has a sticker of $5 on it which I'm keeping with some of my other precovid labeled ammo like some of the 9mm boxes of 50 rounds I had bought for $10-$12-$15 bucks. lol Pretty sure I got a damn good deal.

[@Triangle26]

Damn good deal indeed - nice work. The ammo on its own is worth a solid $180-200 in 2024. Yugo M59/66’s are going for in the ballpark of $750. You basically got it for a quarter of market price!

[@paullagod7791]

Of you could only have 1, would you choose Yugo or Chinese SKS?

[@Triangle26]

Definitely Chinese. I wouldn’t complain with a Yugo, they are great rifles, but if I get to choose it’s a no brainer for me. Chrome bore all the way.

[@OasisTypeZaku]

The SKS is what I started shooting on when I was a kid. No pistols, no 22 long rifle, no shotguns. Although I've shot all of these and more in my time, the SKS is still a top 5 for me. Reliable beyond AK standards, more accurate, and rugged it's still a great gun. As I get older, I stopped thinking the SKS was a $100 gun, its worth much more than that and $350 isn't really unreasonable. Paying as much as an AK for one is, but then the 30-round mags you can get have never had reliability issues for me. Your mileage may vary, however

[@phatcat7263]

picked up a Chinese sks with a blade bayonet a few months ago for 700ish after tax, its a gun I always wanted so the price wasn't the problem for me just finding one was, they go for a pretty penny in the D.P.R.M (Democratic peoples republic of Massachusetts) and don't sit on shelves long

[@ts440s]

Thank God someone understands supply and demand.

[@mattlathrop5930]

You would make a great Speech or Economics Instructor at the College/University level. You did a great job. Well Done!

[@D80pfb]

Just purchased a 1951 Tula SKS dressed in an ATI folding stock at a local gun show for $300. Took it home and restocked it with a wooden stock and 10rd magazine, added the correct blade bayonet and voila! Nice looking piece of history that goes bang! Was it worth what I paid for it? Yes! Is it now worth more than I paid for it. I think so. AAW!

[@Triangle26]

All the way! It's pretty much impossible to go wrong with a Soviet SKS for $300. Mismatched Russians regularly sell for three times that!

[@bucksohio9838]

Is a great condition all numbers matching Chinese Marked security forces SKS for $575 a deal? Supposed only 3k imported

[@Triangle26]

Yes, that’s a deal. Current sale prices for all matching, Public Security marked examples are more like 1K. If interested, I have a full length presentation on the Public Security variant. Probably much fewer than 3K imported.

[@williammiller7362]

I traded a used softball bat for a SKS back around 2000. The bat new was around $100. My SKS has increased in value, and I'm sure the bat has decreased. I questioned the trade at the time, but I am happy today that I have the rifle.

[@Qingeaton]

Had a question for the SKS guys. Years ago I had a Chinese version, that was very nice. At a show, I found a nicely blued, spike type bayonet with 4 lobes (instead of the usual 3 and painted). The mounting mechanism was the same as the sks, but the butt end was a tad too long to attach. I figured out that if I cut just a bit and filed for looks, it would mount and deploy perfectly, so I did that and reblued the cut end with the bottle stuff. I don't know what rifle the bayonet came from, and it may have been sacrilege to do what I did, but it was the best looking set up that I really ever saw. Anyone know what rifles came with a blued, 4 point spike?

[@Triangle26]

The bayonet was probably from a Soviet M44 (Mosin Carbine), or clone thereof. Those were designed by the same guy that designed the SKS bayonet, and just as you describe, they are blued with 4 grooves. I’ve never heard of someone making one work on an SKS, but I’m not terribly surprised either, those designs were very close to one another in Soviet service.

[@Qingeaton]

@@Triangle26 Thank you very much. If I'm not mistaken, the difference was only about 1/4". Too much to file straight off, but not a lot to remove overall. It looked really nice on there. Now I don't have to wonder.

[@johnmccrea8106]

You are very well spoken!!! Thank you!!

[@Triangle26]

Thank you!

[@ditbag_JG]

My first rifle was just purchased like 2 weeks ago .chinese triangle 26 sks numbers matching for $420 was it a good deal ? Guns from 1963

[@Triangle26]

Yep, pretty much anything under $500 is a good deal.

[@lenzielenski3276]

I sold guns for Interstate Arms (Norinco) once upon a time. I remember Chinese SKSs going for $49 for a while, jumping to 79 for a year or so, then 99 and ended up at 129 by the time I left. This would be in the 1990's.

[@FortNite-fb5wm]

About to grab one for $400

[@lenzielenski3276]

@@FortNite-fb5wm Don't you wish you could go back 30 years or so. Still havnt fired mine, better investment than gold at this point.

[@painmt651]

I could get $900 for the one that I bought in 1989, if I still had it

[@Krink545]

What's a stamped receiver SKS selling for now days? Awesome channel.

[@Triangle26]

Thanks for watching! That’s a great question, and unfortunately I have no idea, I’ve actually never seen one for sale. So probably a lot.

[@jimcarney7174]

In 1990 I purchased mine for $60.00 w/bayonet and I still own it…. It still shoots and functions very well.

[@mikeoxlong8272]

Im curious what a chromed out parade model yugo goes for brand new...never been shot.

[@Triangle26]

I’d be curious as well. Probably quite a bit.

[@mikeoxlong8272]

@@Triangle26 let me know if you ever find out....I have 2 of them.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

It also depends on the importer and what year and plant it was produced.. mine was produced in 1961 for the Chinese secretary forces and was imported by kfs alt ga. So it does depend on variant there was less than 1000 of my variant imported to the US in the mid 80s

[@osuna3525]

I wish I couldve payed less than 700 but It was fresh and really wanted it and Ive had a literal blast with it! I just need to find the right bayonet for it.

[@Triangle26]

$700 bucks is a small price to pay for something that is capable of putting a smile on your face for the rest of your life.

[@craigsavarese4554]

I remember when the market got flooded with SKS’s. They went to $79.99 at the gun shows. Tables full of them. Unfortunately I was under the legal age to purchase. I wish I had pushed my dad to buy one or two. At the time all I wanted was a H&K G3. I finally picked a Russian SKS with mint original bluing (it did receive a laminated stock during refurbishment but it did not get the flat black refinishing). I paid a lot more than I wanted but I finally have a nice example in my collection.

[@chrismatthews7103]

Excellent video!! I was just thinking about this topic the other day... Specifically SKS but also others such as Galil, FAL, Cetme/G3/ Century 308 which I had an opportunity to get right before COVID but couldn't. I really regret not buying a Hebrew Hammer parts kit... Good to see you back. Really enjoy your information. I had told you I would love to see a video on information about a Type 63 and Type 81.. Looking forward to it one day if you can do it. I've seen many Type 81 videos recently seems they all came out about the same time. Take care well done!

[@Triangle26]

Thanks a bunch for watching and commenting. Although I don’t appreciate you reminding me about the Hebrew Hammer parts kits, I’m still beating myself up about letting those escape me as well 😂 I’d *love* to get my hands on a 63 or 81, although unfortunately I wouldn’t hold your breath on that one. I’ve got no leads currently.

[@vee_emm_jay_ess]

I'm Canadian and had gotten my firearms license back in 2015 and at that time I paid $200 plus tax each regardless of condition or origin. Today, sellers now sell them based on condition and origin, the low end Chinese will sell for around $499 and Russian is about $699. The high end Russian is around $800. I'm so glad I started a collection of those rifles before prices skyrocketed. I will not disclose how many of them I own, but I'm sure I probably have more than most Americans, and definetly Canadians, even my friends and family from America are blown away about how many of them I have LOL.

[@painmt651]

Wish I had a crate of them!

[@Tommy-ni1yw]

Dude same thing happened to me. I bought my 26 in 10’ for 400. I felt ripped for a long time. Now I’m happy I have it. It feels like an extension of myself.

[@moothemagiccow7923]

Another excellent watch. Keep up the good work!

[@dslife1]

Question, I recently acquired another Chinese sks in a trade. Upon further inspection of the rifle, I found out that it is a Chinese security forces sks. Do you have any videos on this rifle? Are they rare? Any chance that you could do a video on this? Would love to know a little more information about it. Thank you.

[@Triangle26]

Great find. I do not have a Security Forces video currently, but I hope to release on in the future. “Rare” is a hard term to define, but they are certainly a less common and very desirable variant with a great history.

[@dslife1]

@@Triangle26 thank you 🙏

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

i got a Triangle 26 all numbers matching in pretty good shape for about $450 last year i felt like it was a pretty great deal to be honest. a buddy of mine just picked up an all numbers matching Russian sks a month or so ago for $750.

[@mannyg9059]

I bought a Soviet SKS in the 90's for $135, It was immaculate. I bought strictly for plinking not as a collectible item. It shot fine and the ammo was not too expensive. I found it to be "front heavy" and not well balanced at all. Unlike a k-98 which stays level when you carry it, the SKS due to the bayonet and lug tended to dip down when carried level. I couldn't get used to it. I sold it soon after buying it.