SKS Myth, Yugo best quality vs. Russian & Chinese. M59/66A1.

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

I love the way you say yoga- slovian

[@gnutzguy]

thats a mouthful, lol.

[@Jugoslavija]

@@gnutzguy it's allright dude

[@Jugoslavija]

@@gnutzguy but it's yu-go-slavian not yo-gu-slovian xD had a giggle listening the way you pronounce it. It's all good. Nice content.

[@wordupmybrotha]

Haha. I was just about to post the same thing. Those Slavs like doing yoga, I guess.

[@utahraptor4729874]

It’s like You-go

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

My husband owns 2 Yugo sks and he calls them “back when they were 60$ each at Big 5 sports store”. He refuses to sell them because the prices ballooned over the years. He brought both in 2002 and they are tip top shape free of cosmoline and revarnished wood stocks. he still loves the stripper clips

[@gnutzguy]

thats a super deal, i dont recall them being that low in 2002. your husband is a wise man. every sks i've sold in the past i regretted it.

[@MayumiC-chan9377]

@@gnutzguy they are such fun rifles, I’m from Japan and i married my husband in 2012 and he taught me to properly use firearms and the SKS,Ak and Ar-15 was my first rifles my husband exposed to me and i love all of them. Only rifle i am not a fan of is the 7.62x51/.308 G3 and FN Fals too heavy for me. Took time for me to learn how to properly load the sks from stripper clips needed to get a little stronger.

[@haroldbell213]

I have some as well and yes the prices went way up. Got 6 for 100 a piece. Wish I would have bought 20

[@-Zevin-]

You seem to be misunderstanding quality of steel in some of the comments. Rusting can be a sign of better quality steel, this means it has a higher carbon content. This is equally true in knives and swords. Higher carbon means you have greater toughness and hardness in tempering. Greater toughness and hardness means less deformation and wear, It's a tradeoff. If you have ever had a high quality Japanese chef knife they will rust in hours if you don't wipe them off and oil them. There is always a tradeoff, chrome plating barrels significantly reduces corrosion, and considering most if not all period ammunition was corrosive that is important. However if you clean the gun within hours of use it's not really a issue, but it has to remain liberally oiled at all times. Another important distinction about chrome lined barrels versus non chrome lining, as I said, everything is a tradeoff. Non-chrome lined barrels are more accurate weapons; this is a objective fact on all rifles, not really something that is debated. Chrome lining inherently limits your minute of angle accuracy, as the chrome is a softer material that fills in the rifling partially. For most militaries this is a worthwhile tradeoff because it can still be accurate enough to hit a man sized target at 200-400 yards, as it was pretty standard even for early AR to shoot in the 4MOA range. Less accurate may be a totally reasonable compromise for a military to make in favor of greater reliability and less maintenance, however for a Civilian shooter in particular one may favor accuracy and rifling quality over chrome lining. The takeaway here that people need to understand is rusting doesn't mean a rifle is worse, nor does a highly rust resistant stainless steel weapon mean it's better. Most stainless steels are on the very soft side. Nor is a chrome lined barrel "better" *everything is a compromise.*

[@gnutzguy]

there are no proof of better steel used but for argument sake let's say they did. high carbon steel will still rust and it will cause pitting. pitting increases friction, friction causes more heat. more friction and more heat causes the bore to wear out faster therefore reducing accuracy. besides why does yugo sks needs to be more accurate than other sks? it is not a sniper rifle. i was in the military too and not all soldier are diligent on properly cleaning their rifles.

[@-Zevin-]

@@gnutzguy You would have to be exceptionally negligent to let corrosion reach the point of pitting. Even in the first or second world war (besides some areas of Stalingrad) front line troops were not in contact with the enemy for days on end, usually mere hours. Running a patch down the barrel takes how long? You also speak of your experience in the military. Did you ever stop to think that in a country that had non chrome lined barrels that would have had more strict regulations and training regarding cleaning rifles? Were you a soldier in Yugoslavia? It's not that chrome lining is inherently a bad thing, but it *is* a tradeoff. You say "why does yugo sks needs to be more accurate than other sks? it is not a sniper rifle." Are you seriously trying to make a argument that more accuracy isn't a benefit? Even if we are talking about the difference between 4moa and 2 that's a appreciable difference to any trained soldier shooting out to the effective range of a SKS. Is it going to make the difference hitting a center of mass shot on target at 200 meters? Probably not, but it could make the difference between hitting or missing someone in the head or in partial cover. More accuracy is never a bad thing... You act as if for hundreds of years everyone's firearms must have had deep pits in them in 24 hours because they didn't have chrome technology yet. 🤦

[@gnutzguy]

i hope are not saying the accuracy difference between chrome and non-chrome is 2moa? hundreds of years? hello , corrosive ammo hasnt been around hundreds of years. anyhow, if high quality steel has so many benefits then why did Yugo switched to chrome in the 1970s? see link: www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?PHPSESSID=61pvjofqq1qepe8idgut97cco6&topic=25489.0 "I wrote to Mr.Branko Bogdanovic , asking him what was the reason why Yugo sks were chromeless. For those that don’t know who he is, Branko is THE leading authority on all Yugoslavian weapons, and also Kragujevac factory historian. Of course, Kragujevac is the one and only Yugo factory that produced small arms in Yugo. His response: The technology for producing chrome and nickel existed in Slovenia’s steel mills ( one of the former Yugo republics, now independent state) in 1950. But, technology of actually applying hard chrome in barrels, began after1970 in Kragujevac factory. First chrome barrels were produced in M70 automatic rifles ( Yugo Kalashnikovs), and Yugo automatic pistols Skorpion 7.62 mm M84 ( Czech scorpion M61)"

[@-Zevin-]

​@@gnutzguy You have a habit of saying some incrediblely odd things. "corrosive ammo hasn't been around hundreds of years." You heard it here first folks, black powder isn't corrosive, don't clean your muzzle loaders... 🤦 Then you make an argument for points I never made... Do quote me where I said Yugoslavia chose to not chrome their barrels for accuracy. I agree that Yugoslavia didn't chrome barrels because they lacked chromium natural resources. I never disputed this or pointed it out in the first place. I simply pointed out, quality high carbon steel rusts more readily than non high carbon steel, chrome lined barrels aren't inherently better, and inherently sacrifice accuracy for reliability and rust resistance, there is always tradeoffs and compromises with such technologies. These are all objective factual statements. Your counter arguments aren't even directed at anything I specifically said.. Other than the 2moa difference in accuracy which was a hypothetical example. Regardless of what the MOA difference there is, it is in-fact measurable, that is my point.. Chrome lining is a choice which is a reasonable choice to make in a military setting (which I said in my original comment), but it also isn't as big of a deal as is assumed either, most weapons in WW2 also lacked chrome lined barrels including the M1 Garand. The variability in accuracy would most likely be determined by ammo quality over chrome lining.

[@gnutzguy]

@@-Zevin- i'm odd, thats funny. 1. when an experience person like myself say corrosive ammo, we mean corrosive primers, its the primer thats corrosive not the gun powder. so why are you talking about black powder and muzzle loader? lol. so primer has NOT been around for hundreds of years. that was my point. 2. you are asking me to quote you for something i didnt say either. you jumped to conclusion from the link. my original point was there is no proof Yugo used better steel. even if they did, the benefit doesnt out weight the negatives and thats why the M70 switched to chromes in the 1970s. those are my points. 3. you said " I agree that Yugoslavia didn't chrome barrels because they lacked chromium natural resources." i'm saying you are wrong because Yugo does have chrome. please read the link. www.photius.com/countries/serbia_and_montenegro/economy/yugoslavia_former_economy_energy_and_mineral_r~11882.html "Kosovo also supplied a substantial part of Yugoslav chrome."

[@useryggfdcc]

Excellent job describing the different versions of the SKS.

[@gnutzguy]

Many thanks!

[@Andrew-Locksley691]

That Russian one is stunning !The wood is absolutely gorgeous!My first gun I bought was an SKS sporter by Norinco, I traded it for a NHM 91,also by Norinco still have it in the original box never fired it.

[@gnutzguy]

thanks for sharing.

[@malcolmfield6677]

Some years ago I purchased a brand new Russian SKS and have fired it. It still appears as new and is really beautiful.

[@gnutzguy]

nice. i wont fire my unissued russian bcos i've another, lol

[@beefestrogen5276]

Also a little known fact, that paint on the flip up grenade launcher sight is usually made with RADIUM as a cheap way to create night sights on the Yugo SKS's

[@dstuart76]

I can't speak for the Russian or Chinese models, but my Yugo SKS is absolutely amazing. I've had it for 20 years and it still fires like the day I first got it.

[@gnutzguy]

unfortunately. no chrome bore so barrel will wear out sooner.

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

How old a firearm is has little to do with how it fires…actually nothing to do with how it fires

[@jrwatkins3872]

The Russian SKS is superb!

[@henryc7548]

@@gnutzguy would I be correct to assume that because 7.62 is a slow round that barrel life is pretty good with even mediocre materials?

[@Snowball042]

Back in the 90’s the Yugo rifles were considered the low end of the SKSs available.

[@gnutzguy]

probably bcos most earlier were not in good shape. later shipment were unissued, mine is in excellent condition

[@WesternAmerican2]

I really enjoyed the SKS from Yugoslavia ,very nice and beautiful and when you shoot it gives you the feeling like you are shooting with Sniper just the way how it makes the noise.

[@gnutzguy]

sniper? really. i find the front end heavy.

[@xtremefight]

I owned a crate of each back in the 80's and agree with your assessment. The only difference, and this is a personal preference, is that I really liked the furniture on the Yugo.

[@gnutzguy]

but the yugo dropped the ball by not putting proper coat on the wood. Coating with oil attract dirt which forced me to redo the wood otherwise I would agree with you.

[@davidjuhas5871]

The original Yugoslavian sks had 10 rounds for storage and one more in the barrel, a total of 11 ... at least as far as I know, because I used it in the army, and then I borrowed an ak 47 or rather a Yugoslav ak 47 (M70) everything that is less than 10 rounds it was not intended for the army ... GREETINGS FROM JNA

[@gnutzguy]

yes, mine is a 10 rds mag but is limited to 5. our stupid gun law.

[@marks1638]

Picked up a very nice Chinese SKS back in the early 90's at a gun show for $150. It's unusual as it has two stock cross pins (one below the rear sight and one just below the rear of the receiver. Dating (from reading several websites as my Chinese isn't very good) seems to be late military issue (possibly ceremonial) and goes back to pre 80's before they would have been able to sell it on the American gun market. Solidly made, excellent accuracy at 200 yards with a bolt cover mounted scope (I added). I've never had an issue with it. It's never slam fired, malfunctioned, or had any broken parts. Wood is nice, a light blond color, and it's well fitted to the receiver. I must have gotten lucky. A friend (many, many years ago) had a Russian SKS bring back from Vietnam and was firing on an Air Force range noticing it was going full auto occasionally on him. It you pull the trigger part way back it fired a single round. If you pulled the trigger all the way back to the stop it went full auto. Our gunsmith's dissembled it and discovered it had a modified trigger mechanism that allowed semi and auto by pulling the trigger as I mentioned. I found a reference to full SKS's in my extensive gun library in an old Russian firearms publication. They had experimented with full auto SKS's back in the 50's (with an adapted AK magazine) as a stop gap measure before the AK's became widely available (early AK-47's were machine milled and difficult to make in large numbers until they mastered stamped metal pressings in the AKM series in the late 50's). The modification was well designed and made out of machined parts. It was either the Russian mod or something someone designed and made in China or Vietnam before putting out it into the field. We put a normal SKS trigger mechanism into it for him and the parts went into gunsmith shop's historical collection for future reference.

[@gnutzguy]

very interest story. i havent seen a chinese stock with two cross pins before, only on the russians

[@marks1638]

@@gnutzguy Finally figured out when and where it was made at a site that had updated Chinese serial numbers. My gun is a Factory 26 SKS made with a Russian style factory stock in 1965 (9,000,000 plus) serial number with the 五六式 stamp. Why a Russian factory stock? I don't know as they said that they broke up with the Russians in 1960. They may have been still making it in the Russian style and I got one of those SKS's. As I said it's military grade and a great shooter. They did a good job making the early SKS's before the whole export model thing, which I think unfairly gave the Chinese SKS a bad rap. I've seen and helped work on some those post 86 SKS's and a lot are badly built, fitted, and untrustworthy to shoot. I did note one thing, military post 1988 guns were made to accept AK Magazines. I think they got the idea from the Russians, but didn't standardize AK mag SKS's till much later. Several SKS's I've seen imported in the late 80's where made to handle AK Mags and were later banned for import after 1994.

[@samjohnson9894]

In the Soviet SKS world, the two stock pins meant the stock is a laminate stock. My '51 Tula is so equipped. A single stock pin is a real wood stock. Which is what I wish mine had. lol

[@MaverickCompany]

Good side by side comparison especially during disassembled section.. should answer alot of questions for some people 👍

[@gnutzguy]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@Batko10]

About 15 years ago I picked up a gorgeous YUGO M59 SKS (original version without the grenade launcher). I'll match my M59 to the Russian or Chinese SKS any day. Zastava makes the best rifles in the world, bar none. Tula may have the reputation, but the 170 year old Zastava Arms Plant is just as good, if not better.

[@gnutzguy]

But you are comparing your m59 to your Russian. Compare it to mine and it would be a different story, my Russian is unissued and unfired. Btw, my Russian was built in Tula arsenal which was built 313 years ago, I'm just saying, lol.

[@Batko10]

@@gnutzguy I'm comparing the Yugo M59 in general to other SKS rifles - NOT mine in particular. I'm a big fan of Tula and Izhevsk Armories. I have a 1968 Izrhevsk AK, a couple of Tula Armory Mosin rifles, and a Soviet Nagant revolver with Tula markings and date stamp. However, in my opinion, the Serbian Zastava Armory is on par with Tula and Izhevsk. BTW, my M59 was in unissued and unfired condition.

[@gnutzguy]

@@Batko10 so you werent comparing your gorgeous yugo to an unissued Russians bcos unissued Russians in the US are not common (in the hands of collectors), unlike in canada.

[@Dufoth]

I have a yugo, all original, I love it.

[@altospizza-hm3yy]

First off the SKS was built at the Zastava factory in Serbia. (It was bombed by Bill Clinton) The Serbians got their parts from Russia and the SKS was assembled and stamped with Zastava markings. The firing pins get fouled up so you have to keep them clean otherwise the pin won't stick out the hole. Russian and Yugo SKS's are far better than Norinco SKS's. (You can't trust Chinese build quality, they will cut corners, just ask Boeing CEO about the titanium they got from them). Don't put shel-lac on the Yugo stock. The Yugo stock is made from Teak. It's an oily wood and your shel-lac will eventually peel off of it.

[@gnutzguy]

now, why would a poor country back then, import expensive tropical teak wood when you have beech and birch trees?

[@idessaoutlaw]

My 1954 Russian model is #1 and my Norinco is #2 .. Both are very fine machines..🥃😎👌

[@hoteltesla]

Very interesting video. A small correct ion - Soviet military doctrine assumed SKS to be a weapon of a more accurate soldier, while AK-47 was to add volume of shooting. Then they found that AK was not significantly worse than SKS, so they simplified the use. At the same time, they also found that RPD was slightly better than RPK, so they also eliminated a machine gun with a different design. And then they developed PK, also on Kalashnikov mechanics. This a major benefit for a conscript army because you teach only one mechanism (and we studied Kalashnikov at schools) instead of 4-5 different mechanisms: SKS, portable machine gun, company machine gun, automatic rifle , sniper rifle

[@gnutzguy]

interesting. thanks for sharing.

[@vinceruland9236]

I have a nearly mint condition Norinco. Made for the civilian market only, but I don't see where that matters outside of collectability. I stripped the stain and clear off the stock and put several coats of oil on it to keep the natural look.

[@gnutzguy]

i redid my yugo. see result in this vid. kzbin.infoTmMv2IAAUAE

[@AlexanderEddy]

Thanks for the overview, the SKS has really become a Canadian classic

[@CovenantElite1117]

The SKS will liberate Canada

[@AlexanderEddy]

@@CovenantElite1117 Behind every blade of grass

[@brooksjalen4466]

sorry to be so offtopic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost the login password. I appreciate any help you can give me!

[@arturosteven1006]

@Brooks Jalen Instablaster ;)

[@brooksjalen4466]

@Arturo Steven Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@FoneStar78]

Here in Canada, the Russian ones are cheap and the Yugoslavian ones are expensive. The Chinese ones look "cheaper" but my most accurate SKS was Chinese too.

[@gnutzguy]

yugo are more expensive only bcos its rarer.

[@MedaCvetanovic-ug7po]

The Russian SKS is the best !!!!!

[@gnutzguy]

yup.

[@journeyquest1]

I have a 1950 Tula with all matching numbers. Laminated stock, Very nice rifle that shoots well. Only con is its heavy.

[@gnutzguy]

yup, laminated stocks are heavy.

[@skiphinson8620]

I’ve got the Chinese type 56 made in 1967. All matching numbers. It’s a great gun.

[@BlekSheep_1]

/26\ 1966 here 👍

[@gnutzguy]

my latest Chinese is fac 26 1979 with french tickler top HG. unfired.

[@MaxWray111]

I acquired my first this year, Chinese /636\ 1975. I have no ex?experience with the others, but after spending 25 years in oilfield manufacturing, I can say unequivocally that it is a well made, high quality piece of equipment I wouldn't be afraid to trust my life on.

[@pinkdude3883]

How can you tell the age/year? My Chinese sks is confusing. But all the numbers are matching

[@greenman7yyy]

Hello, I do not know your native language but your English is very good. Thank you for taking the time , showing your passion to compare these 3 varieties of this historical war weapon. I am both impressed and sad that you have never fired your Soviet SKS; I posses Yugo that has never been fired, I'm on the fence as to whether or not i want to be the first one to offer that pleasure to another shooter. This of course depends on all the new reduculous gun control laws. Thank you again for your genuine love and review of these time capsule firearms.

[@gnutzguy]

lol, i dont know you. perhaps you know someone who know me. if you know me you then you would know i'd over a dozen russian sks that i shot. i chose THIS russian bcos i wanted to show what a prestine one looks like.

[@ktotheswiss1617]

I have a 1952 sks, I love it.

[@mariumrajah]

If there only one gun I have to choose It will be one of these models Any will do. Excellent weapon

[@gnutzguy]

yup except the yugo, too heavy.

[@djordjekaljevic5725]

​@@gnutzguyas a "yogoslavian" how you pronouced it...i say that walnut stock will absorb far more recoil being heavy

[@gnutzguy]

@@djordjekaljevic5725 but 7.62x39 doesn't have much recoil plus the barrel and gas valve rust like crazy

[@taasch2505]

​@@djordjekaljevic5725yeah 7.62x39 recoil isnt much anyways. I want the lighter ones if im in the woods alll day.

[@Gator-357]

Both of mine are Tula rifles and have operatee flawlessly for 40 years and the fit and finnish is excellent on them both. One is a '53 and the other is a '54 from what I know.

[@gnutzguy]

Thanks for sharing.

[@thinkformyself69]

Owned a Vietnam bring back for many years.accurate and reliable with all sorts of ammunition.I would trust this carbine in most any situation.

[@gnutzguy]

sweet, do you still own it?

[@thinkformyself69]

Yes!

[@850xp3]

1954 tula proud owner here ,the best sks quality 1000%

[@wb2413]

ive had a yugo and chine sks and ive checked out a russian i think russhian is number 1 china number 2 yugo number 3

[@jrwatkins3872]

5 ROUNDS? Canada! 10 rounds in US.

[@gnutzguy]

yup, silly gun law up here.

[@a.americandad3885]

Detachable mag conversion is the more American approach.

[@danielk8149]

Lol Canadians can still use bean flips I think .😂🤫

[@reddeadren351c8]

Max

[@bnalive5077]

Love my Norinco

[@detroitandclevelandfan5503]

I got my Yugo SKS for 600, 4 years ago. Only reason I paid that much, it was unissued, and only fired at the factory.

[@gnutzguy]

and now it looks like a good buy, cheers

[@detroitandclevelandfan5503]

@@gnutzguy Cheers 🥂 back.

[@guillermogalindez3212]

and the price will only go up good buy

[@raresr4092]

Picked up an unissued one a few years back when they were being brought over here from Slovakia. Never fired and a really nice gun love it. Surprised it even had the checklist a little grey book the military had when they went threw the riifles and must have did count. Anyhow prefer the yugo to the chinese one that's for sure well built.

[@detroitandclevelandfan5503]

@@raresr4092 I just wish they had chrome lined barrel, though.

[@Gator-357]

Yoga-slavian? I have two Tula made Russian SKSs and they are far better than any other production. Period.

[@johngibson2884]

That is true . But some of the early Chinese models have screw-in barrels that aren't pinned.... The shoot quite well.... I think one of the tricks with the SKS is to find early screw in barrels, not the crappy ones later pinned.

[@volodymyrbuchak1852]

Correction: Soviet,not russian.

[@petpara]

​@@volodymyrbuchak1852Soviet? read Russia😂 same as Yugoslavia read Serbia

[@stevendonnalammar4422]

​@@johngibson2884I have a late model Norinco made at one of the lesser known factories and it still has a screw in barrel, not pinned. And it's all number matching.

[@petter5721]

Balkan only made shit quality 🤮

[@gledalac001]

Papovka rules! Gretings from Serbia.

[@gnutzguy]

Serbia, welcome to my channel.

[@EdTheMole]

I have 3 SKS rifles at one time I bought them to give as gifts One to each of my sons I found the milling especially that of the top cover to be quite poor. The area where the front edge of the top cover met with the receiver was cut unevenly which made for a lot of rattling. I did finally get rid of the rattling but I had to buy replacement top covers that happily came too long so I could hand fit them for each gun. I did give them the original top covers so they still had matching numbers but that was when SKS,s sold for about 75 to 80 dollars. Wish I could still get them for that price lol.

[@gnutzguy]

for clarification, yugo sks top cover didnt fit?

[@user-om3pi9rf3y]

ميشا....شكرا على المراجعه....كنت رائعا بلا حدود....اشتركت في القناة وفعلت الجرس....ياللروعه

[@andrettski8686]

MIne is a Russian Tula 1953 with that same dark reddish wood. I still want to get 1 or 2 more from other countries. Nice vid filled w/info

[@BurroB0Y]

SKS rifles all came with a 10 round internal magazine. Any modifications to make them 5 rounds were not done by the manufacturers.

[@gnutzguy]

yes, we all know that. i compared the differences and not the quality, it was informational.

[@RevHellscream]

As I’ve noticed with dealing with sks’s over the years, older manufactured ones from all countries they were produced in have a better quality from the newer ones. I have a older Yugo that is blued on all of the metal parts and the wood is of great quality with a nice grain.

[@user-nc3pt7zc3c]

I have owned both Cinese and Russian. In my opinion the Russian is far better than my previous 2 chinese models l previously owned.

[@richwhippersnapper]

Since I have a C&R license, I could order one of these and have it ship to my door, instead of the new Zastava ZPAP M70 that will have to go through the usual FFL route. I might end up with a nice historic rifle that could be less money, or same price as the Zastava AK.

[@nigel900]

You’ve got a bad example of the Yugo. The Yugo (unmolested and not refinished), has bar none the best fit and finish.

[@gnutzguy]

lol, this aint my first rodeo. i owned a few yugo in excellent cond over the years and my opinion of them hasnt changed.

[@GaMeRfReAkLIVE]

The thing about tooling is that they all breakdown, and at different rates. So realistically these comparisons dont amount to a whole lot because the factories arent on the same maintenance schedule meaning that sometimes the tools making the cuts are at very different stages of their life. Making smoother or rougher cuts an inevitability

[@gnutzguy]

ah, you are correct in theory but.... you are assuming i am basing it on one yugo, mine.... nope, i have seen several internals and they are all the same. btw, no one has step forward to say theirs are smooth.

[@ticket2space]

Dang theres a lot of haters in this videos comments. I appreciate your video brother if they cant get passed an accent, i think they need a new hobby. One of the coolest things about the firearm world is, the diversity. You gan get two of the same guns, made on different sides of the planet and theyre different. The sks is a classic. I personally love yugo guns for their quality and the history. Also they're super handsome.

[@gnutzguy]

many thanks.

[@denverwynn4]

You know your stuff. Thank you for sharing your study.

[@gnutzguy]

many thanks

[@tommyspann9740]

I've had several SKS rifles, both Russian and Chinese. None were butchered with the 5 round blocking. I wouldn't own one that was. My Russian had the blade bayonet, one of the Chinese had the spike type. All of mine were from the 50's. The Russian was the best.

[@gnutzguy]

Thanks for sharing but Chinese made spike after the mid 60s.

[@tommyspann9740]

@@gnutzguy Ok. I wasn't sure about the date of the Chinese spiker. One of them had the blade type.

[@gnutzguy]

@@tommyspann9740 no worries

[@boogingtonthunderwood8969]

Around these parts, the SKS is called, “The hillbilly Garand”. Extremely utilitarian rifle, speaking practically. I have a Norinco Model M and love it.

[@gnutzguy]

I would love to own a model M.

[@smacksmack5976]

I prefer the Russian

[@gnutzguy]

me too, lol.

[@akrounds]

I have a 1954 Tula Arsenal SKS and 3 later Chinese Type 56s. Although the former is more expensive, the latter is more accurate and light weight, and the Type 56 with spike bayonet is more comfortable for holding than blade bayonet. I used a Type 56 to take down a 200 lb black bear with one shot 3 months ago and I use the same Type 56 as a self-defense weapon when moving in the woods. Another advantage I found with a Type 56 for hunting is that I don't need to wear hearing protection because the gunshot is not too loud, so I won't miss any sounds in the woods. Of course, the most important reason is that you can't find a cheaper and more reliable semi-automatic rifle than the Type 56.

[@gnutzguy]

the blast is loud enough. maybe your hearing is already damaged.

[@akrounds]

@@gnutzguy Maybe, but hunting is just one or two shots, so the impact is limited. I usually wear hearing protection at the shooting range.

[@gnutzguy]

when i was younger it wasnt macho to wear protection of any kind so i fired 308 without hear aid. first shot my ears will be ringing, by the 3 shot i hear nothing, lol.

[@akrounds]

@@gnutzguy Thanks for your advice.

[@ERRATAS0707]

I've had the opposite experience, I'll never trust chinesium sht again 😂

[@toetz4491]

I got the 1951 Tula version ...amazing rifle

[@gnutzguy]

glad to hear.

[@shadowteam9943]

Russian one looks better I like the wood on it.

[@lockman004]

My Norinco SKS, purchased years ago for $80, rocks. Reasonably accurate to over 300 meters. Capable of firing all manor of cheap ammunition. Thousands of rounds fired with no problems whatsoever. I'm not a hunter but I'm confident that my SKS could take most North American game. Not to mention it's capability with two legged predators. And I have no problem with stripper clips. I think they're fast and efficient when combined with a surplus ammo belt.

[@gnutzguy]

ya beat me, lol. lowest was US$110, that was my favorite till last year, i'd paid US$400 my highest for an unissued factory 26 1979. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpOvZp2Qoc6Mf8k

[@lockman004]

@@gnutzguy Not so fast. My $80 was in 1993 dollars so updated to when you made your purchase, you might have gotten a better deal. And I was able to purchase two tuna cans (880 rounds of 7.62 X 39 each) for $60 each. So two hundred dollars for a near new SKS and 1760 rounds of ammo. I still have both sealed ammo cans. I'm saving them in case I need to bug out.

[@willyswagon57]

That was about 1990 right I remember

[@lockman004]

@@willyswagon57 Summer of 1993. Purchased at a local gun show. At the same time I also purchased a near mint 1943 Husqvarna M38 Swedish Mauser cavalry carbine for $90. One of my finest and most accurate rifles, chambered in the well respected, flat shooting 6.5 X 55 cartridge. If I could go back in time I'd buy as many guns as I could carry home.

[@hermit1620]

Keep an eye on and look hard down the barrel right in front of the firing chamber usually develops a crack after about 1500 rounds.

[@michaelhunt8486]

I have had several variants of SKS rifles. Sold most of them when I ran onto hard times. I have slowly started buying them again. The ones I have now are all Norincos. I know they get a bad wrap from a lot of people, but they are excellent rifles. It is interesting that they have features that many consider better quality when referring to other rifles (AR's AK's) like chrome lines barrels, gas piston systems, and milled parts. Yet... many people still call them junk rifles. It is true that they are not very optics friendy/modular/modern. I just don't understand it....bias maybe? Also, the steel in them seems to be good quality. Anyway, I would trust one with my life.

[@gnutzguy]

I sold mine when I moved to a condo. I bought them back in spite of lack of gun cabinet space. I agree with everything you said. No idea why any gun owner would Pooh Pooh them.

[@gnutzguy]

@@wvdave771 its just yours and mine opinions. whats not an opinion is im on crack, im not, lol.

[@matthewlewis-zw3tf]

I agree!! A quality SKS is a fine rifle. Well built, good design, rugged, and reliable. It's a WW2 Era design. You can't compare it to space-age stuff like the AR platform. I would bet my life on the effectiveness of the Russian SKS. However, against a well trained and equipped adversary, I'd prefer something more modern like a 100 or 200 series AK or Scar. Not comparable to modern rifles. Apples and oranges.....

[@dinadaughtry8993]

I have had the Russian SKS and it was a little heavier than the Chinese SKS Sporter and regular Chinese SKS i paid 120 dollars for the Russian SKS, the most expensive was the Sporter that took the AK magazines and had a wooden thumb hole stock and it was shorter than the other SKS rifles I had it was new and the Russian SKS was a milsurp but the fit and the finish on the Russian was far better than the Chinese ones, it was complete with the bayonet and sling and cleaning,tool kit,had the star and cycle on the bolt cover and all the numbers matched, everything about the Russian SKS seemed to be of better quality and it was quite accurate for a semi auto rifle with open sights but the Chinese SKS Sporter was fairly straight shooter but the fit of the bolt in the receiver and the stamped trigger was not on the same level as the Russian SKS,i really wish I had kept it, it was in very good condition it only had a few notches that where cut into the stock,i can only imagine why someone cut them in there but whoever used it took very good care of it, the Chinese SKS Sporter was sloppy in how all the parts fit and the AK magazines would rock side to side and the trigger and All the other levers like safety and take down pins where stamped in sheet metal instead of milled out of a single piece of steel like the Russian SKS but it would fire everything time you pulled the trigger very reliable but the Russian SKS was definitely a higher quality firearm in every way just heavier

[@gnutzguy]

yup, you cant compare a russian to a chinese commercial sporter. thanks

[@TheTexan99]

Im a proud owner 1966 type 56 all matching numbers

[@gnutzguy]

and you should. im sadden i sold my 1965

[@richardcorona2237]

Same 😂 1966 matching numbers on mine

[@johngeiler4917]

I didn't read all 300 comments so I'm not sure anyone else mentioned it but I think you Chinese SKS is a '64 model and not a '65. In 1965 the bayonet became a spike instead of the bladed that was used prior to '65. Nice rifles!

[@gnutzguy]

nope, its a 65 and in mid year they switched to spike.

[@armageddonready4071]

I won’t lie, I would take any of them. Thieves stole mine. Semper fi

[@gnutzguy]

no shit? thats sucks.

[@echochamberstudios]

The difference in machining can easily be explained by the wear that occurs on any production machining device. By 1980 the machines would have been on their last legs based on reduced demand and therefore a lack of maintenance on those machines.

[@gnutzguy]

what ever the explanation may be, most of the yugo imported here are late production and most yugo owners seeing the same quality as i says its the best. no different with the chinese sks here, mostly are late production or commecial, no one says its the best, even tho not many us seen one from the 50s or early 60s so i have to base it on what we have on hand.

[@850xp3]

Really good point cheers

[@JB-mo8rs]

My first gun was in 1994. at 18 years old. A Russian Tula SKS for $125; cash/carry. I also picked up a case of Chinese, copper washed ammo for $1.95/20rds. Yes, those were the days.

[@gnutzguy]

russian sks didnt come to canada in large quantity till 2008 at C$200 or US$150.

[@pexonifikacija]

Made in Serbia . Zastava Oružje. 🇷🇸💪🏻

[@RovinjJoe]

Istina ali ste ga koristili protiv svojeg naroda a ne neprijatelja

[@MilanKV1]

@@RovinjJoe Koristile su ih sve zaraćene strane, protiv dojučerašnjih komšija, prijatelja, kolega... Bratstvo i jedinstvo nisu mogli da opstanu, kada je bujala nacionalističko-religiozna mržnja i uverenje da (samo) drugi narodi kradu, tj. glupost...

[@marlan3rd]

That was very informative and it is interesting that the Yugoslavian SKS did not have a chrome barrel, I have noticed that mine has a dark bore when I was cleaning it.

[@gnutzguy]

yup, i dont use corrosive on mine yugo bcos im lazy, lol.

[@Nords1982]

Russian sks 10 round mag, any of the 1950s is the best.

[@gnutzguy]

all sks has 10 rds fixed mag. in canada its limited to 5

[@randelldarky3920]

I regret not buying that Rusky SKS and Dragunov years ago.

[@gnutzguy]

i hear ya. i bought them way back then sold them cos i moved to a condo but i bought them all back at higher prices. they will always go up, i say, lol

[@smachler]

Those are 3 sweet SKSs

[@Eternallifeministries777]

I love my Yugo

[@GammaZeta]

Thanks for going over the mfg. differences in the Russian models (early to mid and late) I had no idea. I recently bought a Russian 1950 bought have not had a chance to shoot it yet. The first thing I noticed was the spring loaded firing pin.

[@gnutzguy]

kzbin.infoUC-FYevYjjg

[@iowa_lot_to_travel9471]

SKS. The best one gun for any and all purposes. All day. Any day. Every day.

[@sinclair1392]

I own a Yugoslavian 59/66 and the bore is chrome lined. I've heard many people say that no Yugo SKS's have chrome lined barrels, but I swear to god it does. I could send you pictures if you don't believe me.

[@gnutzguy]

Do a simply test, put a dab of cold blue in the chamber. If it turns black then it's not chrome.

[@stralegaming2597]

Yugo M59/66 is more accurate than the Russian SKS, that's probably where the myth of quality comes from probably

[@gnutzguy]

Accuracy is another myth I will do a vid on.

[@derekhall7610]

The pin in the magazine is an after market "upgrade" from Canada. It is not made on the sks. It was put on so it could be hunted with in Canada and the U.S. that magazine block shows it was imported through Canada.

[@gnutzguy]

after market upgrade? lol. you are 3 months too late, its been covered.

[@gnutzguy]

@Caden Malcolm just a number our government picked and felt the public is safe with, 🙄

[@zeljkodejanovic8786]

I had it at the beginning of the war in Bosnia and we called it a stake. I later got the M70 AB2. The SKS/Kolac had a problem with the gas chamber due to the Yugoslav highly corrosive ammunition. There was a deadlock just when you needed it the most and if you didn't have a cleaning kit then you were screwed

[@gnutzguy]

Yes, I heard from other veterans from that war of the rust issue.

[@tromblon1]

so it is an ammo issue, not rifle

[@gnutzguy]

@@tromblon1 no, all Commie countries used corrosive ammo back then. gas tube rusting was a common problem with all sks but easy to clean except the Yugo with grenade launcher bcos of the gas valve. Also made worst no chrome in the bores. Let's say it's a pain to clean a yugo.

[@gretadaniel2205]

The first time I remember seeing anything in reference to the SKS it was in a book we received evert year. The book served as a way to update a set of encyclopedias so my parents didn't need to buy another complete encyclopedia. Joe

[@gnutzguy]

my first encounter was at a gun store. i saw it on the rack and thought what an unusual shape magazine.

[@zackcarman7845]

I have a SOVIET sks that was built in 1951.

[@jehoiakimelidoronila5450]

Sorry for triggering everyone here, I was thinking of making a modern-day production of yugo sks that combines the best features of the Russian and the yugoslavian into one custom gun The stock, bolt carrier, smooth milling of top cover & receiver from Soviet one; & the machining quality, the blued front & parkerized rear metal parts, and more machined bolt of the yugoslavian Yugo's extended barrel, grenade sleeve & mechanism stuck to me and so became my favorite sks variant

[@alexk8583]

The thing is: Russian riffles have been used, Chinese and Yugo are relatively new and barrels are not worn out. Yet. A friend of mine shoot them all and he said can't compare new and old but overall Chinese and others wear out faster than Russian barrels That's all.

[@TotallyNotMaiko]

Good video, i love this rifle and all its productions

[@gnutzguy]

Me too. Thanks

[@californianprepper8699]

You all have some nice sks's there in Canada aside from the 5 round limit. many here imported into the united states are pretty beat up. I have a Chinese but would love to get another one or a Russian version. Great video sir I enjoyed it. And good luck over in Canada I hear they are getting worse with the gun laws similar to what happens here in California.

[@gnutzguy]

yup, sks is about all we have, lol.

[@TheTeehee11111]

Stupid laws, everyone know they can easily remove the limiting pins

[@gnutzguy]

@@TheTeehee11111 I think they will ban pinning and make it mandatory to chop the mags to 5 rds only.

[@gnutzguy]

@@edwardhawkey5714 recently the Canadian liberal government tried to ban all semi auto rifles including the sks, Luckily the public opposed and they backed down. they will try again with something else. So your 7 mo wait ain't so bad compared to a complete ban, lol.

[@HermCore]

Great info on the parts interchangeability! Love my Yugo! Will hopefully add a Russian to my collection one day, if they ever go down in price

[@gnutzguy]

maybe in the US but in canada, prices unlikely to go down due to uncertainty.

[@tex4763]

I’d recommend getting one now I don’t see Russian sks rifles being imported in large numbers anytime soon

[@gnutzguy]

Agreed

[@GwynnOak1]

Excellent!

[@gnutzguy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@daisygoon]

You got lucky with all matching numbers, generally when they pin them they do multiple rifles at the same time and don't much care which mag they throw back on which rifle.

[@gnutzguy]

that was true when the importer didnt think it mattered. most owners of SKS wants the # to match.

[@jhough57]

I believe alot of mismatches were to customs and how they entered the country, they couldn't come in with the bayonet attached for instance, I was very lucky to pick one up a week ago at gun show with all matching numbers, from Bolt carrier to gas tube to stock, (minus bayonet)

[@danielboudreau8404]

Is the SKS a fine rifle that you should be proud of owning? Yes. Are they worth $700+? No, they are not.

[@gnutzguy]

Worth is very subjective. Same as I don't think German made guns are worth it.

[@TheTexan99]

Yep there worth 500-800$ now especially the type 56 with Bakelite handgaurd

[@fredmullison4246]

Thanks for that, it is all interesting and fine for background, but the only thing that really matters is how they stack up in terms of accuracy and reliability on the firing line.

[@gnutzguy]

that would be in another vid

[@kearneydillon4803]

My Chinese SKS is excellent. It is my only sks that keeps my shots in 3" @100 yds with just a sandbag rest. All my other 3 (2 Russian/1 Yugo) are 4"+ with any ammo clean or dirty. My Yugo is the worst at 6"+. Must have bad barrel harmonics with the different front end.

[@xlasvegan7x]

I bought my sks when I lived in Nevada. I shot it when it was cold and hot. No matter what the conditions it shot well.

[@gnutzguy]

yes, even in humid and jungle condition, it still puuurred. thats why the VC loved this gun even when the chinese gave them type 63 (basicly sks with full auto) they still wanted the sks.

[@SockGoop07]

Blud said Yogaslavian 💀

[@shawndonley3549]

These used to be everywhere for dirt cheap, 50 bucks was pretty common in early 90s. I've seen many Chinese and Yugo's, never held a Russian one though. My opinion is Chinese usually more accurate than Yugo's, but either are very reliable and durable, accurate enough inside 100 yards 👍

[@gnutzguy]

i should do an accuracy test.

[@vitoandolini8479]

Actually the Yugoslavian shs are named pap m59/66

[@gnutzguy]

yes, i know but in canada its commonly known as yugo m59/66.

[@ZlatkoZD]

If I remember correctly, the PaP magazine holds 10 bullets?

[@ZlatkoZD]

hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zastava_M59/66

[@detroitandclevelandfan5503]

Got my yugo a year and a half ago. Paid 600 only because it was unissued never fired except at the factory. Cleanest SKS I have ever seen.

[@gnutzguy]

what do you mean "600 only" ???? thats cheap even for canada. usually our sks are cheaper than usa.

[@HermCore]

I bought a brand new Yugo still covered in cosmoline in 2005 for $99! Sold it few yrs later for not much more & always regretted it. Found a Yugo for sale locally for $600 yesterday! Not new obviously. But all matching #'s & still very good condition. So I was super psyched, cuz I think they're going for over $800 used rn.

[@detroitandclevelandfan5503]

@@HermCore OH man sorry to hear that. That is why I never sell my guns I know I will regret it later on.

[@detroitandclevelandfan5503]

@@gnutzguy I thought Canada sks were cheaper than 600 or are talking specifically about the yugo ones?

[@gnutzguy]

things changed may 1st last year when the lib govern banned vz58. prices of sks jumped about 50% overnight. used sks are going for, chinese us$300, russian us$350 and yugo us$600 even the non-GL.

[@vulpinstein9133]

I've got a yugo sks with the glowing flip up night sights (and a bunch of 20mm nato practice grenades) and I gotta say it's alot more accurate than my brothers chinese sks and his has a badhabit of slamfiring.

[@gnutzguy]

i will be doing an accuracy comparison.

[@vulpinstein9133]

@@gnutzguy I think that it may just be that his rifle is a bad apple that slipped through and my yugo is from 71 with the h prefix on its serial number, but I'd love to see a video comparison between some quality rifles.

[@erniewalden3050]

Might tell your brother to take firen pin out and clean it. My buddy slamed fired his and shot a guy at the range in the hip. Just saying i hate to see someone hurt again. It wasnt a pritty picture

[@Jobotta]

Your vids are excellent and very informative. I haven’t been here in awhile but I wasn’t surprised to see your follower count up. I’ve never seen these three layed out together. The heft of the Yugo is very apparent next to the rus and chicom, and understandable given it’s purpose. Did you refinish the wood? Also, have a like.

[@gnutzguy]

Thanks .... Not in the video but in the thumbnail pic , yes. Two different gun.

[@williamanderson4029]

Where are you that 5 rds is a thing? I have a Yugo that was surplus (but looked unfired) with 10 rd capacity.

[@gnutzguy]

Canada

[@jasonfedeli]

The Yugo is beechwood. It’s really very strong. I just wish the only one I owned from Yugoslavia didn’t have a headspace issue :/

[@user-ph3vd5rl8l]

That means it's genuine. If you buy a Yugo sks with no defects, you should be a bit worried

[@GuntasticShooter]

Just grabbed me a yugo feel like I made a better choice between the Chinese version they had at my shop both were same price the yugo was just in better condition and has a better looking bayonet can’t wait to shoot it!!

[@gnutzguy]

thats a wise move if the prices are the same. in canada an unissued chinese sks sells for US$410 but yugo M59 sells for US$600.

[@adamzahafi739]

Where’s you find it?

[@TheGearhead222]

Having owned 4 Albanians before obtaining a decent 1967 Alby SKS, I can vouchsafe that they are the poorest quality SkS's. Every one I received needed some kind of work. My 1967 needed fitting of the bayonet ring, as it was too undersized to slide onto the barrel! I learned more about this fascinating design from working on Albanian SKS's than any other countries Simonov-John in Texas

[@gnutzguy]

lucky you. poorest? thats what i've heard but i still would love to have one in my collection cos of the unique mag, carrier and HG. i once had a carrier but sadly i'd sold it. this is my latest collection. kzbin.infoTmMv2IAAUAE

[@chrispollock8735]

Never had a problem with Norinco's

[@gnutzguy]

Yup , you shouldn't.

[@chrispollock8735]

@@gnutzguy and I remember when they were $50 a piece 😢

[@gnutzguy]

$50? that must be before my time and im pretty old, lol.

[@chrispollock8735]

@@gnutzguy I'm 42 and I remember being at a gun show when I was little and seeing a barrel full of them for $50-75

[@chrispollock8735]

@@gnutzguy memory could be a little fuzzy though

[@marco529]

All the SKS wexperts in the comments are killing me LMFAO! You got a nice collection though! My 2c is that any SKS is the best choice for regular usage.

[@gnutzguy]

thanks kindly. since posting this i've added a couple more. kzbin.infoTmMv2IAAUAE

[@binkswhitesocks6737]

All

[@justmehere6094]

My Factory 26 Chinese SKS, all original, matching serials is just as 'shiny' as the russian. both wood and metal.

[@gnutzguy]

Yup , I got one of those too, unissued with french tickler. It's the best chinese I ever seen but still doesn't compare to my unissued Russian. Trust me on this.

[@ljubomirculibrk4097]

Infantry whit rifle granade adapter has far biger fire power. Just look a the Swiss army, they alsow planed heavy rifle granade use, not whit out a good reason. They where efective in Yugoslaw wars, there is a big diference betvene western and YU rifle granades a deadly one. YU ones use only blank rounds, using a live whit a bulet is deadly, explosion is certain.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

I had a Russian and the Chinese back in the nineties, I paid less than $125 for them each. I put a 20 round mag on mine and they were pretty nice I wish I hadn't sold them. I can't believe people are paying more than $500 for an SKS I would never do that. I think they're pretty nice rifles honestly especially for what they used to cost.

[@gnutzguy]

Trust me, the prices are going higher.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

@gnutzguy yep the good old days of inexpensive surplus ammo and surplus military rifles are gone!😥

[@JB-mo8rs]

Yep. When I turned 19 in ‘94, I bought a Russian Tula SKS for $125, cash/carry. I also bought several hundred rounds of Chinese, copper washed ammo for $1.95/box. Luckily, I still have the rifle!

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

@JB-mo8rs that's an awesome deal! That ammo is probably steel core too, good stuff! Unfortunately I think a lot of people underestimated that ammo I used to have a Spam can of it but I don't anymore.