1951 Tula value?

[Merad]

Been looking to acquire a Russian made SKS for a while... got a trade offer from a guy who has a 1951 Tula with matching serial numbers, he's offering it plus 200 rounds of ammo in exchange for a Glock 26. I've seen prices all over the place for the Russian SKS's, what would you guys say is a fair value for it?

THis is the pic he sent me

[Lotema]

If it's all an all matching, non-refurb Russian, the price can get up there pretty quick. Up around here, I'd say easily $500+. If it's a refurb then between $350-$550 depending on condition etc. I managed to snag a nice refurb for about $350 but I got pretty lucky on that one. Hard to say exactly with just the one photo. Is the stock matching numbered without XXXX's through a previous serial etc.. Is there a refurb stamp on the receiver cover?

[Longcolt44]

It's a Glock, what can I say? You can always find another Glock but a Russian SKS??

[Titanium Hammer]

+1 on what Lotema and Longcolt have said. I got lucky last Spring and picked up a 55-56 Letter Series SKS for $375 but it was a long search and an even longer drive! They probably made 500 Glock 26's today but I'm pretty sure the Russians stopped making SKS's many moons ago. If it speaks to you, grab it and if you do grab it post a lot of pics. Oh, and welcome to the Forum.

[Titanium Hammer]

Btw...it appears to be missing the cleaning rod. Not a big deal and you can pick one up cheap but it could be a negotiating point.

[bocephus]

They've been selling for $450-550 lately.

[Greasemonkey]

Easy way to keep track of prices, http://www.georgestragand.com/gunstockm ... %20Russian

I'd say it is a fairly decent trade, avg. Glock prices I've seen 490 to 550(new) depending on it's size, caliber and features. Figure 450 for the rifle, 40-50 bucks for the ammo. But, beware, there is always the chance one falling in your lap very close condition wise to this one for 400 or so bucks, it does happen.

If you go forth with the trade, I'm sure we could point you in the direction of a correct Russian sling, so you could remove the Chinese one thats on it.

Welcome

[Merad]

Did the trade this morning. I'm no expert but it looks like it's a non-refurb with the original stock, though missing the cleaning rod. Pics of all the interesting markings I could find...

Import markings:


This is the only mark I can find on the stock:


Receiver cover:


Bolt top:


Some 5's on the side of the bolt:


Left side of barrel:


Right side of barrel:


Front sight (is that pin original? why would they leave it sticking out so far?):

[Titanium Hammer]

Looking good, congrats! I'm sure that Greasemonkey, Martin08, & Longcolt will be able to answer your questions about it being a refurb or not. I don't see a refurb box mark or X'd out old serial numbers on the stock which is good news as far as it possibly not being a refurb BUT I'm fairly new to the SKS scene so I can't be of much definitive help there. Never seen a front sight pin like that but again I'm a newb with these. I checked Liberty Tree Collectibles for a cleaning rod and correct sling for you but they didn't appear to have any Russian ones in stock. Not to worry, again, some of the (much) more knowledgeable guys should be along shortly to help you out.

[Greasemonkey]

Good looking Russian, and congrats

I would say refurb'ed, looks like it has the remnants of a former serial just under the current number, also no Tula star, year or serial suffix(Cyrillic letters) in the serial, just numbers. Being a '51 there is a chance it still has the original spring loaded firing pin, if not thats also normal for these also. Not all receiver covers got the refurb stamp.

One of my Russian refurbs showing the suffix with serial.

[Titanium Hammer]

What's with that front site pin Grease?

[Greasemonkey]

What's with that front site pin Grease?

One possible thing that comes to mind is a pin on muzzle brake. One of mine had a muzzle brake and it had a pin like that, I removed the brake and just trimmed the pin. That may also account for the pitting started around the muzzle.

[Titanium Hammer]

Okay, that makes sense. Thanks

[Bareassmeagain]

Trade him ! That sks will assure you a life time warranty without the backing of one. And it looks like a clean non referb gun with the posted pics

[Hipsh0t]

You did very well, if im not mistaken the 49-51 are desirable because of the springloaded firing pins, they changed them out after a few years and I don't know why. Murray has been making a killing selling his spring loaded kits for almost 10 years. Good Score

[Greasemonkey]

Some dated during that time frame can be found with a regular floating firing pin, fairly common to find them replaced during a refurb.

The spring can add a failure point, which could be the reason Russia changed the design. If you pop a primer, the hot gases and pressure can destroy the spring and hang up the firing pin.

[fintowin]

Good decision. You can replace your glock whenever you want. You have less opportunities to buy a Ruskie. Nice looking, besides.

[bunkysdad]

Sounds like a fair trade to me. Also 50 bucks worth of ammo helps.

[JustinInYT]

Wont pretend to know what the value of the Glock you mentioned is; but a Tula SKS? Anytime! As noted; it does appear to be missing the cleaning rod. Is the cleaning kit in the storage in the stock? Either way; I would go for it myself - mine is a 56 Tula Refurb (however the only component not original is the stock; all the rest are numbers matching) that I bought, with 500 rounds of ammo, cleaning kit, two ammo pouches and lube tin for just shy of 400; and I dont regret it one bit. I intend to score a second one (The not too far Canadian Tire has Russian refurbs selling for $200 per) just to stash away for a rainy day.