FYI here is the results of my first time at the Range firing the SKS, Russian Tula dated 1951 at a Target distance of 50 yards.
Just and opening disclaimer if you will:
I'm 70 years old and had catarack surgery a year ago this month and I can't Accurately see the target with open Iron Sights beyond 30-40 yards.
In the attached picture of my Target Hits, the hit pattern top left in the yellow circle is the first 10 rounds.The second hit pattern in the Black area of the Target is after a Iron Sight adjustment.
Using Walmart Tula ammo.
The SKS Carbine is much better than my eyes will allow.
I actually fired 50 rounds and the SKS performed 100 % with no jams, miss feeds or slam fires. The Gas system was flawless
It's a Sweet Shooter and I would not want be the Target in the hands of a well trained operator
I of course did a complete field strip brake down and detailed cleaning, hot water, windex and Hoppes Semiauto #9
I made sure that the bore and gas system was cleaned well with no oil residue, also the bolt and firing pin assembly
cleaned with no oil residue as well and the firing pin was free play (loose).
I didn't pay but maybe half that for my CzechPoint in 2010 with a true hardwood stock setup. If you look around, the Century builds are running in the $450-550 range.