1978 Albanian SKS Model 561 Door Opener

[martin08]

Well, it could have pried open a door or two during training, I don't know?

But I bought this typical condition and mismatched Albanian SKS from a long time collector who is just beginning to thin his herd of over 100 milsurps which span from WWI to present. Hoping that I have opened a door with him, and that he might call when some more good stuff hits the market place!

Nothing unusual. Sixty to seventy percent bluing, dings and scrapes on the furniture, and the bolt and cover don't match. Deal was fair, when the 320 rounds of ammo are considered.

Pics, and thanks for looking.

[Junk Yard Dog]

He gave you ammo with it! What is he experiencing one of the three D's? Death, Divorce, or Destitution? If so that door may fly open unexpectedly and bury you in the avalanche of guns. Been there and had that happen. It always starts with a phone call from an unexpected source feeling me out about buying some minor item from a collection. I buy it, a couple of days, or a week later I get the call, " well since you liked that--------- so much I have a few more for you to look at" The last time that "few more" was 100+ firearms, and a truckload of accessories to start with. Even with pulling in a few friends to share out the stuff I had good examples of already I was still on ramen for six months. I bought that poor bastards divorce lawyer a new BMW before we were all done, I think the final total was 290 guns to around six of us by then, and my friend with the gun shop . The 90's were a fun time.

[Miller Tyme]

Nice "July 10th Rifle" you got there Matt, ( you picked a good day to post it) Albanian SKS's are the coolest looking SKS's of the bunch, but most are also some of the worst shooting SKS's you will ever fire.

[bunkysdad]

Matt, this looks great. I want a Albanian for no other reason than I am interested in the unique and unusual features that differ from the other models. So Walt, they are considered typically less accurate? I didn't know that. I would be perfectly content with this very model, I wouldn't worry about the mid-matched parts. The look of it is just perfect, like I like em. You got a nice little bonus too in the included ammo. I have some of the Norinco ammo in those silver boxes, but never shot them. Aren't they considered pretty good ammo?

[Miller Tyme]

Matt, this looks great. I want a Albanian for no other reason than I am interested in the unique and unusual features that differ from the other models. So Walt, they are considered typically less accurate? I didn't know that. I would be perfectly content with this very model, I wouldn't worry about the mid-matched parts. The look of it is just perfect, like I like em. You got a nice little bonus too in the included ammo. I have some of the Norinco ammo in those silver boxes, but never shot them. Aren't they considered pretty good ammo?

Mine shoots just so/so Russel, 3" groups @ 100yds, but I have 2 other friends that bought theres out of the same lot as mine and one keyholes and the other throws lead all over the place. I have since read that both quality control in there mfg and basic rifle care after they where issued was not high on the Albanians priorty list.

That said I, like you, wanted one for all there unique features you just can't find on any other SKS. I have sold off about a 1/2 dozen of my SKS's in the past year to concentrate on my Mosin's, but my Albanian is one I am going to hold on to for a long time to come.

[Longcolt44]

I bought an all matching '79 Albanian last year when the last big bunch hit last year. I bought it because It was different and also because I paid what the Chinese SKS's were going for at the time. I bought a Chinese at that time also.

[B24]

What features are different on these beside the charging handle on the bolt?
I have a 53 & 54 russian and a Clinton era norinco import that sold new with the
bayonet lug ground off.

[Longcolt44]

The furniture/ top handguard and sling holders are different.

[bunkysdad]

Chuck I didn't remember you having that. Well it sure is a looker from what I can see, and still packed with
grease too?

[Longcolt44]

I posted it last year when I bought it. It is cleaned and ready to go to the range.

[martin08]

Nice "July 10th Rifle" you got there Matt, ( you picked a good day to post it) Albanian SKS's are the coolest looking SKS's of the bunch, but most are also some of the worst shooting SKS's you will ever fire.

Very perceptive, Miller! I didn't make the July 10th connection until you pointed it out.

I bought an all matching '79 Albanian last year when the last big bunch hit last year. I bought it because It was different and also because I paid what the Chinese SKS's were going for at the time. I bought a Chinese at that time also.

LC, yours is one of the nicer ones. These Albanians saw much service and training, so there are VERY few in better condition.

Matt, this looks great. I want a Albanian for no other reason than I am interested in the unique and unusual features that differ from the other models. So Walt, they are considered typically less accurate? I didn't know that. I would be perfectly content with this very model, I wouldn't worry about the mid-matched parts. The look of it is just perfect, like I like em. You got a nice little bonus too in the included ammo. I have some of the Norinco ammo in those silver boxes, but never shot them. Aren't they considered pretty good ammo?

As for functionality and accuracy, they really are not much different than other SKS models. The gun platform is designed for 'minute-of-man' accuracy, and 3-5" groups are expected without going to extremes for accurizing. The Norinco ammo will do just fine.

He gave you ammo with it! What is he experiencing one of the three D's? Death, Divorce, or Destitution? If so that door may fly open unexpectedly and bury you in the avalanche of guns. Been there and had that happen. It always starts with a phone call from an unexpected source feeling me out about buying some minor item from a collection. I buy it, a couple of days, or a week later I get the call, " well since you liked that--------- so much I have a few more for you to look at" The last time that "few more" was 100+ firearms, and a truckload of accessories to start with. Even with pulling in a few friends to share out the stuff I had good examples of already I was still on ramen for six months. I bought that poor bastards divorce lawyer a new BMW before we were all done, I think the final total was 290 guns to around six of us by then, and my friend with the gun shop . The 90's were a fun time.

None of the 3D's going on, to my knowledge. But I am hoping that a few more gems might come out of the closet!

[Rongo]

Very nice acquisition! Let's hope this leads to more from him... Good Luck!

[grasslander]

My first SKS was a "78 Albanian and it was all matching except for the trigger assembly. Range-wise, after adjusting the front sight, it shot a 3-group well under an inch at 25 yds and the trigger is probably better than my other 4 Chinese SKSs. The Albanian is definitely one that will appreciate and, luckily, I got found an original Albanian sling, cleaning kit and butt oiler before they disappeared. Sorry, no pics, I am traveling in my RV right now, currently in MN visiting family. BTW, I did pick up an Arsenal 26 1980 French tickler SkS (#6) on my way here thru Indiana - said to be quality built with 1/2 cap threaded barrel and the stock is inletted on the left receiver side for ease of disassembly. I purchased it on Gunbroker when I saw the dealer was only 10 mi off my route to MN and saved the $30 dollar shipping fee. It was the first time that an FFL 03 walked into their store to pick up a Gunbroker listing. Nice guys! Enjoy your Albanian!

[Bareassmeagain]

Those 3 silver boxes and two yellow boxes of Armour piercing bullets would have made me excitingly nervous.. Im yet to own a Albanian but in due time I hope to. Thats a nice rifle for 325.00 including the ammo ?