The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Thought while I was shooting a few more pics today I would post this set. So everyone can see the difference between an M59 Yugo and the everyday
M59/66 Series of rifles. A lot of people on the net are not really aware this difference. In this first pic the top three are totally new/unissued
M59/66/A1 Rifles. Bottom is an actual Mitchell M70 Yugo.


The following pics are of the true M59 version. The M59 was the first Yugo SKS rifles built. They are few in number compared to the later versions.
But, like all Yugo SKS, built like a Tank. The M59 does not have a chrome barrel nor do the later versions. Top quality barrels. I have one in particular that out shoots my Chinese, Romanians, and Russians big time. Personal feelings are that the non-chrome barrels have an edge in accuracy. FWIW.

The rifle shown I just received this month from Samco. Graded VG. Actually, its higher than that. Notice this one has fully machined serial numbers
on the receiver and bolt carrier. Not the usual run of the mill M59 which normally has a refurb. electro-pencilled number on the carrier. Better rifle than described or I ordered in fact. I am pleased with this one certainly. It has not been cleaned as of today either. Right out of the box as received.











So, this is the difference between the Yugo SKS rifles.

That is a really nice one. I have been tempted to get a yugo but something has always got in the way. Like this time it was a 24/47 for $125.

i have the 59/66 but would like to have a plane 59 . great group of rifles you have.

I like them, all very nice, those M59/66s make mine look real bad, mine looks like it was picked up out of a road, shoved in a box and imported. Beat to death as it is, it doesn't suffer the gas system problems I hear so much about with the valve.

By the way, I had a M-59 as well, I once wrote to one of the Guy's who wrote the Book, his name was Poyer I think, who wrote the Book for North Cap Pubs. He Informed me the M-59 was not made in Number's till 1964.

Proven fact, non chrome lined barrels do out shoot chrom3 lined ones. Saw that on the Armalite website.

sheepdog wrote:Proven fact, non chrome lined barrels do out shoot chrom3 lined ones. Saw that on the Armalite website.

Mike, I have proved that to my own satisfaction. The one I have really tuned in has had every brand of Russian I could find tried in it.
Most accurate is the Tula made 154gr. SP. Sold under several importer names. It shoots lower at 100 than a 123gr of course, but
just adjust front sight pin a tad and away it goes. It out shoots all my other types of SKS. Will take any deer out to 150yds.
Would not exceed that range though just to be on the safe side. This particular M59 I bought last February is my go to hunting rifle
with that 154gr.in it.

By far my favorite shooters Nice camra work on thoes beautiful M59's And i have to agree with the sheepdog on the accuracy of these warriors.

Real nice wood on the M59 there,Sir.

Woodbeef wrote:Real nice wood on the M59 there,Sir.

Woodbeef! I want to welcome Woodbeef to the boards. A true collector!
I am glad to see you join us here. You have a wealth of knowledge for all of us to learn from.

Welcome Aboard my Friend!!

Woodbeef wrote:Real nice wood on the M59 there,Sir.

Go to the Collectable Moisin Nagent forum.
Then click on new members. I missed the introduction spot myself.
Anyway, I did introduce you to all the members. You better read it to see how bad
it was.
Your Friend, Old Outlaw!

Hey OO, I see your 59 has a "C" in the serial number. Are the serial numbers on the 59's like the other's with A-D serial numbers being pretty rare and sought after? Nice specimens you have, bro!

Hi Woodbeef! You'll like this forum!

We only know of a few B series made in first year. Very rare to find one of these. The rest of the M59 are all C. Then the 59/66 started with D and went through Z and them they started A B and C again.
It is estimated less than 45,000 M59 rifles were even built before they went to a 59/66.

Edit. Had to change quantity.

OLD OUTLAW wrote:We only know of a few B series made in first year. Very rare to find one of these. The rest of the M59 are all C. Then the 59/66 started with D and went through Z and them they started A B and C again.
It is estimated less than 45,000 M59 rifles were even built before they went to a 59/66.

Edit. Had to change quantity.

Oh wow, that's really cool info. I never knew! I thought the M59 was built along with the 59/66's, but what you are saying makes a LOT more sense.

I have two now from Samco. Far better than what I see on GB, and a lot less expensive. If I had a little cash right now I would immediately order another one
to stick away. The one I shoot is my most accurate rifle and will be used Deer hunting in about two weeks from now.

Drago wrote:

OLD OUTLAW wrote:We only know of a few B series made in first year. Very rare to find one of these. The rest of the M59 are all C. Then the 59/66 started with D and went through Z and them they started A B and C again.
It is estimated less than 45,000 M59 rifles were even built before they went to a 59/66.

Edit. Had to change quantity.

Oh wow, that's really cool info. I never knew! I thought the M59 was built along with the 59/66's, but what you are saying makes a LOT more sense.

Notice this S/N. A bit higher than the Chart says were produced. The condition of it makes me think it may well have been one of the very last ones off the M59 assembly line.

Woodbeef wrote:Real nice wood on the M59 there,Sir.

I keep Old Outlaw in line here too Woodbeef. It's a hard job but someone has to do it.