The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

I dont see a lot of discussion regarding Yugo SKS's and have in my possession a 59/66A1 that I can get for a great price. I am not so interested in opinions regarding it's collectible status, but rather would like to know of any strengths our weaknesses that these have. This one is mostly matching, stock, receiver, bolt match, non matching bolt cover. Worn bluing maybe 60-70% & it's a Samco import. I am not buying it from Samco, but if a person had a choice of the 3 Yugo models, 59, 59/66,&59/66a1 which is the most preferred? Thanks guys.
Regards, Russell

Personally, I think the Yugo SKS is a mean looking rifle. As of late, I am leaning towards the Russian tho, but them Yugo's sure look tough. They aren't all that high if you shop around. There are deals out there.

If the trigger group, mag cover and bolt cover have "batch" numbers on them, that is usual for a 59/66A1. So that leaves the receiver bolt and stock to match. Sounds like you are looking at a matching gun.

Of the three, and which is most collectible, there are certain M59's that are considered rare - B prefix and long barrel. Next is the A1 without the flip-up night sights. So if the bore and gas system are not corroded (groups well, cycles fine), then it is worth the effort to pursue if they are asking reasonable money.

martin08 wrote: So if the bore and gas system are not corroded (groups well, cycles fine), then it is worth the effort to pursue if they are asking reasonable money.

That's my problem with them. I am cautious of buying one around here, as everything I see, looks like it's never been cleaned. A class on what and how to check an SKS would be great

Yugo Sks doesn't have a chromed barrel Not sure if the piston is chromed either so i would do a take down on it to check the piston and piston chamber. I thought the 59/66 was trhe model without the night sights and if it had them it was considered a 66A1? The 59 won't have the grenade launcher or grenade sight on it.

I got pretty luck with my Russian refurb and am busy looking for a non refurb. Once its in the safe, I'll be buying one of these Yugos. I agree about the comment that they look mean. And you never know when the need to launch a grenade at your target may arise

Anyway I could talk you out of some more photos Russell? It looks pretty damn nice so far!

A matching rifle like in the pic, an M59/66A1 should have as all of mine do. The magazine, trigger group, bolt carrier, rear of receiver cover
with machined in numbers matching the receiver S/N. The stock should be stamped with the S/N. Bolt should have the same S/N.

With an M59, the first production model, this will not always hold true the same way. M59 has no grenade system. Standard SKS design.

M59 Yugo's never came here in the numbers the others did. Because I like the balance, M59 is my first choice and then M59/66A1 next in the Yugo.

Barrels are not chrome lined. On the 59/66 it takes a little extra extra time to clean is all. You should dis-assemble the gas tube and valve to see what the valve
looks like inside. Make sure it rotates. If corrosive primed ammo was used and it was not cleaned like you would a Mosin, it could be trouble.

Sturdy rifles to say the least. A bit front heavy. If barrel is good, it should shoot pretty accurate. Excellent Deer or Hog gun for sure.

But, by your description it would need to be very inexpensive. Very.

Mine seems like a pretty good SKS , it's unissued and still packed in it's cosmoline, but I have not come across any negative comments regarding it's reliability or construction.

Actually I like the Yugos the best,especially the M59. Just something about them. I have a mix-master M59/66,no two parts are numbered the same on it. It's my main shooter.

Plus 1 on the M59 & Plus 1 on the non matching shooter

Im yet to see a post where someone couldnt hit a target because the barrel of his m59/66 was corroded well maybe 1 or 2 but id be willing to bet the one in the OP pic is fine.

The Yugoslavians did a pretty good job when it came to building firearms, if only they had done as well when building cars.....

As Old Outlaw pointed out, I stand corrected on the matching number scenario for the A1. It is the M59 that has the batch numbers on the magazine, trigger guard and bolt cover.

I have the Yugo at hte house and it is still leaning in the corner. I will disassemble it and take good pics and update this post, the gun is in the condition cosmetically that I like, only problem is that the original mag was missing I would be on the lookout for a no -numbered mag to replace the mis match that I have now. Anyway the gun is heavier than my Russian, but feels solid as a tank.

The Yugo sks is like many of their weapons a well built and finished gun. The trouble with some is that during there use in the Balkan war they were used by rebels and not Military trained men. They carved them up and did not have the discipline to maintain an important life protecting tool. Many also came in with defective parts and the importers or dealers switched parts around on returned guns and now you have miss matched guns. If they are serviceable then they are fine as can be for shooters. As to the number system The Yugo sks will have part numbers that look like Nato stock numbers, they will have an assembly number used to build the gun before serial numbers are applied. And then the actual serial number. Some countries make receivers and serial number them then send them down the line for building. This can cause all kinds of misery for control if some get rejected during the build process. The assembly number is used to keep the important fitted parts together till its finished and inspected where in they assign the serial number. If you want a shooter then if the price is what you feel is right then buy the gun . If you want to sell it later in life I would think it better to go the price of a matching gun Samco still advertises as new guns. And you still can find them at gun shows. The guys that mess with Military guns make it harder to find used buys that are good future investments. I have bought some Chinese guns that are miss matched just to get that particular factory code. But for investment I wouldn't bother with one normally unless it has something unusual in markings