View Full Version : Chinese or Romanian
BlenderWizard
01-27-2006, 17:56
I went to my favorite gunshop today, and I noticed they had some SKS's for sale. Both were Chinese. One was not in real good shape, so forget that one. The other Chinese (milled) was in great shape, and was $180. But, my friend who works there (who was showing me the rifles) told me to wait. He said they had a good looking Romanian SKS that they were going to be putting out in a couple of weeks, though he hasn't been able to get real close to it, and he was not allowed to bring it out yet, as it was not for sale yet. He said it should also be $180, so price isn't an issue. What should I do? The Chinese is in REALLY good shape, but I don't know about the Romanian. Frankly, I know very little about the Romanian. I know the Chinese tend to be pretty good shooters, but how are the Romanians? Should I wait, or what?
Just speaking from my own experience I would say stay away from the Chinese SKSs.
I owned one years ago that was the biggest piece of junk. I never could get it to function properly. I finally traded it off.
I would go for the Romanian SKS. They just seem more reliable to me, and keep with the 'Eastern Bloc' area of manufacture. Its receiver is also milled, not stamped.
If the Romanian is going to cost $180 as well, I would just wait. You will probably get a better weapon by waiting. It may not be as pretty, but it just may function better for you. The Romanian SKSs are very reliable, and rugged, and are great shooters.
Note that the above is just my opinion. Others swear by their Chinese SKSs.
It is up to you!
Good Shooting!
BlenderWizard
01-27-2006, 20:07
I, also, used to have a Chinese with a severe jamming problem. However, it came with the duckbill style detachable mag when i bought it and i got rid of it before I put a factory one on it, so I do not know what the real culprit of the jamming was.
I suppose I will wait til I see the Romanian to make a decision. I gotta tell you, though, if the Romanian is in good shape, I am VERY excited. How well do the Romanians shoot?
My old Chinese SKS had the fixed 10 round magazine on it. No matter what I did, that thing would not function! It would shoot, then jam. I'd clear the jam. Shoot, then jam. Over and over again. It was the most frustrating firearm I have ever had.
I finally traded it for a wonderful Marlin Camp Nine Carbine.
Good Shooting!
I suppose I will wait til I see the Romanian to make a decision. I gotta tell you, though, if the Romanian is in good shape, I am VERY excited. How well do the Romanians shoot?
I would be excited about the Romanian as well.
They do shoot very well. Very reliable. It will go BANG every time. As far as accuracy goes, well they are about on par with the Russians, or the Yugos. You should get reasonable accuracy out to about 100 yards. They are not target weapons though, so keep that in mind.
They are however just plain FUN to shoot!
Good Shooting!
BlenderWizard
01-27-2006, 20:31
I would be excited about the Romanian as well.
They do shoot very well. Very reliable. It will go BANG every time. As far as accuracy goes, well they are about on par with the Russians, or the Yugos. You should get reasonable accuracy out to about 100 yards. They are not target weapons though, so keep that in mind.
They are however just plain FUN to shoot!
Good Shooting!
I gotta tell you, my Russian is VERY accurate, so that excites me to hear that about the Romanian. I just got new glasses, so I am interested in trying out my new "eyes" at the range. Though, they checked my vision with my old (5 year old) prescription, and my vision was still 20/20 in those. These are a little stronger, so I guess I have better than 20/20 vision with them now.
Yes, you will be happy with the Romanian. Just be patient for it. It will come!
It's always good to get new glasses. I'm about due for some myself!
Good Shooting!
faawrenchbndr
01-28-2006, 04:54
I have a Chinese and it functions flawlessly, (knocking on wood).
Given the choices, I would choose the Romy hands down.
BlenderWizard
01-28-2006, 04:56
Well, I guess, as they say (and just who are they?), the proof is in the pudding. I will just have to wait and see the Romanian. If the Chinese is in better shape, i'll have to go with it.
faawrenchbndr
01-28-2006, 05:02
That would be the best idea. I was basing my opinion on the rarity of the Romy.
BlenderWizard
01-28-2006, 05:05
The shop offers free, no obligation layaway, and I am considering putting the chinese on layaway until I can view the Romanian.
faawrenchbndr
01-28-2006, 06:55
Don't forget to get us some pics and a range report when you make the decision and get it to the line. :ar15:
Yes, pictures are a must!
Have never seen a chinese SKS in original configuration jammed. always shoots, sometime slam fire though (when using US commercial ammo). Guess the floating firing pin is too much for the soft commercial primer.:cool:
Have seen a lot of Yugo SKS jam, mostly if not all due to clogged up gas port. A little cleaning solved the problem.
When given a choice between a chinese and a non chinese, always buy the non chinese one. There are too many chinese SKS around, it is all too common. and because the original price was so low people always try to say it is low quality.
Same thing about the Mak90, originally the price was really low (like $250 or somthing) so Lots of people claim their Romanian SAR and WASR are better made than the Norinco Mak. Go to the gun show and compare, then make your own judgement:rolleyes:
Never buy a chinese AK or SKS unless you have to.............
Have fun
BlenderWizard
01-28-2006, 15:28
Have never seen a chinese SKS in original configuration jammed. always shoots, sometime slam fire though (when using US commercial ammo). Guess the floating firing pin is too much for the soft commercial primer.:cool:
Have seen a lot of Yugo SKS jam, mostly if not all due to clogged up gas port. A little cleaning solved the problem.
When given a choice between a chinese and a non chinese, always buy the non chinese one. There are too many chinese SKS around, it is all too common. and because the original price was so low people always try to say it is low quality.
Same thing about the Mak90, originally the price was really low (like $250 or somthing) so Lots of people claim their Romanian SAR and WASR are better made than the Norinco Mak. Go to the gun show and compare, then make your own judgement:rolleyes:
Never buy a chinese AK or SKS unless you have to.............
Have fun
That being said, I still know very little of the Romanian SKS. Do you know or have any experience with them?
http://http://www.yooperj.com/
This sight will show you a comparison between chinese and other SKSs. Stamped vs milled.
uzitiger
01-30-2006, 15:10
Forget about both the Chinese and Romanian and get yourself a Yugo for $79 from AIM Surplus. It's better made than both Chinese commercial garbage or Romanian. Even if the Romanian is a good SKS, the Yugo beats it pricewise. The Chinese SKS I hear is a commercial copy and not the military surplus SKS and my friends tell me that it's crappy. The Yugos are WELL made.
BlenderWizard
01-30-2006, 15:18
Forget about both the Chinese and Romanian and get yourself a Yugo for $79 from AIM Surplus. It's better made than both Chinese commercial garbage or Romanian. Even if the Romanian is a good SKS, the Yugo beats it pricewise. The Chinese SKS I hear is a commercial copy and not the military surplus SKS and my friends tell me that it's crappy. The Yugos are WELL made.
No, the thing I like the least about the Yugo is the lack of a chrome lined bore. I think they are nice otherwise, but unless I come across some kinda SUPER deal on one, i doubt I'll ever buy one. I don't usually shoot corrosive ammo, but, given the caliber, I may find occasion to do so.
faawrenchbndr
01-30-2006, 15:19
Forget about both the Chinese and Romanian and get yourself a Yugo for $79 from AIM Surplus. It's better made than both Chinese commercial garbage or Romanian.
I could show you tons of questions about how to fix the Yugs's problems with not cycling due to gas valve problems. K.I.S.S. Very good motto, works for me.
BlenderWizard
01-30-2006, 15:22
All things beong said, I bought the Chinese. The "Romanian" looked like maybe a Russian? It has no armory markings on the receiver cover, had a laminate stock, and had the standard Russian refurb marks and tell tale black paint. Upon further inspection, the Chinese is a milled model, screwed in barrel, still had globs of cosmoline in places, and had a large cosmoline-discolored wad of styrofoam crammed in the barrel. it also had none of the usual wear marks from firing. I, therefore, deduced that it had never been fired and walked out with it for $180. About the only ting I liked about the "Romanian" was the laminate stock. I'll get pics up soon.
BlenderWizard
01-30-2006, 15:23
Oh, I forgot to mention they pulled the "Romanian" out for display today.
John Wagner
02-20-2006, 16:50
I've never shot a Chinese, so I can't comment there. But my Romanian is dead reliable, built to very high quality standards, and as accurate as my left arm can make it. And if you're looking at the long run, the more scarce Romanians will probably appreciate in value eventually.
uzitiger
02-21-2006, 14:39
I've never seen a Romanian SKS but I hear they are good because they are military surplus while the Chinese are commercial crap. I have a Yugo and Russian SKSs and they are excellent. I prefer the Yugo for accuracy since the Russian barrel is worn. Both cycle flawlessly.
Most of problems with the Yugos are due to owners not cleaning out the cosmoline. The gas piston will carbonize if not properly cleaned and the firing pin has to float freely to avoid shooting a rifle with a fixed firing pin which will cycle like a full auto. CLEAN IT PROPERLY and you'll have a great shooter.
BlenderWizard
02-21-2006, 15:18
the Chinese are commercial crap
Commercial? Depends on the particular SKS, not all were specifically made for export. Crap? Try one.:angry:
uzitiger
02-25-2006, 11:38
Commercial? Depends on the particular SKS, not all were specifically made for export. Crap? Try one.:angry:
My friends have owned Chinese commerical SKS rifles and were not happy with them. I have another friend who owns a a milsurp SKS and is not complaining about it. Remember the 'paratrooper' version which had a 16" barrel and a folding stock? That was a commercial version since the Chinese army never had a paratrooper version of the SKS.
I like the Yugo version which works flawlessly and shoots accurately for the M43 round at 100 yards and the price is right for the Yugo. My Russian SKS is not as accurate but the barrel had rust in it when I got it (for under $50 because of the rust).
RJSIXGUN
02-25-2006, 12:40
Personally I have 2 Chinness SKS's both are Para-troopers in the original config.! the Only problem that I have is......finding another one!!!!! nither is marked NORINCO or made in China., or any import makings.
I have never had any problems with a Chinc SKS's or AK's, there the best on the market.
BlenderWizard
02-25-2006, 12:44
Any of the Chinese have factory 10 round mags in them?
RJSIXGUN
02-25-2006, 12:54
Hey Blender!!
Both my Chink guns have the factory 12 rounders, yeah I said 12! I dont know why they hold 2 extra rounds but both have matching numbers to the gun. its a mistery that I'm not going to fix....LOL!!
O and as for the yugo SKS....my personal fealing is they're not so good. It seems theres alot of problems with bad gas systems and leaks. there's even a market selling replacement gas tubes! check out all the threads on the Yugo's and problems http://www.sksboards.com/forum/index.php
But hey, its your gun, your choice, buy which ever you like, just get a good one that shoots.
BlenderWizard
02-25-2006, 13:03
My friends have owned Chinese commerical SKS rifles and were not happy with them. I have another friend who owns a a milsurp SKS and is not complaining about it. Remember the 'paratrooper' version which had a 16" barrel and a folding stock? That was a commercial version since the Chinese army never had a paratrooper version of the SKS.
I like the Yugo version which works flawlessly and shoots accurately for the M43 round at 100 yards and the price is right for the Yugo. My Russian SKS is not as accurate but the barrel had rust in it when I got it (for under $50 because of the rust).
Did any of these Chinese SKS's have factory 10 rounders?
BlenderWizard
02-25-2006, 13:04
Hey Blender!!
Both my Chink guns have the factory 12 rounders, yeah I said 12! I dont know why they hold 2 extra rounds but both have matching numbers to the gun. its a mistery that I'm not going to fix....LOL!!
O and as for the yugo SKS....my personal fealing is they're not so good. It seems theres alot of problems with bad gas systems and leaks. there's even a market selling replacement gas tubes! check out all the threads on the Yugo's and problems http://www.sksboards.com/forum/index.php
But hey, its your gun, your choice, buy which ever you like, just get a good one that shoots.
You know, I have never tried to fit more than 10 rounds in either of my SKS's... hmmmm.
RJSIXGUN
02-25-2006, 13:16
Give it a try, most people only get 10 but my buddy get 11 in his and I get 12 in both mine. It's odd yes, but like I said its no somethng I worry to much about.:D
uzitiger
02-28-2006, 11:44
Hey Blender!!
Both my Chink guns have the factory 12 rounders, yeah I said 12! I dont know why they hold 2 extra rounds but both have matching numbers to the gun. its a mistery that I'm not going to fix....LOL!!
O and as for the yugo SKS....my personal fealing is they're not so good. It seems theres alot of problems with bad gas systems and leaks. there's even a market selling replacement gas tubes! check out all the threads on the Yugo's and problems http://www.sksboards.com/forum/index.php
But hey, its your gun, your choice, buy which ever you like, just get a good one that shoots.
The AIM Surplus shooter grade Yugo SKS rifles my friends and I have are in good shape and don't have gas tube problems. Many problems with the gas system are caused by not cleaning out the cosmoline before shooting.
BlenderWizard
02-28-2006, 15:33
The AIM Surplus shooter grade Yugo SKS rifles my friends and I have are in good shape and don't have gas tube problems. Many problems with the gas system are caused by not cleaning out the cosmoline before shooting.
You're right, but there are just as many, if not more gas tube problems on the Yugo due to a corroded/rusted gas valve. More moving parts=more ways for something to break.
BlenderWizard
03-01-2006, 05:10
Give it a try, most people only get 10 but my buddy get 11 in his and I get 12 in both mine. It's odd yes, but like I said its no somethng I worry to much about.:D
My Russian holds 11... I haven't tried my Chinese yet
RJSIXGUN
03-01-2006, 09:46
Extra rounds are nice!!! It's a good thing the govt cant count!
gunguy56
03-29-2006, 09:48
Most, if not all, Romanian SKS's have seen a LOT of use with corrosive ammo, and evidently weren't cleaned properly afterwards, as the bores are mediocre at best. Look at the wood-most show lots of use and soldier's scratchings in the stocks. Yes-they are not as common as the YUGO's or Chinese, but are they worth the premium $ being charged? Give me an unfired, chrome bore, screwed-in barrel Chinese for less $ anyday!!!! But it's your $ guys-spend it on what you want!!! Currently have 9 SKS's-1 Russian, 3 YUGO's, 2 Chinese that take AK mags, and 3 Chinese. Looking for a mint Romanian, but I don't think they exist!!! Those Albanian SKS's are real rough too- they all look like they came through several wars!!!
John Wagner
03-29-2006, 10:29
Most, if not all, Romanian SKS's have seen a LOT of use with corrosive ammo, and evidently weren't cleaned properly afterwards, as the bores are mediocre at best. Look at the wood-most show lots of use and soldier's scratchings in the stocks. Yes-they are not as common as the YUGO's or Chinese, but are they worth the premium $ being charged? Give me an unfired, chrome bore, screwed-in barrel Chinese for less $ anyday!!!! But it's your $ guys-spend it on what you want!!! Currently have 9 SKS's-1 Russian, 3 YUGO's, 2 Chinese that take AK mags, and 3 Chinese. Looking for a mint Romanian, but I don't think they exist!!! Those Albanian SKS's are real rough too- they all look like they came through several wars!!!
I used to hear this all the time: "All the Romanians are crap; they're all beat up; the bores are no good; the stocks are gouged and scratched."
Maybe some of them are. But if the gun's in good shape (mine is great), go for it, and don't worry about what others might be like.
Oh yeah, here's one of those mint Romanian SKSs that don't exist:
gunguy56
03-30-2006, 06:32
Glad you were able to snag a nice Romanian, as they must be few and far between. I personally have never seen one in a condition that I would buy. You must have bought it from the first batch that arrived-my local dealers tell me that ones like yours aren't available anymore...
uzitiger
03-30-2006, 09:38
I've been hearing about Romanian SKSs but haven't seen one yet at any gun dealers or fun shows. I would like to see a Romanian SKS to see what they're like. I know the Yugo SKSs are well made and will shoot well. They're also well preserved in cosmoline (what fun it is to clean out) which prevented corrosion.
I wouldn't mind a Chinese SKS which takes AK mags to add to my collection.
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