Value of a Russian SKS?

Someone offered me a Russian SKS the other day, it's a KBI import with mostly matching numbers (mag has old number marked out and new number stamped above) and 95% or so. The finish around the buttplate is not so good and the stock has a few dings. Now the bad, the owner replaced the cover with a "Red Star China" scope mount cover and an "Ultralux" 4X25 scope. He tossed the original cover, of course. Didn't look at it close enough to get an arsenal or date (on the cover maybe?).

What's the going rate for these lately? Last SKS I bought was $69 for a Chinese and I thought that was expensive.

I'm not sure on current value. There should be a year on it. The earliest ones had spring loaded firing pins and non-chrome bores. The stock may have X's stamped on the old numbers if it's been replaced or rebuilt a few times. If he could find the original cover it would be worth more.

$400+ for a russian

I mostly see them going for about $500 ,but I'm not sure people are paying that.

A mostly matching Russian, no more than $300.

A complete matching can be had for $400 or thereabouts - even with shipping and FFL fees from Gunbroker if you are patient.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=129774872
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=130976095
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132567661
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132308871

+1..., $300 is top money for an incomplete Russian SKS. The missing top cover is a major issue as it has the arsenal and year stamp. At least a $100 deduction for that alone.
Worth less yet if black painterd refurb condition vs nice Russian blue.

What a waste

I have a KBI imported '54 tula SKS. sadly it has been refinished with some type of tough semi gloss paint or something, (iirc all KBIs are like this) overall its a fantastic rifle and a fantastic shooter. my pops bought it a while ago, maybe '94-'95.. I took a fancy to it, so he gave it to me. Its quite beautiful compared to my buddy's yugo simonov. The stock cartouche and tula stampings give these rifles an interesting mystique.

I have a '54 Tula, cant recall the importer. Paid $350 at a Louisville gunshow.

Last one I sold was about 5 years ago and to a dealer got $300 eachas well as for Paratrooper Chinese 16.5" barrel.
Selling more now at $600.00...rich laminated stock..