Looking at an SKS want info and/or opinions

[USMC88-93]

Looking at a 1954 Russian SKS in what appears to be very good shape with the exception of some of the glossy finish pealing off the wood.

Are Russian SKS's considered to be the top of the heap?

All I usually see at the "beef jerky show" are Yugo SKS's with all the grenade equipment on the muzzle so this one caught my eye.

What is a reasonable cost for a 1954 Russian SKS?

[USMC88-93]

Broke down and bought it.

[chrisguy]

Looks pretty good!

IIRC that stamp indicates Tula arsenal, and if there aren't any additional markings on the top you may have found an original (vs. one that's been re-arsenaled).

I'm curious what you paid.

Oh and if you don't already know about it... great resource for SKS info:
http://www.simonov.net/

EDIT: doh, looks like a lot of the material there has been removed.
Found this page which still shows a sample pic of a re-arsenal stamp, lower right:
http://www.simonov.net/uberrussian.htm

[USMC88-93]

From what I can tell its from IZHEVSK arsenal not Tula.

I am basing that assumption on info from here.
http://yooperj.com/SKS-1.htm

[chrisguy]

From what I can tell its from IZHEVSK arsenal not Tula.

I am basing that assumption on info from here.
http://yooperj.com/SKS-1.htm

Doh! You are correct sir, my apologies.
And I forgot about Yooper John's site. Sheesh.

Guess that's what I get for doing a fly-by on the forum from work.
Or maybe my mind's just on other, uh, elements of my collection... yeah.