sks

If you don't mind paying a little more then look for only SKS's with milled parts (instead of stamped) and with all matching numbers. I prefer to pay a little more to get better quality.

I agree that the SKS is great to shoot & ammo is cheap.

There is a paratrooper model that has a shorter barrel & that model usually costs a little more, however if you want the shorter barrel beware that the old style 'bayonet' that attaches to a regular size SKS is too long for the paratrooper, but that is probably illegal until after the AWB expires later this year.

If you are buying at a gun show then definitely look for a milled SKS with matching numbers & compare prices, there can be a big disparity in prices in my experience.

Don't overpay for an SKS that already has all the 'extras' added to it, they do not cost much & are easy to add.

Two things you will want for maximum fun when plinking is a 30 round magazine & at least 6 stripper clips for reloading (the SKS magazine is most easily reloaded when still attached)

I would recommend not paying over $200 for a good SKS.
Just my .02

I've owned an unissued Yugoslavian 59/66 model for about one year. It is a sweet shooter and has never malfunctioned. My son has a Norinco Chinese SKS with the folding stock and it has also never malfunctioned.

The SKS has to be one of the world's most versatile rifles in that it can be used as a hunting rifle, plinker, defense, etc.

Drawbacks? For me, the wooden stock is too short for comfortable shooting so I just bought a used Monte Carlo black fiberform stock for $20 which will do wonders for my accuracy and comfort. Also, a special tool is needed to sight-in the front post for accuracy. Once the SKS gets properly adjusted and sighted in, it can be a deadly accurate field piece.

There are aftermarket products galore for the SKS and the ammo is fairly inexpensive.

Go here for a ton of useful info on the SKS:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/index.asp

Go for it! The SKS is a best bang for the buck.

I am working on getting one from each country. I have a Russian, Romanian, Albanian, Yugo 59 and Yugo 59/66.

I still need a chinese, but that will come as they are some of the cheapest to find at a gun show.

My advice is to go Russian or Romanian. Both are great shooters and you will be very happy plinking with them. I don't shoot my russian one much but my Romanian one is a tack driver. Consistant and easy to operate and clean. One thing you need to be aware of if you buy a Yugo SKS is COSMOLINE. I would much rather spend the extra money to buy a Romanian, Russian or Chinese one rather than have to clean another Yugoslav SKS packed in cosmoline. It is time consuming and frustrating to get it all.

a Russian SKS depending on manufacturing plant will run $250 - 400. Romanian SKS $180 - $300. Albanian SKS $200 - $300. Yugo M59 $150 - $200. Yugo M59/66 $100 - $190. Chinese SKS $150 - $250. Chinese Paratrooper (shoorter Barrel) $200 - $300.

Look on Gunbroker.com for good Auction deals on the non-Yugos. For a Yugo, go anywhere.