Russian 1950 Tula at LGS for sale

[Bobg10]

I have the opportunity to buy a Russian 1950 Tula SKS at my local gun store.  It is in battle worn condition with a very good bore and about 50% of the bluing.  The stock is laminated and the magazine and dust cover are not matching.  All other parts match.  The stock is worn, dirty, but noy in bad shape, and has no serial number visible.  They said it is a VN bring back but no paperwork so who knows.
They want $450 for the SKS.  Will someone please advise if this is a reasonable price?
Thanks for any input/advice.
Sorry but I have no photos available at this time.

[JimmyJamesKY]

Are you in Canada?  $450 for a Russian in the U.S. is a good deal..

[Bobg10]

I am on the west coast of Florida.
Should I buy the SKS?

[Filroy77]

Agreed, $450 is a good price for almost any SKS these days.

[Bobg10]

Got it for $425.  Picking it up on 3 days.  Thanks to you all for your input!

[Filroy77]

Even better. Good score.

Full report expected complete with pics.

[Hodgie]

Excellent score for sure. Post some pictures when you pick it up.

[JimmyJamesKY]

That's a really good deal, especially from a gun store..  If it were I private seller, I would be suspicious.  A Russian SKS for $425 is a steal. .

[ramblin84]

Great buy on the most utilitarian battle rifle ever devised.

[Bobg10]

I think the deal may be off.  They could not find the bayonet that was detached.  I offered them $325 without the bayonet that I can replace but would prefer the original.  They are considering my offer.  I will keep you posted.  I really want that SKS!  Thanks to all for your input.  Any thoughts for increasing my offer?

[JimmyJamesKY]

I'll bet you could pick up a bayonet somewhere. Even if you ended up paying $500 in the long run, you'd be getting a Russian for a Chinese SKS price.

Ultimately it's worth what you are willing to pay for it, and I don't think they will have trouble moving it if you pass.

[Hodgie]

I agree a missing bayonet is definitely not a deal breaker for a Russian. A beat up Russian would easily go for $600 plus on gunbroker these days. If you really want the rifle the I wouldn’t loose it over the bayonet.

[Bobg10]

I accepted the LGS counter offer of $350 for the SKS.  I will pick it up tomorrow and post photos soon.  Thanks to all for your input!

[Hodgie]

I accepted the LGS counter offer of $350 for the SKS.  I will pick it up tomorrow and post photos soon.  Thanks to all for your input!

Great deal!

There are a few Russian bayonets on eBay now around $100.00. You might be able to put a Chinese blade on there for about half that cost.

[Bobg10]

Well I picked up the Russian Tula but the receiver cover is dated 1953.  It is all marching except for the magazine and bolt.  The stock is laminated and there are no proof marks or a serial number.  I took it out of the stock and there is a lot of pitting on the barrel below the stock but no big deal as they reduced the price to $375.  It functions fine and it will be a good shooter.  But understand that it is not super collectable.  That is ok with me.  It has obviously been a refurb but then went to hell and back in some conflict.  I will post photos when I can figure out how to do so.  All the best to you all!