r/canadaguns • u/PlacePossible2851 • Jun 17 '26
Buy recommendations What is the consensus on the SKS-D compared to regular SKS?
As the title says, what are your opinions on buying one vs just a regular one as the prices for the SKS-D's are crazy.
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u/Beneficial-Leather23 Jun 17 '26
If you want to own an SKS and like the look/ reload / functionality of AK mags the SKS-D is the way to go. Has a nice setup and the AK mags work without too many issues from what I’ve heard , fit and feed well . Depending on your build and what adapter you use getting a standard SKS Chinese production to fit promags for example *can* be a hassle and requires some work out of the box to make function/ fit ( feeding issues can still exist with these mags as well ) . I bought a Dremel tool for this very reason . Had to shave down the mags and do some fitting and filing . However I’m running an ATI stock currently so nothing spectacular/ rare in the SKS world. Fun if you’re a tinkerer like me , horrid if you’re a get out and shooter asap. Just my experience and opinion tho , and the SKS world is a big and beautiful thing in Canada and other people might have had different and valid experiences
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u/567432Gains Jun 17 '26
Depends on your objective. Collectors piece? Then the SKS-D. Daily shooter? Get a regular SKS (ideally a late Chinese made) and if you really want DBM capabilities throw on an after market mag adaptor.
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u/Acceptable_Visit_115 Jun 17 '26
In what world does a SKS-D have collector value? It's just another commercial SKS invented in the 80s-90s. It's got zero pedigree.
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u/567432Gains Jun 18 '26
The market says different. See, real SKS-D’s were made in smaller numbers compared to the rest of the SKS rifles. That on its own makes it less common than original FBM versions. Most estimates iv seen say real SKS-D’s were only made in several 10’s of thousands compared to the millions of FBM SKS variants.
Best estimates I can find out the number of real SKS-D’s produced in China at 15-30,000. In contrast to type 56 SKS rifles made by China, that number is estimated to be about 15,000,000.
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u/Acceptable_Visit_115 Jun 18 '26
That's the value bestowed by supply and demand, not collector's value.
Just look down south. Regular SKS (of any flavor) are worth more than a SKS-D.
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u/567432Gains Jun 18 '26
Collector value is highly correlated to supply and demand as it’s based on rarity. The Americans also tend to have more options in general with much greater supply.
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u/Acceptable_Visit_115 Jun 18 '26
Collector value doesn't equal to the value bestowed upon it by the market.
Just like how paying $80k for a marked up Tacoma doesn't make it more collectable than the same $80k spent on a classic Mustang.
The SKS-D has great monetary value due to its limited availability in Canada, not due to its collector's value.
On the other hand, a hex receiver Mosin usually commands a $50-100 premium over a regular M91/30 - now that's "collector's value", no matter how miniscule the actual monetary value is.
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u/Otherwise_Rub_9515 24d ago
But sks-D wasn't actually issues to militaries, it was strictly designed in the 1990's for commercial export.
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u/Last_Temperature_599 Jun 17 '26
I don't understand the collerctor value. Its not a true military rifle like a normal 56. Its a 56 that was modified for the commercial market in China. In my books its worth less but I guess I don't decide what's valuable or not lol
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u/567432Gains Jun 18 '26
I answered this question to the guy directly above you. The numbers are actually quite shocking. Frankly, the SKS-D is probably undervalued even right now.
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u/Last_Temperature_599 Jun 18 '26
I understand supply and demand but the truth is the sksd is simply a normal type56 modified after production was halted to be more appealing to the commercial market. Its basterdized if you ask me
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u/567432Gains Jun 18 '26
Yes. A bastardized version that only had 15,000-30,000 produced relative to the non bastardized versions which number 15,000,000+ produced.
If someone wants to collect SKS rifles (I am one of these people) and they want all the different kinds that exist, they will have a much harder time acquiring something that simply exists in lesser numbers. Lots of people collect SKS rifles, as such, the price of the SKS-D will go up due to it existing in fewer numbers.
You understand the sheer scale difference of 15-30,000 compared to 15,000,000? It’s likely the SKS-D will continue going up in price, and we have precedent to support this conclusion. The last East Berlin variant of the SKS that I remember being sold was at auction about 5 years ago I believe, and it went for $15,000USD+. Why? Because very few exist. They are no different in design than standard SKS’s from my understanding, it’s just that they were East Berlin issued.
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u/_Pray_To_RNGesus_ Jun 17 '26
What's the point of getting a sks d? The ak mags are still pin-ed at 5, and there isn't really any major historical value. If you want detachable mags, i'd go with the mag adaptor that lets you the 10rnd pistol mag.
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u/Acceptable_Visit_115 Jun 17 '26
Pro: AK mags are cool
Cons: Still pinned to 5, you lose last round bolt hold open, and it costs 2x the price of a SKS